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Nov 24, 2009 12:49 pm US/Eastern
BSO Deputies Accused Of Extortion Back In Court
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
Two Broward Sheriff's deputies who allegedly tried to 'shake down' a Ft. Lauderdale man for cash are now facing additional charges.
Deputies Manuel Silva, 34, and Fausto Tejero, 40, have been accused of taking money from a man they found growing marijuana in his home in exchange for not arresting him.
According to sheriff's investigators on September 29th Silva and Tejero went to the home of 38-year-old Orlando Gutierrez, located in the 13 hundred block of SW 47 Terrace. Gutierrez said Silva, who was out of uniform, flashed his badge and gun and insisted on taking a look around the residence. Feeling pressured, Gutierrez said he consented and that's when Silva found the five marijuana plants he'd growing inside the house. Silva reportedly told Gutierrez in exchange for a pay off, he wouldn't arrest him or confiscate the plants. Silva also allegedly promised to tell Gutierrez who had tipped him off about the drugs in his house.
Gutierrez said Tejero, who was in uniform and driving a marked BSO patrol car, actied as backup for Silva. Through their investigation, BSO Internal Affairs detectives determined that Tejero knew that Silva was extorting money from Gutierrez.
On Tuesday, prosecutors dropped the most serious charge against the men, armed burglary, but added a few new charges including bribery. Silva was taken into custody and was ordered held until he could post a $10 thousand bond for the new charges.
Both Silva and Tejero have pleaded not guilty.
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