Ricardo Cepeda released from prison after 11 months: 'An innocent man is free'
Ricardo Cepeda has been released on bail 11 months after being kept behind bars for estafa charges.
His partner, actress-model Marina Benipayo, shared an Instagram reel of her and Cepeda dancing to Elvis Presley’s Don’t Be Cruel on Thursday, Sept. 19.
“[11 months] and finally, he's going home! God is Good! Thank you, everyone for your prayers,” she wrote in the caption.
Actress Nadia Montenegro also penned a letter to Cepeda, where she described him as “a kind, decent, respectful and [respected] human being.”
“RELEASE FORM SIGNED!‼️ FINALLY! An innocent man is FREE!! Praise you, Lord!” she began in the caption.
“My brother, Ric, for almost one year, you patiently fought your battles in court and endured jail time hundreds of miles away from [h]ome. One by one you faced them knowing you did nothing wrong,” she continued.
Montenegro also shared photos of Cepeda in jail, as well as photos and videos of him with Benipayo, in the same post.
The IG reel also included a portion of the signed release form that read, “Having posted cash bond duly approved by this court, the Warden of the Cagayan Provincial Jail, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan where the accused is detained ordered to RELEASE the accused on provisional liberty unless held for some other lawful cause.”
Fans and celebrities expressed their support for the actor in Benipayo’s Instagram post.
“Nakakatuwa. God is good,” talent manager-vlogger Ogie Diaz wrote.
“God bless you both,” local star Heart Evangelista commented.
“Finally! Welcome back!” actor Rocco Nacino added.
Cepeda, whose real name is Richard Cesar Go, was arrested at a resto bar in Caloocan City last year for syndicated estafa due to an investment scheme of a sales company he was endorsing. He denied the allegations and stressed he was only a model of the firm involved in the complaint.
"I was shocked because I didn't, I wasn't aware na umabot sa may warrants ako. I had heard na may mga scam daw but 'di ko alam na sinama nila ako," he told GMA's 24 Oras.
