Butler County Sheriff Condemns policies Enabling Repeat Offender in Alleged DUI Crash Injuring Nurse
Butler County, Ohio – Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones is sharply criticizing what he calls failures within law enforcement and immigration policies following the arrest of Perez-Ventura, an undocumented immigrant, in connection with a recent head-on collision that severely injured registered nurse Courtney Steinmetz. The crash occurred after authorities allege Perez-Ventura was driving under the influence and an open container of alcohol was found in his vehicle.
Steinmetz, 27, suffered a spine injury, broken wrist, and broken ankle in the crash and faces a lengthy recovery, potentially with lifelong complications, according to Jones. “she’s living her dream, working at the hospital as an RN, saving people’s lives. Now today, she’s lying in the hospital,” Jones stated. “She’s not even out of the bed yet.She’ll probably have issues the rest of her life with her spine.”
Sheriff Jones revealed that Perez-Ventura had previously been incarcerated for DUI and assault and had been deported twice prior to the incident. He alleges that other jurisdictions likely avoided detaining Perez-Ventura to prevent further deportation proceedings. “They probably didn’t want to send him to my jail because he would be deported,” Jones said.
Perez-Ventura, speaking through an interpreter, claimed he was not the driver due to being on probation for a prior offense.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist Steinmetz with medical expenses, lost wages, and her insurance deductible, as Perez-Ventura did not have insurance. Notably, a family member shared on the crowdfunding site that Steinmetz expressed concern for the well-being of the driver despite her injuries.
Jones expressed frustration with the situation, stating, “He doesn’t care. You look at his mug shot, he has a smirk on his face.” He vowed Perez-Ventura would remain in the Butler County jail and ultimately be deported after serving time in prison. “He’ll get a cell until he goes to prison, then he can get deported when he’s a lot older,” Jones said. “This low-life is lying in my jail, getting three meals a day, whining and crying.”
The Sheriff announced plans to pursue additional charges related to the crash and investigate establishments that may have illegally sold alcohol to Perez-Ventura, as well as individuals who may have provided him with vehicles.”I have no sympathy,” Jones added. ”If he had been deported and stayed deported the first time, we wouldn’t be going through this.”
jones further stated that nearly half a dozen undocumented immigrants have been arrested in Butler County recently on charges including sex crimes,assault,DUI,and drug offenses.
