A Miami-Dade sheriff’s deputy in plain clothes stepped between Local 10 investigative reporter Jeff Weinsier and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava as the reporter attempted to ask about $61.8 million spent on electric buses that were later taken out of service. Deputy Lester Aguilar displayed no visible badge or credentials and did not verbally identify himself before making physical contact, issuing commands, and asking Weinsier whether he wanted to go to jail. Internal Affairs later concluded that Aguilar violated neither Florida law nor department policy and closed the complaint with “No Further Action Required.” But while the investigation was still underway, Aguilar’s security detail received instructions to properly display law-enforcement credentials while working. The sheriff’s office called it supervisory guidance—not a policy change—and did not explain why it was issued during the investigation. Investigators also claimed Aguilar was maintaining a “safe buffer” around the mayor, although the report did not define that buffer’s size or boundaries. Local 10 said its reporters had covered the mayor at numerous public events without previously being told such a designated zone existed. So apparently, the unidentified deputy did nothing wrong—but the entire detail still needed a reminder to start identifying itself. Thin Blue Lies, Baby. 📄 Story tips, resources & support 👉 https://www.thinblueliesmedia.com Submit police accountability tips, bodycam footage, public records, court documents, and local story leads. 👕 Thin Blue Lies merch: https://www.youtube.com/@thinblueliesmedia/store Sources Local 10 — MDSO closes complaint; records reveal directive during investigation Local 10 — Reporter threatened with arrest while questioning Miami-Dade mayor Local 10 — MDSO has no specific policy requiring plainclothes deputies to identify themselves Local 10 — Why Miami-Dade’s expensive electric buses are sitting unused #PoliceAccountability #PressFreedom #FirstAmendment #InternalAffairs #MiamiDade #ThinBlueLies

police accountability Deputy Lester Aguilar Jeff Weinsier Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office MDSO Daniella Levine Cava reporter threatened with arrest press freedom First Amendment plainclothes deputy no visible badge Internal Affairs police misconduct safe buffer zone investigative journalism Miami-Dade police taxpayer money Proterra buses electric buses government accountability Thin Blue Lies