Appeals Court Upholds Miami Beach Cop’s Guilty Verdict for Beating Tourist

A Miami Beach police officer convicted of misdemeanor battery in the 2021 beating of a tourist may be sentenced this week, following a recent decision by a state appeals court to uphold the jury’s verdict. The case stems from a controversial incident involving five officers who were seen on video punching and kicking two tourists inside the Royal Palm Hotel lobby. The confrontation began when officers attempted to ticket tourist Dalonta Crudup for illegally parking a scooter. When Crudup fled the scene, authorities claim he assaulted an officer while running to the hotel. Surveillance footage released by the State Attorney’s Office captured officers striking Crudup during his arrest in the lobby. The incident drew widespread public outcry and resulted in criminal charges against five officers.

Most Charges Dropped, Only One Conviction Remains

Over the past four years, most of the criminal cases against the officers have unraveled. In 2023, a judge dismissed charges against Officers Robert Sabater and David Rivas due to insufficient evidence. In 2024, Officer Steven Serrano was also cleared after an appeals court cited legal uncertainties involving Florida’s “stand your ground” law. Sergeant Jose Perez accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to probation. That left Officer Kevin Perez as the only officer still facing legal consequences. After reviewing extensive video evidence and hearing multiple witness testimonies, a jury found him guilty in February 2023. Originally charged with felony battery, but the charge was reduced to misdemeanor battery by Judge Alberto Millian during the trial.

Judge Ordered Retrial, But Appeals Court Reversed It

After the guilty verdict, Judge Millian granted Perez a new trial, suggesting that the jury had not been made aware of an alleged benefit offered to Crudup—the dropping of his charges—which may have influenced his testimony. Millian argued that this could have swayed the outcome of the trial. However, the Third District Court of Appeals overruled that decision nearly two years later. The appeals court found no evidence of a quid pro quo agreement between prosecutors and Crudup, stating, “Even if Crudup had not testified, the State presented enough evidence to convict Perez of misdemeanor battery.” The court emphasized that the verdict was based on video and other objective evidence, and not solely on Crudup’s testimony.

Sentencing Expected Soon, Jail Time Still a Possibility

With the appeals court’s decision reinstating the guilty verdict, Perez is now scheduled for sentencing. While legal experts predict he may receive probation similar to Sergeant Perez, the law allows for a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail for misdemeanor battery. Criminal defense attorney Erick Cruz, who represented one of the other officers, noted that the case is finally returning to a sense of resolution. “The case goes back to normalcy,” Cruz said. “But there’s still the potential for jail time, depending on the judge’s ruling.” Perez’s sentencing is tentatively set for Thursday.