Authorities report that a group of migrant workers is accused of stealing from properties in a flood-affected area of Tennessee after Hurricane Helene struck on Saturday.
Authorities in Washington County captured eight men amid the destruction caused by severe flooding that destroyed homes and necessitated water rescues.
The sheriff’s office reported that the suspects are facing accusations of looting in a flood-affected area of the county.
Three individuals were charged with burglary are:
- Jesus Leodan Garcia-Peneda, 51,
- Josue Berardo Ortis-Valdez, 30, and
- Ersy Leonel Ortis-Valdez, 33
Five individuals have been charged with aggravated burglary after allegedly breaking into occupied buildings, according to the sheriff’s office. The accused are Albin Nahun Vega-Rapalo, 24, David Bairon Rapalo-Rapalo, 37, Kevin Noe Martinez-Lopez, 25, Marvin Hernandez-Martinez, 43, and Dayln Gabriel Guillen Guillen, 37.
A spokesperson for the sheriff informed The Post on Monday that the defendants are migrant workers legally residing in the country on work visas.
There was no immediate information available from Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding the men on Monday evening.
The suspects in the looting case are currently held on $20,000 bonds and are scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
The details regarding whether the looting occurred in homes or businesses remain unclear.
Tennessee faced severe weather, experiencing strong winds and heavy rain along with several other southeastern states. Over 40 trillion gallons of water fell during the storm.
At least 128 individuals have lost their lives, and that figure is expected to increase.
