Gabriella Oropesa, a resident of Cooper City, found herself at the center of a high-profile legal case when she was convicted of participating in a civil rights conspiracy aimed at intimidating employees of pro-life pregnancy help centers.
Prosecutors revealed that between May and July 2022, Oropesa, along with her co-conspirators, targeted reproductive health facilities across Florida. These centers, which focus on providing alternatives to abortion, became victims of a series of vandalism attacks. The group was accused of spray-painting threatening messages on the premises during nighttime raids, including phrases such as ‘If abortions aren’t safe than niether [sic] are you,’ ‘YOUR TIME IS UP!!,’ ‘WE’RE COMING for U,’ and ‘We are everywhere.’
To further conceal their identities, the perpetrators wore masks and dressed in dark clothing during the attacks, prosecutors said. This methodical approach to intimidation raised alarms within the community and drew the attention of law enforcement agencies, including the FBI Tampa Field Office. The investigation received support from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and police departments in Winter Haven, Hialeah, and Hollywood.
In addition to Oropesa, three other individuals were implicated in the conspiracy. Caleb Freestone, Amber Stewart-Smith, and Annarella Rivera previously admitted their guilt in connection to these threats, pleading guilty to charges.
The sentencing for Oropesa is set to take place on March 19, 2025. She faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison for her role in the conspiracy. This case highlights a crucial aspect of upholding civil rights and ensuring the safety of those who work in sensitive areas like reproductive health.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division emphasized the importance of protecting individuals in their workplace. She stated, ‘The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act is clear: no one should have to face threats and intimidation just for doing their job.’ Her statement reinforces the Justice Department’s commitment to maintaining access to comprehensive reproductive health services, whether they involve abortion or alternative counseling options.
The conviction of Gabriella Oropesa, alongside her accomplices’ guilty pleas, underscores the legal system’s persistent efforts to safeguard civil rights. As the sentencing date approaches, this case serves as a stark reminder of the necessity to protect individuals offering critical healthcare services from intimidation and threats.
Source: Nbcmiami
