MIAMI – A former Miami Beach police officer has avoided jail time after being found guilty of beating a tourist four years ago.
On Thursday, sentencing was held for Kevin Perez, one of the officers involved in the incident at a hotel.
Judge Alberto Milian of the Miami-Dade Circuit Court opted for a withhold of adjudication and six months probation for Perez, allowing him to avoid formal conviction and a jail sentence.
“I don’t think jail is called for,” Milian said.
Two years ago, Perez was found guilty of misdemeanor simple battery related to the rough arrest of Dalonta Crudup in 2021.
During the arrest, Perez and several other officers were seen striking Crudup, now 28, and were charged accordingly.
The jury was only able to consider a misdemeanor charge of simple battery after the judge determined the state had not proven elements of the felony battery charge initially brought against Perez.
The state, along with Crudup’s mother, had pushed for jail time for Perez.
Crudup’s mother, speaking on behalf of her son who is currently incarcerated in another state, implored the court to “hold this officer accountable for his actions to ensure this behavior does not continue to go unchecked.”
The defense’s request for a new trial was initially granted but later overturned by the Third District Court of Appeals.
During the sentencing, Perez had several family members and fellow officers in court supporting him.
One officer, Sgt. Ricardo Castillo, credited Perez with saving his life on duty, saying, “I would’ve died that day if it weren’t for Yamile Cervero and Kevin Perez.”
Milian did not require Perez to address the court at his sentencing and remarked, “I don’t think he has to apologize for his behavior.”
He concluded with a message for Crudup’s mother, acknowledging her love for her son but noting, “In cases, he has put himself in a predicament. Thank God things haven’t been worse for him. He may be incarcerated, but he’s still alive. He’s young enough and has a lot of living to do if he follows the law.”
None of the parties chose to talk about the sentence after the hearing was over.
Perez can seek to terminate his probation early if he chooses.
There was no word Thursday on whether he’s going to try to get his job back.