Quid pro quo allegation made on podcast may explain probe of former Miami commissioner
A former election opponent’s allegation, lodged on a local podcast in November, that a then-Miami commissioner offered him a lucrative sum in exchange for an endorsement may shed light on why she’s now facing a criminal investigation.
Alex Diaz de la Portilla sends flyers to Broward residents trashing state attorney who charged him
A Spanish-language flyer sent to Broward residents by suspended Miami City Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla disparages State Attorney Harold Pryor, who filed the criminal case against the ex-official.
Online recruiting investigation leads to rearrest of accused Miami sex trafficker
A 41-year-old Miami man has been rearrested on human trafficking charges following an undercover investigation in California, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and City of Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales announced Friday in a news release.
How ‘predator’ defrauded ‘vulnerable’ victims in Miami’s Coconut Grove, according to prosecutors
Nerelis Leiva who was working as a receptionist at a doctor’s office when she met her 82-year-old victim and his partner was set to appear in court on Wednesday in Miami-Dade County, according to prosecutors.
Former Hammocks HOA president in court after ‘organized crime scheme’ arrest
Former Hammocks Homeowners Association President Marglli Gallego, who was arrested last year for misappropriating funds, appeared in court once again Wednesday, one day after prosecutors charged her and four other board members in what they described as an “organized crime scheme.”
Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office prepared to respond to complaints of price gouging
The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday that they are prepared to respond to any complaints of price gouging in the county following the state of emergency that was declared last week by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Miami Beach police accuse woman of selling fraudulent disabled parking placards
An undercover sting operation by Miami Beach police led to the arrest of a woman who sold fraudulently-obtained disabled parking placards for up to $200 a piece, according to the office of Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle.
Ex-Hialeah firefighter sold up to $870K in fraudulent life support certifications: Prosecutors
A retired Hialeah firefighter is accused of selling American Heart Association life support certifications without giving recipients the proper training, potentially making hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said Friday.
Broward state attorney to investigate corruption claims against Miami officials
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle has recused herself from the probe into corruption claims against elected City of Miami officials that were made last year by ousted Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo, documents obtained Tuesday by Local 10 News show.
Miami-Dade State Attorney announces charges against 3 police officers after FDLE investigations
Three officers from different police departments are facing charges in three cases after investigations by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement revealed wrongdoing, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle announced on Wednesday afternoon.
Circle of Brotherhood on 5 officers facing misdemeanor battery for violent arrests: ‘Charges are as weak as church water wine’
A Miami nonprofit that encourages Black men to engage in community activism is planning to hold a news conference in Miami Beach about the recent arrests of tourists from New York and Kentucky at the Royal Palm Hotel in South Beach.
Son charged, mother flees country after exploiting elderly relative in Hialeah, stealing over $500k including his home
A 19-year-old man has been arrested but his mother appears to have fled the country after the duo exploited their 93-year-old uncle from Hialeah, leaving him penniless, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office announced on Friday.
Four people charged in Walmart money transfer scheme worth $360,000 in South Florida
According to Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo Ramirez, four individuals ranging from 26 years old to 31 years old have been charged for an organized fraudulent scheme involving Walmart wire transfers.
2 officers arrested for allegedly falsifying traffic tickets in Hialeah
Two Hialeah Police Department officers are facing criminal charges after investigators accused them of writing false tickets and submitting those tickets as evidence of alleged traffic violations, Miami-Dade officials announced on Wednesday.
Prosecutors pursue hate crime charges against South Florida doctor
HIALEAH, Fla. – Prosecutors say they’re pursuing hate crime charges against a South Florida doctor accused of attacking a Hispanic man at a supermarket in Hialeah. Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle announced Monday that her office is charging Dr. Jennifer Susan Wright with battery with prejudice and two other counts. Police said Wright caused $567.64 worth of damage to the trunk of the victim’s car, and the rear passenger-side door. According to the arrest report, the incident didn’t stop there and Wright punched the victim in the face as he took out his phone to call 911. We are even more concerned that the State Attorney’s statements may be calculated to influence potential jurors in this case.
Miami-Dade officials discuss ‘gun violence epidemic’
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and other local leaders held a news conference Tuesday afternoon to discuss what they are calling the “gun violence epidemic” in the area and to raise awareness about the ongoing investigation of a shooting that left a 6-year-old girl dead last month. Levine Cava said the gun violence in Miami-Dade County is a “public health crisis and we need to treat it that way.”She said early intervention and assistance from the community will help curb violent crimes. Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle also spoke at the event. AdThe shooting also left two adults injured, including an employee of the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office. Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez reiterated the mayor’s statements about working together to bring justice for victims of gun violence and to stop violent crimes in the area.
