Florida appeals court throws out racketeering conviction of deputy who planted drugs during traffic stops
A Florida appeals court has thrown out a racketeering conviction of a corrupt, former Sheriff’s deputy in the Panhandle. It ruled that he acted alone in a plot to plant drugs on unsuspecting drivers during traffic stops.
The court’s decision this week in Tallahassee could limit prosecutors’ use of Florida’s anti-racketeering law, which can add years to prison sentences to punish those who participate in a criminal enterprise. In an unusual move, the appeals court urged the Florida Supreme Court to consider issuing its own decision in the case.
The appeals panel said using the racketeering statute should require proving at least two people were involved in breaking the law. One of the panel’s...
