Miami‑Dade deputy cleared after accused victim refuses to cooperate in battery case.
Lt. Daniel Chala faced battery and false imprisonment charges after allegedly assaulting a transgender woman he met at a nightclub—but state attorneys have dropped all charges.
👉 Read the full report: NBC Miami
🕵️♂️ What Happened
In April 2025, Lt. Daniel Chala of the Miami‑Dade Sheriff's Office was arrested after a woman accused him of battery and false imprisonment. The incident reportedly occurred after they met at the E11EVEN nightclub and returned to his apartment, where she said he choked her and refused to let her leave.
Sources: NBC Miami, CBS News Miami
⚖️ Charges Dropped
On June 2, 2025, state attorneys formally dropped all charges, citing a lack of victim cooperation and insufficient evidence to support prosecution, even though a judge had initially found probable cause on the battery count.
Sources: NBC Miami, Hoodline summary
🛑 Officer Denial & Department Response
Lt. Chala has denied all wrongdoing, claiming the woman left his apartment voluntarily. Meanwhile, Miami‑Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero‑Stutz released a statement expressing disappointment that an officer was arrested, and confirmed Chala is on paid administrative leave pending internal review.
Sources: CBS News Miami, NBC Miami
💬 Public Reaction & Accountability Questions
Advocates for police accountability and LGBTQ+ rights expressed concern that the case highlights barriers for marginalized victims seeking justice. Critics argue that even without prosecution, the department should share findings and address systemic concerns around forced compliance and duty of care.
Sources: Hoodline analysis
TL;DR SMH America 🤦♂️😏☕
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Lt. Daniel Chala faced charges of battery and false imprisonment after a nightclub encounter, but charges were dropped due to the victim's non-cooperation.
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A judge initially found probable cause on battery, but prosecutors decided the available evidence wasn’t strong enough.
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Chala denies wrongdoing and is on administrative leave; the department maintains professionalism is expected, even with no criminal trial.
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Advocates worry this reveals obstacles for vulnerable victims and the need for stronger agency transparency.
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