A Friend Indeed

Meet Camilo Padreda, dynamic businessman, faithful Republican, patron of law enforcement, convicted felon

A A A Comments By Tristram Korten Thursday, Jan 30 2003

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Felix Rodriguez added this: "We tried to get them [the mayor and the chief] together. We are friends of Chief Martinez. We're very proud of him. He's the first Cuban-American police chief."

The meeting failed to sway the mayor, and three months later Martinez announced his resignation.

Valerie Sebring

Steve Satterwhite

The FBI's Hector Pesquera (left) is a Camilo Padreda fan, as is recently retired Miami Police Chief Raul Martinez (right)

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Back at the CSC clinic in Little Havana, Padreda sweeps aside any concerns about his influence within the police department -- past, present, or future. He would never have pushed Chief Martinez to promote someone: "If I told him to promote John Doe, what do you think he would do? He would not listen to me.

"I'm a businessman," he continues. "You know who has the power in Miami? The people who raise money for politicians. I don't do that anymore. Fourteen years I'm not involved in politics." He pauses for effect. "I have friends, yes. And I will help my friends in any way I can. Maybe someday you call me and say your wife, your daughter needs help. My door is open to you."

And then he gestures toward that door. The conversation is over.