Jessie Menocal, Jr. was indicted on federal civil rights charges on December 13, 2019 after initially being cleared by the State Attorney’s Office four years prior. After more than 30 months waiting for trial and the government expending over $10M of taxpayer dollars, and many agents on the case, ultimately, Mr. Menocal reluctantly accepted a plea offer on misdemeanor counts to bring this ordeal to closure and move on. Since his employing agency and the police union refused to represent Mr. Menocal on these work related charges, his family had no other alternative but to cover over $700K in legal and other fees to defend his name and to provide for his young family.

It is without question that this injustice has taken its toll on the Menocal family, but worse, proves that our justice system needs serious reform. Our hope, as you read about this case, is that it will shed some light on the facts and the truth that the media does not report. This is a case involving criminal witnesses who have all been discredited, have lied under oath, admitted to criminal activity, been given immunity for said crimes, and had criminal histories expunged. This was the basis for testimony against a decorated member of law enforcement and produced one of the most controversial injustices ever documented in South Florida and in our nation.