In the early hours of December 14, Cuban presenter Frank Abel Gómez Bernal found himself in trouble with the law when he was arrested in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, following a traffic violation that led to a cascade of additional charges.
The arrest, officially documented in his police record, reveals a precarious legal situation that might have immigration repercussions for the broadcaster.
Reports indicate that Gómez Bernal was stopped shortly after 3 a.m. by law enforcement officers for making a left turn at a red light, marking the initial traffic infraction.
However, the situation worsened during the police inspection.
Officers discovered that the driver was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver's license and without active insurance. This verification led to formal charges being filed against him.
The news was publicly confirmed by his colleagues, Destino and Fernan, during the latest episode of the podcast "Destino Tolk" on YouTube, where they expressed visible concern over the matter.
Destino broke the news to the public, explaining that he learned about the situation from an urgent message:
"I received a message from Leonor, Frank Abel's sister, whom I hold in high regard and respect. She asked me to call her urgently... and gave me this terrible news: 'Destino, my brother is in jail,'" shared the broadcaster.
"He was driving, the police stopped him, asked for his license, and apparently, the license was expired... You know how Frank Abel is; he suffers from nerves and resisted the police," Destino elaborated.
Fernan provided additional insights into the charges faced by the Cuban announcer:
"He faces multiple charges, including making an illegal turn, driving with a suspended license, and having inactive insurance," he specified.
He also noted that there was resistance during the arrest process: "He interfered with the officer while being processed for arrest, meaning he resisted arrest."
Both broadcasters emphasized that Frank Abel is not a violent person, attributing his reaction to panic at the moment.
"Frank Abel isn't aggressive; it seems that knowing his problems and immigration status, he panicked and resisted," Fernan clarified.
These reactions reportedly led to an additional fourth charge: resisting arrest.
Thus, the arrest record lists four charges:
- Illegal turn in public roadway.
- Driving with a suspended license.
- Operating with inactive vehicle insurance.
- Resisting arrest.
The primary concern expressed in "Destino Tolk" revolves around the potential immigration implications of the arrest. They fear that once released from local custody, he might be handed over to federal immigration authorities.
"We fear that when he is released, the police will hand him over to ICE, because he has immigration antecedents due to his I-220A status and is pending a court appearance," Destino warned.
While the police record does not specify the bail amount, "Destino Tolk" has expressed willingness to provide financial assistance so he can face the judicial process while at liberty.
An Uncertain Immigration SituationFrank Abel Gómez Bernal, currently 46, emigrated to the United States in 2022 after leaving Cuba with an official passport.
Since then, his immigration status has been irregular, adding a layer of vulnerability to any legal incident.
Immigration authorities typically intervene in cases where foreigners commit offenses or infractions, and this arrest places him squarely on the radar of the relevant agencies.
As of the closure of this article, the Cuban presenter continues to face charges in Oklahoma County.
Legal and Immigration Concerns for Frank Abel
What led to Frank Abel Gómez Bernal's arrest?
Frank Abel Gómez Bernal was arrested after making an illegal left turn at a red light, which led to the discovery of additional violations including driving with a suspended license and inactive insurance.
What are the charges against Frank Abel?
He faces charges of making an illegal turn, driving with a suspended license, operating without active insurance, and resisting arrest.
Could this arrest impact his immigration status?
Yes, there are concerns that the arrest could lead to Frank Abel being handed over to ICE due to his irregular immigration status and pending court appearances.