Andy Santana, the treasurer for Cuban influencer Alexander Otaola's campaign in the Miami-Dade County mayoral race, was arrested on Thursday for alleged illegal sexual activity with a minor. “Today, we woke up to a sadly embarrassing news for me and my team: the arrest of the campaign treasurer, who is under investigation for a truly reprehensible charge,” Otaola announced on his social media platforms.
Santana, who is yet to appear before a judge for bail to be set, faces a serious accusation. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison along with a $10,000 fine. Florida law sets the age of consent at 18, meaning any sexual activity with someone below that age is unlawful. Violating this law can result in a second-degree felony charge, according to Leppard Law.
Otaola Responds to the Situation
“I want to make it unequivocally clear that I have no control over my employees' private lives. While I appreciate them greatly, I strongly disapprove of any illegal or morally questionable acts. Everyone must be accountable for their actions and prove their innocence,” Otaola stated on Facebook.
Otaola suggested that the arrest of his treasurer is being used on social media and by the press to “tarnish my reputation and work, attempting to undermine my credibility in political activism.”
Media Scrutiny and Political Activism
“Let me be clear: I have nothing to do with this situation and have no comment on it. My entire team is under constant scrutiny, pressure, and criticism simply because I am their leader, and I will not remain silent in the face of wrongdoing. It doesn’t matter who falls,” declared the host of the show Hola Ota-ola.
The former Miami-Dade mayoral candidate criticized those who previously denied him media space for his political campaign but are now seeking interviews to discuss this alleged “scandal.”
“The press that didn’t respond to interview requests to discuss the campaign is now calling to speak with me. Headlines that weren’t given to inform about anti-corruption political alternatives are now unfairly echoing, trying to associate me with something unrelated to me. It’s time to stop trying to look so pathetic,” concluded the controversial influencer.