Three Miami cops were arrested today for allegedly providing protection to drug traffickers.
One of the cops is also accused of selling a Miami police uniform and badge for $1,500 with the understanding that a hit man would wear them to kill a person who had “violated a drug trafficker’s trust,” according to WSVN.
But the buyer turned out to be an undercover FBI agent.
Schonton Harris, who attempted to sell the uniform and badge, is also accused of selling and using drugs. She ended up receiving $17,000 during the FBI investigation.
The other cops, Kelvin Harris and James Archibald, each received $10,000 and $6,500 respectively.
Schonton Harris has been on the force for nearly 20 years while Kelvin Harris, no relation, has been on the force for 26 years.
Archibald has only been on the force for two-and-a-half years.
“These three officers are charged with committing the very crimes they have a duty to investigate, to report and to help prosecute,” U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan said during a press conference.
“Instead of ridding our streets of drugs, which are ravaging our communities, these officers were willing to profit from money laundering and drug trafficking enterprises. They were willing to work as armed escorts for drug traffickers.”
Miami Police Chief Jorge Colina said they received a tip from a citizen, which they turned over to the FBI.
“Our agency is repulsed by the actions of these three individuals being arrested today,” Colina said. “I hope these arrests serve as a warning to any officer who would break their oath, shame our ranks and dishonor our badge. There is no refuge for you here. If you are corrupt, we will find you, and you will answer for your crimes.”
The three cops have been charged with several charges, including conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute as well as using a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
According to a payroll document from 2014, Kelvin Harris was making more than $69,000-a-year while Schonton Harris was making $65,000. Archibald is not listed on the document because he had not yet been hired.
