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A Nicaraguan national residing illegally in the U.S. is facing “enhanced” charges in Florida following a weekend incident involving drunk driving and a hit-and-run, as reported by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Grady Judd announced that deputies apprehended Roberto Sandobal-Lopez, 34, on Saturday after he collided his white Honda with a fence in Winter Haven around 7 p.m., subsequently fleeing the scene.
Deputies were alerted to the crash after witnesses called the sheriff’s office to report the incident.
Sandobal-Lopez was detained at the Polk County Jail and charged with DUI resulting in property damage, driving under the influence, leaving the scene after causing property damage, and driving without a license.
Due to his illegal status in the U.S., his charges have been elevated by one level; his “DUI with property damage” charge is now a third-degree felony, with the other charges being classified as first-degree misdemeanors.
Sheriff Grady Judd said in a Facebook post that Sandobal-Lopez will remain in jail until he is picked up by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Judd remarked that it was fortunate only a fence suffered damage in the incident and criticized Sandobal-Lopez for evading “the scene and responsibility,” labeling him a coward.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is shown with the mugshot of Roberto Sandobal-Lopez, who is facing charges for driving under the influence, property damage, and lacking a driver’s license, while being in the U.S. illegally. (Polk County Sheriff’s Office / Facebook)
The sheriff also reiterated that being in the U.S. illegally is a crime and, in Florida, immigration status will impact the severity of criminal charges.
“In Florida, if you’re committing the crime of being here illegally, your other criminal charges are enhanced one degree; he’s now facing a serious felony because he caused damage to property while driving under the influence,” Judd said.