Hialeah couple posted homemade porn for a price and included sex with 16-year-old, police say
HIALEAH, Fla. – A Hialeah couple, who was allegedly creating homemade pornography videos, was arrested and charged with human trafficking as well as sexually abusing, raping and exploiting a 16-year-old-girl. Roberto Cuesta, 27, and Julietta Vado, 23, allegedly were creating videos then posting the pornography on their OnlyFans site. The teenager told investigators Cuesta and Vado were aware of her age and also knew she was high on narcotics at the time. She said the video was posted on the website OnlyFans, where the couple sell homemade pornography. AdLocal 10 News was told that Cuesta and Vado have made about $6,000 from their OnlyFans account.
Sneaker reseller Benjamin Kickz faces charge after brutal beating at Fontainebleau Miami Beach
MIAMI – Benjamin Kapelushnik, better known as Benjamin Kickz, was at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on Thursday afternoon facing a charge stemming from a brutal beating at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. “Internet fame or celebrity grants no one the right to violate the law,” State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle wrote on Twitter after announcing her decision to charge the social media influencer with strong-arm robbery, a second-degree felony. A witness said Alemu, 19, told Kapelushnik that he had not taken a picture of him, but he didn’t believe him. Prosecutors said Alemu still needs to undergo surgery nearly a week after the attack. “The actions that put a young man in the hospitals are crimes, plain and simple,” Fernandez Rundle wrote.
Arrest made in Miami-Dade cold case murder from nearly 20 years ago
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade police and the State Attorney’s office announced that a cold case murder has been solved. 45-year-old Berkley Calvin Curtis is facing a second-degree murder charge, arrested for the 2001 killing of his ex-girlfriend, 26-year-old Rebecca Peña. “It’s a very circumstantial case,” Rundle told Loal 10′s Liane Morejon. Police said weights were found inside the suitcase, an apparent effort to make sure it would sink. “Any nugget of information will help us in this case,” Rundle said.
Dade guard charged after making undercover deal to bring cocaine into prison, according to state attorney
MIAMI, Fla. – A Dade Correctional Institution sergeant was charged after allegedly making a deal with an undercover Miami-Dade Police officer to take cocaine into the facility in exchange for $3,000. Dade Correctional Institution Sergeant Travis Thompson was charged with one count of cocaine trafficking, according to Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, who said her office worked with MDPD on the narcotics investigation. Thompson, who Rundle said in a statement, has worked for the Florida Department of Corrections since 2015, made contact with an undercover MDPD officer. It is alleged that he then agreed to accept $3,000 and an amount of cocaine with “the intention of bringing the cocaine into the Dade Correctional Institution premises.” Rundle said when Thompson took the cocaine and cash he was arrested. “Bringing drugs into a prison is like lighting a match near an open container of gasoline, dangerous and foolish,” Fernandez Rundle said.
Hialeah man who fled to Panama after killing pedestrian arrested
MIAMI SPRINGS, Fla. – A Hialeah man who fled to Panama after his involvement in two car crashes, one killing a pedestrian, was captured while on his way to Cuba, investigators said Friday. The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office and Miami Springs police said that Eddy Enrique Nuñez, 54, was involved in a three-car accident on Jan. 4, 2020, then fled that scene in Miami Springs. After leaving that scene, he crashed a few blocks away after losing control of his car and then ran over a pedestrian. Miami Springs police said Nuñez dragged Tracy Berry, 43, under his car for several blocks, killing her. Nuñez is charged with vehicular homicide and is being held in Miami-Dade County’s Turner Guilford Knight Correction Center on a $15,000 bond.
Longtime state attorney’s office employee dies in house fire
NORTH MIAMI, Fla. – A family is mourning the loss of Lindy Bell, described as kind-hearted and dedicated. The 53-year-old mom, who had worked for the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office for more than three decades, died on Tuesday after a fire broke out at her home in North Miami. She lived there with her only son and her 95-year-old motherAccording to family, it was that son, Brandon, who was able to get his grandmother outside to safety during the blaze. He then went back in — through fire and thick smoke — to try to save his mother. “Lindy served her community as a parent and as a child support employee,” State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said in a statement.
Former North Miami Beach commissioner sentenced for taking bribes from strip club owner
NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Former North Miami Beach Commissioner Frantz Pierre has been sentenced to two years of community control with a GPS monitor followed by four years of reporting probation for taking bribes from a strip club owner, prosecutors announced on Wednesday. According to the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, Pierre pleaded guilty to taking $12,500 in bribes from the business owner for his city commission vote to allow extended after-hours liquor sales at the strip club. Pierre also pleaded guilty to stealing $2,000 from the city through a fraudulent grant application, prosecutors said. Neither I nor the skilled investigators of my Public Corruption Task Force will ever allow that to happen.”Prosecutors said Pierre pleaded guilty to all charges. Pierre has been ordered to repay the stolen $2,000 to the city and has since resigned from his commission seat.
