Sheriff not there as Broward commissioners discuss 911 troubles
After the deadline for Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony to renew his agency’s contract with the county to run its troubled 911 system came and went, county officials say they’re still working with the sheriff and hopeful they can reach an agreement.
Pembroke Park talks to Miramar about policing; bad blood with BSO boils over plan B
Pembroke Park’s interim police chief tells Local 10 News he’s confident the town won’t have a gap in police service once the town’s contract with the Broward Sheriff’s Office expires Oct. 1, but, as of Friday, there’s still no plan in place.
Facing possible removal, report casts doubt on Sheriff Tony’s self-defense claim in ‘90s shooting
After the Florida Commission on Ethics found probable cause to believe Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony “misused his public position” when he allegedly lied to get his first job at the Coral Springs Police Department, a report obtained by Local 10 News casts doubt on his self-defense claim in a 1993 shooting.
Florida ethics commission finds probable cause that Broward Sheriff Tony ‘lied, misused’ position
The Florida Commission on Ethics said Wednesday it has found probable cause to believe Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony “misused his public position” when he lied to get his first job at the Coral Springs Police Department.
Here’s what could happen if Broward Sheriff Tony loses police certification
After a panel found probable cause in the process to revoke Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony’s state law enforcement certification over allegations he made false statements on driver’s license applications, questions remain about what Tony’s role would look like if a state commission chooses to strip him of his certification.
Sheriff’s decertification process based on alleged driver’s license falsehoods, not ‘90s shooting
After a state panel found probable cause in the process to revoke Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony’s law enforcement certification, an administrative document obtained by Local 10 News revealed the process stems from allegations that the Sheriff made false statements on multiple driver’s license applications.
Panel finds probable cause in process to revoke Sheriff Tony’s law enforcement certification
A state panel found probable cause to revoke Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony’s law enforcement certification, meaning the Sheriff’s ability to make arrests or otherwise act in a law enforcement capacity in Florida remains in jeopardy.
Sheriff fears dispatchers’ exodus amid complaints of unanswered 911 calls
Broward County is feeling the impact of a nationwide shortage of 911 dispatchers.Sheriff Gregory Tony told Broward commissioners on Tuesday that 911 calls are going unanswered because dispatchers are leaving for better-paying jobs. BSO has 81 vacancies in the communications department.
BSO: About 200 arrested during years-long investigation into Deerfield Beach gang
About 200 people have been arrested during a years-long investigation into a violent gang that is based in Deerfield Beach, 24 of whom were arrested on Tuesday, Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony announced during a news conference Thursday.
Video shows patient before being killed in BSO deputy-involved shooting at mental health facility
Angela Randall wants justice for her son Jarvis Randall. Her attorneys recently released surveillance videos showing the last moments of her 30-year-old son’s life before three Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies shot him several times. Fire Rescue personnel airlifted him to Broward Health North where a doctor pronounced him dead.
BSO makes dozens of arrests, recovers more than $4.3 million worth of stolen vehicles
Authorities say thieves who are part of a large crime ring are hunting for high-end vehicles, like Mercedes-Benzes, Range Rovers and other pricey cars. The thieves disable tracking devices, change VIN’s and sell the vehicles to locations across the state and country, deputies say. According to BSO, the BAT Unit made 174 arrests in 2020 and recovered 69 stolen vehicles. The total value of the stolen vehicles recovered last year was more than $4.3 million. “In recent months, the BAT Unit has solved dozens of cases.
Exactly three years later, events and memorials held to honor victims of Parkland shooting
These were just a few of several events held across South Florida to mark the somber anniversary. AdSouth Florida remembers 17 victims of Parkland school shooting on three-year anniversary of tragedyAt Esplanade Park in Fort Lauderdale, city leaders joined students from Florida Atlantic University and Nova Southeastern University for an event aimed at healing. Sunday’s events came after the school district held their own remembrance ceremonies on Friday. It’s an issue that is very important to them, especially after the events that took place at Stoneman Douglas. ADDITIONAL LINKSMoment of silence, other events mark three years since Parkland tragedyHow the Parkland shooting launched a new generation of activistsNever forgotten: 3 years later, remembering the school shooting tragedy in Parkland, in photosAdParkland parents print ‘shame cards’ ahead of school shooting anniversary3 years later, Parkland school shooting trial still in limbo
Grieving mother: COVID-19 victim was proud BSO employee, Lauderhill Broncos football coach
POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – The Broward Sheriff’s Office is grieving with Alfreda Chance, whose 43-year-old son died of complications with COVID-19. Stephan Adams worked as a detention aid at the Paul Rein Detention Facility in Pompano Beach for two years. “He loved BSO and I believe they loved him,” Chace said. Detention Aide Stephan Adams, 43, died on January 30, and BSO learned today that his death was caused by COVID-19. Adams died a few days before Miami-Dade Corrections Officer Juan Llanes also died of complications with COVID-19.
