BREAKING: Former state representative Victor Cuevas was arrested and charged with second-degree breach of peace by Waterbury Police in connection with a hate incident that occurred on August 22, 2023. The arrest follows a widely circulated video showing Cuevas making homophobic remarks towards local activist Efrain Torres.
Authorities confirmed that the encounter between Cuevas and Torres, a former candidate for the Republican Board of Aldermen, was classified as a hate incident, although it did not reach the threshold of a criminal violation. Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo stated that the decision came from Waterbury State’s Attorney Maureen Platt, who determined that bias motivated Cuevas’s actions, but there was no direct threat involved.
Cuevas turned himself in on a warrant Tuesday and was released on $20,000 bail. At the time of his arrest, he was nearing the end of his probation period with no prior issues, according to court documents. Video footage shows Torres walking past the Republican Town Committee headquarters when Cuevas confronted him, asking, “What did you call me?” and following up with expletives.
Torres has publicly labeled the incident a hate crime but declined to comment further at this time, stating, “I don’t have a comment at this moment, but everything in its due time.”
The incident drew attention not only for its content but also for the political implications surrounding it. Waterbury Officer Adrian Sanchez, who reported the incident while off duty, has also been scrutinized for his conduct. Sanchez recently won a seat on the Board of Aldermen.
Torres accused Cuevas of attempting to smear his reputation and claimed that Cuevas had stalked him multiple times. In defense, Cuevas alleged that Torres instigated the confrontation by entering the Republican headquarters and provocatively waving his tax documents.
Republican Town Committee Chairwoman Dawn Maiorano questioned the motivations behind the police actions, suggesting they reflect political bias. She raised concerns about the timing of the warrant issuance, linking it to an alleged investigation of Sanchez for tardiness to work during a Board of Aldermen meeting.
In response, Chief Spagnolo affirmed that the investigation followed proper channels, and there was sufficient probable cause for the charges against Cuevas. He emphasized that Sanchez was not under investigation and had faced disciplinary actions for policy violations related to his tardiness.
Mayor Paul Pernerewski dismissed Maiorano’s claims as “typical nonsense,” asserting that political involvement does not exempt individuals from adhering to laws and city policies.
As this situation unfolds, the community remains alert to its implications, both politically and socially. The ongoing discussions about hate incidents and political accountability continue to resonate with residents.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as authorities and community members react to these serious allegations.
