Sergio Velazquez, who led the Hialeah Police Department from 2012 until his suspension in 2021, was arrested Monday on multiple charges including organized fraud, grand theft, and money laundering, according to officials.
The charges stem from an extensive investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle’s office. At a news conference, Rundle revealed that $3.2 million in funds intended for undercover narcotics operations had gone missing during Velazquez’s tenure. Investigators say 147 checks were cashed from a safe in the former chief’s office — a safe only he and a few trusted individuals could access.
Forensic audits showed most of the funds were unaccounted for and never documented. From 2015 to 2021, Velazquez allegedly made over 900 cash deposits into various accounts across multiple banks.
FDLE Special Agent John Vecchio said Velazquez used some of the stolen funds to purchase luxury items, including Rolex watches, and goods from Cartier and Versace.
Further investigation revealed Velazquez was facing significant personal financial troubles, including about $150,000 in credit card debt and nearly $80,000 owed on a mortgage he retained after a divorce.
In response to the arrest, Hialeah Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves issued a statement expressing disappointment over the former chief’s actions while reinforcing trust in current Police Chief George Fuente. She emphasized the city’s ongoing commitment to transparency and public service.
