‘Smush that cucaracha’. Little Havana business owners celebrate victory over Joe Carollo
The party raged at Calle Ocho’s popular Ball & Chain nightclub Saturday night as Little Havana business owners William “Bill” Fuller and Martin Pinilla celebrated their multi-million dollar lawsuit win over Miami City Commissioner Joe Carollo.
“It’s an enormous, monumental evening,” Fuller said. “We’re at one of the most exciting times we’ve been at in a long time and I think the world now realizes that we were on the right side of the law.”
About 50 guests celebrated with the pair in a roped off section of the nightclub, which Fuller owns. Friends, family and Little Havana stakeholders were invited to the exclusive party.
Apart from the guests, pounding salsa music and dozens of champagne flutes was an interesting addition to the festivities.
Several sizable paper cockroaches with Carollo’s face were was also in attendance, thrown on the floor for all partying to take a turn stepping on — many got a “squish” in. Smaller versions were used as drink accessories.
The party only stopped for a moment, so Fuller and Pinilla could give their victory speech and thank those involved in the journey to their over $60 million legal win.
“Thank you guys for celebrating with us, we’re gonna make this the best f****** city in the world!” Fuller shouted.
A hearty chant of “smush that cucaracha”, comparing Carollo to a cockroach, and dance made it’s way into the victory lap.
Case Closed
The battle between Carollo, Fuller and Pinilla has raged for nearly half a decade. Back in 2017, Fuller and Pinilla found themselves on the wrong side of Carollo when they held a rally for one of his opponents he would later defeat.
Shortly after, the pair filed a lawsuit in federal civil court alleging Carollo violated their First Amendment rights by targeting them during the rally.
At the center of the pair’s civil lawsuit is that Carollo targeted their businesses and used police and code enforcement to harass them. Jurors decided Fuller and Pinilla were correct and that Carollo worked to destroy their reputations. They were awarded $63.5 million that Carollo would have to pay.
Can Carollo pay the $63.5 million?
Financial records show he does not have the funds to cover the multi-million dollar awards.
While the City of Miami did say it will pay his legal fees, which are already in the millions, it doesn’t appear it will foot the compensation won by Fuller and Pinilla.
It’s also unclear if Carollo will face any criminal case. While there is an open probe into corruption allegations at Miami City Hall, it’s status is unclear and prosecutors are keeping quiet.
For now, Carollo said he will plan to appeal the civil verdict, which will delay any payments.
Fuller also believes the fight is not done.
“There is no question in my mind that he probably devising a strategy today to retaliate against us, but we’re going to continue to fight because we’re not going anywhere,” Fuller said. “He’s a revolving door and he’s going to be out of here sooner or later.”
This story was originally published June 4, 2023 at 8:39 AM.
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