The Cuban dissident, Héctor Luis Valdés Cocho, aged 33, was apprehended on November 19th in Orange County, Florida. The Orange County Sheriff's Office announced via Facebook that Valdés's arrest was linked to two warrants issued outside the county, particularly in the Río Indio area. According to the arrest report, under booking number 24031418, Valdés was located in Orlando and placed in cell BRCMBFNA.
The arrest is associated with an "out-of-county warrant" with a bail set at $2,000.00, as reported by the Recently Booked arrest records portal. Although the report does not clarify the reasons for the arrest, Orange County Mugshots on Facebook indicated that it stemmed from a traffic violation charge. The record cites "Failure to Appear for Arraignment" concerning a moving violation, operating a motor vehicle with a valid license, suggesting it might be a first administrative offense.
Fraud Accusations Surface Amidst Arrest
Valdés's arrest occurs amidst a scandal involving fraud accusations, with several complaints surfacing on social media. Cuban activist Raisel Isidrón, residing in the United States, levied serious allegations against Valdés on Facebook, accusing him of using his activism as a ruse to swindle numerous individuals.
Isidrón claimed that Valdés, once considered a brother in their cause, manipulated others to loan him money with no intention of repayment. "Someone needs to stop this brazen individual," Isidrón stated. He recounted how Valdés borrowed money from him, supposedly to purchase a plane ticket for his mother to avoid a road trip from the border. However, the funds were never used for this purpose. "He told me he couldn't buy the ticket and would get a refund, but guess what, that never happened," Isidrón added, detailing a series of excuses involving promised reimbursements through third-party loans or financial aids that never materialized.
Allegations Supported by Multiple Victims
Isidrón's account also reveals that Valdés continued borrowing money from others, leaving behind a trail of unpaid debts. After numerous demands for repayment, Valdés blocked him on social media, though they remained in contact via WhatsApp, where he continued offering excuses and delays.
"What frustrates me the most is that this scoundrel hasn't swindled regime supporters, but people who saw him as a comrade," Isidrón expressed with indignation.
Cuban journalist Camila Acosta, another alleged victim of Valdés's fraud, took to Facebook to share her experience and support other affected individuals. Acosta stated that while she preferred to avoid this unpleasant matter, she felt compelled to warn potential new victims: "It's a disgraceful, sad, and sinister issue. I spoke out because, first, I was a victim; second, in solidarity with other victims; and third, because I felt a duty to expose him."
Journalist Joins Efforts to Expose Valdés
Acosta harshly criticized Valdés's response to the numerous allegations, calling it mockery. This prompted her to delve deeper into the case and gather testimonies from those accusing the activist of using his status to fraudulently obtain money.
"He has forced me not to stay on the surface; he's given me a new responsibility: to fully expose him," she affirmed.
In her post, Acosta listed over fifteen individuals who publicly accused Valdés, including prominent activists like Raisel Isidrón, Avana De La Torre, and Yunier Marín, as well as independent journalists such as Mary Karla Ares and researcher Ted Henken. Most testimonies describe a pattern where Valdés requested money under false pretenses, including family emergencies, health issues, and support for activism-related projects. Some accusers chose to remain anonymous but shared their stories privately.
Acosta also highlighted that funds supposedly intended for humanitarian causes or to assist other activists were allegedly diverted for personal use. The testimonies detail unreturned amounts, broken promises, and a history of emotional manipulation that Valdés allegedly maintained both in Cuba and abroad.
"This individual has exploited his activism to scam not regime supporters, but those who considered him a brother in the cause," concluded the journalist, reaffirming her commitment to prevent others from falling into the same practices.
...This story is developing...