A Florida prosecutor has announced plans to vacate up to 2,600 convictions related to a controversial sting operation involving crack cocaine, carried out by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office from 1988 to 1990. This decision follows a ruling from the Florida Supreme Court in 1993, which indicated that individuals should not be charged when law enforcement creates and sells the drugs in undercover operations.
Broward County State Attorney Harold F. Pryor stated that during a recent review of old records, his office discovered that many individuals may have unjust criminal charges or convictions due to this operation. “It is never too late to do the right thing,” Pryor asserted, highlighting the ongoing implications of past policing strategies.
The sting operation occurred during a time when the crack cocaine crisis was at its peak, leading to severe legal penalties. Some individuals could have faced serious felony convictions simply for buying drugs in closer proximity to schools, which mandated lengthy prison sentences.
Defense attorney Ed Hoeg, who represented a client in a similar case that contributed to the Supreme Court’s ruling, emphasized the troubling aspect of arresting individuals for drug purchases rather than sales. “Detention deputies were posing as dealers and targeting vulnerable people,” Hoeg explained, noting the increased penalties for offenses near schools.
The sheriff’s office justified its actions by claiming that they were running low on seized drugs to utilize in their operations. They believed that manufacturing the crack would streamline the process and reduce the need for testing the substance’s content.
The Florida Supreme Court condemned the law enforcement actions, stating they were so egregious that they violated the state’s due process protections. State Attorney Pryor has communicated with Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony about vacating these convictions, receiving his support on the matter. Additionally, some defendants may have the chance to have their records sealed or expunged.
While the review process will take time, Pryor assured that his office would reach out to individuals affected by these past convictions. Through these efforts, the aim is to correct historical injustices tied to a troubling chapter in the fight against drug abuse.
