Miami Officer Accused of Protecting Illegal Gambling Ring

MIAMI, FL – A former City of Miami Police officer is facing the music after being slapped with federal extortion charges. Jerry Sutherland, 28, of Miami-Dade County, is accused of using his badge to protect and profit from an illegal gambling operation. The Department of Justice announced the charges today, detailing a pattern of alleged abuse of power for personal gain.

According to the Information filed in court, Sutherland allegedly began his criminal enterprise on or around January 28, 2014, agreeing to provide protection and facilitate the smooth running of an illicit gambling ring in exchange for cold, hard cash. The feds say he didn’t stop there. Months later, on or about July 15, 2014, Sutherland is accused of agreeing to *help steal* from the very same operation he was supposedly protecting – all for more money.

U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer and FBI Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro made the announcement, alongside City of Miami Police Chief Rodolfo Llanes. This wasn’t a solo operation, the investigation was a joint effort between the FBI Miami Area Corruption Task Force and the City of Miami Police Department Internal Affairs Section, signaling a serious breach of trust within the force.

The charges stem from the Hobbs Act, a federal law that prohibits obstruction of commerce through extortion. If convicted, Sutherland could face significant prison time. The Information alleges he knowingly and unlawfully attempted to obstruct, delay, and affect commerce – fancy legal language for strong-arming people and running a protection racket.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Harry C. Wallace, Jr. is leading the prosecution. It’s a stark reminder that even those sworn to uphold the law aren’t above it. The feds are quick to point out that an indictment or Information is merely an accusation, and Sutherland is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But the evidence, if true, paints a damning picture of a rogue officer willing to betray his oath for a quick buck.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds. Documents related to the charges can be found on the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida website (http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls) and the District Court for the Southern District of Florida (http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov).

RELATED: Oregon Man Convicted in Jan. 6 Capitol Riot

RELATED: Florida Man Pepper-Sprays Cops at Jan. 6 Riot