Miami-Dade authorities arrested two food inspectors after uncovering an extortion scheme operating within the county's Department of Environmental Resources Management. The officials, identified as Charles E. Bryant II and Craig A. Bethel, are facing charges of illegal compensation, fraud, and official misconduct.
The operation, called "Fat Trap," began in April 2024 after several restaurant owners reported that county inspectors were threatening to shut down their businesses or impose hefty fines unless they paid bribes.
According to the sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, during a press conference alongside the Miami-Dade State Attorney, Katherine Fernández Rundle, the accused used fake inspections as a pretext to extort cash from restaurant owners, alleging supposed irregularities in the grease traps of their establishments. "The owners felt like they were being robbed. It was their business, and they were forced to choose between receiving violations, closing down, or paying these individuals hundreds of dollars," Fernández Rundle stated.
Details of the illegal operation
The investigators determined that the accused operated independently, although they worked in the same office. While Bryant focused his extortions in the southern area of Miami-Dade, Bethel operated in the northern part of the county.
The evidence gathered by the police indicates that Bryant frequented restaurants such as Tani Thai, KimBop, and Fritanga Monimbo, where he imposed fictitious penalties and demanded payments to "resolve" the alleged violations. In May 2024, the owner of Fritanga Monimbo reported that Bryant threatened to shut down her business if she did not pay him $2,000, an amount she transferred via Zelle that same day.
Bethel utilized similar tactics in restaurants in the northern part of the county, including the restaurant La Peruanita. The owner of the establishment stated that the inspector had scammed her multiple times. In November 2023, he returned to her establishment and demanded $200 to avoid an alleged fine. Initially, the owner refused, but due to Bethel's aggressive demeanor, she ended up paying him $240 out of fear of retaliation.
Charges and legal consequences
A month after the investigation began, in May 2024, the police arrested Bryant. Subsequently, Bethel was also detained as the inquiries continued. The charges against them include:
Illegal compensation: Receiving payments improperly in exchange for favors or to avoid penalties.
Fraudulent scheme: Create a system of deception to obtain illegal economic benefits.
Official misconduct: Abusing one's position to gain personal advantages.
Authorities confirmed that the scheme affected at least 15 businesses and generated over $14,000 in illicit profits for the inspectors. However, they believe there may be more victims.
"A report led us to a second victim, and this in turn led us to a second suspect. We believe there are more individuals affected and possibly more people involved in this type of extortion," remarked Sheriff Cordero-Stutz.
In the bail court, a judge set Bethel's bail at $85,000.
New measures to prevent corruption
As a result of these arrests, Miami-Dade County has implemented new measures to prevent corruption in inspections. Now, all inspectors will wear body cameras during their visits, and their vehicles will be equipped with GPS tracking to monitor their movements.
Authorities have also urged the community to report any attempts at extortion. Any restaurant owner who has been a victim of this scheme can contact the Public Corruption Unit of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office at 305-599-3121 or the Miami-Dade Police at 305-4-POLICE (305-476-5423).
"We firmly believe that there are more victims. It is a serious problem in our community, and we will not tolerate it," stated Cordero-Stutz.
The Miami-Dade community hopes that these arrests and the new measures implemented will serve as a precedent to combat corruption and protect small businesses from such abuses.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Corruption Scandal in Miami-Dade
Who are the inspectors arrested for corruption in Miami-Dade?
The arrested inspectors are Charles E. Bryant II and Craig A. Bethel. They were detained for their involvement in an extortion scheme within the Miami-Dade Environmental Resources Management Department, where they demanded bribes from restaurant owners to avoid false penalties.
How did the corruption and extortion scheme operate in Miami-Dade?
The corruption scheme involved inspectors using fake inspections as a pretext to demand cash from restaurant owners. They claimed irregularities in the grease traps of the establishments and threatened to shut down the businesses or impose fines if bribes were not paid.
What are the new measures to prevent corruption in Miami-Dade?
Miami-Dade County has implemented the use of body cameras for all inspectors during their visits and has incorporated GPS tracking in their vehicles to monitor their movements, in order to prevent future acts of corruption.
What has been the response of the authorities regarding the corruption case in Miami-Dade?
The authorities have urged the community to report any attempted extortion. Contact has been established with the Public Corruption Unit of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office and the Miami-Dade Police Department to receive reports and continue investigations.
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