MELBOURNE, Florida – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement Brevard Field Office arrested Brian Wical, 38, on charges of arson, false and fraudulent insurance claim, burning to defraud the insurer and false report to a law enforcement authority.
Wical is a sergeant with the Melbourne Police Department. Agents also arrested James Roy Hartman, 40, with arson and burning to defraud the insurer. Hartman is a former police officer with Melbourne Police Department.
On Sept. 29, 2013, Wical reported that his personal 2008 Stratas boat was stolen from his home in Palm Bay, Florida. The boat was valued at $40,000. Investigators believe Wical and Hartman conspired to burn the boat and after destroying it, Wical collected $45,066.72 on an insurance claim.
FDLE began its investigation in January 2014 after agents received allegations about Wical committing insurance fraud. Palm Bay Police Department assisted with the investigation.
Wical and Hartman turned themselves into the Brevard County Jail earlier today, and were booked and released on their own recognizance. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 18th Judicial Circuit. “Sergeant Brian Wical’s employment status with the Melbourne Police Department has not changed at this time. He currently remains on administrative leave with pay,” Melbourne Chief of Police, Steve Mimbs, said in a release.
“Now that the criminal investigation that was conducted by FDLE is complete and has resulted in arrest, a full and expeditious review of that investigation’s findings will occur before a determination can be made regarding any changes in Sergeant Wical’s current status.”
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If law enforcement officers are sworn to uphold the law, then why is he still employed as an officer. Unless I misread this article did he not break the law and failed in what he was sworn to do? I for one am appalled that he has not been terminated and our tax dollars are still paying his salary!!!
To the first post; I'm sorry, but when did our system of law in this country change to "you are innocent until proven guilty, unless you are a cop".
Seriously unless you're a cop really??Did you not read the article at all? After the investigation was completed by the FDLE and arrest has been made. Now this was was not John Q Public that was arrested it was an officer of the law. I am quite sure the investigation was very thorough seeing how one agency was investigating another and this lead to an arrest of a fellow officer, following me so far? Maybe I am hasty in saying terminate him at least suspend him without pay. I know what you are saying let due process run it's course and if he's found guilty and convicted then term him. I'm just sick of everyone's tax dollars paying for corrupt people that should know better.
I have no idea if these guys are guilty or innocent but looking back fdle also said Frank Carter was guilty then he was found to be innocent. Frank Carters life was ruined. Its best not to throw stones when nobody really knows all the facts. Let it unfold then comment accordingly.
Post one. I understand your frustration with the system. We are all frustrated. However, post number four is entirely correct mentioning Ofc. Carter, as an example. You have mentioned your "tax dollars" being abused or wasted in both posts. I do believe that taxes are paid by officers of the law as well as citizens like you and I. If he is guilty then he will be punished accordingly. But lets not minimize the time he put his life on the line as both an under cover narc ofc as well as a patrol sargent. I do respect your opinion.
great discussion between you two, i flip flopped so many times im dizzy.
"After the investigation was completed by the FDLE and arrest has been made."Would you like to have a conviction first or is arrested enough for you?
2 poster you better have a reality check-----that only applies to cops and crooked politicians and of course the rich and their friends. Your living in a dream world. DREAM ON !!!! Yea of little thought.
If law enforcement officers are sworn to uphold the law, then why is he still employed as an officer. Unless I misread this article did he not break the law and failed in what he was sworn to do? I for one am appalled that he has not been terminated and our tax dollars are still paying his salary!!!
To the first post; I'm sorry, but when did our system of law in this country change to "you are innocent until proven guilty, unless you are a cop".