September 2025

Officer of the Month

Detective Gedeus Frederick

The North Miami Police Department’s “Officer of the Month” for September 2025 is Detective Gedeus Frederick. Detective Frederick is currently assigned to the Investigations Division. He is being recognized for his outstanding performance during the following incident:

On September 24, 2025, the North Miami Police Department received a report from the mother of a 15-year-old female who had not returned home. The mother explained that her daughter had been communicating with an individual known only by the alias "Prince." Over time, "Prince" had groomed both the 15-year-old and her 13-year-old sister, possibly for human trafficking purposes, encouraging them to leave their home and travel to New York. The suspect took deliberate steps to facilitate the juvenile's departure, including purchasing an Amtrak ticket under a false name, arranging for an Uber ride to the train station, and instructing her to board a northbound train.

The younger sibling ultimately declined to accompany her sister. However, the older juvenile followed through with "Prince's" plan and boarded a train, placing her at grave risk of exploitation. This case presented every hallmark of an evolving human trafficking scheme, requiring immediate and decisive intervention.

Although initial information suggested the juvenile was headed to New York, Detective Frederick's investigative diligence uncovered critical details that revealed her actual destination was Baltimore, Maryland. This discovery dramatically altered the investigative approach and underscored the need for real-time intelligence sharing with partnering agencies.

Detective Frederick worked in close coordination with the Amtrak Police Department, where one of their detectives assisted in tracking the train's route and upcoming stops. Detective Frederick also engaged with the Winter Park Police Department, facilitating their rapid response to intercept the juvenile before she left the state of Florida. His leadership in coordinating this multi-jurisdictional operation was instrumental in ensuring a swift and successful recovery effort.

At approximately 1:50 p.m. on September 24, 2025, Winter Park Police officers boarded the identified Amtrak train and located the missing juvenile. Thanks to the coordinated planning and swift action initiated by Detective Frederick, the juvenile was recovered safely in the Orlando area, well before she could reach Baltimore. The suspect's attempt to traffic a vulnerable minor was effectively disrupted.

Detective Frederick's exceptional performance exemplifies the high individual standards he holds for his investigative work, as well as our Department's Mission and Values. His ability to quickly assess the situation, recognize indicators of trafficking, and mobilize interagency partners stand as a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact law enforcement has. This case demonstrates a level of professionalism and dedication that reflects great credit upon Detective Frederick and the North Miami Police Department.