Miami-Dade police officer charged with 3 felonies, third arrest from force in 6 weeks

Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY
·2 min read
15

A Miami-Dade police officer was charged Wednesday with armed sexual battery and other felony charges following a dispute with his ex-girlfriend.

According to a release from the Miami-Dade Police Department, Miguel Lomeli was arguing with his ex-girlfriend outside of her home. Police said the argument escalated, and she was taken inside and sexually assaulted.

Court records show he has been charged with armed sexual battery, kidnapping and armed burglary. He is being held in custody without bond. His attorney information was not immediately available.

“The allegations of misconduct by one of my officers is extremely troubling and immediate action has been taken to hold the officer accountable," MDPD director Stephanie V. Daniels said in the release. "The integrity of our police department is of the utmost importance, and we must continue to act with the highest of standards in order to safeguard the trust of all Miami-Dade County residents."

Lomeli is the third Miami-Dade police officer to face felony charges following domestic incidents in six weeks. In late October, a retired lieutenant was arrested on first degree attempted murder charges after a 14-hour armed stand-off with police, NBC 6 reported. A few days later, officer Daniel Ramos-Aviles was arrested and charged with the sexual abuse of three minor girls, USA TODAY previously reported.

More from MDPD: Director Freddy Ramirez awake after gunshot to head; offered resignation before shooting

Victim said Lomeli followed her home in marked police car and uniform with service weapon

An arrest warrant obtained by NBC 6 South Florida indicated the dispute between Lomeli and his ex-girlfriend started at a restaurant. He followed her home in his marked Miami-Dade Police vehicle while in uniform with his service weapon on him, according to the warrant.

The warrant said Lomeli dragged the victim by her hair into the residence and began hitting her head on the stairs when she struggled against him.

The warrant also said he used his handcuffs on the woman and proceeded to sexually assault her. She told police he fled the scene when she called to her 12-year-old son for help.

The warrant said Lomeli admitted to her allegations on a controlled call from the victim, NBC 6 reported.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miami-Dade police officer charged with armed sexual battery, kidnapping