MIAMI – A well-known South Florida political player was arrested at a fundraiser Tuesday night for missing a court date seven years ago.
Police were not even looking for her, which raises questions about how they were notified and why.
Local 10 News was there when Vanessa Brito bonded out of jail.
This seems to be less about any crime and more about underhanded dirty politics so common in South Florida.
Brito was emotional after an unexpected night in jail.
“I guess somebody wanted to punk me,” she said. “A couple of days ago I spoke out against a lot of things happening here with major consultants.”
It was apparently someone who knew Brito has had an almost 7-year-old bench warrant, though no police department was actively looking for her.
“They follow you, they put PI’s on you, they look for anything,” she said. “Just because they don’t like it. I’m a very vocal person.”
Brito was originally charged with a misdemeanor for allegedly shoplifting at Target in Midtown Miami. She’d pleaded not guilty. While struggling to care for her dying mother, she missed a court date.
In early 2018, the judge issued the warrant.
Brito is well-known in local political circles. Candidates and campaigns hire her as a consultant.
Tuesday evening, while fundraising at a political event in Wynwood, someone called Miami police to tell them she was there, and about the old warrant. Police had no choice but to act on it.
“It’s bullying,” she said. “I took a break from political (life) to take care of my mom and I regret coming back.”
Brito now has to deal with the years-old misdemeanor, which she is not so worried about. She is worried, however, about dirty politics that could affect her livelihood.