Back in June, BSO Deputy Anthony Vincent claimed he had been harassed by Broward Sheriff's cops because of his sexual orientation.
On February 15, Vincent, who was riding his motor scooter, was pulled over in Southwest Ranches.
In his claim, Vincent says that the deputies ticketed him for speeding, even though he wasn't. The cops also apparently captured the moment on tape, without his consent, which is illegal. The speeding ticket was eventually tossed in April.
In June, an internal investigation kicked off regarding the recording but, before the investigation concluded, Vincent released it to the media. That's when he was suspended with pay. Upon his return from work, he was then suspended five days without pay.
The suit names former Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti, BSO Commander Wallace Haywood, and Deputies Roberto Aspuru and Jose Saud as defendants.
Vincent claims that the cops targeted him because of his sexual orientation. Lamberti has denied the accusation.
In the recording, Vincent is on the phone, telling the other person that he feared for his life. The cops apparently react to this with laughter.
Officer Haywood is heard saying, "We're going to give this fucker a ticket."
Later in the recording, Vincent is heard saying that he's confused because his scooter doesn't go as fast as the deputies claim.
The ticket says Vincent was driving 56 mph in a 25-mph zone. According to Vincent, his scooter's top speed is 48 mph.
Vincent has filed his suit in federal court, claiming violations of his civil rights.
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