A Cuban national, identified as Albert Fernández, aged 39, was taken into custody in Miami-Dade due to his alleged involvement in the theft of thousands of dollars in cash and personal belongings from a friend who had offered him shelter after his release from prison, according to reports by Local 10 News. Fernández, who is reportedly associated with the Latin Kings gang, has a significant criminal history in Florida spanning over ten years.
His criminal record includes more than 20 convictions, with charges such as domestic violence, assault on a pregnant woman, and a notorious police chase in Opa-locka several years ago.
Betrayal of Trust
According to the arrest report, Fernández was released from prison on February 17, but within weeks, he became a suspect in a new crime in the Miami Gardens area. The victim, who claimed to have been friends with Fernández for over 15 years, offered him a place to stay and support for his social reintegration. However, on March 10, Fernández allegedly stole approximately $38,000 worth of items from the home, including a firearm, jewelry, clothes, and shoes.
The theft was reportedly captured on the home's surveillance cameras, and the victim also provided text messages from Fernández expressing remorse for his actions. Despite this, Fernández, as a former convict, was not legally allowed to possess a firearm, further complicating his legal situation.
The Cuban was arrested on charges of burglary and grand theft and was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade. During his court appearance on Wednesday, a judge denied him bail, and court records indicated that he was already facing six pending cases for probation violations in addition to the new charge.
A Long Criminal Record
Born in Cuba, Fernández has been arrested numerous times in Miami-Dade County. At the age of 25, he was charged with assaulting a pregnant woman, and at 31, he faced charges for domestic violence through strangulation in Hialeah. In recent years, he was involved in a chase with a stolen vehicle while being sought for robberies in Miami Lakes.
Authorities have urged anyone with information related to this or other cases to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers anonymously at 305-471-8477.
Frequently Asked Questions about Albert Fernández's Arrest
Who is Albert Fernández?
Albert Fernández is a 39-year-old Cuban national with a long criminal record in Florida, recently arrested in Miami-Dade for a theft involving thousands of dollars from a friend.
What are the charges against Fernández?
Fernández faces charges of burglary and grand theft, along with previous pending cases for probation violations.
What evidence is there against him?
The theft was recorded by surveillance cameras, and the victim provided text messages from Fernández expressing remorse.