DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) – Investigators say a South Florida attorney is on trial after his underage client was targeted by a former Miramar police officer arrested on child molestation charges. I’m raising my voice.
George Richardson, 37, a former three-year veteran, was charged in November with luring a teenager into having sex over FaceTime.
After being released from prison on Thursday, Richardson covered his face and refused to speak to reporters.
The alleged victim’s attorney, Andrew Berio, held a press conference Friday.
“These allegations are shocking and certainly alarming,” he said.
Berrio said his client is under 18 and met Richardson through the department’s police explorer program.
“We have minors between the ages of 14 and 20 who are high school students who aspire to become police officers, and unfortunately our client ended up in this program,” he said.
Mr Berio said his client’s dreams of becoming a police officer had been shattered.
“(My client) is not sure if he can continue with his dream of becoming a police officer,” he said.
Miramar Police Chief Dellish Moss said Richardson has been relieved of police duties.
The following statement was released in response to the incident:
“When an individual who has sworn to uphold the law is accused of violating that sacred oath, it not only undermines that individual’s integrity but casts a shadow on the entire profession.”
Now, Berio wants the department to take responsibility.
The attorney said he has not filed a lawsuit but may do so in the future.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
