Ronaldo Luis Mosqueda Toledo, a 17-year-old whose case led to the imprisonment of Andy Santana, former treasurer of Alex Otaola, visited the Hialeah police on Thursday, urging them to reopen the investigation. "I want to make it clear that I hold Andy Santana and Alexander Otaola accountable for anything, even the slightest, that might happen to me from this point on. We are seeking justice," the teenager declared to Univision after arriving at the police station, accompanied by two individuals.
Initially, Mosqueda Toledo accused Santana of sexual violence and drug inducement, which resulted in Santana's arrest on October 3, 2024. However, by the end of January, the charges were dropped after the teenager recanted his initial statement, claiming he did so under duress. "He threatened me with sexual videos of mine that he possessed," Mosqueda Toledo explained, detailing the reason for his previous retraction.
Despite this, something has prompted him to pursue the matter to its conclusion. He handed over his phone to the police, which allegedly contains the videos that forced his initial withdrawal. "The FBI will be investigating this; the FBI will be involved here, due to child pornography," he asserted. "They took my phone where all the sexual evidence is. It was also sent to the prosecutor," he noted upon leaving the police station.
Private investigator Joe Carrillo, who accompanied him to the police appointment, when asked about the reasons the authorities dismissed the case, emphasized, "There are people being protected here." He added, "That question is not for me; it's for the prosecutor." Carrillo expressed his hope that the truth would emerge.
The attorney handling the minor's case, who resides in the U.S. without his parents, stated that her firm is investigating "the possible inaction of the authorities after the violation of a restraining order by the perpetrator was reported, which allowed further abuse against the minor."
Initial Arrest and Case Dismissal
A closing memorandum from the State Attorney's Office, released on January 31, confirmed that the 17-year-old recanted in November, claiming he was threatened by a masked individual to file accusations against Andy Santana Zamora, who was charged with engaging in sexual activity with a minor. According to the document, the complainant expressed fears for his family's safety in Cuba and asserted 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 on an Instagram post. Following the case's dismissal, influencer Alexander Otaola expressed his relief. "Being part of the winning team cost you; but the nightmare is over. Justice has spoken! To everyone who participated in the discrediting, the attacks aiming to ruin us, I say I'm waiting for your retraction videos. Welcome aboard Andy Santana," Otaola wrote on social media.
The Cuban presenter also addressed alleged collaborators who attempted to undermine his political aspirations related to Miami's mayoralty and his role as an activist denouncing the Cuban dictatorship, whom he labeled as discredited and defeated.
Key Questions About the Reopened Case
Why was Andy Santana initially arrested?
Andy Santana was initially arrested based on accusations of sexual violence and drug inducement made by Ronaldo Luis Mosqueda Toledo.
What led to the dismissal of charges against Andy Santana?
The charges were dismissed after Mosqueda Toledo recanted his statement, citing threats and lack of evidence for the alleged activities.
What role does the FBI play in the reopened case?
The FBI is involved in the investigation due to potential child pornography issues related to the case.