Ex-OPD detective likely won’t work as officer again, chief says
Orlando police Chief John Mina said the detective accused of sexual assault while on duty would likely lose his law enforcement certification. Det. Angel Burgos resigned in April after a woman said he forced her to perform a sex act in his unmarked patrol car in December outside her home.
An internal affairs investigation determined he violated the department’s standards of conduct policy and, though he resigned, recommended termination.
Mina said Wednesday at the Citizens’ Police Review Board that he forwarded the results of the internal investigation to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which issues the certifications.
Even with certification, Burgos’ career in law enforcement is likely over, the chief said.
“I would suggest to you that not only would the Orlando Police Department not hire him, but any police department in the state of Florida would never hire this individual,” Mina told the board.
Board member Richard Crabtree called Burgos’ behavior “egregious” and questioned why he would be allowed to collect his pension. By law, the only time individuals must forfeit pensions is if they are convicted of a felony. The Orange-Osceola State Attorney’s Office said there wasn’t enough evidence to show that the sexual activity was forced, so it declined to prosecute the case.
“I wholeheartedly agree with you that the behavior was egregious and he shouldn’t be allowed to collect retirement,” Mina said. “But we are bound by the pension law.”
Board member Caila Coleman said Burgos should apologize to the victim. “Obviously, you guys thought it was egregious enough that you would have recommended termination,” she told Mina. “I don’t even know what she’s going through right now, so what have you done as a department to help this victim?”
Mina said the department could not make comments about the victim because of pending litigation.
According to the FDLE investigation, Burgos met the victim on another case. She told authorities she thought he’d come to her home to discuss her case, FDLE said.