CHARGED

Three Miami Cops Indicted on Federal Narcotics Charges

Miami police had received complaints of dirty cops, prompting an investigation involving the FBI.

Federal prosecutors in Florida announced charges Tuesday against three Miami police officers who were allegedly involved in a drug-trafficking and money-laundering scheme. During a press conference Tuesday, U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan said the three cops—Schonton ‘Michelle’ Harris, Kelvin Harris, and James Archibald—have been charged with conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute, attempt to possess and distribute cocaine, and using a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. In condemning the three officers, Orshan stated, “Sometimes we have bad seeds in law enforcement.”

Miami police had received a tip that the officers were corrupt and launched a probe into the allegations, bringing in the FBI. Orshan alleged that Officer Shonton Harris received $17,000 for providing protection and assisting in the trafficking operation. She also allegedly sold a Miami police uniform and badge to an undercover agent for $1,500, knowing “that uniform and badge would be used by a hitman to kill off somebody who violated this drug trafficker’s trust,” the prosecutor said. Harris “used and dealt narcotics while she was a police officer. She used to rig her testing so she could give a clear test if tested by her department,” Orshan alleged. The investigation reportedly lasted months. All three officers are in custody.