Cuban-American actor Pedro Moreno, recognized for his roles in telenovelas across the United States and Latin America, has been cleared of all charges by the Miami-Dade County Prosecutor's Office, as reported by Telemundo 51. Moreno, 44, attended a court hearing on Friday where the assault charges he was facing were dismissed. These charges stemmed from his arrest in May following an altercation with his estranged wife, Bárbara Estévez, at their shared residence in southwest Miami-Dade.
Legal Proceedings and Dismissal
During the arraignment, prosecutors announced their decision not to pursue the case, citing the lack of formal charges from the alleged victim and insufficient evidence to sustain the legal process. Initially, the incident between Moreno and Bárbara, which involved a struggle over a cell phone, was classified as robbery with violence in a domestic violence context. The charges were later reduced to simple assault, with bail set at $1,000, although Moreno was eligible for release without payment.
Public Statements and Family Dynamics
From the outset, Estévez publicly asserted that there was no physical violence from the actor. "He never hit me. It was just a struggle over the phone. I never imagined it would lead to him being jailed," she stated. Although Florida law allows the Prosecutor's Office to proceed without the victim's cooperation if witnesses or evidence are available, the case did not advance. Reportedly, one of the couple's daughters witnessed the argument and used her phone to call 911, triggering the police response.
Privacy and Media Response
Following his release from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on May 17, after spending just over a day in custody, Moreno appealed for privacy for himself and his family. "The more discreet we remain about the situation, the better," he told the media. He also refuted rumors and speculation circulating on social media. "What my wife said is accurate. Read the affidavit. Don't add or subtract anything," he affirmed.
Moreno, who shares three children with Estévez, emphasized that the incident was an unfortunate episode amid their separation process. "This shows we are a real couple, with moments of joy and moments of crisis," he remarked.
Career and Public Scrutiny
Pedro Moreno is well-known for his roles in successful productions such as "El rostro de Analía," "Una familia con suerte," and "Me declaro culpable." In recent years, he has also ventured into the construction business in Florida. The case has reignited discussions about the public exposure of celebrities' private lives, particularly in legal matters involving family relationships and domestic disputes. For now, Moreno is free of charges but has reiterated his desire to handle the situation privately, primarily for the sake of his children.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pedro Moreno's Legal Case
What charges were initially brought against Pedro Moreno?
Pedro Moreno initially faced charges of robbery with violence in a domestic violence context, which were later reduced to simple assault.
Why were the charges against Pedro Moreno dropped?
The charges were dropped because no formal charges were filed by the alleged victim, and the evidence was deemed insufficient to proceed with the case.
What was Bárbara Estévez's statement regarding the incident?
Bárbara Estévez stated that there was no physical violence, only a struggle over a phone, and she never intended for Moreno to be jailed.