MIAMI, FL – A high-ranking civilian official within the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department has been arrested on charges of driving under the influence (DUI), according to official records.
Omar Fernandez, identified as the 50-year-old Civilian Division Chief for the department, was taken into custody earlier this week in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The arrest marks a significant development for the county’s corrections system, raising questions about conduct standards for leadership personnel.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
Jail records indicate that Mr. Fernandez was booked into a detention facility early Monday morning. He faces charges including Driving Under the Influence and DUI causing damage to property or a person. The specific circumstances leading to the arrest and the alleged damage were not immediately detailed in the initial records, but the charges themselves point to an incident involving impaired driving that reportedly resulted in some form of impact or harm.
The booking took place during the early hours of the day, a timeframe often associated with incidents occurring late at night or in the pre-dawn period. Following his booking, Mr. Fernandez was processed and subsequently released from custody later that same morning. The relatively swift release typically follows standard procedure for certain non-violent charges after bail conditions are met or a bond is posted.
Departmental Response and Internal Investigation
In response to the arrest, the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department issued a statement regarding the steps being taken. According to the department, in accordance with established departmental protocol, Omar Fernandez has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
Administrative leave is a standard procedure in many government agencies when an employee, particularly one in a leadership position, faces serious allegations or charges that could impact their ability to perform their duties or the public trust in the department. This status is temporary and allows the department to conduct a thorough review of the incident without the employee actively being in their regular role.
The internal investigation will run concurrently with any potential criminal proceedings stemming from the DUI charges. The scope of such an investigation typically includes reviewing the circumstances of the arrest, assessing whether any departmental policies were violated, and determining the appropriate administrative action based on the findings.
The Role of a Civilian Division Chief
As Civilian Division Chief, Omar Fernandez holds a key position within the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department. While not a sworn officer, this role involves significant administrative responsibility, often overseeing non-uniformed personnel and critical support functions that ensure the smooth operation of the county’s correctional facilities and programs. The responsibilities can include areas like human resources, budget management, procurement, or other essential administrative services that underpin the work of the uniformed staff.
Individuals in such leadership roles are generally expected to uphold a high standard of conduct, both on and off duty, given their visibility and the public trust placed in their department. An arrest on charges like DUI, particularly those involving potential damage, can attract public scrutiny and raise concerns about judgment.
Legal Process and Next Steps
The charges of DUI and DUI causing damage initiate a legal process in the Florida court system. Driving Under the Influence in Florida can carry significant penalties, including fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI education courses, and potential jail time, depending on factors such as blood alcohol content, prior offenses, and whether damage or injury occurred.
The added charge of DUI causing damage suggests the incident involved a collision or other event resulting in harm to property or potentially another person. This specific charge can elevate the severity of the case and potential penalties upon conviction.
Mr. Fernandez will be required to appear in court to address the charges against him. The legal proceedings will determine his culpability based on evidence presented by prosecutors and his defense.
Simultaneously, the internal investigation by the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department will proceed. The outcome of this internal review will be separate from the court’s decision but will inform any disciplinary action the department may take, which could range from reprimand to termination, depending on the severity of the findings and departmental policy.
Implications for the Department
An incident involving a senior official facing criminal charges can pose challenges for a public safety agency like the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department. Maintaining public confidence and internal morale are paramount. The department’s adherence to its stated protocol of administrative leave and internal investigation is a standard approach aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency while the facts are established.
The situation remains fluid as both the legal case and the internal administrative review are pending. Further details regarding the specific circumstances of the arrest and the progress of the investigations are expected to emerge as the processes unfold in the coming weeks.
