A former City of Miami police officer, Frenel Cenat, was sentenced today for charges of extortion and attempting to distribute cocaine following a guilty plea in March. According to WSVN, Cenat was arrested last year when undercover agents posed as drug traffickers and were subjected to traffic stops by Cenat, who then offered to take bribes in lieu of arrest.
Now facing a federal prison sentence from a minimum of 10 years to a life term, Cenat had exploited his authority, exploiting it in a scheme to confiscate money and drugs. According to the Miami Herald, Cenat, operating at times under the alias "Officer Martez," was caught in an undercover sting which led to his arrest after he split the $52,000 obtained from one agent with an informant.
The corruption case, which began as a tip-off, culminated in Senior U.S. District Judge James Cohn's courtroom in Fort Lauderdale. U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida will provide more details in an upcoming press conference, as cited by WSVN.
Caught up using his department-issued unmarked cruiser to strong-arm those assumed to be in the drug trade, this former officer pleaded guilty earlier this year. "By these actions, the defendant completely betrayed the trust placed in him by the [Miami Police Department] and the community he was sworn to serve and protect," said federal prosecutor Edward Stamm, recommending a sentence of 11 years, details of which were obtained by the Miami Herald.
In a statement obtained by the Miami Herald, Howard Schumacher, Cenat's defense lawyer, acknowledged the negative impact of Cenat’s actions on his client's life, stating, "As a result of his conduct in this matter, he has lost his position, his pension and his family is further struggling with the loss of his income." Cenat must also pay $13,000 in a forfeiture judgment according to the court records.
The case has underscored the serious repercussions faced by law enforcement officers who succumb to the temptations of abusing their power. Chief Manuel Morales, while addressing the situation last November, emphasized the gravity of the breach of trust, highlighting how the actions of one corrupt officer can tarnish the badge they once wore proudly. More updates are awaited as the U.S. Attorney's Office holds the press briefing promised subsequent to the sentencing.
