Woman pleads guilty to leaving scene after driving into 2 federal agents in Miami Beach

Jordana Rosales faces up to 50 years in prison

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A South Florida woman pleaded guilty Thursday to crashing into two federal agents with her car in Miami Beach in January 2016.

As part of an open plea deal, Jordana Rosales pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a crash involving death and reckless driving involving serious injuries.

Rosales offered a tearful apology to the families of the victims.

"I know my actions have caused a lot of pain and suffering for a lot of people, and I'm ready to take responsibility for it," she said.  

Because Rosales took an open plea deal, there was no agreed-upon sentence. She faces anywhere between 13 ½ years to 50 years in prison if the judge stays within the guidelines recommended by prosecutors.

However, the judge has the option to sentence Rosales to as little as four years in prison.

The crash was reported just after 2 a.m. Jan. 15, 2016, on Collins Avenue near Espanola Way.

Miami Beach police said the two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were flagging down a taxi and speaking with the driver when Rosales made a U-turn in her Mercedes E250.

Police said Rosales noticed the stopped taxi and swerved towards the curb to avoid it, striking the two men.

Rosales fled the scene after the crash, authorities said.

One of the agents suffered a broken leg and the other, Scott McGuire, died at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

McGuire's wife wasn't moved by Rosales' apology.

"It's just words at this point. It's just words," Suzy Rivera said.

Rivera said her husband was an "amazing" man and a "loving father." 

Rosales' damaged Mercedes was found hours after the crash, parked at a luxury high-rise building at 92 SW Third St. in downtown Miami. Miami police contacted Miami Beach police and from there, they tracked down Rosales and arrested her.

Local 10 News was told the two ICE agents were in Miami Beach on official business.

Rosales' defense attorney, Juan Gonzalez, said accepting the plea deal was the "right thing to do under the circumstances."

Rosales is expected to be sentenced at the end of November. 


About the Authors:

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.