No jail time for ICE officer accused of beating tow truck drivers

Channel 9 WFTV Orlando Florida News Report

ORLANDO — Channel 9 has learned a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who was caught on camera beating up three tow truck drivers earlier this year in downtown Orlando took a plea deal.

The January incident was caught on several surveillance cameras that show Pablo Morales, his son, Diego Morales, and a friend fighting with the tow truck drivers as they tried to tow Diego Morales' vehicle.

On Thursday, all of Pablo Morales' felony charges were dropped because he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of exhibition of a firearm, which is a misdemeanor. He was sentenced to a year of probation and he's required to an attend an anger management course and perform community service.

Victim Ryan Kirk said he and his two employees were injured in the attack, which cost them thousands of dollars in medical expenses.

The 15-minute surveillance video shows Pablo Morales punch one of the tow truck drivers, and then everyone jumps into the action.

At one point, the ICE agent can also be seen reaching into his bag and pulling out a 9 mm handgun, waving it from side to side.

Then, video shows Morales walk toward his son, who is punching one of the victims on the ground, and he joins in while his son kicks the man, authorities said.

One of the victims told Channel 9 that at one point, Morales showed his federal badge and even identified himself as a federal agent.

Channel 9's Racquel Asa tried to get answers from Pablo Morales after court, but he kept dodging her questions, even retreating into a men's bathroom twice to avoid the cameras.

ICE wouldn't comment on Morales' status in the department.

In February, Morales was placed on administrative leave and had his firearm, credentials and badge secured.


Video footage

Immigration officials--as a group--seem to have a much worse attitude than TSA, cops, etc.

At least from my observations.

I just spent about 30 min talking to a guy and about 15min into our conversation I thought this guy is a real dickhead. Just before the end of our talk he says that he is a cop, I should have known.

I just spent about 30 min talking to a guy and about 15min into our conversation I thought this guy is a real dickhead. Just before the end of our talk he says that he is a cop, I should have known. Originally Posted by thisguy23

Now, Thisguy23, when you wrote "I thought this guy is a real dickhead", were you referring to yourself? Or the other guy?

It gets confusing with you...

Now, Thisguy23, when you wrote "I thought this guy is a real dickhead", were you referring to yourself? Or the other guy?

It gets confusing with you... Originally Posted by ExNYer

Don't include me in your little game of name calling, I think more people would join in the conversations here if there was less of that by all.