Family of inmate who died after altercation with jail deputies demands that video be released
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – The family of a mentally ill inmate who died last month following an altercation with jail deputies held a news conference Thursday morning to call out what they said is the Broward Sheriff’s Office’s “cover up” and to demand that surveillance video of the altercation be released. Kevin Lavira Desir’s family removed him from life support on Jan. 27, a week after the altercation. AdDesir called out the sheriff for not yet releasing the video, saying he vowed to be transparent with the public. “Jail surveillance cameras are part of the jail’s security system plan, and the recordings from such cameras are confidential and exempt from disclosure,” a statement from the Broward Sheriff’s Office read. AdThe Desir family isn’t buying that explanation.
Broward inmate dies a week after altercation with jail staff
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Officials say a mentally ill South Florida man is dead a week after an altercation with jail officers as he awaited trial on criminal mischief and marijuana possession charges. Broward County Public Defender Gordon Weekes told the Miami Herald that 43-year-old Kevin Lavira Desir’s family removed him from life-support. Desir was arrested by Coral Springs police on Jan. 6 for damaging his neighbor’s car. A week later he was arrested for marijuana possession. Weekes says jail staff pepper-sprayed Desir, used a stun gun and caused “a severe and irreversible brain injury.”Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony accused the public defender of making “unsubstantiated allegations.”
South Florida law enforcement ready for reckless ‘Wheels Up, Guns Down’ riders
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Law enforcement in Miami-Dade and Broward counties are on high-alert ahead of the annual “Wheels Up, Guns Down” ride. Every year, ATV and dirt bike riders illegally hit the streets and highways of South Florida for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend. The “Wheels Up, Guns Down” ride Monday event is intended to be for bicyclists only. In 2008, a new law required motorcyclists to “maintain both wheels on the ground at all times.”Florida law also requires ATV riders to wear over-the-ankle boots, eye protection and a safety helmet. “We will be doing a high visibility patrol and we will be doing enforcement,” Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez said.
South Florida law enforcement officials on high alert ahead of annual ‘Wheels Up, Guns Down’ ride
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Authorities are getting ride-out ready ahead of the weekend before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. “The goal is to prevent unnecessary delays, injuries and property damage associated with reckless driver behavior,” Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Alejandro Camacho said. Florida law also requires ATV riders to wear over-the-ankle boots, eye protection and a safety helmet. “We will be doing a high visibility patrol and we will be doing enforcement,” Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez said. Organizers say the ride will be safe and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.“Let’s ride nationwide this Monday as we ride as we further show our abilities to unite and ride for a purpose,” one organizer said.
Broward County makes history, electing first Black state attorney and public defender
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – History was made during this election cycle in Broward County. Broward now has a new public defender and new state attorney, the first African American men to hold those positions. Another first, Gordon Weekes is now the first Black Broward County Public Defender. The new Broward Supervisor of Elections, Democrat Joe Scott, will now be in charge of elections for the 1.2 million registered voters in the county. “The idea is to get what Peter Anotonacci changed, what can we change, to make it better next time,” Scott said.
Sheriff Gregory Tony remains Broward’s top cop
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Gregory Tony, who was appointed Broward County sheriff by Gov. “Well, first and foremost, I don’t know if Gregory Tony is qualified to be a law enforcement officer. “I know that the democratic voters are not happy with their choice at their primary election of interim Sheriff Gregory Tony, but you have another choice,” he said in a campaign video. CLICK HERE and follow reporter Terrell Forney on Twitter, who is covering Gregory Tony tonight. CLICK HERE and follow reporter Ian Margol on Twitter, who is covering H. Wayne Clark tonight.
Broward sheriff blames clerical error for pregnant woman still in jail when she gave birth
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A woman who gave birth inside a Broward jail cell should have been released days before she had her baby under a pre-trial program, according to a letter written by Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony sent to the Broward Public Defender’s office. North Broward inmate 28-year-old Stephanie Bretas delivered her baby boy last month in a jail cell. (See the complete letter below)Tony wrote: “On Sept. 24, 3 days prior to Ms. Bretas giving birth, your office obtained an order to release her under the supervision of the Broward Sheriff’s Office Pretrial program. The sheriff said he does share Weekes' concerns about the treatment that inmates are receiving in jail. There’s now a law named after Tammy Jackson, who also delivered a baby in a Broward jail cell in April of last year.
