Former Miami police officer arrested

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A former City of Miami police officer landed in jail Thursday, one day after Miami police arrested an active officer and fired another.

Harold James stands accused of allegedly pocketing $800 to protect a gambling operation. He turned himself in Thursday on federal charges.

Court records read he "protected and facilitated purported illegal activity, that is, the cashing of fraudulent checks, in exchange for the receipt of a cash payment."

James resigned from the force in 2012 for getting caught up in an FBI investigation of a Liberty City barber shop. Agents said James was paid $800 to protect a sports betting ring that operated out of the establishment, which has since closed down.

When the investigation first came to light in December, Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado said, "I do know that this force is trying to clean up their act, so that's important."

James' arrest comes just one day after Officer Luis Hernandez landed behind bars. Prosecutors say he fondled a female prisoner and tried to force her to perform a sex act as he was taking her to jail.

Officer Reynaldo Goyos was fired Wednesday for shooting and killing 28-year-old Travis McNeil at a traffic stop in Feb. 2011. The victim was unarmed, and the department found the shooting to be unjustifiable.

"Our chief takes pride in trying to make our police department to look good," said Officer Kenia Reyes Wednesday. "We continue and we strive to serve the citizens of the City of Miami.

James is the second officer to be arrested in connection with the gambling operation. Authorities said there might be as many as 10 officers that will face disciplinary action.

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