Video released of police officer's alleged attack

MIAMI (WSVN) -- The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office has released video evidence of a Homestead police officer allegedly attacking people outside a bar.

Officials said the officer was busted by undercover co-workers investigating human trafficking outside a Homestead bar frequented by migrant workers. This sparked an internal affairs investigation that led to three arrests.

One video shows Homestead Police Sergeant Jeffrey Rome pepper-spraying a man twice, and after the man walks away, Rome follows and pepper sprays him a third time. The man then walks off.

The second video shows Rome walking across the street and allegedly attacking an older man, dropping him to the ground. Moments later, the video shows Rome returning and beating him. The man just lies there for about seven minutes, then Rome returns a second time and pours a liquid, possibly a drink, on him.

Rome was arrested and released on bond last month, along with Officer Giovanni Soto, also accused of beating a man outside the same bar. Police Sergeant Lizanne Deegan was arrested for covering up for Soto.

All three officers have been placed on administrative leave with pay while the State Attorney's Office prosecutes the case.

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