Miami, FL - A Miami Police Department officer has been arrested by federal agents following an undercover sting operation targeting his suspected involvement in extortion activities.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Frenel Cenat was taken into custody at Broward Main Jail after allegedly using his unmarked police car to conduct a traffic stop on an individual he believed to be a drug trafficker carrying cash.
Unbeknownst to Cenat, the driver was an undercover federal agent, and the operation was designed to expose Cenat's actions.
During the traffic stop on November 3rd, Cenat, posing as 'Officer Martez' from the 'Miami PD – Dade County Narcotics Unit,' reportedly demanded a backpack containing $52,000 in $100 bills from the undercover agent.
Following the encounter, Cenat allegedly met with an informant and paid them $13,000, leaving Cenat with the remaining $39,000.
Seeking further opportunities for extortion, Cenat asked the informant for additional targets.
This led to a second setup, where he pulled over another undercover agent in Deerfield Beach, pretending to work for the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
The officer seized $80,000 in counterfeit bills and seven fake kilograms of cocaine during this encounter.
Cenat was quickly arrested by federal authorities.
A search of Cenat's official Miami Police Department vehicle revealed the fake cocaine and a substantial amount of counterfeit bills.
Cenat is facing federal charges, including Hobbs Act extortion, attempted extortion under color of official right, theft of government funds, and attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
He is scheduled to appear before a federal judge on November 28th.
Miami Police Department Chief Manny Morales issued a statement on the arrest, stating, "The arrest of Officer Cenat is the result of a joint operation focused on identifying corrupt cops, and it’s an example of the repercussions when one of our own betrays their oath of office and tarnishes their badge. I stand firmly committed to transparency and ensuring the community’s trust is upheld throughout this investigation."