BSO deputy denied Stand Your Ground defense by judge for pushing teen’s head into pavement
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – After more than a week’s worth of testimony and plenty of video, a judge ruled on two Stand Your Ground defenses by a former Broward Sheriff’s deputy and a BSO sergeant. Former Broward Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Krickovich’s was denied using the Stand Your Ground defense, while BSO Sgt. The Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies were involved in a rough takedown of a teen caught on camera last year outside a McDonald’s in Tamarac. Broward prosecutors plan to appeal the ruling that will allow LaCerra to use the Stand Your Ground defense. LaCerra is charged with one count of battery for throwing Rolle to the pavement, according to the court filing.
Sheriff ‘highly disgusted' at deputies who didn’t help woman giving birth in jail cell
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony warned on Friday that if an ongoing internal affairs investigation finds that deputies ignored a pregnant inmate’s pleas for help — forcing her to give birth in a jail cell — more deputies will face disciplinary action. The North Broward Jail inmate identified as Stephanie Bretas, 28, gave birth to a boy on the floor of her cell on Sept. 27. Chief Assistant Public Defender Gordon Weekes reported deputies ignored her cries for help while she was in labor. “It comes down to common sense.”THE TAMMY JACKSON ACT LAWIt wasn’t the first time deputies have been accused of ignoring a pregnant woman’s desperate pleas for help at the North Broward Jail. A new law named after Jackson makes it illegal for pregnant inmates to not get daily medical checkups while in custody.
Broward detention officials fired after inmate delivers baby in jail
But late last month another woman was forced to give birth inside a Broward jail. A letter sent Wednesday by the Broward County Public Defender to Sheriff Gregory Tony demanded answers, and Tony has taken action — announcing Thursday the terminations of Department of Detention Colonel Gary Palmer and Department of Detention Lieutenant Colonel Angela Neely. The unborn child,” Weekes said. At this point, BSO says its probe has revealed that medical staff did attend to the inmate when she delivered the child. Tony appointed Lieutenant Colonel Josefa Benjamin as acting Colonel of the Department of Detention.
Broward Sheriff’s Office launches social justice task force
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The protests that swept our streets over the summer, sparked by a nationwide outcry fed up with police brutality, are partly why the Broward Sheriff’s Office has formed a new social justice task force. The group is made up of community activists in the Black, Hispanic and LGBTQ communities, along with retired judges, police and clergy. Pre-selected, the task force starts its work immediately. The social justice task force is not intended to impede or step on the toes of the civilian review board that is currently being formed by Broward County leaders to review claims of officer misconduct. However, the body of volunteers will have a strong voice in preventing problems, reforming policies and funding decisions, among other things.
Broward Sheriff’s Office to use ShotSpotter tech to fight crime in county
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Broward Sheriff’s Office will be adding a gunshot surveillance system in its efforts to reduce crime in unincorporated Central Broward, the agency announced Thursday. “The top priorities of the BSO ShotSpotter Initiative are to save lives, prevent violent crimes from occurring and arrest people committing crimes, specifically with firearms,” Sheriff Gregory Tony said in a statement. County commissioners approved the spending from a trust fund derived from contraband seized during investigations. The agency says ShotSpotter technology has become more accurate since, and that the company now guarantees a 90% accuracy rate in identifying actual gunfire and location. Miami-Dade County approved a 10-year, $5.6 million deal to use ShotSpotter technology in 2016.
The race is on for BSO’s top cop, but is it?
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony has been front and center ever since he was appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Now, having vanquished Israel, a fellow Democrat, in a nasty primary race, Tony is running a low-key campaign against Republican candidate H. Wayne Clark and independent Charles E. Whatley in the Nov. 3 general election. I think, you look at what’s come out in that primary race against him and certainly the questions the Governor should have asked as well as FDLE,” Clark said. Clark said safety Is non-partisan, but the facts are that Broward County has a majority of registered Democratic voters. What’s interesting is that three former Democratic candidates have crossed party lines and are now endorsing Clark is his November race for sheriff against the incumbent.
