The Miami-Dade state prosecutors announced the dismissal of charges against Andy Santana Zamora, the former treasurer of the campaign for Cuban influencer Alex Otaola, who had been arrested in October 2024 after being accused of sexual activity with a minor.
A closing memorandum from the State Attorney's Office, published on Friday, confirmed that the 17-year-old who filed the complaint recanted in November, claiming he had been threatened by a masked individual to make the accusations against Santana.
According to the document, the complainant expressed fears for his family's safety in Cuba and stated that there was no evidence of sexual activity or drug use between him and Santana. The prosecution also noted that the young man reaffirmed his retraction in an interview with Telemundo and in an Instagram post.
"Being part of the winning group took a toll on you; but the hell is over now. Justice has spoken! To all those who have contributed to the discredit, attacking with the intent to harm us, I only say that I am waiting for your retractation videos. Welcome aboard Andy Santana", the influencer declared on his social media.
He also addressed alleged conspirators who sought to undermine his political aspirations related to the Miami mayoralty and his role as an activist denouncing the Cuban dictatorship, whom he regarded as discredited and losers in this sordid tale.
While Otaola reacted on social media celebrating the ruling and criticizing those who had pushed for the accusations, Santana's lawyer has not commented on the prosecutor's decision.
“I am happy to know that everything has been clarified and that there is no room for doubt. We continue to win!” expressed the Cuban influencer, who also demanded retractions from those who attacked his campaign team.
Santana Zamora, who had pleaded not guilty since his arrest, was taken into custody on October 3 and brought to the TGK jail in Miami-Dade. At that time, Otaola had expressed his disapproval of the case, stating that everyone should take responsibility for their actions. Now, with the charges dismissed, the former treasurer may resume his life without the shadow of the accusation.
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