Miami Cop William Kostopoulos Convicted in Civil Rights Heist

A Miami-Dade Police detective used his badge to rob motorists, then lied to cover it up. William Kostopoulos, 49, was convicted by a federal jury on charges of violating civil rights and obstructing justice — crimes that strip trust from the thin blue line he once wore.

The Justice Department confirmed the verdict, detailing how Kostopoulos pulled over two separate drivers in 2013 not to enforce the law, but to steal cash under the shield of authority. Federal prosecutors say he seized money during traffic stops, violating the Fourth Amendment rights of innocent people who expected protection, not plunder.

Kostopoulos didn’t just break the law — he mocked it. When investigators began asking questions, he fed them false stories, deliberately stalling and distorting facts to block federal probes. His attempt to bury the truth only dug his hole deeper, landing him on the wrong side of a federal indictment.

“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,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Thomas Wheeler of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “He violated not only the law, but also the public trust.”

U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer and FBI Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro echoed that sentiment, stressing that while Kostopoulos betrayed his oath, the majority of officers still serve with integrity. “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.”

Kostopoulos now faces up to 22 years in federal prison. Sentencing is set for April 19, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Marcia G. Cooke in Miami. The case was investigated by the FBI, with support from Homestead and Miami-Dade police. Prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward N. Stamm, Tonya R. Long, and Samantha Trepel of the Civil Rights Division.

RELATED: Badge & Robbery: Miami Cop Convicted of Civil Rights Theft