COVID-19 makes this SoFla holiday weekend different
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez has a word of caution for those venturing out for fun in South Florida for Labor Day Weekend. With Miami-Dade Countys coronavirus positive rate hovering around 7 percent, leaders are hoping holiday revelers dont mess that up. Beaches are staying open for the weekend, but Gimenez said there are rules: Continue to social distance and not gather in groups bigger than 10. A 10 p.m. curfew will be enforced through the weekend throughout Miami-Dade Count. Its a holiday weekend, its about family.
Sheriff Gregory Tonys opponent H. Wayne Clark gets support across party lines
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. H. Wayne Clark is a Republican candidate running to become Browards top cop, except he isnt a cop. Whats interesting is that three former Democratic candidates have crossed party lines and are now endorsing Clark is his November race for sheriff against incumbent Gregory Tony. I want the citizens of Broward County to know that we hear you, Clark said Monday, making the case that Tony is just not cutting it. Tonys campaign manager Jerrick Grant released a statement Monday, saying: Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony is honored to be chosen by the Democratic voters to be their nominee for Sheriff. Sheriff Tonys campaign is focused on defeating his conservative Republican opponent in November.
Broward County Sheriffs race remains a battle until November
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony said he has a long way to go. The Broward Sheriffs office is a public safety agency; it is not a political agency. We need to take the politics out of it because thats what led us to the mess were in now, H. Wayne Clark, Republican candidate for Broward County Sheriff, said. The world loves an underdog, Broward County loves an underdog. Broward is a great county with smart citizens and they were forced in the primary to deal with either Scott Israel or Greg Tony.
Taking a look at Miami-Dade and Broward Countys two biggest primary races
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. The biggest winners of the night were the voters in South Florida both Miami Dade and Broward, who set a new turnout record for a primary election. In Miami-Dade County, all eyes were on the big mayoral race. In Broward County, a battle for the head of the sheriff's office with the results coming in a lot closer than many people anticipatedFirst, the Broward County Sheriffs race. The battle for Broward Countys top cop ended in a close call for incumbent Sheriff Gregory Tony. In Miami-Dade County, it was the race for the countys mayor that seemed to draw the most attention.
South Florida August 2020 Primary: Broward County Sheriff
The two shootings dominating the Democratic primary for sheriff in Broward County, Florida, couldn't be more different. The campaign of Sheriff Gregory Tony, appointed by Gov. Tony and Israel are the top contenders in Tuesday's primary, which also has four lesser-known, lesser-financed candidates. Tony and his political action committee have raised about $1.5 million, while Israel has gotten about $600,000, according to election records. Tony and Israel are former Republicans.
You still have time to vote! Polling stations to close in about an hour
PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. Will voters be forgiving with former Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel? Ron DeSantis fired him after 17 died during the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Polling stations close at 7 p.m. Mail-in ballots can be hand-delivered to drop boxes at election offices. Despite the coronavirus pandemic and a lack of statewide races on the primarys ballot, officials said the voter turnout in both Broward and Miami-Dade counties was high. BROWARD: Find your precinctMIAMI-DADE: Find your precinctVOTERS GUIDE: How to join the political processCOMPLETE COVERAGE: Local10.com will be updating election results here
Key races spark surge of voting ahead of Tuesdays primary election
DORAL, Fla. Significant races and likely also some concern over personal interaction during a pandemic have led to larger than expected participation in early voting and vote-by-mail in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. I think well have in excess of 25% turnout, which will be the highest for any August primary, Broward Supervisor of Elections Pete Antonacci said. In Broward, a bitter tone in attacks has sparked the Democratic primary for sheriff, the de facto hole race in this overwhelmingly democratic county. If you have a mail-in ballot you can still drop it off at specified Miami-Dade and Broward locations from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday. For more information on however you choose to vote, see our Local 10 Voter Guide for 2020.
Florida sheriff race hinges on massacre, old shooting
FILE- In this Oct. 21, 2019 file photo, former Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel appears before the Senate Rules Committee concerning his dismissal by Gov. Ron DeSantis, in Tallahassee, Fla. Israel is running against Sheriff Gregory Tony in the upcoming Florida primary. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon, File)
Florida sheriff race hinges on massacre, old shooting
FILE- In this Oct. 21, 2019 file photo, former Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel appears before the Senate Rules Committee concerning his dismissal by Gov. Ron DeSantis, in Tallahassee, Fla. Israel is running against Sheriff Gregory Tony in the upcoming Florida primary. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon, File)FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The two shootings dominating the Democratic primary for sheriff in Broward County, Florida, couldn't be more different. DeSantis' decision was upheld by the Republican-led state Senate, even though its investigator found DeSantis' grounds didn’t meet Florida law. But Tony, 41, quickly made enemies with the primary deputies' union, which said he fired and disciplined deputies accused of misconduct without due process and wouldn't communicate.
