Clearwater Detective Arrested on Public Corruption Charges in Connection to Drug Trafficking and Dog Fighting Scheme
CLEARWATER, Fla. – A detective with the Clearwater Police Department is facing serious public corruption charges after allegedly providing information to two accused drug traffickers involved in a recent dog fighting scheme. The announcement was made during a joint press conference held by Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and Clearwater Police Chief Eric Gandy on Tuesday afternoon.
Detective Fredrick Lise, a nine-year veteran of the Clearwater Police Department and president of the police union for the last three years, was arrested on Tuesday on eight felony public corruption charges. Lise has served in the narcotics division since 2022.
“Fredrick Lise decided to cross the line from being a law enforcement officer to being a criminal,” stated Gualtieri during the press conference.
Background of the Case
The charges against Lise stem from an ongoing narcotics operation and a dog-fighting ring investigation in Pinellas County. On July 24, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of 13 individuals on drug trafficking charges. This extensive investigation led to the seizure of significant amounts of drugs, firearms, money, and over 100 dogs.
Matthew Turner and Henry Smith were among those arrested as a result of this year-long investigation. The organization, with Turner and Smith as primary participants, was responsible for distributing vast quantities of drugs throughout the Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg. The operation involved approximately 220 kilograms of cocaine, 660 pounds of methamphetamine, 25 kilograms of fentanyl, 5.5 kilograms of black tar heroin, and 14 kilograms of MDMA.
Allegations Against Detective Lise
According to officials, Detective Lise became aware of the investigation into Turner and Smith through his position with the Clearwater Police Department. He is accused of using confidential law enforcement databases to provide information to both men, alerting them to the ongoing investigation.
“Over several months, Lise sent multiple text messages to Turner and Smith, warning them of their impending trouble,” Gualtieri explained. “He placed an alert in the system regarding Turner and Smith to notify him if any investigations were being conducted into their activities by other narcotics units, including the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.”
Further investigations revealed that Lise had contacted a PCSO detective to gather more information about the case involving Turner and Smith. Once informed of the investigation, Turner and Smith, with Lise’s help, concocted a scheme to act as informants in an attempt to receive leniency for their crimes.
Charges and Implications
Detective Lise faces felony charges of misuse of public office for the unlawful disclosure of criminal investigative information and unlawful use of two-way communication devices. Sheriff Gualtieri emphasized the gravity of Lise’s actions, stating, “His friendship with these drug traffickers was more important to him than upholding his oath of office and his loyalty to fellow law enforcement officers. Lise, especially as a union president, is supposed to be looking out for cops, not putting them in harm’s way.”
Lise was booked into the Pinellas County Jail with a bond set at $200,000. Chief Gandy confirmed that Lise is currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of the Clearwater Police Department’s internal investigation.
Community Impact
This incident has sent shockwaves through the Clearwater Police Department and the broader community. The betrayal of trust by a high-ranking officer underscores the challenges law enforcement agencies face in maintaining integrity within their ranks. As the investigation continues, both the Clearwater Police Department and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office are committed to restoring public confidence and ensuring justice is served.
Stay informed with South Florida Media for ongoing coverage and updates on this developing story.
