A man of Cuban origin with a history of environmental crimes in South Florida was arrested this Wednesday after police discovered that he was selling stolen equipment and also incurred new charges of pollution.
The subject, 44 years old and identified as Ovany Díaz, was detained after agents found stolen equipment on his property in the rural area of Redland, in the southwest of Miami-Dade County, and an illegal processing facility for source-separated organic matter.
The Cuban had already been sentenced for illegal waste disposal in 2022, with a term of probation scheduled to end on October 15.
The latest investigation into Díaz began on August 19, when the police visited his property at 16201 SW 197th Ave.
Authorities were searching for a stolen skid steer loader from a nursery in Redland, valued at over $67,000, and whose GPS led to the Cuban's property.
On August 28, the police executed a search warrant on the property where officers not only found the stolen trailer but also a skid steer loader with a false identification number.
In addition to the stolen equipment, the police found an unusual scene in environmental terms.
They found a large pile of garden waste and crushed material, about 12 feet high and 30 feet wide, along with shredders, indicating that Díaz was still operating an illegal organic processing facility.
"In the entire pile of garden waste, there were large puddles of discolored water showing signs of fly activity, solid waste, and dead rodents," wrote a researcher in statements cited by Local 10.
In addition, the police found three motorhomes not connected to a septic system, discharging untreated wastewater onto the ground.
Authorities said that the agricultural status of the area and its proximity to the Everglades make the pollution potentially dangerous for human health and the environment of South Florida.
Díaz was arrested after the police discovered that he was attempting to sell the stolen cargo trailer and a lawnmower through WhatsApp.
The Cuban citizen faces seven serious charges, including grand theft, trafficking in stolen goods, and serious environmental crimes. Additionally, he faces three misdemeanor charges related to public health and one charge for failing to obtain an environmental permit.
A judge set the Cuban's bail at more than $23,000.
As of the writing of this note, Ovany Díaz remains detained at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (THK).
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