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Controversy Surrounds Early Release of Illegal Immigrant Convicted of Manslaughter
In Orange County, California, District Attorney Todd Spitzer addressed the controversial early release of Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, an illegal immigrant convicted of manslaughter in the deaths of two teenagers. This decision has sparked significant scrutiny, particularly given that Ortega-Anguiano has already served a fraction of his sentence.
Spitzer clarified in a recent statement, “This was not a plea deal. This was a defendant who pled to the court and was sentenced by a judge under California law, over the objection of Orange County prosecutors, who unsuccessfully argued for the maximum sentence.” He criticized Governor Gavin Newsom and the state legislature for not holding criminals accountable, indicating that Ortega-Anguiano’s early release is emblematic of ongoing challenges in California’s criminal justice system.
The Details of the Case
In November 2021, Ortega-Anguiano, while intoxicated and driving at high speeds on the 405 freeway, crashed into a vehicle occupied by 19-year-olds Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin, both of whom tragically died in the incident. Following his conviction for two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in 2022, Ortega-Anguiano was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
However, families of the victims were recently informed that Ortega-Anguiano would be released early on July 19, more than six years before completing his sentence. This news has elicited outrage from the victims’ families and the local community.
Reactions and Political Implications
Governor Newsom’s office has since responded to the outcry, indicating that they will comply with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer to facilitate Ortega-Anguiano’s transfer to federal custody. Following Fox News’ report on Ortega-Anguiano’s impending release, the Department of Justice announced it would file federal charges against him. Tom Homan, a border protection official, stated his agency would work diligently to ensure Ortega-Anguiano remains in custody.
Newsom’s office described how past local decisions impacted this case, asserting that district attorneys influence charge prosecutions and that it was the Orange County District Attorney’s office that opted to dismiss several enhancements, potentially affecting the severity of the sentence.
Statements from Officials
Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, commented on the administration’s stance towards immigration enforcement, emphasizing the priority of following immigration laws and prosecuting offenders. He assured the public that Ortega-Anguiano would not evade accountability, stating, “he’s coming to my jurisdiction, and we’re gonna prosecute him. And once he’s convicted, he’s gonna spend many years in federal prison, and then he’ll be deported again.”
This situation underscores the complex interplay of immigration policy, criminal justice, and public safety in the current political climate, revealing deep divisions in approaches to handling crime and immigration within California and beyond.
Source
www.foxnews.com