José Cremades, a 65-year-old Cuban resident of Hialeah, found himself back behind bars on Tuesday after being taken into custody by local authorities. He is accused of sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl inside a Lowe's store, as reported by Local 10.
The report highlights Cremades' extensive criminal history in Miami-Dade County, which dates back over 20 years.
The unsettling event took place last Saturday at the Lowe's located at 1650 West 37th St. The child was attending a regular children's workshop with her mother. While her mother was at the checkout, the girl wandered off.
Later, she confided that "the old man who was next to her at Lowe's had touched her" after he "lifted her skirt."
On Tuesday, during a forensic interview at Miami-Dade's Kristi House Children's Advocacy Center—an institution renowned for handling child abuse cases—the child stated that Cremades "used his fingers to reach under her dress and touch her... multiple times," according to the police report.
Surveillance footage from the store corroborates these allegations: the videos capture Cremades crouching beside a merchandise display near the girl just before she ran back to her mother. The same footage also shows him trailing two other young girls as they moved through the store.
By Wednesday, prosecutors had filed three additional charges against him: two for petty theft and one for lewd and lascivious conduct against a minor. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy S. Glazer denied bail and ordered Cremades to stay away from both the Hialeah Lowe's and the victim.
As of Thursday, Cremades remained in custody at the MetroWest Detention Center with an immigration hold from ICE, suggesting federal authorities view him as deportable.
Cremades' criminal record in Miami-Dade spans over two decades. He was arrested by Hialeah police in 2002, 2012, and 2016, and by county sheriffs in 2019 and 2022, all on charges of third-degree grand theft.
He was convicted in four of these five cases, receiving probation each time. His most recent probation period ended on July 25, 2024, merely 14 months before this latest arrest.
The current charge of lewd conduct against a four-year-old marks a significant escalation from his prior offenses, which were solely property-related. In Florida, such a crime can result in a life sentence when the victim is under 12 years old.
This incident is not isolated, as there have been previous instances of Cuban nationals with criminal records and deportation orders facing severe new charges in Florida. This occurs amidst a federal policy that prioritizes the deportation of immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
Lowe's issued a statement asserting, "We are doing everything possible to assist local authorities." The felony case for lewd conduct will be overseen by Judge Laura A. Stuzin, while Judge Michelle Roth will handle the petty theft charges.
Key Questions about José Cremades' Case
What are the charges against José Cremades?
José Cremades faces charges of lewd and lascivious conduct against a minor, along with two counts of petty theft.
Where did the incident involving the minor occur?
The incident took place at a Lowe's store located on West 37th St. in Hialeah.
What evidence supports the allegations against Cremades?
Surveillance footage from the store shows Cremades inappropriately close to the minor and following other young girls.
What could be the consequences for Cremades if convicted?
If convicted of lewd conduct against a minor under 12, Cremades could face a life sentence in Florida.