“Infamous Cop” Joins DeSantis’s Paramilitary Force

The Miami Herald reports:

Javier Ortiz, the Miami police captain whose long history of citizen complaints alleging beatings, false arrests and harassment made him notorious in the city he swore to protect and serve, has joined Ron DeSantis’ Florida State Guard.

Ortiz, 44, joined the paramilitary organization in February, about a year after the Miami Police Department rescinded his firing on the condition that he give up his work-issued gun, work a nighttime desk job and commit to an early retirement.

As a member of the State Guard, Ortiz can now be deployed to respond to natural disasters and situations the governor deems to be emergencies, such as stopping migrants at sea or at the southern border in Texas.

Read the full article.

An infamous Miami cop — whose long history of citizen complaints alleging beatings, false arrests & harassment made him notorious — joins #Florida @GovRonDeSantis‘ paramilitary force. What could possibly go wrong? https://t.co/esXJl5Ocov via @anaceballos_ & @ChuckRabin

— Craig Pittman (@craigtimes) May 7, 2024

“Miami’s most corrupt cop” Javier Ortiz — who has 50 citizen complaints, 20 use-of-force incidents, 3 suspensions, a termination, cost taxpayers $600K+ in lawsuits, and FBI found “engaged in a pattern of abuse and bias against minorities” — just joined DeSantis’ paramilitary…

— Billy Corben (@BillyCorben) May 7, 2024

Ortiz told Miami city commissioners “I am a Black male” after he was caught lying about his race — on a 2014 lieutenant’s exam and 2017 captain’s application — so he could get promoted. His original @MiamiPD application says he’s white Hispanic. #BecauseMiami pic.twitter.com/zD05TbvcU9

— Billy Corben (@BillyCorben) May 7, 2024

Ortiz was terminated in September 2022, then reinstated in May 2023 with “all backpay” and benefits on his $155,004.96 salary, to work the night shift from home while able to “work outside employment,” then must retire on November 7, 2025 with full public pension. #BecauseMiami… pic.twitter.com/5DocTR4z43

— Billy Corben (@BillyCorben) May 7, 2024