Felix Jimenez: Inspector general works to deter county fraud, waste, abuse

For decades, Felix Jimenez has dedicated his career to ensuring the integrity and accountability of Miami’s government institutions. As the Inspector General for the Miami-Dade County Office of the Inspector General (OIG) since February 2009, he has spent 15 years overseeing the efforts of investigators, auditors, lawyers and contract specialists who work together to detect and deter fraud, waste and abuse within county government. 

Before joining the office, Mr. Jimenez was in the Miami-Dade Police Department for 28 years, when he worked as a supervisor in the Homicide Bureau, participated in over 500 death investigations, and was directly involved in several high-profile cases. He also led the department’s Centact-26 squad investigating homicides involving drug trafficking organizations.

Mr. Jimenez was later tasked with developing the department’s Public Corruption Investigations Unit, where he would go on to supervise investigations involving government employees, law enforcement officers, contractors and elected officials. He has also taught at law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, including the South Florida Metropolitan Police Institute and the FBI Academy, in the areas of public corruption and violent crime investigation. 

Mr. Jimenez’s involvement in state and federal prosecutions has not only helped to root out corruption from government but has also raised awareness about the importance of transparency and accountability in institutions. 

Born in Cuba, Mr. Jimenez moved to Miami at age 3 after his parents fled the Castro regime. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 42 years, four children and 11 grandchildren, and numerous hobbies from beekeeping to scuba diving.

Mr. Jimenez spoke with Miami Today reporter Genevieve Bowen.  

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