Miami

Cop Accused of Aiding Drug Traffickers Held Without Bond

Prosecutors said Maldonado went to a McDonald's parking lot on two different dates to act as a lookout for a drug dealer.

A Miami Police officer accused of assisting drug traffickers appeared before a judge today, asking for permission to go home until his January trial.

Officer Jose Maldonado-Dick, a 7-year veteran who patrolled the Wynwood area, was charged with two counts each of armed cocaine trafficking, receiving compensation for unlawful behavior, official misconduct by a public servant and using a communication device unlawfully, according to an affidavit.

Prosecutors said Maldonado went to a McDonald's parking lot on two different dates to act as a lookout for a drug dealer.

"He had no problem wearing this badge and violating the law," said prosecutor Warren Eth. "Committing the second most serious felony that you can in the state of Florida. There's only one worse crime that this defendant didn't commit and that's a capital offense."

Maldonado's attorney argued that his client was not a flight risk.

"He's going to fight these charges to the end," said defense attorney Carlos Gonzalez. "He's not going anywhere until he's acquitted by a jury. He has no desire whatsoever to leave South Florida."

Family members and friends gave testimony trying to show that Maldonado was an asset to his community and should be allowed to go home until his trial. But after almost three hours, the judge ruled Maldonado will continue to be held without bond.

Maldonado will remain in jail until his trial starts on January 20, 2015.

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