Harold James, a Miami, Florida police officer, was arrested Thursday after he was accused of using his position as an officer to shelter criminal activities, 1.31.13 Miami Dade County Extortion.pdf. James was arrested as part of a gambling ring investigation, and it appears there may be more arrests in connection to the investigation in the near future. James was booked into the Miami-Dade County Jail on two counts of extortion. It is unclear whether he has qualified for bail. It is also unknown whether he has hired a defense lawyer.
Reports say James works as a police officer for the city of Miami. It is unclear how long he has been working with the department or if he has been cited for any wrongdoing in the past. The Miami police department did not release a statement regarding James's arrest. According to reports, James is the second Miami officer arrested in connection with a sports gambling ring investigation; it is unclear whether the other officer was identified publicly.
According to reports, detectives were investigating a Liberty City sports gambling operation when they learned that some Miami police officers were providing security for the criminal ring. James had reportedly been acting as a security agent at the gambling ring's place of operation. "Surveillance, in an unincorporated area of Liberty City, led to the spotting of a Miami officer [James] who allegedly showed up regularly to protect the illicit business," a report says.
Detectives say James "protected and facilitated purported illegal activity, that is, the cashing of fraudulent checks, in exchange for the receipt of a cash payment." Detectives say the criminals paid James $800 for protecting the ring. Reports were unable to provide any more information regarding the alleged gambling ring. When asked about the investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said only, "The FBI does not confirm or deny the existence of investigations."
In other news, a high school student in West Palm Beach was arrested Friday after he was accused of bringing a loaded firearm to school, 2.1.13 School Gun.pdf. The student was not publicly identified, which suggests that he may be a minor. The student was booked into police custody on unspecified charges. It is unclear whether he qualified for bail or hired legal representation.
