Introduction to the Case
A North Bay Village Police sergeant is accused of using police funds to gamble at casinos. Now, fellow officers are wondering why the sergeant wasn’t arrested. The accused sergeant, Amy Gordon, was once a celebrated figure with the North Bay Village Police Department but is now banned from having a badge.
Details of the Allegations
A police investigation found that while Gordon was treasurer of the city’s Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, she stole more than $68,000 and used it to gamble. Al Palacio, Florida Fraternal Order of Police District 6 Director, expressed his disgust at the situation, stating, “I think it’s disgusting.” A review of the lodge’s bank statements revealed more than 130 withdrawals from ATMs at casinos here in South Florida and other states. The statements also showed several transfers to her personal bank account — with amounts ranging from $200 to $1,000.
Reaction from the Police Community
Al Palacio, who is also the Director of the Police Unions in Miami-Dade County, says Gordon was taking money from her fellow officers. He emphasized, “We’re supposed to be the good guys, you know, in every case.” Gordon was the secretary as well as the treasurer at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, a position that put her in charge of the checks and balances, making her actions a significant betrayal of trust.
Investigation and Outcome
North Bay Village Police began investigating after Gordon abruptly resigned from her secretary/treasurer position. The case was sent to the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office for review, which resulted in a non-prosecution package offered to former Sgt. Gordon. The package required her to surrender her law enforcement certificate and attend gambling addiction treatment. Her case remains open until she meets all of the requirements.
Reactions to the Outcome
North Bay Village Police Chief Carlos Noriega called it a “successful conclusion” in his letter to the state attorney. However, some officers in North Bay Village aren’t satisfied with the results of the investigation, feeling that anyone else would have been charged with a crime, prosecuted, and possibly faced jail time. Instead, Gordon was allowed to retire with a full pension. In her retirement email to the chief, there was no apology, only an expression of gratitude to her fellow officers, the same officers who now wonder why she wasn’t charged with a crime.
Conclusion
The case of Amy Gordon raises serious questions about accountability within law enforcement and the justice system. The fact that she was able to avoid criminal charges and retire with a full pension, despite stealing thousands of dollars meant for her fellow officers, is a concern for many. It highlights the need for stricter oversight and consequences for those who abuse their positions of trust.
FAQs
- Q: What was Amy Gordon accused of?
- A: Amy Gordon, a former North Bay Village Police sergeant, was accused of using police funds to gamble at casinos.
- Q: How much money was involved?
- A: The investigation found that Gordon stole more than $68,000.
- Q: What was the outcome of the investigation?
- A: Gordon was offered a non-prosecution package that required her to surrender her law enforcement certificate and attend gambling addiction treatment.
- Q: Why are some officers unhappy with the outcome?
- A: They feel that Gordon was treated leniently and that anyone else in a similar situation would have faced criminal charges and possible jail time.
- Q: How can the public stay informed about such cases?
- A: By following local news and reaching out to investigative teams like 7News Investigates at 305-627-CLUE or 954-921-CLUE, or emailing 7Investigates@wsvn.com.
CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com
- A: By following local news and reaching out to investigative teams like 7News Investigates at 305-627-CLUE or 954-921-CLUE, or emailing 7Investigates@wsvn.com.
