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Resident alleges officer used her name in court testimony, calls it 'defamation of character' during Opa-locka commission meeting
Summary
At the March 11, 2026 Opa-locka commission meeting, resident Audrey Dominguez accused Officer Sergio Perez of testifying for a petitioner in a lawsuit and using Dominguez's name with false allegations; she called the conduct 'defamation of character' and asked whether the city can recover funds spent defending the case. The commission did not take formal action at the meeting.
At the March 11, 2026 meeting of the City of Opa-locka commission, resident Audrey Dominguez used the citizens' comment period to raise concerns about recent court testimony and ask the city to pursue reimbursement of legal costs.
Dominguez told the commission she appreciated the city's efforts on playground repairs but then turned to a legal matter involving a petitioner identified in the transcript as John Pate. She said Officer Sergio Perez "went to testify on behalf of the petitioner" and that Perez had used Dominguez's name with what she described as "false allegations and lies." Dominguez said the alleged conduct amounted to "defamation of character" and urged the city, through its attorney, to seek recovery for money the city spent during a four-year period of litigation.
"When you lie, you cheat. This is defamation of character," Dominguez said during her three-minute public comment. She asked the chief to question Officer Perez about what Dominguez described as a "personal vendetta." The transcript indicates Dominguez believes the officer's testimony harmed her reputation and that this was not the first time her name was used in court testimony.
Mayor Mary Taylor acknowledged the comment period and later indicated staff would follow up through the manager and the city attorney. The meeting record does not show the commission referring the matter to an investigative body, nor does it record a response from Officer Perez during the session.
No formal action was recorded in the minutes to compel repayment or to discipline an employee; the transcript records a request for follow-up and a public record of Dominguez's allegations.
