How convenient it must be to be able to order the police around to investigate anyone who bothers you — and twice if you don’t like the outcome the first time.
Kramer is known for giving fabulous parties. Ladra would have tried her hardest to get in, too.
Oh, did Ladra forget to mention that the party was at the Star Island of home of local bad boy businessman Thomas Kramer? And that Levine showed up with his entourage of about 40 people after he crashed the VH1 party earlier that night and caused a ruckus there? Oh, and did I forget that big wig Democratic fundraiser Chris Korge was among the throngs trying to muscle their way in?
You cannot write fiction better than this.
Korge was not named in the investigative report, for whatever reason, but described as “a belligerent male” who ignored the police and tried to incite a riot, basically. But both he and Levine denied that scenario to the Miami Herald and said they arrived separately. Why neither spoke to IA investigators, however, is beyond me.
Cardoso, however, did speak to investigators and was named in the report. He said that he told the man the Herald identified as Korge that he would be trespassing if he continued to try to enter. That is when Levine came up with his hand outstretched to introduce himself. “I’m the new mayor of Miami Beach,” Cardoso quoted him as saying repeatedly. He felt Levine was trying to intimidate the officers or bait them with Korge — “trying to instigate a challenge between his friend, police officers and security personnel.”
Chris Korge, left, behaved much better at his party buddy Philip Levine’s swearing in, where he chatted with City Manager Jimmy Morales, right.
That wasn’t just Cardoso’s story. It is coroborates by witnesses, according to the IA report. One said Korge “seemed to be putting on a show by arguing with the officer and looking back towards the mayor.”
Levine and Korge told the Herald that wasn’t true (Levine does not talk to Ladra) and they simply bumped into each other outside of Kramer’s home when they noticed, in unison we suppose, Cardoso’s allegedly inappropriate behavior. “He was on fire,” Levine said of the officer.
That’s not what Kramer said. He is one of 11 witnesses who said the police officer — who responded to the home when Kramer called 911 after the crowd got out of control — acted appropriately.
Yet, the mayor wants another investigation? Ladra says maybe they should investigate him, because it looks like he abused his power at that after party.
But they won’t. They would need to have someone file a complaint against him.
Bello did tell Ladra, however, that he will invite the mayor to join the Citizens Police Academy to learn more about the department operations and standard procedures.
“Clearly, he doesn’t understand our job and what our role is,” Bello said. “This isn’t the only one. We’ve had a several incidents with him that clearly show he has no understanding of law enforcement.”
No, Sarge, what Levine doesn’t understand is the word no. Or freedom of speech, either, but that’s another story. Levine holds a grudge and is probably still unhappy that the FOP did not support him. And he is just used to getting what he wants.
So Cardoso better watch his badge. Because Ladra hears Levine wants it.
