Dade Medical College owner accepts plea deal on campaign finance charge

Ernesto Perez to pay $200,000 in restitution

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Dade Medical College owner Ernesto Perez pleaded guilty Tuesday to giving illegal campaign contributions and obstructing justice as part of a plea deal with the state.

As part of the plea deal, perjury charges will be dropped against the owner of the college, which shut down last week, and he will be sentenced to three days in jail, although he will only serve one because of time served.

Despite Perez accepting the plea deal, Miami-Dade County Judge Stacy Glick said another hearing must be held because Perez was confused about some of the technicalities of the deal.

Perez was taken into custody and will be placed on house arrest once he posts a $5,000 bond.

Perez told Local 10 News reporter Glenna Milberg that he feels that his arrest was politically motivated.

"About three years ago, some powerful folks in our community decided Dade Medical College's presence was not in the best interest of the status quo of academia in our community," Perez said. "They set out to hurt our institution, which employs 400 people and 2,000 students. They succeeded."

As part of the plea deal, Perez will be placed on probation after serving his sentence and will have to pay $200,000 in restitution.

If the deal is approved, Perez must surrender by Jan. 5.

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About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Glenna Milberg joined Local 10 News in September 1999 to report on South Florida's top stories and community issues. She also serves as co-host on Local 10's public affairs broadcast, "This Week in South Florida."