DAVENPORT, Fla. – A man was arrested in Polk County on March 19, 2025, and faces upgraded charges due to his immigration status, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).

Sheriff Grady Judd described the incident, stating that Esteban Fernandez Uriostegui, 60, from Mexico, was found to be in the United States illegally. Judd also said that Fernandez possessed cocaine and resisted deputies during the arrest.

According to the arrest affidavit, the incident began around 6:00 p.m. when PCSO detectives conducted a traffic stop near Power Line Rd. and Indian Key Blvd. in Davenport. During the stop, detectives observed that the front-seat passenger, later identified as Fernandez Uriostegui, was not wearing a seatbelt.

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After identifying the driver and a middle passenger, detectives asked Fernandez Uriostegui for identification. He provided a piece of paper with his name but no date of birth, and detectives were initially unable to confirm his identity.

When asked about illegal items in the vehicle, the driver said there were none. However, as detectives asked Fernandez Uriostegui to exit the vehicle, he allegedly began removing items from his pockets, including a white plastic baggie, which he attempted to hide.

Detectives then attempted to detain Fernandez Uriostegui, and he reportedly resisted. According to the report, he tensed up, pulled away, attempted to bite a deputy’s hand, and elbowed and kicked deputies. A Taser was deployed to gain compliance.

During the struggle, a detective observed Fernandez Uriostegui put a white baggie into his mouth. A search of Fernandez Uriostegui’s person revealed a dollar bill with a white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine.

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A Polk County CIC inquiry revealed that Fernandez Uriostegui’s Mexico Visa was expired, and he was in the United States illegally.

As a result, the multiple criminal charges against Fernandez Uriostegui, including cocaine possession and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, were upgraded one degree, pursuant to Florida Statute 775.0848, due to his unlawful presence in the United States.

“So when he finishes all of his trial, and we hope prison time, he’ll go back to Mexico. See you later, Esteban,” said Judd.

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