Investigations

The Assistant Inspector General for Investigations supervises all ongoing inquiries and investigations. He oversees a staff of 18 that includes three supervisory special agents and 11 special agents. The final work product of the Investigations unit consists of advisory memoranda announcing arrests and sentencings and final reports of investigations that contain findings and recommendations. All of the reports are published to the Board of County Commissioners and the Administration and are available to the public on our website.

2024

Report of Investigation Re: Animal Air Express

March 6, 2024
Ref.  IG 20-0010-I
The OIG investigated allegations that a Miami-Dade Aviation Department permittee, Air Animal Express, misrepresented the status of its permit to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and that it sublet space from National Airport Services. Inc. an MDAD leaseholder. The OIG was not able to substantiate the allegations, however, AAE has ceased operations and MDAD has canceled its permit.

Underreporting of Gross Revenues by MDAD Tenant National Airport Services, Inc.

February 8, 2024
Ref. IG19-0025-I
Report of Investigation regarding the Underreporting of Gross Revenues by Miami-Dade Aviation Department tenant National Airport Services, Inc.

Wire Fraud Scheme by Former Executive Director of Transition, Inc., Maylin Salado Garcia

February 2, 2024
Ref.  IG 19-0008-I
The Miami-Dade County Office of the Inspector General’s Final Investigative Memorandum concerning the investigation and subsequent prosecution of former Executive Director of Transition, Inc., Maylin Salado Garcia. The OIG assisted the United States Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General with an investigation into a wire fraud scheme to defraud the government of federal workforce program funds administered at the state and local level. 

Underpayment of Employees by MDAD Contractor and Demand of Cash Payments by Contractor’s Supervisor, Ref. IG21-0012-I

January 5, 2024
Ref.  IG 21-0012-I
Final Report of Investigation regarding Marvi Builders LLC and its work on two Miami-Dade Aviation Department contracts.

2023

Former Miami-Dade Police Officer Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud

Dec. 12, 2023
Ref. IG22-0015-I
Samuel Harris, Jr., a former police officer with the Miami-Dade Police Dept. was sentenced on Dec. 11, 2023, in federal court in connection with his fraudulent applications for two Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act small business relief loans and an advance of funds totaling over $285,000.

Receipt of Status Report and Case Closure, Veterinary Services Provided by the Animal Services Dept.

Nov. 28, 2023
Ref.  IG 23-0005-I
Case Closure Report regarding veterinary services provided by Animal Services Department Director’s personal pets.

Former Miami-Dade Corrections Sergeant Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud

Oct. 30, 2023
Ref.  IG 22-0014-I
Arashio Dynel Harris, a former Sergeant at the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department (MDCR) was sentenced Friday, Oct. 27, in federal court in connection with fraudulent applications for over $400,000 in small business relief loans under the CARES Act.

Case Concludes Against 10 Individuals Charged with Cheating on Elevator Safety Certificate of Competency Exam

August 31, 2023
Ref.  IG 21-0008-I
A joint investigation by the OIG, the Miami-Dade Police Dept. Airport District, and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office concluded with the plea and sentence of the last of ten individuals charged with Cheating and Organized Scheme to Defraud in connection with elevator safety examinations.

County Contractor Charged, Sentenced for Defrauding the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Dept.

August 30, 2023
Ref. IG22-0001-I
Raudel Diaz, a Miami-Dade County contractor since 2014 and the owner and operator of Another Garage Gate, Inc., was charged and pled guilty to Organized Scheme to Defraud, a third degree felony, for the submission of fraudulent invoices for the installation and repair of fencing gates at various facilities.

OIG Final Report of Investigation into Miami-Dade Property Management Services Provided Under Contract by Royal American Management, Inc.

August 7, 2023
Ref IG17-0024-I 
The Office of the Inspector General initiated an investigation of Royal American Management, Inc., a Miami-Dade County contractor providing property management services to the County’s Public Housing and Community Development Department for its various publicly funded housing units.

Former Clerk of the Court Employee Pleads Guilty, Sentenced for Stealing over $100K of Court Filing Fees

July 10, 2023
Tyrone Derise Smith, a former 13-year Clerk of the Court (COC) employee, plead guilty today to Organized Scheme to Defraud over $50,000, a felony of the first degree. Mr. Smith was sentenced to 24 months of house arrest followed by 15 years of probation pursuant to a negotiated plea.

