POLK COUNTY, Fla — Haines City Police Department Capt. Gabriel Garcia was arrested on Thursday (May 22) by federal authorities following an investigation led by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The City of Haines City said they arrested him in connection with an ongoing federal investigation from the VA's Office of the Inspector General, and it is an active federal matter.
“Leadership in law enforcement carries a greater burden of responsibility, and when that trust is broken, it damages the profession and the community," Haines City Police Chief Jay Hopwood said in a statement.
The City said they were provided a copy of the indictment and are actively reviewing it.
Garcia was hired for the position in 2007.
Read full indictment here
Gabriel Garcia indictment by ABC Action News on Scribd
State and local officials say Maximo Sanchez violated environmental regulations for years, operating two unpermitted dumps despite warnings from state and local officials to clean it up.
