For Immediate Release: Felony Charges to be Filed Against Three Miami Beach Police Officers

Click here to access the PDF version of this release.

Miami (September 23, 2021) – State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle has announced that upon receiving medical records and upon further investigation into the events surrounding the July 26th arrest of Daltona Crudup at Miami Beach’s Royal Palm Hotel sufficient evidence has been obtained to elevate the previous misdemeanor charges against 3 of the officers to a felony. The new charges will be officially brought before a circuit court judge next week.

“All aspects of this July 26th police incident are taken very seriously by my prosecutors,” said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. “The investigation has been and will be as thorough and complete as possible since our entire community has been shocked and offended by what we have seen.”

Facing 3rd Degree felony charges will be:
• Jose Perez – Felony Battery – 1 Count
• Officer Kevin Perez – Felony Battery – 1 Count
• Officer Steven Serrano – Official Misconduct – 1 Count

As Mr. Crudup did not sign the HIPPA waiver to allow prosecutors to view his medical records until August 25th, prosecutors were unable to fully review the extent of Crudup’s injuries with the emergency room resident doctor whose notes were within the records until September 13th. A deeper understanding of the actual injuries was necessary to file these felony battery charges.

The continued investigation also clarified Officer Serrano’s role in the writing of the arrest
form and has led to today’s charge.