Criminal Charges filed against County Contractor for Making False Statements to Obtain PortMiami Contracts

May 19, 2023
Ref. IG 20-0013-I
Allan Mairena, the owner and operator of Halmag Solutions, Inc, (Halmag), a Miami-Dade County vendor, settled criminal charges filed against him in connection with the Seaport Department’s (PortMiami’s) Invitation to Quote (ITQ) No. 01-19.

2022

Ten Individuals Charged in Cheating Scheme Involving the State of Florida Elevator Safety Certificate of Competency Exam

November 3, 2022
Ref: IG21-0008-I
A joint investigation by the Miami-Dade County OIG, MDPD and the State Attorney’s Office resulted in ten arrest warrants issued for former employees of Oracle Elevator Co. and Schindler Elevator Corp. Eight former mechanics were involved in a scheme to cheat on the State Elevator Certification exam. Steering the scheme was a former Oracle warehouse employee and a former supervisor. The ten individuals were charged with Cheating and Organized Scheme to Defraud, both third-degree felonies.

County Contractor Sentenced on Felony Fraud Charges Related to Two County Construction Projects

May 2, 2022
Ref: IG17-0040-I
“These individuals leveraged a position of trust and influence to illegally enrich themselves in a variety of schemes involving public funds. Not only did they steal from the public, but money intended to help community organizations went into their pockets.” - Felix Jimenez, Inspector General.

Transmittal of OIG Administrative Case Closure Report City of Hialeah Circumventing DERM by Issuing Temporary Business Tax Licenses

September 12, 2022
Ref. IG19-0022-I
The investigation was referred to the OIG by the Division of Environmental Resources Management’s (DERM’s) Bureau Chief, following a report to DERM by the City of Hialeah’s (City’s) Director of Public Works. The Director of Public Works self-reported that City tax officials had authorized the issuance of 98 business licenses without first securing DERM’s permit approval.

Children’s Trust Grant Recipient Pleads Guilty to Fraud

May 27, 2022
Ref. IG17-0036-I
Kelly Regalado, former Program Director of United Martial Arts Academy, Inc. (UMAA), a now-dissolved Florida corporation that was awarded grants from The Children’s Trust, pled guilty to Organized Scheme to Defraud, a first-degree felony, and Wire Fraud.  Regalado was adjudicated guilty and sentenced to 10 years probation.

District 11 Commissioner, Joe A. Martinez, arrested and charged with felony crimes

August 30, 2022
Ref: IG17-0019-I
An investigation conducted by the Office of the Inspector General and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office has resulted in the issuance of the attached arrest warrant affidavit for the arrest of Joe A. Martinez, Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 11.

Commission District 2 Former Chief of Staff, Current Community Liaison Staffer Arrested and Charged with Felony Crimes

May 2, 2022
Ref: IG17-0040-I
“These individuals leveraged a position of trust and influence to illegally enrich themselves in a variety of schemes involving public funds. Not only did they steal from the public, but money intended to help community organizations went into their pockets.” - Felix Jimenez, Inspector General.

2021

Former Clerk of the Courts Employee Arrested for Stealing over $100,000 of Court Filing Fees

December 13, 2021
Ref. IG-18-0019-I
Tyrone Derise Smith, former 13 year Clerk of the Courts (COC) employee surrendered to authorities and was arrested pursuant to an arrest warrant charging him with two first-degree felonies-Grand Theft and Scheme to Defraud.

Former county employee sentenced for CARES Act fraud

November 18, 2021
Ref. IG-20-0014-I
Willie Curry, a former Network Manager 2 for the County’s Water and Sewer Department, was sentenced to 6 months in prison followed by 6 months of home confinement and 6 months of supervised release after pleading guilty in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida to one count of wire fraud related to his application for a CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act small business loan.

Former county employee criminally charged for CARES Act fraud

August 30, 2021
Ref. IG-20-0014-I
On August 30, 2021, Willie Curry, a former Network Manager 2 for the County's Water and Sewer Department, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida related to his application for a CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act small business loan.

