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Fired police chief blames stress for soliciting prostitutes

By Denise Royal

MIAMI, March 1 (UPI) -- Miami Gardens, Fla. Police Chief Stephen Johnson blamed stress for the poor decision-making that led to him being arrested for soliciting a prostitute Friday. Johnson was fired shortly after his arrest.

He was taken into custody at a South Florida motel during a sting operation conducted by the Broward County Sheriff's Office.

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Upon being released from jail on Saturday morning, Johnson spoke to reporters waiting outside the jail. According to the Miami Herald he said, "The stress overwhelmed me, and I made a very bad decision to deal with that moment I've never experienced before."

His statement vaguely referred to two high-profile cases where his police force was criticized. Just last week, an unmarked Miami Gardens police car struck a 10-year girl. In another, a Miami Beach police officer shot and killed a mentally ill man leading protesters to march on City Hall.

Family members are also coming to Johnson's defense. On Twitter, Johnson's niece, with the handle @thatsmissmeoww, spoke out on Johnson's behalf by writing, "He mentors many young men, gives money to people in need, protects lives daily, helps out in his community, uplifts his big family, a dynamic educator, and is a God fearing man. Nobody is perfect."

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According to the arrest report, Johnson first spoke by phone with an undercover officer who offered a 30-minute session for $60, but he negotiated a deal for two women for $100. He then showed up at the motel and was arrested after giving the officer $100. Police said they found two condoms in Johnson's back pocket.

Miami Gardens is a town of around 105,000 people between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. An assistant chief will temporarily head the police department.

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