Monday, December 14, 2009

Officer Jose Villarreal Arrested for Falsifying Documents

A Homestead police officer has been arrested, accused of falsifying documents to obtain U.S. citizenship.

Miami-Dade jail spokeswoman Janell Hall said 31-year-old Jose Villarreal was still in jail Monday on $250,000 bail. He was arrested and charged last week with official misconduct, uttering forged instruments and false official statements.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Villarreal, who was born in Mexico, turned in a birth certificate with false information about his birthday, his middle name and his mother's name. He later applied for a law enforcement certification, using a copy of his citizenship certificate, which authorities say he falsely obtained.

Authorities said Villarreal, who was hired by Homestead police in 2006, has been placed on administrative leave with pay.

Police officers must have U.S. citizenship to work on the force.

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