Man Cleared of Charges Files Lawsuit Against Opa-locka Police

Simeon Boykins maintains his innocence after spending nearly two years in jail awaiting trial for a crime he says he didn't commit.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:33am

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Simeon Boykins, a Miami man who was cleared of attempted murder and other charges after spending nearly two years in jail, has filed a lawsuit against the Opa-locka Police Department. Boykins claims he was falsely arrested and that police fabricated evidence against him, including claiming they had video footage and witness statements that they did not actually have.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about potential police misconduct and wrongful arrests, as well as the significant toll that being falsely accused and incarcerated can take on an individual. It also raises questions about the reliability of evidence used to make arrests and the need for greater accountability and transparency within law enforcement.

The details

According to the report, Opa-locka police officers showed up at Boykins' home in June 2024 with guns drawn and arrested him, accusing him of attempted murder, robbery, and other offenses. Boykins maintains he was at home at the time and did not commit the crime. His attorney, Stephan Lopez, says the police claimed they had video evidence and witness statements implicating Boykins, but that this was false. Boykins spent nearly two years in jail awaiting trial before the charges were ultimately dropped.

  • Boykins was arrested by Opa-locka police in June 2024.
  • Boykins spent nearly two years in jail awaiting trial before the charges were dropped.
  • A week after being released, Boykins and his attorney filed a lawsuit against the Opa-locka Police Department.

The players

Simeon Boykins

A Miami man who was falsely arrested and jailed for nearly two years before being cleared of the charges against him.

Stephan Lopez

The attorney representing Simeon Boykins in his lawsuit against the Opa-locka Police Department.

Roy Hardemon

Simeon Boykins' father, who was a state representative and defended his son after the 2024 arrest.

Opa-locka Police Department

The law enforcement agency that Boykins and his attorney are suing for the alleged false arrest and fabrication of evidence.

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What they’re saying

“I know for sure I didn't do it. I was at the house.”

— Simeon Boykins (WSVN)

“That's false! He never left the house. You have the officers telling him that they have videos, fabricating the evidence that they did not have.”

— Stephan Lopez, Attorney (WSVN)

“Fact is, neither one of y'all saw him nowhere.”

— Roy Hardemon, State Representative (WSVN)

What’s next

Boykins and his attorney are awaiting a response from the Opa-locka Police Department regarding the lawsuit they have filed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the significant consequences that can result from alleged police misconduct and wrongful arrests, and underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency within law enforcement to prevent such incidents from occurring.