Franklin Jose Virgüez Dun, a 72-year-old Venezuelan telenovela actor, was arrested Wednesday after Doral police say he was seen masturbating in a parked vehicle near a community pool and children's playground. A witness recorded video of the alleged act and turned it over to authorities, who used the car’s license plate to identify Virgüez. Officers later took him into custody outside his home and booked him into Miami-Dade jail on two counts of indecent exposure.
Police: Parking-lot incident near playground
According to NBC 6 South Florida, officers responded to a parking lot near Northwest 74th Street and Northwest 97th Place, close to a community pool and children's playground, after a report that a man was exposing himself inside a vehicle. The witness provided video to police, and investigators used the vehicle’s license plate to identify the suspect, the outlet reported.
Video, arrest and on-scene observations
As reported by WPLG Local 10, the incident unfolded outside Doral Park Country Club at 5001 NW 104th Ave., where the victim said he saw a man in a gray Chevrolet Trax masturbating with his genitals exposed. Local 10 states that officers later arrested Virgüez outside his Doral home and noted stains on his pants that the arrest form described as "consistent with semen." According to the police paperwork cited by the station, Virgüez waived comment and declined to speak without an attorney present.
Who is Franklin Virgüez?
Virgüez is a veteran telenovela performer whose career dates back to the 1970s and includes numerous Venezuelan serials and other credits, and he has lived in the Miami area in recent years. Industry listings and biographical summaries describe a decades-long presence in Latin American television along with occasional English-language roles. Wikipedia offers an overview of his work and screen credits.
Charges and what they mean
Virgüez was booked on two counts of indecent exposure. Under Florida law, unlawful exposure of sexual organs is generally treated as a first-degree misdemeanor for a first offense and can be charged as a third-degree felony on a second or subsequent conviction. The statute that defines the offense and its penalties is outlined in Florida Statutes, Chapter 800.
Bond and the next steps
News outlets have reported different bond amounts. CBS Miami cited jail records listing bond at $2,500, while WPLG Local 10 reported he was being held on $5,000. Court dockets and Miami-Dade booking logs are expected to reflect any updates. Prosecutors will determine whether to file formal charges beyond the initial counts and will set arraignment dates.
Local concerns
The arrest, which police say occurred near a playground and pool, has stirred concern about public safety around neighborhood recreation areas. Authorities say the case remains under investigation and that any additional information will come through official filings or public statements as it proceeds through the court system.
