MIAMI – A sergeant supervising the Miami Police Department's anti-narcotics unit is accused of planting cocaine on someone and stealing drugs and money.
Raul Iglesias, 40, of Miami, has been arrested on nine counts including conspiracy to commit a violation of civil rights, civil rights violations, conspiracy to possess and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, obstruction of justice and making false official statements.
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The U.S. Attorney's Office said Iglesias, an anti-narcotics unit supervisor, planted cocaine on a subject, stole drugs and money from someone else, obstructed justice and lied to federal investigators.
Iglesias is expected in federal court Friday.
On Thursday afternoon, Sgt. Javier Ortiz, vide president of the Miami Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 20, released the following statement:
"The Miami Fraternal Order of Police is concerned that why has an alleged incident that happened in May/2010 has taken two years to formerly charge Raul Iglesias. What we can tell you is that Sergeant Iglesias has been an outstanding Police Officer with the Miami Police Department. He is a decorated Iraq war veteran as a U.S. Marine and was honorably discharged with an impeccable military record. Since Sergeant Iglesias was relieved of duty two years ago, he has maintained his innocence throughout the entire investigation. He intends to face his accusers in court."
If convicted, Iglesias faces up to 20 years in prison.