A group of migrant workers allegedly looted properties in a washed-out part of Tennessee following the fury of Hurricane Helene on Saturday, according to a local sheriff’s office.
The eight men were captured by authorities in Washington County where devastating flooding wiped away homes and led to water rescues.
The suspects are accused of looting in one of the county’s flood zones, the county sheriff’s office said.
Three alleged perps — Jesus Leodan Garcia-Peneda, 51, Josue Berardo Ortis-Valdez, 30, and Ersy Leonel Ortis-Valdez, 33 — were charged with burglary.
The other five men — Albin Nahun Vega-Rapalo, 24, David Bairon Rapalo-Rapalo, 37, Kevin Noe Martinez-Lopez, 25, Marvin Hernandez-Martinez, 43, and Dayln Gabriel Guillen Guillen, 37 — were charged with aggravated burglary for breaking into occupied structures, the sheriff’s office said.
The defendants are migrant workers who are in the country legally on work visas, a sheriff’s spokesperson told The Post Monday.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately have information on the men Monday evening.
The alleged looters were being held on $20,000 bonds and expected to appear in court Monday.
It’s unknown if the looting happened in residential homes or businesses.
Tennessee was among several southeastern states that was badly battered with damaging winds and heavy rainfall. More than 40 trillion gallons of water was dumped during the storm.
At least 128 people were killed with that number likely to rise.
With Post wires
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