Officer of the Year indicted on drug charges

From www.sun-sentinel.com

The Boynton Beach Police department's 'Officer of the Year' for 2010 was indicted on Tuesday for conspiring to possess and traffic 500 grams of methamphetamine, according to U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer.

The indictment accuses David Britto, 28, of drug dealing from June 2009 until March 4, 2011. Britto faces a potential life sentence if convicted, prosecutors said.

Police Chief G. Matthew Immler released a statement saying, in part, "the Boynton Beach Police Department vigorously polices itself, and this case is an example of how law enforcement roots out corruption from within its own ranks."

Officer Britto was named 'Officer of the Year' in January for, among other things, helping to identify a man suspected of shooting two street preachers and for performing CPR on a 2-year-old girl who almost drowned in her family's swimming pool in November.
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"I saw the little baby on the ground and started praying," Britto said, recounting the life-saving effort at a December reunion with Elionore Dieujuste and her daughter, Vitalice, who made a full recovery.

Britto said at the beginning of last year, he took out a pen and a piece of paper and wrote down that on every call he wanted to make a difference in someone's life.

"It is nice to be recognized when you have really tried your best," he said upon receiving the 'Officer of the Year' honor. "This only motivates me to keep doing what I'm doing and reach my goals."

In 2010, Britto also worked 11 burglaries resulting in 19 arrests and 18 narcotic cases leading to 25 arrests, records show.

In 2008, Britto was one of three Boynton Beach police officers who fired 23 shots into a stolen Dodge Caravan as the vehicle's driver tried to run them down, investigators said.

None of the officers or the seven suspects in the van was injured, according to the police report.

Britto has been a Boynton Beach police officer since September 2006, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement database.

He was caught in a Drug Enforcement Administration led Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation.

"The decision to deal drugs while carrying a badge is not only a breach of the law enforcement oath, but a community tragedy as well," DEA Mark R. Trouville,Miami Special Agent in Charge said in a statement.

Chief Immler echoed that sentiment in his statement.

"We realize that when an officer stands accused of a violation of the public trust, all of law enforcement pays the price in eroded citizen confidence and the perception of diminished integrity," Immler said.

How can the chief say they vigorously police themeself when this has been going on for what looks like 2 years and he is only now taking action. Looks more like the DEA is policing them and the chief is peddling fast to catch up after being caught with his pants down. Looks like Britto had everyone fooled, to the point he got officer of the year lol

Anything come out yet about the two cops who lied on the probable cause affidavit about missing a gun hidden on a suspect and then finding it in booking. Or about the the group that illegally entered a motel room for a search. Or even about the cops that forced their way into a home to force information out of the friend of a suspect so they could get the suspects current location. Seems like Britto is just the tip of a lot of officers at that department making really bone headed decisions.

[king526]

Dave was a good friend to many and is accused of an unthinkable crime for a COP. In this case - "quoting the source" - we should all save our opinions for the final outcome of the case.

Oh come on King, with both know the feds don't take charges like this unless they have it locked up normally (ie. video / audio). It is sad and this doesnt take away from the good he has done, and he has done a lot of good. Only thing you can to say to something like this is that it is what it is. People make bad decisions, doesnt mean they are bad people. I think that applies here.

Hes a criminal and belongs in Jail not enforcing the law !

Immler must go!!!

Come on guys - don't hide behind a Guest username - If your gonna make a neg comment that you know nothing about, at least be a real person and have enough nut to post your name. I wouldn't make a comment about something I knew nothing about - that's why I said what said. Unless you know the whole truth about something - STFU. Stop being one of those COPs that can't wait to spread a rumor about someone or gaggle like a chicken with your head off. Have a Nut and be true to your profession - don't hang a fellow officer if you dont have the truth about something. A video, a tape recording - come on guys - lets get real - It's not disney world - your talking about a fellow brothers life! I know cops that would die for eachother - your comments shovel dirt on a guys grave because you read something in a news paper - yeah - they never lie or get the stories mixed up - duh! Put your money where your mouth is - so all can read who we can count on - and who we know will testify against his own - Coward!

This guy is a criminal and does not deserve his badge or freedom. He took an oath for a higher calling and abused it. The feds dont make micky mouse arrests so Im happy hes going to be judged before he judges anybody else.

Ok Kang. Now he is a federal fugitive, think you might be rethinking a portion of your previous post??