Badge & Robbery: Miami Cop Convicted of Civil Rights Theft

MIAMI, FL – A Miami-Dade Police detective learned the hard way that a badge doesn’t buy immunity. William Kostopoulos, 49, was convicted by a federal jury today on charges of violating the civil rights of two motorists and obstructing justice, the Department of Justice announced. The ex-cop used his authority to steal money from drivers he pulled over, a blatant abuse of power that landed him on the wrong side of the law.

The two-week trial revealed Kostopoulos targeted the motorists in 2013, conducting traffic stops with the clear intention of pilfering their cash. Prosecutors proved he violated the Fourth Amendment rights of his victims, essentially turning routine stops into personal robberies. After the thefts, Kostopoulos dug himself deeper, making deliberately misleading statements to federal investigators in a desperate attempt to cover his tracks.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice and the FBI stand committed to holding those who betray the public trust accountable for their criminal actions, while supporting the overwhelming majority of men and women who proudly uphold their duties to serve and protect the community as law-abiding police officers,” stated U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer. The message is clear: no one, regardless of their position, is above the law.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Thomas Wheeler of the Civil Rights Division minced no words: “The defendant abused the power granted to him as a law enforcement officer to prey upon unsuspecting motorists for personal gain and then lied about his criminal actions to investigating detectives. He violated not only the law, but also the public trust.” The case underscores a disturbing pattern of corruption that erodes faith in law enforcement.

FBI Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro emphasized that Kostopoulos’ actions were an aberration. “This officer’s abuse of authority will not be tolerated,” Piro said. “His actions do not represent all other law enforcement officers who are diligent, hard working professionals.” The investigation was a joint effort by the FBI, with assistance from the Homestead and Miami-Dade Police Departments.

Kostopoulos now faces a statutory maximum sentence of 22 years in prison. He is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Marcia G. Cooke in Miami on April 19, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. for sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward N. Stamm, Tonya R. Long, and Samantha Trepel are prosecuting the case, signaling a continued federal commitment to rooting out corruption within the ranks of law enforcement.