Eight migrants face charges of looting in flood-hit Tennessee

A group of migrant workers are believed to have looted properties in a washed-out part of Tennessee following the violence of Hurricane Helene on Saturday, according to a local sheriff's office.

The eight men were captured by authorities in Washington County, where devastating floods destroyed homes and led to water rescues.

The suspects are accused of looting in one of the county's flood plains, the county sheriff's office said.

Three alleged perpetrators – 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 occupied buildings, the sheriff's office said.

The defendants are migrant workers who are in the country legally on work visas, a sheriff's spokesman told The Post on Monday.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement initially had no information about the men Monday evening.

The alleged looters were held on $20,000 bonds and expected to appear in court Monday.

It is not known whether the looting took place at homes or businesses.

Tennessee was among several southeastern states hit hard by damaging winds and heavy rains. More than 40 trillion gallons of water were spilled during the storm.

At least 128 people were killed, and the number is rising.

With post wires