Owner of The Ultimate Electrician Pleads to Criminal Charges Related to Defrauding Workers

August 26, 2021
Ref. IG-19-0007-I
The OIG criminal investigation of Jorge De La Noval, owner and operator of The Ultimate Electrician, a local contractor, ended today with a plea. Mr. De La Noval appeared before a Circuit Court Judge to answer to the criminal felony charges of Communication Fraud (3rd degree felony) and Notary Fraud (2nd degree felony).

OIG Final Report Underreporting of Gross Revenues by MDAD Permittee SodexoMagic, LLC in its Operation and Management of American Airlines Hospitality Clubs

May 27, 2021
Ref. IG-17-0023-I
OIG’s final report involving Miami-Dade County permittee SodexoMagic, LLC (SodexoMagic) and its underreporting of gross revenues to the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD).

OIG Final Report Outside Employment and Conflicts of Interest Related to Miami-Dade Aviation Department's MCC-8-10 Contract with Munilla Construction Management, Inc.

May 12, 2021
Ref. IG-16-0020-I
OIG’s final report involving the Miami-Dade Aviation Department’s Miscellaneous Construction Contract (MCC) 8-10.

Former MDAD Employee Sentenced for Fraudulently Misappropriating County SunPass for Personal Use

February 11, 2021
Ref. IG-19-0027-I
A former 19-year employee of the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD), Omar Jameison, who most recently worked in the MDAD Finance Division, pled no contest to Petit Theft and Exploitation of Official Position.

2020

Former Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts Employee Pleads to Criminal Charges

Ref. IG-19-0006-I, October 1, 2020
A joint Miami-Dade County Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office (SAO) criminal investigation of Nona Brown, a former employee of the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts (Clerk’s Office), ended today with Ms. Brown’s plea to the Court. Ms. Brown pled to criminal misdemeanor charges of Petit Theft and Exploitation of Official Position.

Criminal Charges Filed Against a Former Children’s Trust Grant Recipient for Fraudulent Billing Practices

Ref. IG-17-0036-I, September 30, 2020
The attached press release from the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office (SAO) announces the filing of charges against former Children’s Trust grant recipient, United Martial Arts Academy, Inc. (UMAA), and its Program Director, Kelly Regalado.

MDAD Concessionaire, Exactta, LLC, Settles Inquiry

Ref. IG-19-0016-I, September 29, 2020
An OIG inquiry of Exactta, LLC (Exactta), ended in a settlement agreement between Exactta, and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office (SAO).

Criminal Charges Filed Against a Former Miami-Dade Aviation Department Employee

Ref. IG-19-0027-I, September 22, 2020
A joint investigation by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office (SAO) has ended with criminal charges filed against a former 19-year employee of the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD).

Former MDAD Service Provider, First Transit, Inc. d/b/a Shuttle Services of Miami, Inc., Settles Criminal Investigation

Ref. IG-17-0027-I, July 7, 2020
The OIG criminal investigation of First Transit, Inc., (FT) d/b/a Shuttle Services of Miami, Inc. (Shuttle Services), ended with a settlement agreement entered into by FT, Shuttle Services, and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office (SAO).

OIG Final Report Re: Beach Corridor RFP Disclosure of Confidential Information Review

Ref. IG-20-0002-I, April 22, 2020
This Final Report details the OIG’s review of the disclosure of confidential information relating to the Beach Corridor Request for Proposal No. RFP01353 by a Clerk of the Board (COB) employee during a response to a public records request.

Former MDAD Employee Pleads Guilty to Forging Supervisor’s Signature and Falsifying County Payroll Documents

Ref. IG18-0017-I, February 14, 2020
An OIG investigation concluded today with the guilty plea and sentencing of a now-former MDAD employee, Oregna Jones aka Oregna Harris, a former Section Chief assigned to the Real Estate Management and Development Division at Miami International Airport (MIA).

Former Clerk of the Courts Employee Arrested for Creating Bogus and Forged Court Records to Conceal the Theft of Fines and Fees

Ref. IG 19-0005-I, January 23, 2020
An investigation by the Miami-Dade County Office of the Inspector General concluded with the arrest of Norris Kimble, a longtime Clerk of the Courts employee.

2019

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Bribery in Connection with a County Funded Low-Income Apartment Building

Ref. 18-0010-I, November 21, 2019
Daisy Recalde, the former property manager of the Royal Palms Apartments (Royal Palms) in Opa-Locka, Florida, pled guilty in federal court to one count of Bribery for requiring a $1,000 payment from a low-income resident seeking to be reinstated to the Royal Palms’ waiting list.

