Miami Police officer accused of extortion

Harold James arrested as part of FBI investigation

MIAMI ā€“ A City of Miami Police officer is charged with two counts of extortion in connection with a reported FBI investigation into a group of officers' involvement in a sports gambling operation in Liberty City.

Harold James was arrested Thursday. He's reportedly the second officer arrested as part of the investigation.

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Court documents allege James "protected and facilitated purported illegal activity, that is, the cashing of fraudulent checks, in exchange for the receipt of a cash payment." He's is accused of receiving $800.

The officers were reportedly protecting a sports gambling operation. According to The Miami Herald, "Surveillance, in an unincorporated area of Liberty City, led to the spotting of a Miami officer who allegedly showed up regularly to protect the illicit business."

In Dec. 2012, Miami Police Chief Manuel Orosa said little about the investigation. The FBI also issued a statement to Local 10, saying "The FBI does not confirm or deny the existence of investigations."

If convicted, James faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.

Another Miami Police officer, Luis Hernandez, was arrested Wednesday. He is charged with armed kidnapping and armed sexual battery by a law enforcement officer.