Frenel Cenat, a former officer with the City of Miami Police Department (MPD), was sentenced last week to 135 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Cenat previously pleaded guilty to charges of attempted Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right and attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
The charges stem from Cenat’s misuse of his police position, MPD-issued vehicle, and equipment to conduct illegal traffic stops aimed at stealing what he believed were drug proceeds and seven kilograms of cocaine from drivers.
MPD Chief Manny Morales emphasized the importance of maintaining the department’s reputation, stating, “The community we are sworn to protect must trust our ability to police ourselves. The arrest of Mr. Cenat sent a strong message that I will not tolerate any member tarnishing the brand of our Miami Police Department.”
Misuse of authority
Cenat, 41, had been an MPD officer since 2008 and was using an unmarked SUV provided by the department. As an officer, he was prohibited from engaging in extortion or any unlawful activity using his official position. However, Cenat exploited his role to conduct illegal traffic stops.
A confidential human source (CHS) informed law enforcement that a mutual friend had disclosed Cenat’s past actions of stopping individuals known to be involved in drug transactions to steal drugs and money. On October 16, 2023, the friend introduced Cenat to the CHS, where they discussed an opportunity for Cenat to stop a vehicle carrying approximately $50,000 in drug proceeds.
On November 1, 2023, Cenat and the CHS planned a traffic stop rip-off scheduled for November 3, 2023. Cenat requested detailed information about the driver and the location of the drug deal. On the planned date, Cenat, in his unmarked MPD vehicle, conducted a staged traffic stop of two undercover FBI employees. Cenat, dressed in black tactical gear, coerced the driver into handing over a backpack containing $52,000 in cash. Cenat then met with the CHS and shared $13,000 of the stolen money.
Cenat continued to seek similar opportunities, asking the CHS on November 7, 2023, about another potential drug stop involving kilograms of cocaine. On November 16, 2023, Cenat attempted another staged traffic stop, this time targeting seven kilograms of fake cocaine and $80,000 in cash. Dressed in black tactical gear and impersonating a Broward County Sheriff’s Office narcotics officer, Cenat conducted the stop and took the duffle bag containing the fake drugs and cash. He was subsequently arrested by law enforcement, with the duffle bag and contents found in his unmarked MPD vehicle, along with $2,000 from the previous stop.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the DEA Miami Field Division, and MPD Chief Manuel A. Morales announced the sentencing.
