Ohio Sheriffs React to DUI Incident Involving Illegal Immigrant

Ohio sheriffs are expressing outrage over a recent case where an undocumented immigrant, alleged to be driving under the influence, caused a serious accident.

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones is criticizing other law enforcement agencies for releasing Yoen Perez Ventura, a Guatemalan man with a criminal background. Reports indicate he had been previously arrested multiple times.

The crash involved nurse Courtney Steinmetz, who was driving on Route 747 in Liberty Township when the incident happened on November 20.

In a review of the incident, Jones conveyed his frustration about the situation, stating, “I’m here to tell you how disgusted I am with what happened on the 20th. This scumbag named Jochen who was arrested for drunk driving, you have to realize, he’s been arrested four times.”

Jones expressed that he believed the suspect simply left the scene after being taken from his vehicle to the hospital. However, he later noted that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested him. He mentioned that he wasn’t worried about the suspect’s lack of identification or insurance.

“If you look at his mugshot, he’s grinning. But I promise you, he’s never been deported again because he’s been across the border twice…” Jones commented, suggesting that the suspect would face prison time but not in a comfortable way.

According to Jones, Perez-Ventura was previously caught crossing the Texas border in 2019 and deported. After returning, he faced an assault charge in Cincinnati and was arrested for DUI in Westchester, but he was released both times.

In 2024, he reportedly faced two additional DUI arrests, yet was released again, raising concerns about how these cases were handled.

Steinmetz, the victim, sustained serious injuries, including spinal damage, a broken wrist, and a fractured ankle. She is currently undergoing recovery.

Following the accident, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office shared details on social media. An initial investigation revealed that a 2013 Hyundai Elantra driven by the suspect crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding with Steinmetz’s Honda Civic. The driver of the Elantra was discovered to have alcohol in the car and displayed signs of intoxication, along with providing false identification.

In closing, Sheriff Jones firmly stated, “I will not tolerate illegal aliens, especially foreigners who cause serious harm to American citizens by driving under the influence.”