Harold James, Miami Cop, Arrested on Charges of Extortion

It has not been a good two days for Miami police officers. Just yesterday, officer Reynaldo Goyos was fired for killing an unarmed man during a traffic stop while officer Luis Hernandez was arrested on charges of kidnapping and sexual battery.Now, yet another officer for the department finds himself in...

By Kyle Munzenrieder

January 31, 2013

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It has not been a good two days for Miami police officers. Just yesterday, officer Reynaldo Goyos was fired for killing an unarmed man during a traffic stop while officer Luis Hernandez was arrested on charges of kidnapping and sexual battery.

Now, yet another officer for the department finds himself in hot water. Harold James was arrested today on extortion charges.

James turned himself in today on charges of extortion.

James had resigned in November after the FBI began investigating a sports-betting ring operated out of a Liberty City barber shop.

From The Miami Herald:

In federal court, James is charged by criminal "information,'' a sign that he is cooperating with authorities and will eventually plead guilty to limit any prison sentence.

At least ten officers are alleged to be involved in the corruption. The officers allegedly provided protection for the off-the-books gambling ring since mid-2010. Seven of those officer have since been relieved of duty or resigned.

Though, James is only the second to be arrested. Officer Nathaniel Dauphin had turned himself in last week.

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