Fla. cops use cash to trick suspects, arrest 76 people

By Joel Marino Sun-Sentinel

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Convinced they were picking up money being given away by a government agency, 76 people were instead picked up by police when they arrived to collect their prize.

There was no cash and no agency: It was all an elaborate setup by Fort Lauderdale police to arrest suspects wanted on various warrants.

"These are individuals who were running away from the law, but they came to us freely," said Sgt. Frank Sousa, a police spokesman. "They were coming for one reason only: money."
Dubbed "Operation Show Me the Money," the undercover sting took place Wednesday and Thursday at the War Memorial Auditorium.

The arrests ranged from the petty (more than 10 people wanted for failure to provide child support) to more serious offenses (Benjamin Battle, 29, arrested on a charge of attempted second-degree murder). All the suspects were Fort Lauderdale residents.
"We're always looking for creative ways to reduce crime, and this is one of the most creative operations I've seen," Sousa said.

Using a bogus agency called the South Florida Stimulus Coalition, police sent out letters promising recipients hundreds of dollars in stimulus money. All the suspects had to do was call a number and set up an appointment to meet at the auditorium's lobby.

Officials would not say how many letters were sent out. More than 100 people made appointments and 82 showed up, though only the 76 were arrested, Sousa said.
The ones who did make it to the auditorium were met with a very convincing set. Large banners bearing the fake agency's name flanked the walls while American flags and balloons were sprinkled around the lobby. A table held fliers and business cards complete with an agency slogan: "Helping jump-start the economy."

Undercover officers then verified their identities and made sure the warrants under their names were still standing before taking them into custody, Sousa said.

Though most of the suspects showed up at their appointed times, one man who identified himself only as Rob walked in shortly after a news conference held to announce the sting.
"I'm surprised they did this, and really, I feel humiliated," said Rob, 21. He wasn't arrested because the warrant against him had been dropped, he said.

"I knew it was something shady, but I've got kids to feed, I needed the money," he said. He'd been promised $653, according to the coalition's letter.

Staff Researcher Barbara Hijek contributed to this report.