FLORIDA CITY, Fla. — A Homestead police officer pleaded guilty Friday to driving under the influence in connection with a crash last year that authorities say left multiple vehicles damaged and one car overturned in Florida City.
Henry Quintero, 44, entered the plea in court, acknowledging the charge as part of a deal with prosecutors. When asked by the judge if he wished to plead guilty, Quintero responded that it was in his “best interest.”
The crash happened in September around 3:30 p.m. along U.S. 1 and East Palm Drive.
Investigators said officers arrived to find multiple vehicles damaged, including one that had rolled over. Authorities said no serious injuries were reported.
Police said Quintero, then 43, showed signs of impairment at the scene, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and the smell of alcohol. He refused field sobriety tests, according to investigators.
His arrest was caught on bodycam video that was released by investigators.
Following Friday’s plea, Mark Lefcourt, Quintero’s attorney, described the incident as an isolated lapse.
“He’s been 20 years as a decorated police officer,” Lefcourt said. “What happened here is one bad day and I’m fortunate to be here with him today and to rectify the felony charge and to otherwise make sure that one bad day does not affect him for the rest of his life.”
As part of the sentence, Quintero will be required to pay $15,000 in restitution and complete 10 hours of community service each month during his probation.
Homestead police previously relieved Quintero of his duties without pay pending the outcome of the case. Officials have not said whether he will be reinstated.
He is scheduled to serve his probation under the terms of the agreement.
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