POLK COUNTY, Fla — Haines City Police Department Capt. Gabriel Garcia was arrested on Thursday (May 22) by federal authorities following an investigation led by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The City of Haines City said they arrested him in connection with an ongoing federal investigation from the VA's Office of the Inspector General, and it is an active federal matter.
“Leadership in law enforcement carries a greater burden of responsibility, and when that trust is broken, it damages the profession and the community," Haines City Police Chief Jay Hopwood said in a statement.
The City said they were provided a copy of the indictment and are actively reviewing it.
Garcia was hired for the position in 2007.
Read full indictment here
Gabriel Garcia indictment by ABC Action News on Scribd
“You know, it might just be time we take a look if HOAs are really even necessary.
Maybe we should just do away with homeowner associations as a whole.”
South Florida lawmaker Rep. Juan Carlos Porras (R-Miami) says it may be time to do away with homeowners associations altogether, as more Floridians speak out about rising fees, costly lawsuits, and even arrests tied to HOA disputes. He said this week that he is considering filing legislation in the next session that would abolish HOAs statewide.
