On May 23, 2025, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested 33-year-old Vernesha Patrice Johnson of Miramar on multiple charges related to a public assistance fraud scheme involving more than $63,000 in requested aid.
Johnson, a civilian employee with the Miami Police Department, was charged with one second-degree felony count of public assistance fraud, one third-degree felony count of uttering a forged instrument, and one first-degree misdemeanor count of making a false report to law enforcement.
The investigation began in October 2023 after the City of Miami Police Department contacted FDLE agents regarding possible fraudulent activity involving a public rental and utility assistance application submitted in September 2022. Authorities determined that Johnson had forged pay stubs to falsely reduce her reported income in order to meet the Broward County Emergency Rental Assistance Program’s income eligibility guidelines.
When the program revisited the application in September 2023 and requested updated payroll information, Johnson provided nine payroll slips later confirmed as fake by the City of Miami Payroll Department.
In February 2024, Johnson denied submitting the application and claimed identity theft, even filing a police report to that effect. A digital forensic investigation later confirmed her ownership and use of the related accounts.
Johnson has been relieved of duty by the Miami Police Department. She was booked into the Broward County Jail. The case is being prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney for Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit.
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