Drug charges to be dropped against BSO deputy if he completes 12-month program

Deputy Santiago Mayorga still faces charges from hit-and-run crash

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. ā€“ A Broward Sheriff's Office deputy arrested on drug charges last month after he allegedly left the scene of a crash was ordered Wednesday to complete a 12-month drug court program.

If Deputy Santiago Mayorga, 22, completes the program successfully, all drugs charges will be dropped against him.

Mayorga, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, didn't have much to say to Local 10 News reporter Ian Margol as he left the courthouse Wednesday.

"I'd rather not talk about it," he said.

Mayorga still faces traffic charges from the crash that will be settled in traffic court.

According to an arrest report, Mayorga was exiting Interstate 95 at Copans Road July 5 in his marked patrol vehicle when he struck another car.

The other driver, Penny Reynolds, told Local 10 News that she followed Mayorga when he fled the scene.

Mayorga was later located by BSO Internal Affairs Sgt. Aledmar Rengifo at a home in Pompano Beach.

Rengifo looked through a window and noticed drug paraphernalia and a bag containing marijuana in the living room, the report said.

A search of the residence revealed 21 grams of marijuana, six grams of Adderall and 10 hits of LSD, which were sitting on top of Mayorga's passport, the report said. Smoking devices were also found throughout the home.

Authorities said a marijuana grinder containing marijuana residue was found in the center console of Mayorga's patrol vehicle, and a cigarette wrapper containing a chalky unknown substance was found on the passenger seat. Ā 

After being read his rights,Ā Mayorga said he'd been driving from a friend's house when he exited the highway between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., which was the time of the crash. He also admitted to knowledge of the narcotics, the report said.

Mayorga was arrested on charges of possession of cannabis, possession of amphetamine, possession of LSD, possession of drug paraphernalia and leaving the scene of a crash.Ā 

Mayorga was hired by BSO in April 2015.

He has been suspended from the department without pay effective Aug. 1. An internal affairs investigation is expected to be conducted after the criminal case is done, BSO spokeswoman Keyla Concepcion said.


About the Author:

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