Of course they did. Broward has a relationship with the Feds that goes back forever. Just last year there was a bullshit sports bust that became a fucking RICO down there, which is ridiculous (and the State of Florida has their own version of RICO, by the way).

If Merlino's out, then he has nothing to worry about. But if he's back in the game, he's eventually going back to jail. Because the Feds are NEVER going to give him any peace. EVER.