William Levy's Arrest in Florida Captured on Video for the First Time

The Cuban actor William Levy has once again become the focus of media attention after a video surfaced showing the precise moment of his arrest in April of this year in Weston, Florida.

The footage, released by Telemundo 51, depicts Levy being handcuffed by an officer outside a restaurant. In the clip, Levy appears visibly bewildered as the officer restrains him.

"I haven't done anything," the actor insists in English, placing his hands on his chest in surprise. A Spanish-speaking officer responds, "You were told to leave, and you didn't." Levy, taken aback, asks, "Who told me I had to leave?" trying to grasp the situation.

The video indicates that the establishment's manager requested his removal, a fact Levy seemed unaware of. Throughout the encounter, Levy maintains a calm demeanor, speaking softly, although he appears somewhat flustered, as if under the influence of alcohol.

The release of the footage has sparked varied reactions on social media, particularly since the case was previously known only through police reports and court documents. Many question the timing of the video's release, given that the case had already been dismissed and resolved through the Misdemeanor Diversion Program.

The Circumstances Surrounding Levy's Arrest

The arrest took place outside a restaurant in Weston, located in the northwest of Broward County. Levy was apprehended on suspicion of disorderly intoxication and trespassing and was subsequently taken to the Broward County Main Jail. He spent the night in custody and was released the next day after posting a $500 bond.

Official records listed three formal charges: disorderly intoxication, public intoxication, and trespassing. While the reports provided a technical account, the video shared by Telemundo 51 offers a visual narrative that adds depth to the incident.

From Charges to Case Dismissal: An Alternative Resolution

What could have led to a trial was instead resolved through the alternative Misdemeanor Diversion Program, overseen by the Broward Sheriff's Office. The County Prosecutor's Office confirmed that Levy, legally registered as William Gutiérrez, was admitted to the program as a first-time offender.

“Being a first-time offender, he was eligible to enter the program, which he completed successfully. In cases with registered victims, admission to the program requires prior victim consent,” explained Paula McMahon, communications director for prosecutor Harold F. Pryor.

This program aims to offer a second chance to first-time minor offenders. Instead of undergoing a traditional criminal trial, participants must accept responsibility and adhere to specific conditions under supervision.

What Did Levy's Program Involve?

The Misdemeanor Diversion Program requires participants to:

• Immediately accept responsibility.
• Be monitored by the Sheriff's Probation Division.
• Undergo evaluations, treatment, or community service.
• Pay administrative fees.

For Levy, an official document dated September 29 confirmed his successful completion of all imposed conditions. Consequently, program supervisors recommended formal charge dismissal, which occurred in October.

"This program offers a second chance to those who take responsibility for their actions and seek rehabilitation. Failure to comply returns the case to court for prosecution," McMahon added.

Thanks to fulfilling all requirements, William Levy will face no further legal consequences. His judicial record is marked as “case closed due to successful program completion,” indicating no criminal history or formal convictions against him.

The actor, who splits his time between Miami and Los Angeles, has avoided further legal complications, though the incident has sparked discussions about both the police response and the judicial process depicted in the video.

The video's release has reignited debate over the use of diversion programs in the U.S. justice system, especially concerning public figures. While some argue the process was fair and the video shows moderate police conduct, others question whether Levy's celebrity status influenced the case's outcome.