The Cutler Bay Policing Unit’s General Investigations Unit (GIU) received the prestigious “Unit of the Month” award from the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
During the award ceremony, which took place in Cutler Bay Town Hall Council Chambers, MDPD director J.D. Patterson spoke about the unit’s accomplishments. Patterson briefed the audience with a chronological sequence of events dating back to September 2012, when multiple thefts took place at Lennar construction sites located throughout Miami-Dade County, including the Town of Cutler Bay.
Patterson said, that during the period of 2012 and 2013 there was an estimated loss in excess of $1.5 million for the theft and sale of air conditioning units from new home construction sites reported by Lennar Homes.
As a result of the investigation by the town’s General Investigations Unit a number of individuals were arrested and now face charges.
Commander of the town’s policing unit, Major Julie Miller, took part in the ceremony along with Detectives RubenMoya, Anthony Llambes, Danny Hurtado, Raymond Haar Jr., Thomas Molina, John Robert, and Sergeant Ron Rodriguez.
Vice Mayor Ernest Sochin also participated in the award presentation and later expressed his thoughts about the detectives and officers of the unit.
“When our town was first formed, one of the desires of most citizens was better police protection,” Sochin said. “Well, we have it now, and then some. This particular unit just ‘busted’ a notorious group of thieves stealing air conditioners, probably for the valuable copper that comes with them — a national scourge. We in Cutler Bay are extremely proud of the work the police are doing and know that we made the right choice in contracting with them. Their award was well deserved.”
Town manager Rafael Casals praised the work of the unit and the ongoing efforts of Cutler Bay’s law enforcement team.
“Investigations such as the Lennar theft case are just another example of the level of commitment and quality of police officers that are contracted through Miami- Dade Police Department in order to make the town’s streets safer and improve the quality of life for all of the town residents and businesses,” Casals said.
For information about the town’s police activities and services residents may visit the town’s official website at www.cutlerbay- fl.gov or call 305-234-4237.
