Jury selection was scheduled to begin Thursday for the trial of a Miami police sergeant who authorities accuse of planting cocaine on a suspect and stealing drugs and money from dealers.
Rick Diaz, the attorney representing Raul Iglesias, plans to put on a defense accusing undercover detectives and FBI agents of setting up Iglesias by planting incriminating evidence on him in a sting, The Miami Herald reports.
Diaz said after his client’s indictment that they were “looking forward to trying this case in front of a jury,” the newspaper reported.
Miami Police Sergeant Accused of Planting Drugs, Ripping Off Drug Dealers Indicted
Iglesias was with the Miami Police Department for 18 years. He ran the Central District’s Crime Suppression unit, which targeted drug traffickers.
An indictment cited at least four dates when Iglesias allegedly stole or planted drugs, or lied to investigators, the Herald said.
One date was Jan. 27, 2010, when Iglesias allegedly ordered two of his officers to search a man, and when no drugs were found, Iglesias allegedly asked his officers for some “throw-down dope” to plant on the man.