Miami-Dade postal pileup investigated, but mail ballots will arrive in time, supervisor says
Postal inspectors are in Miami-Dade checking for any mail-in ballots in backlog as the clock ticks toward an Election Day deadline of 7 p.m. Tuesday. Postal Service] assures us all ballots have been delivered,” Deputy Supervisor of Elections Suzy Trutie said Monday morning. “The person who sent me the video is an employee of the postal service,” McGee said. Postal Service. Voters are urged to check the status of their mail-in ballots as there is still time to clear up any issues.
Miami-Dade State Attorney says her office will look into actions of uniformed cop in political mask
Here is @CityofMiami Police Officer Daniel Ubeda, in full uniform with badge and gun wearing his Trump mask inside of the polling location in government center. “The City of Miami and the Miami Police Department do not support or endorse any candidate for political party or elected office,” Suarez said. “It is our mission to provide impartial police services to everyone regardless of political affiliation.”Colina said that Ubeda will be disciplined for the actions. At last check, there has been no actions taken by Colina or the department concerning the incident. We are aware of the photograph being circulated of a Miami Police officer wearing a political mask in uniform.
Martial arts academy defrauded The Children’s Trust of nearly $300K, prosecutors say
MIAMI – The now-closed United Martial Arts Academy in Homestead defrauded a local government program to help children in need of about $300,000 between 2015 and 2017, prosecutors said on Wednesday. Investigators believe the academy, co-owned by Enrique Regalado and Kelly Mendoza, was defrauding The Children’s Trust, which has been funded by taxpayers in Miami-Dade County since 2002. State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle released a statement saying The Children’s Trust reported the case to investigators and prosecutors. “The alleged theft of Children’s Trust funds hurts those kids who need help the most,” Fernandez Rundle said. The Children’s Trust reported the 2020-21 general fund budget allocated $157.5 million to contracted programs in Miami-Dade County.
Men followed victims home from flea market before drive by shooting, state attorney says
MIAMI, Fla. – A 7-year-old girl killed in a drive-by shooting in July was the victim of a grievance between the young girl’s older brother and two other men, according to the state attorney’s office. One of the two suspects charged in the drive by shooting of Alana Washington was in court Thursday. The person who shot and killed Alana and injured 3 others, according to Rundle, was Jaris Baker-Flanders, 23, who was apprehended in Georgia. WATCH: Miami-Dade State Attorney holds news conference giving details on July drive-by shooting. Alana’s mother Niecey Drayton told Local 10 she has been waiting for this day since the drive by shooting in Brownsville.
Accused Super Bowl sex trafficker arrested; sold 17-year-old for cash, prosecutor says
MIAMI A man accused of coming to Miami Beach ahead of the Super Bowl and trafficking a 17-year-old online for sex has been arrested. Prosecutors say Carter and the 17-year-old are from Georgia but were down in South Florida ahead of this years Super Bowl when detectives were conducting an undercover operation to uncover sex trafficking. Miami Beach detectives looked through online escort postings and said they found evidence connecting Carter to the sale of the 17-year-old for sexual services. Police recovered the victim but Carter got away in a car that he eventually left behind. Miami Beach Detectives and all the human trafficking task force partners did a fantastic job investigating this case and obtaining the evidence leading to this arrest.
August 2020 Primary: Miami-Dade State Attorney
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle is facing off against opponent Melba Pearson Tuesday as she seeks an eighth term in office. Fernandez Rundle has been Miami-Dades state attorney since 1993 and has come under criticism for never charging an on-duty police officer with murder in her 27 years in office. The shower was so hot that his skin separated from his body, their letter to the Department of Justice stated. Fernandez Rundle maintained that the civil arena requires a lower standard of proof than the criminal arena. We have to be able to prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt, she said.
Officers actions caught on video in 2018 continue to be scrutinized
MIAMI An officers actions during a 2018 arrest are being scrutinized. Attorney Sebastian Ohanian said the officers use of force isnt justified. Melba Pearson, a former prosecutor who is seeking to unseat Miami-Dade County State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, said she agrees with Ohanian. Fernandez Rundle did not comment on the ongoing investigation. RELATED STORY: Video of Miami-Dade arrest shows officer kneeling on man who says I cant breathe
Panama extradites Coral Gables rape suspect deported by ICE in 2018
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said Orozcos deportation undercut the very credibility of the criminal justice system. Neither I nor our law enforcement partners could ever allow that to stand, Fernandez Rundle said in a statement. Miami-Dade prosecutors in the extradition section of the legal unit worked closely with the Coral Gables Police Department and the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs. Officers arrested him Sept. 11, 2018 and ICE deported him 13 days later. This criminal case will finally be resolved in a courtroom, Fernandez Rundle said.
