Story Archive

Evidence

In January, according to officials, Broward County, Fla., sheriff’s deputy Eduardo Jesus Mesa went to collect a dead man’s property. But they say he didn’t turn in some prescription medications as evidence. In July, they got a warrant and searched Mesa’s patrol car, allegedly finding painkillers and tranquilizers. Mesa has been charged with armed drug trafficking — armed because he’s a police officer, and trafficking because of the amount found. Mesa’s lawyer protests that it isn’t even alleged that Mesa sold or used the drugs. “This stuff is allegedly in the police car, seven months after it was picked up,” he said. “We’re not above the law,” counters Sheriff Scott Israel. “We’re right there with everybody else.” (AC/South Florida Sun-Sentinel, WSVN Miami) ...Good cop: one willing to arrest bad cops.