Imprisoned In Venezuela For 2 Years, LA County Man Set To Return Home

LOS ANGELES, CA — Eyvin Hernandez, a Los Angeles County public defender who has been imprisoned in Venezuela for almost two years, was released from custody Wednesday and was headed home as part of a prisoner swap between the U.S. and Venezuela, the White House said.

President Joe Biden said a total of 10 Americans who had been detained in Venezuela — including six who were "wrongfully detained" — were released Wednesday as part of the deal.

"These individuals have lost far too much precious time with their loved ones, and their families have suffered every day in their absence. I am grateful that their ordeal is finally over, and that these families are being made whole once more," Biden said in a statement.

Hernandez, a 15-year LA County deputy public defender, was vacationing in Colombia when he traveled to the Venezuelan border with a friend to resolve the friend's passport issue. At the border, the pair were intercepted, turned over to Venezuelan security forces and jailed in a maximum security prison.

Hernandez was accused of criminal association and conspiracy, punishable by up to 16 years in jail in Venezuela.

According to a website set up to support his return, Hernandez was asked to pay a bribe and accused of being an American spy.

Garrett Miller, president of the Los Angeles County Public Defenders Union, Local 148, said in a statement he was "thrilled that Eyvin will be coming home and that this ordeal is finally over."

"I can't even imagine how traumatizing this has been for Eyvin, and our union will do all it can to support him in the coming months," Miller said. "Eyvin has been deeply missed by his fellow Local 148 members, and we can't wait to see him again. I'm grateful to Eyvin's family for their tireless advocacy and also want to thank Local 148 board member Drew Havens who worked alongside them advocating for Eyvin's release."

Hernandez's return comes after two years of efforts by public officials to urge the White House to secure his release. Among those who took action were the LA County Board of Supervisors, the LA City Council, and several members of the state's Congressional delegation.

In exchange for the release of Americans, the United States agreed to release Alex Saab, a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Saab had been awaiting trial on money laundering charges.

City News Service contributed to this report.