RACE RESULTS: South Florida 2020 Primary Results
Voters across South Florida headed to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots in the Primary Election. Some of the evening’s most watched races included a tight Broward Sheriff’s Office battle, Miami-Dade’s current State Attorney keeping her long-held post, and the Broward Clerk of Courts re-election despite doubts after criticisms and bizarre behavior. See the complete list of race results for South Florida (results may take a few seconds to load):
17-year-old accused of trafficking teenage girl for sex in exchange for cash, drugs
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. A 17-year-old boy is facing serious charges after authorities said he sold a 14-year-old girl on social media for sex in exchange for cash and drugs. The State Attorneys Office said the teenage girl had run away from home weeks before she was trafficked by Javier Quintero. The teen said Quintero told her she could make $250 an hour by performing sexual acts with men in exchange for money. The girl told detectives that she would have up to five dates in one day. Authorities said Quintero provided the teen with a variety of drugs, as well, including MDMA, cocaine, marijuana and Percocet.
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: Katherine Fernandez Rundle and Melba Pearson
PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. With elections coming up, one of the most-watched races in South Florida is for Miami-Dade County's top prosecutor. Katherine Fernandez Rundle has been the Miami-Dade State Attorney since 1993. Running against Rundle is Melba Pearson, a former prosecutor in the same Miami-Dade office. Pearson most recently has been the Deputy Director of the ACLU of Florida. The two candidates appeared on This Week in South Florida for a spirited discussion and debate.
Miami-Dade State Attorney race one of the most important on primary
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. One of the most important races in Miami-Dade County on the primary ballot on Aug. 18 is the race for State Attorney. Katherine Fernandez Rundle is in her 27th year as Miami-Dade State Attorney. But Melba Pearson, who worked for Rundle for 15 years, believes it is time for new blood at the state attorneys office. I am running for state attorney because, for too long, there has not been equal justice, Pearson said. Pearson, 46, had been an assistant state attorney for 15 years in Miami .
District Attorney race in Miami-Dade County should be interesting
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. One of the most important races in Miami-Dade County on the primary ballot on Aug. 18 is the race for State Attorney. Katherine Fernandez Rundle is in her 27th year as Miami-Dade State Attorney. I am running for state attorney because, for too long, there has not been equal justice, Pearson said. Pearson, 46, had been an assistant state attorney for 15 years in Miami . It is clear that charges could have been filed in this case to hold the officers accountable for boiling a man to death, Pearson said.
Activists call for State Attorney Fernandez Rundle to step down
MIAMI – A group of organizers gathered Friday to call for Katherine Fernandez Rundle’s resignation and to spotlight cases in which they say the State Attorney for Miami-Dade County’s office failed to do its job. Among them was Crystal Foster whose brother Edward Foster III was shot and killed by a Homestead police officer in 2015. “We want justice,” Crystal Foster said. We need new leadership in this office.”Fernandez Rundle’s office issued a statement Friday saying that Edward Foster’s case remains open. Activists are also calling for Florida legislators to pass a law setting term limits for state attorneys.
Man accused of brandishing gun during racist rant faces charges
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. Joseph Fucheck appeared in Miami-Dade County court on Wednesday morning. Fucheck pulled out a gun. Wynn pulled out his mobile phone and started to record Fuchecks racist and homophobic slurs. Officers arrested Joseph Fucheck on Tuesday after he was accused of holding a man at gunpoint during a racist rant in Miami-Dade County. Miami-Dade County court records show Fucheck, who is being held without bond, has an open March 18 petit theft charge.
Ex-Florida Department of Corrections officer charged with slapping inmate
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. A former Florida Department of Corrections officer has been formally charged with one count of battery on a detainee and one count of failure to report use of force, prosecutors announced on Tuesday. Reinaldo Palenzuela, 28, resigned from the Department of Corrections on July 19, 2019, after working for the department for nearly three years. Prosecutors said Palenzuela never reported the use of force against Whyte as required by Florida law. There can never be an excuse for an officer abusing his authority, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said in a statement. I wish to applaud Department of Corrections Inspector General Lester Fernandez and Inspector Ryan Nicholas for the fine work done on this case.
Trayvon Martins mother marches in Miami rally
MIAMI, Fla. Two separate rallies in downtown Miami were held Sunday, but both had the same goal: to end systemic racism and police brutality. This is not my first protest and it wont be my last, said a woman named Melissa. Trayvon Martins mother, Sybrina Fulton, joined that protest organized by several churches. Several politicians including Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle marched along with them, which stoked mixed feelings. Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle joined in a Black Lives Matter rally in downtown Miami.