DAYTONA BEACH – Defendant Xin Yuan showed up late this morning for his scheduled bench trial. When he did finally walk into the Steven C. Henderson Judicial Center, federal law enforcement was waiting and immediately detained him for being in the United States illegally.

Yuan was cited by the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety in January on criminal traffic charges. Our office was prosecuting him for Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Unlawfully Attaching a Registration License Plate Not Assigned and Misrepresentation of Proof of Insurance.

When an assistant state attorney looked into the defendant’s criminal history, he learned Yuan was arrested by Key West Police last year for Trespassing Property Not Structure or Conveyance. Not only was it a military base Yuan trespassed, but police found several photos of military installations and monuments from around the country on his cell phone. Yuan also had photos and videos of himself holding and shooting firearms.

Our assistant state attorneys uncovered more information about the defendant, which continued to raise red flags.

Ahead of his bench trial, our office notified Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) that Yuan was facing charges in Volusia County and was scheduled to be at the Daytona Beach courthouse. The federal law enforcement agency informed us they would come to detain him.

Volusia Sheriff’s Office Courthouse Security, Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety and our office worked together with HSI today to prepare for Yuan’s arrival and subsequent detainment.

“This is an example of how the Seventh Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office works closely with federal authorities to protect and defend the citizens of our communities,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said following the defendant’s detainment. “A suspicious illegal alien was identified and detained based on the diligent efforts of your prosecutors. We will continue to earnestly protect our communities and embrace our partnership with federal authorities.”