Campaign treasurer for ex-Miami-Dade mayoral candidate accused of sex with minor

The campaign treasurer for a former Miami-Dade mayoral candidate has been arrested for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor, according to authorities. Andy Santana, 33, was taken into custody early Thursday and faces charges of unlawful sexual activity with a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a child.

Santana, a Hialeah resident, previously served as the campaign treasurer for Alex Otaola, a well-known actor and social media influencer who ran for Miami-Dade mayor earlier this year. Otaola finished third in the August 20 primary, where incumbent Daniella Levine Cava secured reelection.

In response to Santana’s arrest, Otaola addressed the situation in a Facebook post, expressing his disappointment and distancing himself from the matter. “This morning brought deeply upsetting and embarrassing news for me and my team: the arrest of our campaign treasurer, who is under investigation for a reprehensible charge,” Otaola wrote in Spanish. He emphasized that he had no control over the private lives of his employees and strongly condemned any illegal or morally questionable actions. Otaola added that while he appreciated his team members, each person must face responsibility for their own actions. He also acknowledged attempts by certain groups to discredit his work and political activism, but made it clear that he had no involvement in the situation.