South Florida August 2020 Primary: Broward County races
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. Voters in Broward County are heading to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots in the Primary Election. The race for Broward County sheriff will be one of the most watched this election as current Sheriff Gregory Tony and former Sheriff Scott Israel hope to take the spot for top cop in the county. Broward residents will also be casting their votes for Broward state attorney and supervisor of elections, among others. Below is a list of all of the race results for Broward County:
This Week in South Florida Podcast: August 09, 2020
Joining the This Week in South Florida podcast are incumbent Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and challenger Melba Pearson, Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony and his opponent, former sheriff Scott Israel, and Miami-Dade candidate for District 26 seat Omar Blanco. Subscribe to the weekly TWISF Podcast on iOS or Android
This Week in South Florida: Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony
Current Sheriff Gregory Tony was appointed by Florida Gov. DeSantis previously suspended former sheriff Scott Israel following the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February of 2018. Tony was appointed to replace Israel the following January, one of the first major actions by the newly elected DeSantis. Sheriff Tony joined Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg on This Week in South Florida and the full video of their discussion can be seen at the top of this page. To view former sheriff Scott Israels Sunday morning appearance on TWISF, click here.
Sheriff: Silence is standing in the way of ‘Justice for Bree’
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Bree Black’s killer remains on the loose. Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony said the community can’t allow this and needs to speak up about what they witnessed the night she died. Combined with the offering from Broward Crime Stoppers, that brings the total reward up to $8,000. Bryan Tutler and Detective Louis Bonhomme are asking anyone with information about the murder to call 954-321-4377 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue paramedics found Bree Black dead on July 3.
This Week in South Florida: Candidate for Broward County Sheriff Al Pollock
PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. And then there were nine, as in nine candidates running for Broward County Sheriff. You're probably well aware of incumbent Gregory Tony and former sheriff Scott Israel. Another leading contender is a department veteran presenting as a drama-free candidate. Al Pollock, who retired from BSO in 2017 after 40 years, rising from a patrol deputy to colonel, joined This Week in South Florida. The full video can be seen at the top of this page.
Broward sheriff says operation cracking down on large gatherings will stay focused on Central Broward
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony held a virtual news conference Wednesday morning to speak about the agencys ongoing operation aimed at preventing violent crimes in Central Broward, as well as cracking down on large gatherings and parties. The news conference comes weeks after deputies responded to four separate shootings in unincorporated Central Broward within the same weekend. The sheriff says three of the shootings occurred during large house parties that are illegal because of the coronavirus outbreak. According to the sheriff, there have been more than 1,100 calls about house parties and large gatherings since March throughout the entire county. According to the sheriff, more than two dozen calls for service have been received by BSO in the past two weeks from District 5.
Free walk-up testing site opens in Broward County
PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. Leaders is Broward County will hold a news conference Wednesday morning at a new coronavirus testing site in Pembroke Park. The news conference at the Koinonia Worship Center and Village at 4900 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd. is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.Broward County Mayor Dale Holness will speak at the press briefing, along with Rep. Shevrin Jones, Broward County Commissioner Dr. Barbara Sharief, Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony, West Park Vice Mayor Brian Johnson and West Park Commissioner Felicia Brunson. The walk-up testing site will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday only. No appointments are need to be tested and testing is free to all.
Broward Sheriff cracking down on illegal house parties
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony says the party is over, particularly when it comes to illegal large gatherings in the wee hours of the morning. Over the past weekend, deputies responded to four separate shootings in unincorporated Central Broward. The sheriff says three of the shootings occurred during large house parties that are illegal because of the coronavirus outbreak. BSO has received over 1,100 calls about house parties and large gatherings since March. Theyre large parties, theyre not in compliance with the CDC.
South Florida corrections officers, inmates growing concerned about lack of safety in prisons as COVID-19 cases spike
Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony said 58 county inmates have tested positive since the pandemic began. "As of today, we have one inmate (currently in custody) that actually tested positive," Tony told Livingston. BSO told Local 10 that 760 of its employees have tested positive for COVID-19, 106 of which have recovered. 34 of the 58 have recovered and are also still in custody, while 22 of the positive inmates have since been released. One inmate has tested positive and another is pending results from a recent test.