A former City of Miami Police sergeant has pleaded guilty to violating a protective order, a federal offense that carries a potential life sentence.
Raul Iglesias, 41, of Miami, pleaded guilty to one count of criminal contempt for posting protected audio recordings of undercover conversations on YouTube and an internet message board.
The recordings, made by cooperating detectives as part of an investigation into Iglesias’ alleged theft of money and drugs from arrests, were protected by a court order to prevent intimidation and harassment of the witnesses.
Iglesias was initially charged with conspiracy, violation of civil rights, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, obstruction of justice, and making false statements in 2012. A federal jury found him guilty on eight of the nine counts, and he was sentenced to 48 months in prison.
However, just days before he was set to begin serving his sentence, Iglesias posted the protected recordings on YouTube and LEOAFFAIRS, an internet message board popular among law enforcement.
The postings, titled ‘Miami Mice,’ were made using Iglesias’ screen name, ‘Chivas Regal.’ The protected recordings became public, prompting unknown individuals to post threatening and derogatory comments against the cooperating detectives on the internet message board.
The CSU detectives also received threatening notes on their vehicles and in their mailboxes, leading them to stop responding to calls for backup.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 5, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Ursula Ungaro. Iglesias faces life in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, MPD, and the Miami Area Corruption Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Selmore.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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