Property Manager for a County-funded Low-Income Apartment Building Arrested for Bribery

Ref. 18-0010-I, September 27, 2019
A joint undercover investigation by the OIG and US HUD OIG resulted in arrest for Bribery of former property manager of Royal Palms Apartments built with County HOME Program loan and federal funds.

MDAD Employee Arrested for Forging Supervisor’s Signature and Falsifying County Payroll Documents

Ref. IG18-0017-I, June 20, 2019
OIG and State Attorney’s Office joint investigation results in arrest of MDAD employee for forging supervisor’s signature and falsifying payroll records to qualify for low-income housing.

County Contractor Sentenced to Federal Prison for False Statements Made on Low Income Housing Contracts

Ref. IG17-0004-I, May 29, 2019
Joint OIG & federal investigation results in two County contractors sentenced to federal prison for fraudulent representations involving a Public Housing and Community Development program.

OIG Final Report of Investigation Re: Probe of MIA’s Baggage Handling System Operation and Maintenance Agreement

Ref. IG15-0027-I, May 6, 2019
OIG investigation into Cone of Silence violations, prohibited communications, non-compliant practices, and management failings during two MDAD procurement processes.

OIG Final Report of Multi-Disciplinary Review Re: PortMiami Parking Garages and Revenue Controls

Ref. IG17-0026-I, March 14, 2019
OIG review of the Seaport Department’s parking garage revenue collection process and comprehensive analysis of parking system’s data collection, retention, and retrieval capabilities

Miami-Dade County Vendor Found Guilty For Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, and False Statements

Ref. IG17-0004-1, March 4, 2019
Joint OIG & federal investigation results in two County construction company principals convicted of multiple felony counts for defrauding a Public Housing and Community Development program.

Miami-Dade County Office of the Inspector General Seeking Reaccreditation

March 1, 2019
On April 9, 2019, Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation assessors will examine the OIG’s policies and procedures, management and operations, for its third reaccreditation.

Former ISD Employee Sentenced in Connection with County Store and Surplus Property Fraud

Ref. IG14-47, February 21, 2019
Former ISD County Store manager sentenced for scheme to defraud the County by manipulating auctions of surplus vehicles and heavy equipment. The investigation was conducted by the OIG and SAO.

WASD Subcontractor Sentenced in Connection with Responsible Wages Fraud

Ref. IG-17-0014-I, January 15, 2019
WASD Consent Decree project subcontractor sentenced, following joint OIG and SAO investigation, for falsifying documentation to the Internal Services Department’s, Small Business Development Division.

2018

Children’s Courthouse Subcontractor Charged and Sentenced for Failure to Pay Responsible Wages

Ref. IG15-43, December 5, 2018
Joint OIG and SAO investigation results in Children’s Courthouse construction subcontractor charged and sentenced for scheme to falsify certified payroll documents to the County.

Former CAHSD Temp Employee Pleas Guilty at Arraignment for LIHEAP Fraud

Ref. IG16-0022-I, July 2, 2018
Former employee assigned to the Community Action and Human Services Department plead guilty and was sentenced for stealing, following a joint OIG and State Attorney’s Office investigation.

Miami-Dade Public Housing Contractors Federally Indicted on Fraud Charges

Ref. IG17-0004-I, June 22, 2018
Joint OIG and federal investigation results in indictment of two County contractor principals for fraudulent representations involving a Miami-Dade Public Housing and Community Development contract.

MDAD Employee Arrested for ATM Card Theft

Ref. IG17-0015-I, June 11, 2018
Joint OIG and State Attorney’s Office investigation results in arrest of MDAD employee for stealing another County employee’s ATM/debit card and attempting ATM withdrawal.

Former CAHSD Temp Employee Arrested for LIHEAP Fraud

Ref. IG16-0022-I, June 11, 2018
Joint OIG and State Attorney’s Office investigation results in arrest of former Community Action and Human Services Department employee for stealing from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

WASD Subcontractor Arrested for Forgery in Connection with Defrauding the County’s Responsible Wages and Benefits Program

Ref. IG-17-0014-I, March 6, 2018
OIG and SAO investigation results in arrest of construction company owner for forging Responsible Wages and Benefits Program documents on Water and Sewer Dept. Consent Decree project work.

