A former Sweetwater police officer is accused of buying crack cocaine from a drug dealer, then claiming that the crack was actually for his wife, according to authorities.
A police officer said he watched Christopher Heredia, 25, make a "hand to hand transaction" for a clear baggie of crack cocaine in a Walgreen's parking lot at Southwest 114th Avenue and Quail Roost Drive in Southwest Miami-Dade. The area is known for heavy drug activity.
Heredia was released on $13,500 bond Friday. Information on his attorney was not immediately available.
The police report says Heredia drove away from the area, and was later pulled over at Southwest 113th Avenue and Quail Roost Road. Heredia appeared to try and "conceal something," the report says.
Heredia informed the officer that he was a "P.O.", short for police officer. Heredia also informed detectives that he was currently relieved of duty.
According to the report, Heredia's hands were trembling and his speech was stuttering and he appeared very nervous.
The officer called for backup, and upon a search of the vehicle, found the clear baggie of crack cocaine on the drivers side floor board. Officers recovered the bag.
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Officers also uncovered three Xanax pills in the vehicle.
Without provocation, Heredia reportedly told the officers "the crack is not for me, it's for my wife."
Heredia was advised to remain silent, and was taken into custody.
Police also took into custody the woman who reportedly sold Heredia the crack cocaine.
Tina Schofield, 37, claimed that Heredia asked if he could purchase $20 worth of crack cocaine from her. Officers recovered a glass crack pipe containing cocaine residue from Schofield's bra, the report states.
Schofield is facing sale of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia charges. She's been ordered held on $6,000 bond. It is unknown if she has hired an attorney.
Heredia is charged with purchasing cocaine, possessing a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Heredia was already suspended from Sweetwater before this incident. He was released $13,500 bond. Sweetwater Police issued a press release but only repeated the details provide by Miami-Dade police.
As a former officer, Heredia's personal information, along with that of his immediate family, is protected, according to police.
