Investigation Finds No Criminal Wrongdoing by Lake Wales Police Officers

Complete News Release on Police Investigation

Chief Chris Velasquez, Lake Wales Police Department

Independent Investigation Concludes no Criminal Wrong Doing by Lake Wales Police Officers

According to a 197-page report documenting an investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office of an allegation of excessive force and untruthfulness by Mr. Christopher Cordero, investigators concluded there was no evidence of criminal wrong doing by Lake Wales Police Officers.

According to the report by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office: “During the investigation, I viewed book-in pictures of Cordero that were taken after his arrest on 02/05/21. I did not observe any signs of injury to Cordero that would suggest he was punched or kicked in the face. I reviewed the pictures taken by Officer Rhoden of Cordero at Advent Health on 02/06/21, and I could see that his left ear had a faint red mark on it. I did not see any injuries to the back of his head or face. I was unable to find any witnesses, physical evidence, or video evidence to corroborate the allegations of physical violence made by Cordero. Black did report that he delivered an elbow strike to Cordero's head area, with the intention of doing a brachial stun. Black explained that he unintentionally struck Cordero on the head near his ear, due to being off-balance and in a struggle. Based on the situation, Black followed Lake Wales Police Department General Orders when he attempted to deliver a brachial stun to Cordero, in an attempt to gain control of him. I was unable to establish that [Officer] Black or Officer Worley violated any statues involving Use of Force or Battery.”

The investigation was closed as a non-criminal incident and the State Attorney’s Office has confirmed that criminal charges against Mr. Cordero have been dropped and the office would not pursue any charges against Officer Black or Officer Worley.

The State Attorney’s office documented the following in two investigative reports related to their review of allegations of police brutality:

“A review of the video surveillance captured of the arrest of Christopher Cordero did not substantiate the claims made by Cordero and were inconsistent with the statement provided by Cordero. Our office took no further action of the claim by Cordero of police brutality.”

And:

“Upon reviewing the surveillance video provided to us by Cordero, it was learned Cordero’s account of what transpired did not accurately depict what occurred on the surveillance video. Based on Cordero’s statements conflicting with the video surveillance, this office took no further action in the claim of police brutality made by Cordero.”

Immediately following the incident that occurred on February 5, 2021, Police Chief Chris Velasquez ordered an internal investigation along with a criminal investigation to determine if Lake Wales Police officers violated any laws. After extensive consultation with the State Attorney’s Office, the Chief requested the Polk County Sheriff’s Office conduct an independent criminal investigation.

Polk County Sheriff’s Detectives reviewed video footage that was alleged to have captured officers using excessive force and fabricating charges. They also reviewed reports, photos and Medical records, interviewed the doctor that examined Cordero after he was arrested, and located a previously unidentified witness to a portion of the arrest.

These interviews and the evidence collected contradicted the claims made by Christopher Cordero. When PCSO detectives sought to interview Cordero, he initially refused to cooperate or provide a statement saying he was through with it all and wanted to move on. Detectives then obtained a witness subpoena ordering Cordero to appear at the State Attorney’s Office for an interview.

During the interview with PCSO detectives and an Assistant State Attorney, Cordero provided his account under oath of what happened during the traffic stop. He also made several admissions including that the officers did not knock his tooth out and he was wrong for stopping so quickly and exiting his vehicle. He said he should have stayed in his car and the officer was just doing his job, was probably afraid that he had a weapon and that he would have done the same if he were in their shoes.

According to the report: “Cordero said the incident happened so fast that he was not even sure if the officers intentionally struck him in the head or face. Cordero explained that the officers might have accidently hit his head while trying to secure him. Cordero said he really could not see what they were doing because of his head position, and anything could feel like punches. Cordero said that maybe Officer Worley did not kick him like he said, because it was not hard, and maybe he was just trying to put his foot on him to restrain him. Cordero said ‘I can’t tell you they beat the crap out of me. I believe that they were doing their job and they were doing anything they could to get my hands behind my back.’”

Detectives interviewed the Medical professional who treated Cordero. Though Cordero initially alleged he was punched and kicked multiple times, Medical records and the attending physician documented no injuries, or any kind of swelling, abrasions, or lacerations. The CT scan showed nothing abnormal. Cordero previously claimed that he had a concussion.

Chief Chris Velasquez said, “Although I am glad Mr. Cordero made statements during the interview that provided more context to what happened, and that he showed remorse about the incident, I am still disappointed by the dramatic difference between allegations made not under oath, and what he said under oath. His comments caused a great amount of negative sentiment in the community about our department, and two of my officers were simply doing their job. I am also disappointed in those who encouraged and enabled a false story to develop along with a recent story produced by a television news station that did not have all the facts. If they had called Mr. Cordero before proceeding, they would have learned that he had already changed his story. The media have an obligation to report news, and to seek the truth. Rushing to judgement before the facts are known is irresponsible.” –Police Chief Chris Velasquez

“I would like to thank our community for their support and assure them I will always hold my officers accountable. We must maintain the trust and support of our community. Although the internal affairs investigation is still ongoing, I wanted to provide the results of the criminal investigation as soon as they were available.” –Police Chief Chris Velasquez

Summary facts of the traffic stop:

On February 5, 2021, Officer Colt Black was preparing to stop a vehicle driven by Christopher Cordero after observing him not wearing a seat belt, failing to stop at a stop sign and having an expired tag. Before Officer Black could radio in the traffic stop and activate his emergency lights, Cordero abruptly stopped, got out, slammed his door and took several steps toward the rear of his car.

Officer Black, now directly behind Cordero’s vehicle radioed for assistance, activated his lights and got out of his patrol car. Cordero appeared angry and Officer Black thought a physical confrontation was about to occur. Officer Black initially drew his Taser and pointed it at Cordero, ordering him to get back in his car. Due to Cordero’s behavior and the uncertainty of what he might have in his car, Officer Black instead decided to have Cordero stand at the back of his (Cordero’s) car and place his hands on the trunk. Officer Black re-holstered his Taser as Cordero walked to the rear of his car, refusing to place his hands on the trunk.

Cordero refused multiple times to provide his name or any identification to Officer Black. Officer Black warned Cordero that he would arrest him if he did not provide this information as required by law. As Officer Travis Worley arrived to assist, Officer Black told Cordero he was under arrest, telling him to turn around and place his hands behind his back. The 6’1”, 256lb Cordero folded his arms, again refusing to follow Officer Black’s lawful orders. As Officer Black grabbed Cordero’s arm, he resisted arrest by tensing up and pulling away from him.

Officer Black took Cordero to the ground and along with Officer Worley, struggled to gain control of and pull Cordero’s hands from underneath him. At one point during the struggle, Officer Worley said it appeared Cordero was reaching for his waistband and thought he might have a weapon. At this time, Officer Black had managed to gained control of Cordero’s right arm and did not want to let go in order to access the tools on his duty belt. Still holding on to Cordero’s arm, Officer Black delivered one strike using his elbow that landed on Cordero’s left ear. Cordero immediately became compliant following the strike and allowed officers to place handcuffs on him. That was the only strike that occurred during this incident and it was both justified and well within standard operating procedure for Officer Black to do so.

Following his arrest, Cordero claimed that he was injured. He was taken to Lake Wales Medical Center where he was medically cleared then booked in at the county Jail.

Please see the investigative report for further details and information, including interview transcripts. https://www.lakewalesfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4724/Polk-County-Sheriffs-Office-Investigation-21-7464 Certain information was redacted such as Medical records, juvenile names and the addresses of law enforcement officers.