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At least a half dozen Miami police officers are under investigation by the FBI for allegedly providing protection to a Liberty City sports gambling operation, according to the Miami Herald. At least one officer has been relieved of his duties.
The FBI announced it intends to make a handful of arrests in this matter by January. The operation in question has since been shut down. The FBI is also investigating additional officers alleged participation in an identity theft ring.
The Miami Herald notes that the Miami Police Department, which has around 1,100 sworn officers, has had a number of its officers implicated in criminal activities in recent years ranging from ripping off drug dealers to fencing contraband.
“To me, this investigation is not a black eye to the city or the police department. It’s a good thing. It means we’re moving forward with a better police force,” Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado told The Miami Herald.
“In a police force as big as this one, some officers will do the wrong thing. But it is good to invite investigation. It shows that the police force wants to move forward and get rid of the bad apples.”
Sgt. Javier Ortiz, incoming president of the Miami Fraternal Order of Police chapter, said: “If the rumors I am hearing are true, I pray that the police department is cleansed expeditiously of those that have betrayed our commitment to our community.’’
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
