Florida

Man Claims Entrapment in Arrest by Broward Sheriff's Office

A hearing was held Tuesday for a man who says he was a victim of entrapment by the Broward Sheriff's Office after his arrest during a sting operation.

Louis Hilaire, 25, was arrested a few months ago by BSO deputies for burglary, grand theft, grand theft of a firearm and possession of a weapon.

But according to his attorney he was set up by the BSO.

"They manufacture the entire scenario. It’s been illegal under Florida law since 1902 as we cited to the court to do what they did," attorney Kevin Kulik said.

According to court documents Hilaire, who had a previous record of attempted robbery, was recently contacted by an ex-girlfriend who was working as an informant for the sheriff’s office.

She asked him to participate in a scam at a local hotel stealing cash, jewelry and a safe with a loaded gun inside, the documents said. In court, Hilaire said he refused to participate in the crime when asked at least 10 times on separate occasions.

But according to court records his ex pleaded with him to please help her out and eventually he did. The court Records also explained what happened the day of the crime.

"The housekeeper then told Hilaire how to crack the safe, which contained a gun and handed him a key to the hotel room. Hilaire stole the goods and then the cops converged. The housekeeper, it turns out was a cop, and the entire ordeal was a sting," the documents read.

Hilaire’s attorney also claims race played a role in this and said that Hilaire’s arrest was part of many arrests done in the same fashion.

"Even according to the prosecutors 20 out of 21 were minorities," Kulik said.

A BSO detective who needs to remain anonymous testified Tuesday and adamantly argued that race played absolutely no factor in the arrest of Hilaire or any others. The prosecuting attorney also made sure to point out that no one ever made Hilaire walk into the hotel and steal the goods, that was a decision he made.

A decision in the case is expected to be made in August.

Contact Us