Prosecutor in Florida Aims to Overturn Thousands of Convictions Linked to Controversial Cocaine Sting
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The Broward County State Attorney is taking steps to vacate around 2,600 convictions tied to a crack cocaine sting orchestrated by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Following a 1993 ruling by the Florida Supreme Court, it was determined that arrests made in cases involving crack cocaine produced by law enforcement and sold to individuals could not be upheld.
State Attorney Harold F. Pryor announced the initiative to review and potentially reverse these convictions, citing the need to rectify past injustices. The crack cocaine crisis of that era exposed the impact of aggressive policing tactics and severe legal consequences, with many individuals facing felony charges for purchasing drugs near schools.
Former public defender Ed Hoeg shed light on the deceptive practices employed by law enforcement, including undercover deputies posing as drug dealers and targeting vulnerable individuals struggling with addiction. The sheriff’s office defended its actions by stating a shortage of confiscated drugs necessitated the production of crack for sting operations, sidestepping the need for lab testing.
Describing the law enforcement’s methods as “outrageous,” the state Supreme Court intervened to halt the controversial practice, ultimately leading to the current review of convictions. State Attorney Pryor has initiated discussions with Sheriff Gregory Tony to seek judicial approval for vacating these convictions, with plans to also assist defendants in sealing or expunging their records.
Acknowledging the extensive nature of this process, Pryor emphasized the importance of reaching out to affected individuals and ensuring that justice is served.