Sheriff Blasts Agencies for Releasing Illegal Immigrant Driver
URGENT UPDATE: Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones has condemned law enforcement agencies for their role in releasing Johen Perez-Ventura, a 27-year-old illegal immigrant from Guatemala, who is now facing serious charges after a horrific head-on crash left a nurse critically injured. This incident occurred on November 20, 2023, in Liberty Township, Ohio, and has sparked outrage over repeated lapses in immigration enforcement.
Authorities report that Perez-Ventura has been charged with aggravated vehicular assault, driving without a license, and obstruction of justice. Courtney Steinmetz, a nurse and volunteer cheerleading coach, was driving along Route 747 when Perez-Ventura allegedly collided with her vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Steinmetz has suffered significant injuries, including a spinal injury, broken wrist, and broken ankle, leaving her hospitalized and unable to work.
The sheriff highlighted that Perez-Ventura’s criminal history is alarming, revealing he was first apprehended at the Texas border in 2019 and subsequently deported. However, he returned to the U.S. and had multiple run-ins with law enforcement, including arrests for DUIs and assault. Despite his extensive record, he was released multiple times, raising serious questions about law enforcement protocols.
In a striking video statement posted on the Butler County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, Jones expressed his disgust: “
This low-life piece of s— named Johen, who has been arrested four times for DUIs… you know who pays for that? We do.
” He added that it is unacceptable that Perez-Ventura was allowed to remain in the U.S. despite his previous deportation and subsequent arrests.
Sheriff Jones visited Steinmetz in the hospital, where he witnessed her pain firsthand. He described her as a dedicated nurse, now facing an uncertain future due to her injuries. “She’s 27, living her dream… Now today, she’s lying in the hospital,” he said. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist Steinmetz with her mounting medical bills and lost wages, as Perez-Ventura did not have insurance.
Jones has vowed to pursue additional charges against Perez-Ventura and is investigating those who sold him alcohol and provided vehicles. “I have no sympathy,” he stated. “If he had been deported and stayed deported the first time, we wouldn’t be going through this.”
The case has reignited debates around immigration policies and law enforcement accountability, with numerous illegal immigrants recently arrested in Butler County for various offenses. As this situation develops, authorities are urging the community to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The sheriff’s alarming remarks and Steinmetz’s tragic story are drawing national attention, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of immigration laws. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
