MIAMI — Former Hialeah Police Chief Sergio Velazquez was arrested Monday, according to the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, which is expected to release more information and list the charges during a Monday afternoon press conference.

The charges are believed to involve public corruption, according to a source.

Velazquez, 61, was named chief in 2012, despite a string of disciplinary actions against him while he was a Hialeah police officer. He was accused during one incident of becoming romantically involved with a woman whom he met at the police station after she was taken in for driving under the influence.

He was also criticized for his handling of Jesus Menacol Jr., a former Hialeah officer who was sent to prison for three years in 2022 after pleading guilty to using his badge to coerce women into having sex with him while he was on duty. Several years prior to Menacol’s plea deal, Velazquez allowed the officer back out on the street despite allegations of sexual assault against four women, at least one who was underage.

The former chief was also investigated by the FDLE for 18 months over a “pattern of criminal misconduct,” and for torching the car of a man whose former girlfriend was dating Velazquez. No charges were ever filed against Velazquez over the incidents.

Velazquez, an electrician outside of his public office, was let go by Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo in 2021.

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