Trazell McLeod, a 20-year-old African American male, was found dead on January 3, 2017, in Pembroke Pines, Florida. His death was ruled a suicide by the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office. McLeod died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. At the time of his death, McLeod was a former rookie deputy with the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO).
He had been fired from his position on October 20, 2016, following an investigation into allegations of extortion and misconduct.
The investigation into McLeod's actions began when a 34-year-old male victim reported to the BSO Division of Internal Affairs that McLeod had inappropriately touched him and was extorting him for sexual favors. According to the arrest affidavit, McLeod threatened to press criminal charges against the victim unless he complied with McLeod's demands for sexual favors. McLeod allegedly told the victim, "You're going to have to me. I'm not only talking about one time -- on a consistent basis." The investigation revealed that McLeod had falsified a police report, claiming to have found crack cocaine on the ground rather than on the victim, with the intent to extort the victim for sexual favors.
McLeod was arrested on November 10, 2016, and charged with extortion, official misconduct, and attempting to tamper with or fabricate physical evidence. He was subsequently terminated from his position at the BSO, as he was still in his probationary period and had no rights to appeal his termination. The charges against McLeod included allegations that he had attempted to criminally charge an innocent person for cocaine possession, further highlighting the extent of his misconduct.
On the night of January 3, 2017, Pembroke Pines police were called to a home shortly before 9:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they found McLeod dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His death brought an end to the legal proceedings against him, but it left a lasting impact on the community and the individuals involved in the case. The circumstances surrounding McLeod's actions and subsequent death underscore the serious consequences of abuse of power and misconduct within law enforcement.
