Former Miami-Dade Cop, Miami Firefighter Sentenced in Drug Trafficking Case

Hefty sentences for cop and firefighter convicted in drug trafficking conspiracy

A former Miami firefighter and Miami-Dade police officer were among three people sentenced Wednesday for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy, prosecutors said.

Henry L. Bryant, the firefighter, was sentenced to 22 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Daniel L. Mack, the police officer, was sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

A third man, Octavius Mclendon, was sentenced to 20 years and eight months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

Woman Arrested for Bringing Sword to Orlando Mosque: Authorities

Mack, Bryant and Mclendon were convicted on charges of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, attempted possession with the intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime.

The case began in December 2011, when prosecutors say Bryant and an undercover FBI agent discussed recruiting cops to provide protection for the movement of cocaine.

On two occasions, Bryant and Mclendon transported what they believed to be cocaine from a Miami Beach nightclub to drop-off points in Miami-Dade County before returning for cash payments, prosecutors said.

Family Mourns Victim of Basketball Court Murder

In both instances, their car was escorted by a Miami-Dade Police cruiser driven by Mack, who wore his uniform and was armed, prosecutors said.

Undercover agents gave the men $25,000 in cash pay-offs to deliver the fake drugs. They were arrested in April.

"Bryant and Mack, a firefighter and police officer, betrayed the public trust when they agreed to transport and protect what they believed to be multiple kilograms of cocaine," U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer said in a statement. "Although their conduct tarnished their badges, it did not tarnish those of the honorable men and women who serve and protect our community faithfully every day.  This case is a reminder that no one is above the law."

More Local News

Contact Us