Ex-Hialeah Police Chief Sergio Velazquez Arrested for Theft, Walks Out on Bond

Arrest and Charges

• 👮 Sergio Velazquez, former Hialeah Police Chief, was arrested and charged with organized fraud and theft from the department.
• 💰 He bonded out of jail on a $30,000 bond on Tuesday in Miami-Dade County.

Allegations of Misappropriation

• 💡 Prosecutors allege Velazquez used department funds, intended for narcotics investigations, for personal purchases like Rolex and Cartier watches.
• 📉 Investigators claim $2.6 million was unaccounted for after his departure, including over $1 million from civil forfeitures.
• 🏦 The arrest document accuses Velazquez of storing money in his office safe and making bank deposits under $10,000 to avoid reporting requirements.

Ongoing Investigation

• ❓ Key questions remain about whether Velazquez acted alone and if other officials will face charges.
• 🗣️ Velazquez has remained silent regarding the accusations.