Cuban American actor William Levy is expected to participate in Florida's misdemeanor diversion program following his arrest earlier this year in Weston.

Levy, whose full name is William Gutierrez-Levy, was taken into custody by the Broward Sheriff's deputies on April 15 after they responded to a disturbance at restaurant Baires Grill, located in the 2200 block of Weston Road.

The telenovela star was issued a trespass warning by the restaurant's manager in the presence of deputies and ordered multiple times to leave the premises. When he refused to comply, he was arrested for trespassing after warning and disorderly intoxication, according to the sheriff's office.

According to the arrest report, Levy was "highly intoxicated and causing a disturbance inside the restaurant." 

Speaking to reporters after his release from jail, Levy said: "I had a few drinks obviously, but I was not intoxicated."

What is a misdemeanor diversion program? 

Levy needs to sign up for the diversion program by next Monday. The program offers first-time misdemeanor offenders an opportunity to avoid a criminal record by completing specific requirements such as community service, counseling, or education classes.

If the individual successfully completes the program, the charges are typically dismissed. The initiative is aimed at reducing court caseloads and giving first-time offenders a chance to avoid a permanent criminal record.

Levy's next court date is July 11 to confirm he will participate in the program.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Levy is known for his roles in telenovelas and his more recent appearances in English-language television and film, including Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016), Addicted (2014) and Montecristo (2023), according to the .

• South Florida
• Weston