A Key Biscayne Police detective is in the hot seat after a recording surfaced where he is heard disparaging the mother of a child sex abuse victim. The officer, Detective Fernando Carvajal, was investigating gymnastics coach Oscar Olea who is facing charges for allegedly sexually assaulting minors, WSVN reported.
During a formal interview conducted on his cellphone about a month ago, Carvajal remarked, "She’s a scumbag. She actually screwed up the first (inaudible) case," this according to an audio recording obtained by The Miami Herald. This comment has sparked an administrative review by the Key Biscayne Police Department. The chief of police, Frank J. Sousa, acknowledged the incident, saying that Detective Carvajal was contrite, remorseful, and embarrassed when addressing the issue with him.
The gaffe could potentially harm the prosecution's case against Olea, warns Adriana Alcalde, a former Broward County prosecutor. She told WSVN, "Calling her a scumbag, it’s just uncalled for. There’s no need for him to say that, there’s no need for him to comment like that." Alcalde expressed concern that such a comment could advantage Olea's defense by casting doubt on the mother's credibility.
With Carvajal taking the stand just days ago to shed light on the investigation, the comments have now put the police force, and possibly the case itself, on the defensive. "They are going to question [Carvajal], why is he questioning the mother’s credibility?" Alcalde said. "It seems like he’s thrown a monkey wrench into this entire case, which seems to be a pretty solid case." Meanwhile, Olea is scheduled to face a judge for his arraignment next Wednesday, as per WSVN.
