In Kentucky, three Cuban nationals have been apprehended for their alleged involvement in a large-scale diesel theft operation meant to fuel a trucking business. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office announced via Facebook that the suspects — Yordano Solís, aged 32, and Lionnis Pérez, aged 30, both residing in Louisville, Kentucky; along with Dariel Montero, aged 31, from Portland, Oregon — reportedly used an electronic device to siphon diesel directly from pumps without making payment.
Authorities have estimated the financial loss to exceed $18,000, as per the official statement. The investigation, spearheaded by Sergeant Garland with assistance from Sergeant Workman and Detective Hayes, revealed that the stolen diesel was used to keep an off-road trucking enterprise operational.
The three Cubans are now facing charges related to engaging in organized crime and unlawful appropriation of property valued between $10,000 and $1 million, according to county authorities. The Sheriff's Office reaffirmed its dedication to combating criminal activity and urged citizens to report unlawful acts. They also reminded the public that the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) records show that Lionnis Hechevarría Pérez, one of the arrested individuals, is currently on probation for two misdemeanors committed in 2023. Pérez was convicted for violating a domestic violence protection order and fourth-degree assault in a domestic violence context, both offenses occurring in Bullitt County, Kentucky. His supervision period began on April 30, 2024, and is set to last until April 2026 under the jurisdiction of District 18 in Louisville. This recent arrest for diesel theft could potentially be considered a violation of his probation terms, leading to further legal consequences.
Recent operations in the southern United States have unveiled the involvement of Cuban nationals in various crimes, ranging from tech fraud to organized crime. In Tampa, two Cubans were caught during a traffic stop possessing card cloning devices and 20 fraudulent credit cards. One had a pending deportation order and a history with the U.S. Secret Service, complicating his legal situation.
In Miami, a young Cuban was sentenced to prison after stealing a truck containing two small children and a box of 175 iPhones valued at over $77,000. Security footage and GPS tracking enabled the police to recover the vehicle and the children, although the phones remain missing. The accused faces charges of kidnapping and grand theft.
Additionally, in Florida, federal agents apprehended a Cuban man with a record of sexual offenses, aggravated assault, and drug trafficking. He was arrested during a Border Patrol operation in the Keys, where efforts have intensified against undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
In Arizona, a Cuban on humanitarian parole was detained for transporting three undocumented migrants from Vietnam and India. Authorities have charged him with human trafficking, and the passengers face deportation. This incident is part of a broader pattern involving Cubans in human smuggling networks at the southern border.
One of the most notable cases involved dismantling a Cuban criminal gang that stole over 80 luxury cars across various Florida cities. They used technology to clone keys and track rental vehicles, later selling them with fraudulent documentation. Authorities estimate the gang profited over a million dollars and may be connected to similar operations in other states.
Cuban Involvement in U.S. Crimes: Key Questions
What charges are the three Cuban nationals facing in Kentucky?
They are facing charges for participating in organized crime and unlawfully appropriating property valued between $10,000 and $1 million.
How did the suspects allegedly steal the diesel fuel?
The suspects reportedly used an electronic device to extract diesel directly from the pumps without paying.
What other crimes have Cuban nationals been involved in recently in the U.S.?
Cuban nationals have been involved in crimes such as tech fraud, organized crime, human trafficking, and luxury car theft.