Yordano Herrera, a 34-year-old Cuban national, found himself in legal trouble on Thursday when he was stopped by a Sumter County Sheriff's Office deputy. Herrera was driving a white Chevrolet Silverado on State Road 44 at approximately 11:45 a.m., as noted in an official report accessed by Villages-News.
The officer noticed that the vehicle's license plate had expired in December 2024, prompting the traffic stop. During questioning, Herrera admitted he did not possess a valid driver's license, stating he was in the process of acquiring a commercial permit. However, he acknowledged that his license had previously been suspended due to driving under the influence of alcohol.
A check of his driving record by Dispatch revealed a history of multiple prior offenses, including license revocations, cancellations, and suspensions. This latest arrest marks Herrera's third subsequent offense for driving with a suspended license due to DUI, worsening his legal standing.
Herrera was taken into custody for driving with an expired license plate for over six months and operating a vehicle without a valid license, a serious traffic law violation in Florida. He was transported to the Sumter County Detention Center and released after posting a $10,150 bond.
Alcohol-related driving arrests are not uncommon in Florida. In March, Lorena González-Mesa, a 29-year-old Cuban woman, was arrested in Miami Beach for driving intoxicated with her 4-year-old son unsecured in the back seat. According to the police report, González-Mesa had a strong smell of alcohol and an open beer can in the cup holder. The child was taken into custody by Florida's Department of Children and Families (DCF), and the mother is facing charges of child neglect and driving under the influence.
In May, the case of Juan David Espinosa, known as "Carlitos, El Productor" from the show El Gordo y La Flaca, sparked outrage. Espinosa was arrested in Brevard County for driving at 118 miles per hour while allegedly intoxicated, with his wife and two young children in the car. He refused to take an alcohol test and faces charges of child neglect and reckless driving.
Understanding DUI and Its Consequences in Florida
What are the penalties for driving with a suspended license in Florida?
Driving with a suspended license in Florida can lead to fines, additional suspensions, and potentially jail time, especially if it's a repeated offense.
How does a DUI affect an individual's driving record in Florida?
A DUI offense in Florida results in license suspension, fines, and can lead to increased insurance premiums. It also remains on the individual’s driving record for a significant period.
What actions should be taken if a driver is suspected of being under the influence?
If a driver is suspected of DUI, law enforcement may conduct field sobriety tests. Refusal to comply can result in arrest and further legal consequences.