  • Receipt of MDAD's Status Reports Pertaining to the OIG's Final Report of Investigation Re: Contractual Violations and Other Findings Relating to the Management and Operation of the Miami International Airport Hotel
    Ref. IG10-51, December 17, 2014
  • South-Dade Grant Recipient Pleads Guilty to Defrauding County, Homestead CRA, and Others
    Ref. IG 12-35, December 11, 2014
  • Former Miami-Dade Vendor Arrested for Workers' Compensation Fraud Scheme
    Ref. IG 11-50, September 18, 2014
  • OIG Final Report of Investigation Re: Contractual Violations and Other Findings Relating to the Management and Operation of the Miami International Airport Hotel
    Ref. IG 10-51, July 23, 2014
  • South-Dade Grant Recipient Defrauds County, Homestead CRA and the State of Florida
    Ref. IG12-35, July 17, 2014
  • OIG's Final Report into Alleged Misrepresentations Made in the Course of the Notice to Professional Consultants Selection Process for Program and Construction Management Services for the Water and Sewer Department's Wastewater System Priority Projects; ISO Project No. E-13-WASD-01R
    Ref. IG14-05; April 28, 2014
  • Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Fire Inspector Charged with Filing a False and Fraudulent Insurance Claim
    Ref. IG13-53, April 11, 2014
  • Receipt of PWWM's Status Report regarding re-deployment of the Visual Inventory of Roadway Assets Solution Van (VIRA Van)
    Ref. IG13-27, March 17, 2014
  • Report on Public Works and Waste Management Department: Overweight 18-Wheeler Tractor-Trailer Trucks
    Ref. IG13-12, March 5, 2014
  • Taxpayer Funded Children’s Trust Grant Recipient Sentenced
    Ref. IG10-38, January 15, 2014
  • OIG Final Report Underreporting of Gross Revenues to the Miami-Dade Aviation Department by Johnson Service Group, Inc.
    Ref. IG12-31, January 6, 2014
  • Former Jackson Health System Employee Pleads Guilty to Theft
    Ref. IG09-84, January 24, 2014

  • OIG Final Report Re: Miami-Dade County Internal Services Department’s Failure to Obtain Building Permits for Work Located in the City of Miami
    Ref. IG12-26, December 19, 2012
  • Former Miami-Dade Clerk of the Courts Employees Plead Guilty to Charges of Organized Scheme to Defraud and Official Misconduct for Altering and Falsifying Marriage License Records
    Ref. IG 11-48, November 16, 2012
  • Taxpayer Funded Children’s Trust Grant Recipient Arrested
    Ref. IG10-38, October 5, 2012
  • Annual report highlighting the scope of the work undertaken on behalf of Miami-Dade County in 2011
    2011 Annual Report, September 10, 2012
  • OIG Final Report Re: County Contract RPQARRA-018-38567-30-OS092611
    Ref. IG12-21, August 15, 2012
  • Former Miami-Dade Clerk of the Courts Employees Plead Guilty to Charges of Organized Scheme to Defraud and Official Misconduct for Altering and Falsifying Marriage License Records
    Ref. IG 11-48, August 9, 2012
  • Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Recipient Pleads Guilty to Grand Theft and Public Assistance Fraud
    Ref. IG11-02, August 1, 2012
  • OIG Investigation Results in Criminal Charges Filed for Submitting Forged Certificates of Insurance to the County
    Ref. IG11-21, July 25, 2012
  • OIG Final Report Re: Submission of Fraudulent Bid Bonds and Performance Bonds
    Ref. IG12-07, April 25, 2012
  • OIG Final Report Re: Administrative Office of the Courts’ Approval of County Employee’s Reduced Work Schedule to Work an Unrelated Second Full-Time Job, Retaining Full-Time County Employment Status, and Drawing Maximum Florida Retirement Benefits
    Ref. IG11-31, March 6, 2012
  • Four Arrested for Swindling Property Buyers Out of $2.4 Million—Con-artists Lured Victims into Believing that a County Employee Inside the Tax Collector’s Office Could Facilitate Tax Deed Transactions Prior to Public Auction
    Ref. IG10-54, February 22, 2012