Former Miami Cop Sentenced To More Than 15 Years In Prison

MIAMI, FL -- A former Miami police officer who brazenly declared in an undercover recording that she didn't care if she was protecting a "dead body cut up in pieces" was sentenced Wednesday to 15-and-a-half years in federal prison.

Former Officer Schonton Harris earlier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute it, after accepting thousands of dollars in what she believed was drug money to protect cocaine and opioid operations in the city, according to federal officials.

Two other former Miami officers, Kelvin Harris and James Archibald, also have been charged in the scheme. The alleged illegal activities took place between April and October of 2018.

U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga handed down the sentence for Harris.

“The sentence announced today is a victory for all law enforcement officers who protect and serve our community with pride, honor, and dignity,” said U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan. “We will not allow those who abuse their positions of trust to tarnish the reputation of the City of Miami Police Department and those dedicated officers who, every day, serve the city of Miami residents. Those who use their badge to break the law and enrich themselves will be brought to justice.”

On another occasion, Harris was accused of selling a Miami Police uniform to an undercover FBI employee posing as a high-level drug trafficker for $1,000 and a city of Miami police badge for $500 with the understanding they would be used by a hit man.

She also allegedly said that Archibald — one of the other two officers she recruited — would simply "disappear" if he presented an issue.

The investigation involved the use of a confidential human source, undercover FBI personnel and other law enforcement officers, government officials said.

Court documents said that investigators used video and audio recordings to establish that the former officers collectively provided protection for the transportation and distribution of purported cocaine, opioids or drug proceeds.

The officers received cash payments after each protection detail, according to the documents.

"Individuals who use the badge for their own personal gain have no place in law enforcement, " added Special Agent In Charge George L. Piro of the FBI in Miami. "We commend the city of Miami Police Department for their close cooperation and commitment throughout this investigation."

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, including the FBI Miami Area Corruption Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry C. Wallace, Jr. and Jessica Obenauf.

"In total, Schonton Harris received $17,000 in bribe payments, Kelvin Harris received $10,000 in bribe payments and James Archibald received a total of $6,500 in bribe payments," court documents said.