Tampa Police Employee Charged in Fake Credentials Case

Breach of Trust Inside the Department

The Tampa Police Department is dealing with a troubling case after one of its own civilian employees was accused of creating fraudulent law enforcement credentials for a family member. Authorities say 42-year-old Angela Antonic, who worked as a latent print assistant, used her position inside the department to generate two police IDs for a relative who had previously turned in his credentials after resigning.

How the Scheme Was Exposed

According to police, Antonic admitted to producing the documents in hopes of helping her family member find new employment. The credentials were quickly recovered once the issue came to light. Antonic was arrested and is now facing charges that include official misconduct, falsification of records, and unauthorized use of a computer system. She has been suspended while the department carries out an internal disciplinary review.

Chief Bercaw Responds

Police Chief Lee Bercaw condemned the incident, calling it a betrayal of public trust and emphasizing that the misconduct does not reflect the professionalism of the department’s broader workforce. He noted that while the case is concerning, it represents an isolated action rather than a pattern within the agency.

Why Public Confidence Is at Stake

When misconduct occurs within law enforcement, it carries consequences beyond the immediate charges. Situations like this can erode public confidence and highlight the importance of transparency when agencies are faced with internal wrongdoing. For Tampa residents, the swift response by the department signals an effort to maintain accountability and preserve trust in the city’s police force.