Orlando Sentinel – Lake Mary man accused of trying to bribe officer by Orlando Sentinel Criminal Justice Editor John Cutter
Lake Mary police stopped a motorcycle over the weekend because the driver was using the turn lane to pass other vehicles. After finding marijuana and a set of scales, the officer placed Jose Heriberto Torres under arrest. According to police reports, Torres, 25, of Lake Mary, offered the officer $500 if he would just write him a ticket instead of taking him to jail.Torres faces charges of bribery, possessing marijuana and narcotic equipment and operating a motorcycle without a license. He was released form the Seminole County Jail on a $2,150 bond.
NORML Legal Committee attorney Jeffrey Steinborn says it best: if you’re going to break the law, try to make it only one law at a time. If you are riding around with marijuana and scales, you ought to be the most law-abiding, safe driver on the road. Cruise control is your friend and your turn signal is your wingman. And for Pete’s sake, you don’t try to bribe an officer, especially in Florida where mere possession of over 20 grams is a felony! You have a right to remain silent and call an attorney… use them!
