Key Takeaways:
- Sergio Velázquez, former Hialeah Police chief, faces charges of money laundering, fraud, and grand theft.
- Velázquez, 61, served as chief from 2012 to 2021 and later worked as an electrician.
- He was arrested and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
- This isn’t his first time facing misconduct allegations during his career.
Ex-Police Chief Charged with Serious Crimes
Sergio Velázquez, the former police chief of Hialeah, Florida, is in serious trouble. He was recently arrested and charged with money laundering, fraud, and grand theft involving large sums of money. Velázquez, who is 61 years old, served as Hialeah’s police chief from 2012 to 2021. After leaving the force, he worked as an electrician.
On Monday, Velázquez was taken into custody and held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. The charges against him are severe:
- Money laundering and evading registration reports involving more than $100,000.
- Organized fraud exceeding $50,000.
- First-degree grand theft involving more than $100,000.
These charges suggest that Velázquez allegedly mishandled a significant amount of money, leading to a lengthy investigation and his eventual arrest.
Who Is Sergio Velázquez?
Sergio Velázquez is a well-known name in Hialeah, a city in the Miami area with a large Hispanic population, mostly of Cuban descent. During his time as police chief, Velázquez was no stranger to controversy. Even before these fraud allegations, he faced several misconduct claims.
One of the earliest scandals involved Velázquez reportedly starting a romantic relationship with a woman he met after she was arrested for driving under the influence. That situation raised eyebrows and ethical concerns.
Another major issue came when the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) investigated Velázquez for 18 months. The investigation focused on a “pattern of criminal misconduct.” One of the most shocking accusations involved Velázquez allegedly setting fire to a man’s car. The man’s former partner was reportedly dating Velázquez at the time.
Despite this lengthy investigation, no charges were filed against Velázquez at the time.
Hialeah Mayor Responds to the Arrest
When news of Velázquez’s arrest broke, Hialeah Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves released a statement. She called the situation “a sad moment for our city.” However, she emphasized the city’s confidence in its current leadership, particularly Police Chief George Fuente.
Mayor Garcia-Roves said, “Today, as the mayor of the second safest city in the entire state of Florida, I want to reaffirm our complete confidence in the leadership and integrity of Chief George Fuente.”
She also stated that the city remains focused on building trust and ensuring transparency and accountability in its institutions.
Looking Ahead
This case is a reminder that even those in positions of power can face serious consequences for their actions. Velázquez’s arrest and charges have sent shockwaves through the community, especially given his history as a law enforcement leader.
As this case unfolds, residents of Hialeah will likely be watching closely to see how it impacts the city’s police department and its reputation. The city’s focus on moving forward with transparency and accountability will be key to rebuilding trust.
For now, Velázquez’s future remains uncertain. If convicted, he could face significant penalties, including jail time and fines.
This story highlights the importance of accountability in public service and the need for leaders to uphold the trust placed in them. Stay tuned for more updates as this case develops.