Opa-locka city manager denies claims of retaliation from fired police officer

Days after firing an officer who discharged his Taser at a colleague, Opa-locka City Manager Darvin Williams denied the officer’s claims of retaliation at a press conference Wednesday morning. Police Chief Kenneth Ottley said that former captain Sergio Perez was terminated after a “comprehensive and thorough” investigation determined he had crossed a line, violating seven departmental policies in the process.

“When our officers come to work, they have to know that they are supported and appreciated, and that the officers standing beside them will conduct themselves in a professional manner,” Williams said.

Perez, a veteran police sergeant, was fired Monday for the second time in his 14-year career with the department for firing a Taser at a fellow officer, Sgt. Michael Steel. Perez has faced internal investigations throughout his career, including after allegedly abusing a mentally ill teen during a 2020 arrest.

The internal affairs investigation regarding the Taser incident concluded that Perez violated several department policies, including misusing equipment, injuring an officer and administrative misconduct. While Perez told the Miami Herald on Tuesday that he believed his termination was retaliation for reporting corruption within the department, Williams denied those accusations Wednesday.

After the press conference, Evan Ross, a communications consultant for Opa-locka, said there was “no question” about Perez inappropriately discharging a Taser at an officer or about the physical injury done to Steel.

According to the internal affairs report, in September 2021, Perez went up to Steel, who was sitting at his desk, to “certify” him with a new Taser. Steel repeatedly told Perez that he did not want to be shocked with the Taser, but Perez fired the Taser at Steel anyway. The report said Perez told Steel to “stop being a baby” and then walked away laughing. Steel reported the incident days later. Perez was criminally charged for his actions but when prosecutors dropped the case in January, the department picked back up with its internal investigation.

Perez’s lawyer on Tuesday said they planned to challenge his termination.

When asked Wednesday about what changes the department might be undergoing, Williams said that there are none planned at this time but that the department is in a “constant review” process.

“Under Ottley’s steadfast leadership, our department is not just changing, but the Opa-locka police department is evolving,” Williams said.

Miami Herald reporter Devoun Cetoute contributed to this story.