Ohio Sheriff Condemns Release of Illegal Immigrant in DUI Crash: Calls for Stricter Enforcement
An Ohio sheriff criticized other law enforcement agencies for releasing an illegal immigrant with a criminal record who allegedly caused a serious crash while driving drunk. The suspect, Johen Perez-Ventura, a Guatemalan national, faces charges of aggravated vehicular assault, driving without a license, and obstruction of justice. The victim, Courtney Steinmetz, a nurse and cheerleading coach, was severely injured in the collision.
Perez-Ventura had been deported to Guatemala in 2019 after crossing the Texas border but returned to the U.S. He was arrested for assault in Cincinnati in 2023 and twice for drunk driving in 2023 and 2024, being released after each arrest. The sheriff criticized the release of Perez-Ventura despite his repeated criminal offenses.
Sheriff Jones expressed frustration that Perez-Ventura did not have a driver's license and speculated that he may have used fake IDs to avoid deportation. He condemned the actions of other agencies that had encountered Perez-Ventura but did not detain him, allowing him to continue his criminal activities.
Following the crash, Jones visited Steinmetz in the hospital and witnessed her severe injuries, including a spine injury, broken wrist, and broken ankle. A GoFundMe campaign was set up to support Steinmetz with medical expenses and lost wages, as Perez-Ventura did not have insurance.
Jones vowed to pursue additional charges against Perez-Ventura related to the crash and investigate those who provided him with alcohol, as well as the individuals he was drinking with and those who sold or loaned him cars. He emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of immigration laws to prevent such incidents from occurring.
The sheriff highlighted the arrest of several illegal immigrants in Butler County for various offenses, underscoring the importance of addressing immigration issues to ensure public safety.