MIAMI, Fla – In a monumental win for the pro-life movement, a Florida man has been sentenced to one year and a day in prison for conspiring to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate employees of pro-life pregnancy help centers. Caleb Freestone, along with co-defendants Amber Smith-Stewart and Annarella Rivera, pleaded guilty on June 14 to a civil rights conspiracy, marking the first-ever conviction under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act in favor of pro-life pregnancy centers.
The defendants targeted Heartbeat of Miami centers, vandalizing them with violent and threatening messages. Their coordinated attacks, conducted under the cover of darkness while wearing masks, included spray-painting menacing phrases such as “If abortions aren’t safe than neither [sic] are you,” “YOUR TIME IS UP!!,” “WE’RE COMING for U,” and “We are everywhere.” These actions were not mere vandalism; they constituted a direct threat to the safety and well-being of those who work tirelessly to provide alternatives to abortion.
“This historic sentencing is a powerful affirmation of our commitment to protecting life and the vital services offered by pregnancy resource centers,” said Linda Cuadros, a volunteer with Citizens Defending Freedom. “We are proud to have played a role in this victory for justice and accountability.”
Cuadros, along with Miami-Dade County CDF Executive Director Isabella Rodriguez, was instrumental in identifying the perpetrators through a meticulous two-year investigation that tracked the dangerous presence of Antifa at local school board meetings. Freestone and Smith-Stewart were notorious for their aggressive and disruptive behavior, regularly harassing and intimidating parents and Christian activists who dared to voice their beliefs. Linda and Isabella’s dedication and collaboration with Martha Avila, founder of Heartbeat of Miami, were crucial in bringing these attackers to justice.
“This case is a clear message to those who target the pro-life community,” said Isabella Rodriguez. “For too long, pro-life advocates have faced intimidation for standing up for their beliefs. Today, we celebrate a moment of justice.”
In addition to Freestone's sentence, Smith-Stewart and Rivera were each sentenced to 30 days in prison and 60 days of home detention. This landmark case sends a resounding message that violence and intimidation against those who stand for life will not be tolerated.
Citizens Defending Freedom remains steadfast in its mission to protect the rights of pro-life organizations and individuals, ensuring that the fight for justice and accountability continues.
About Citizens Defending Freedom:
Founded in 2021, Citizens Defending Freedom is a non-profit organization that strategically operates in counties across America to help citizens defend their faith and freedom, all while fighting for transparency in local government. Currently, Citizens Defending Freedom is established in Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas, with plans to continue expanding across America. Click here to learn more about Citizens Defending Freedom.