Miami-Dade Cop Charged with Gun Smuggling to D.R.

Miami, FL – The Miami-Dade Police Department has been rocked by allegations that one of its own officers, Michael Freshko, 48, is involved in a massive firearms smuggling operation. Freshko is facing charges for conspiracy to unlawfully export firearms from the United States to the Dominican Republic, with flights originating from Miami International Airport.

According to officials, Freshko utilized his position as a MDPD officer to transport firearms past passenger screening and into departure gates at Miami International Airport. The weapons were then hidden in carry-on baggage and transported to the Dominican Republic on commercial flights, where they were delivered to associates.

The criminal information details that Freshko and his co-conspirators have smuggled six firearms from Miami to the Dominican Republic since October 2012. The illegal goods include four Glock .9 mm pistols, one Sig Sauer .9 mm pistol, and one Sig Sauer 5.56 rifle.

Benjamin G. Greenberg, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, announced the charges alongside George L. Piro of the FBI Miami Field Office and Juan J. Perez, Director of the MDPD. Freshko appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William C. Turnoff and is set to be assigned to U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles.

Investigation into this case has been a joint effort involving officers from South Florida and New Jersey, with significant contributions from the FBI Miami Area Corruption Task Force, MDPD Professional Compliance Bureau, FBI Newark Division, DEA Newark Division, and IRS Criminal Investigation.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the integrity issues that can exist within law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Davis is prosecuting the case. As with all criminal charges, Freshko is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

RELATED: Miami Man Accused of Stealing Over $500K in COVID Funds

RELATED: Chiropractors & Recruiter Convicted in $Millions PIP Fraud