Florida

Miami-Dade Police Detective Made Traffic Stops to Steal From Motorists: Authorities

A Miami-Dade Police detective is facing federal charges after authorities say he made traffic stops to steal from motorists.

Det. William Kostopoulos, 47, was charged by a grand jury with using his law enforcement authority to violate motorists’ civil rights and obstructing justice, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida.

Kostopoulos, a 17-year veteran with the department, was relieved of duty with pay, Miami-Dade Police said in a statement.

"To effectively carry out our sworn duty to protect the physical safety and the constitutionally granted rights of our residents, law enforcement officers need the trust and confidence of the community," MDPD Director J.D. Patterson said in a statement. "Officers who violate the tenets of this profession, negatively impact this necessary bond between the public and the police, and make the jobs of the honorable and professional officers, more difficult."

According to the U.S. Attorney, Kostopoulos made traffic stops of three motorists to steal their money and property, in violation of Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to be free from unreasonable seizures of their property.

Kostopoulos also is accused of making misleading statements to prevent the communication of information about his alleged crimes to federal law enforcement officers, officials said.

One of Kostopoulos' alleged victims, Jesus Coronel, said he wasn't surprised to learn of the charges.

"I was happy, it's like you made Christmas for me," Coronel told NBC 6. "The way he treated me, I lost my other towing company, I almost lost my house."

Coronel used to own a towing company in Homestead. He claims he contacted the police department after he couldn't locate the owner of a trailer he towed. Kostopoulos responded to that call and after 55 days the trailer's owner never claimed it. Coronel said his company then legally took possession of the trailer.

One week later, Kostopoulos arrested Coronel for title fraud and Coronel claimed Kostopoulos stole the trailer.

"He comes and takes the trailer from me and takes the title of the trailer," Coronel said.

Coronel said his charges were dropped, and he tried to recover his property at no avail.

The case is being investigated by the FBI along with the Homestead Police Department.

"I hope he goes to jail for a long time and I hope he can reopen my case," Coronel said.

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