Former Miami police officer sentenced

Harold James sentenced to 15 months in prison

MIAMI – A federal judge on Tuesday sentenced a former Miami police officer charged with extortion to 15 months in prison.

Harold James was also sentenced to two years supervised release.

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James provided security for a gambling operation at Player's Choice, a barber shop located at 6301 NW 6th Avenue in Miami, according to prosecutors.

"The criminal conduct of this officer and other public officials undermines the public trust," said  U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer. "This sentence sends a message to all public officials who commit crime that they are not above the law."

"Law enforcement officers are in a position of public trust and therefore must be held to a high standard," said Michael B. Steinbach, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Miami. "James violated that trust and was brought to justice in large part due to the dedication and commitment of the members of the Miami Area Corruption Task Force and the City of Miami Police Department."