Clearwater, Fla. – Clearwater Police Detective Fredrick Lise is facing felony public corruption charges after allegedly aiding two accused drug traffickers during a Pinellas County narcotics investigation. Lise, a 9-year veteran of the Clearwater Police Department and union president, is accused of disclosing confidential law enforcement information to drug dealers Matthew Turner and Henry Smith, both arrested in connection with a dog-fighting scheme.
On Tuesday, Lise was arrested on eight felony charges, including misuse of public office and unlawful use of communication devices. Authorities claim that Lise used law enforcement databases to alert Turner and Smith about investigations into their drug trafficking activities.
According to Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Lise’s actions jeopardized law enforcement efforts, as Turner and Smith used the information to alter their activities and attempt to reduce potential charges. The investigation revealed that Lise had been in contact with the drug traffickers for several months, advising them on how to avoid detection.
Detective Lise, currently on administrative leave, was booked into Pinellas County Jail with a bond of $200,000. A full internal investigation by Clearwater Police is ongoing.