Miami-Dade Police Lieutenant Accused Of Fondling Girl

Officials arrested a Miami-Dade police officer amid allegations that he molested an underage girl.

Lt. Braulio Gonzalez, 44, was arrested Thursday as a result of an ongoing investigation, according to Miami-Dade Police.

"Detectives from our Special Victims Bureau arrested a member of our agency. To say that I am shocked and disturbed at these serious allegations is an understatement," the statement read. "As I have said before, no one is above the law and I offer the victim in the case, my assurance of our commitment to a thorough investigation."

Gonzalez was a member of the department's Special Response Team. 

He was charged with four counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child, and armed kidnapping.

An arrest warrant said the girl told a psychologist she was fondled repeatedly by Gonzalez when she was between the ages of eight and 10. The warrant also said Gonzalez pointed a gun at the girl's head and threatened to kill her sibling unless she went with him to another room.

The warrant says the victim and the lieutenant have not had a relationship in five years. 

The Florida Department of Children and Families said they have opened a child protective investigation on the case.

Gonzalez was being held without bond Thursday, jail records showed. 

"These are extremely serious allegations involving the victimization of a vulnerable child. The charges represent a breach of trust by a law enforcement officer who has sworn to protect the community and uphold the law," the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office said in a statement. 

"All victims of sexual crimes should feel confident that their voices will be heard and the alleged crimes against them will be investigated. No one is ever above the law."


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