Deputy Arrested

The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) has arrested one of our own deputies.

After receiving information regarding illicit activity involving an MDSO Deputy, the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Internal Affairs Office, Criminal Conspiracy Section, initiated an investigation. As a result of the criminal investigation, Deputy Francisco Melo, who is a 6 year veteran of the Sheriff's Office, has been relieved of duty, arrested, and charged with the possession, sale, and trafficking of a controlled substance. This arrest is the result of a collaborative effort between the MDSO, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Miami-Dade State Attorney Office's Public Corruption Prosecution Unit, who are committed to upholding the integrity and maintaining the public trust in law enforcement within Miami-Dade County.

"As sheriff, it’s my duty to make sure that our community can trust our deputies to protect them and uphold the law. I am disappointed to inform you that one of my deputies has been arrested for trafficking a controlled substance. 

Narcotics don’t just harm those who use them, they devastate families, and fuel crime. No one is above the law, and this office will not tolerate criminal behavior from anyone, especially those entrusted to enforce it. The actions of this individual are a betrayal of the public trust and of all the deputies who work tirelessly to protect our community.

We will cooperate fully with the State Attorney’s Office throughout the legal process."

, says Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz