Ex-Miami Police Sgt. Convicted On Federal Charges
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A former City of Miami police sergeant has been convicted of drug conspiracy and civil rights violations among other charges by a federal jury.
Raul Iglesias was found guilty after a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga.
He was convicted of eight counts of 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.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Iglesias used his position as a supervisor of the anti-narcotics unit to plant cocaine on a suspect, steal drugs and money from other suspects, obstruct justice and make false statements to federal investigators.
U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer stated, "A law enforcement badge brings with it privileges and responsibilities. Although it bestows on the bearer the trust and respect of the community, the bearer is expected to preserve that trust through his actions: by following the law, doing what is right, and seeking to do justice. Sergeant Iglesias, unfortunately, did just the opposite: he broke the law by planting drugs on a private citizen, distributing drugs, obstructing justice, and making false statements. My office, and the honest and dedicated men and women in law enforcement, have zero tolerance for such corruption."
Iglesias was relieved of duty in May of 2010 after 16 years on the force.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 28, 2013. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
