A Broward County woman could face up to 10 years in prison following her conviction in a case involving vandalism and threats at pro-life pregnancy help centers in Florida. As reported by NBC Miami, Gabriella Oropesa of Cooper City, was found guilty of civil rights conspiracy by a federal court.
Between May and July of 2022, Oropesa and her co-conspiractors, who included Caleb Freestone, Amber Stewart-Smith, and Annarella Rivera – the latter three having already pleaded guilty – engaged in a targeted campaign against facilities offering counseling on alternatives to abortion. Court documents cited by CBS12, detail that the group spray-painted threatening messages like "If abortions aren't safe then neither are you" and "WE’RE COMING for U" on the buildings of these centers.
These criminal acts were covered by the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, a federal law intended to protect both reproductive health service providers and their patients. "The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act is clear: no one should have to face threats and intimidation just for doing their job," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke in a statement obtained by NBC Miami. "The Justice Department will continue to ensure access to the full spectrum of reproductive health services afforded to the public, whether those services include abortion or counseling on alternatives to abortion."
The case was thoroughly investigated by the FBI Tampa Field Office with assistance from several local law enforcement agencies including the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and Winter Haven, Hialeah, and Hollywood Police Departments. Oropesa’s sentencing is scheduled for March 19, 2025.
