A Cuban national, Maykel Rodríguez Jr., was involved in a shocking theft over the weekend in Miami, which included abuse and indecent acts against his victim. This incident led to his arrest, and if found guilty, Rodríguez Jr. could face a lengthy prison sentence, according to authorities.
Shortly before 4 a.m. on Sunday, the 34-year-old Rodríguez Jr. entered a man's apartment on the 4200 block of Northwest 11th Street in the Flagami neighborhood, close to his own residence. He then allegedly assaulted the resident, as reported by Local 10 News.
The unsettling event was reported by the victim himself, who contacted the police after calling 911. He recounted that after escorting friends to the parking lot, he returned to his apartment and went to bed, apparently forgetting to lock the door.
In the early morning hours, the victim awoke to find Rodríguez Jr. on top of him, touching his private areas over his clothing. Rodríguez Jr. then allegedly exposed himself and urinated on the victim before leaving the room.
According to the police report, the victim informed officers that as Rodríguez Jr. gathered his clothes to leave, he remarked, "I know you."
The victim's detailed description of Rodríguez Jr. enabled police to locate the suspect at the corner of Northwest 43rd Avenue and 11th Street. The victim positively identified him, although Rodríguez Jr. reportedly "refused to speak or answer questions."
Rodríguez Jr. was arrested on charges of burglary of an occupied dwelling, battery, and indecent exposure.
During his initial court appearance on Monday morning, his attorney, Peter Heller, requested bail for Rodríguez, noting that he served in the United States Air Force for five years.
However, the prosecution filed a motion for pretrial detention without bail, pending another hearing. Prosecutor Nessa Eth argued that "the facts are quite outrageous," noting that the defendant "entered someone's room at four in the morning, assaulted him, and urinated on him."
Judge Mindy Glazer determined there was probable cause for an enhanced charge of burglary with assault or battery, and she granted the prosecutor's request.
She warned that if convicted of burglary with assault or battery, Rodríguez Jr. could face a life sentence.
Rodríguez Jr. is scheduled to appear again Tuesday morning before Miami-Dade Judge Tanya Brinkley for a subsequent hearing.
Legal Implications of the Miami Incident
What charges is Maykel Rodríguez Jr. facing?
Maykel Rodríguez Jr. is facing charges of burglary of an occupied dwelling, battery, and indecent exposure.
What could be the potential sentence if Rodríguez Jr. is found guilty?
If found guilty of burglary with assault or battery, Rodríguez Jr. could face a life sentence.
What arguments did the prosecution present for denying bail?
The prosecution argued that the facts of the case are "quite outrageous," citing the nature of the assault and the circumstances under which it occurred as reasons to deny bail.