Man Sentenced to Prison for Killing FBI Informant
A man who was involved in the killing of an FBI informant has been sentenced to federal prison. James Franklin Broomfield, Jr., aged 37, was already serving time for a separate conviction when he received his additional sentence. Broomfield was hired by Robert Lee Ward, the leader of a drug trafficking organization in Fort Myers, Florida, to carry out the murder in exchange for $30,000.
The events leading up to the killing began in 2012 when Kristopher Smith, a member of the drug operation, decided to cooperate with a joint federal and local investigation. When Ward learned about Smith’s cooperation, he offered Broomfield the substantial sum to eliminate him. Ward even provided Broomfield with a loaded gun and instructed him on where to find Smith.
The murder took place in early 2013 outside an elementary school in Fort Myers. Smith and his girlfriend had driven to their first-grade son’s school, where Broomfield and his accomplice followed them. Smith’s girlfriend went inside while he remained in the car. Broomfield and his accomplice parked behind Smith’s vehicle, and then Broomfield approached and shot Smith multiple times, resulting in his death.
Recently, Broomfield was sentenced to 24 years for tampering with an informant by killing. This sentence will run consecutively to his existing sentence for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Broomfield has had numerous encounters with the law, having been booked into the Lee County Jail on multiple occasions. Some of his previous charges include reckless driving, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon by a felon, possession and selling of cocaine, driving without a license, failure to appear, and possession of marijuana.
Ward, who has a similar criminal record with authorities in Lee County, was arrested in 2018, years after Smith’s murder. He is currently awaiting sentencing for charges related to conspiracy to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine and tampering with an informant by killing.
The case involving the killing of an FBI informant highlights the dangers faced by those who choose to cooperate with law enforcement. It also underscores the lengths to which criminals will go to protect their illicit operations. The successful prosecution and additional sentencing of James Franklin Broomfield, Jr. for his role in the murder serves as a reminder that those who engage in violent crimes will be held accountable for their actions.
This case raises questions about the protection and safety of informants, as well as the mechanisms in place to ensure their security while working with law enforcement agencies. It is crucial to continually assess and improve these safeguards to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The sentencing of Broomfield sends a message that the justice system is committed to upholding the law and ensuring that those who participate in criminal activities face the consequences of their actions. It serves as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in such behavior.
Overall, this case serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement informants, as well as the importance of swift and thorough investigations to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice.
