Dear Friend,

As your State Attorney, I am honored by the trust you have put in me and my office. I am also truly blessed to have the opportunity to speak to people throughout our various neighborhoods whether it is at a meeting, a conference, on the street, or having a cafecito. We may have different backgrounds and experiences, but we are united through our shared hopes and concerns for our vibrant community, where we can live, work, play, and raise our families.

The great honor of serving our community comes with the great responsibility to fulfill our primary mission, protecting and defending the community by upholding and enforcing the law. My office and I always aim to balance our core values of enforcing the law while acting with fairness, integrity, and justice in our search for the truth.

I am so proud of the work that every member of my office does and their commitment to service. They dedicate their lives to public service to ensure your safety.

Our victim witness counselors, paralegals, secretaries, and Child Support Program (CSP) analysts are critical to fulfilling our vision and mission. They work directly with our prosecutors, victims, witnesses, next-of-kin and parents. Their efforts impact the lives of individuals, families, and our entire community.

We are always looking for passionate and service-oriented individuals to join our office and be part of the Best Team in America. If you are interested in having a positive impact in the lives of others and our community, please check out our available positions by clicking here.

Thank you and God Bless,

Sincerely,

IN THIS EDITION

State Attorney

Katherine Fernandez

Rundle

Honoring Excellence:

State Attorney Joins MDCPS

Hall of Fame Class of 2026

State Attorney Fernandez Rundle Announces Condo Fraud Arrest in Major HOA/Condo Task Force Case

State Attorney Highlights

 Human Trafficking Risks at Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

SAO Celebrates

Black History Month:

Reflecting on Culture and Community

Upcoming Events:

State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle was honored as one of six distinguished graduates inducted into the Miami‑Dade County Public Schools Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The ceremony brought together School Board members, district leaders, alumni, and their families to celebrate the values that define excellence, innovation, choice, and safety.

This year’s honorees join a prestigious group of 74 Alumni Hall of Fame members, each recognized for outstanding post‑secondary and professional achievements. Their accomplishments reflect the extraordinary talent cultivated in Miami‑Dade’s public schools and showcased on national and international stages.

Representing the Class of 2026, the inductees embody the rich history, diversity, and success of the nation’s fourth‑largest school district. State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle’s induction highlights her decades of leadership, public service, and unwavering commitment to justice; values rooted in her Miami‑Dade education and lifelong dedication to the community she serves.

The investigation began when a whistleblower, a member of the Euclid East Board of Directors, noticed discrepancies in the association’s financial records. The board-member noticed a $25,000 check made payable to JLH Repair LLC for “40‑year recertification permit processing and submission.” Concerned, the board-member contacted the Miami Beach Building Permits Office, which confirmed that no permits had been pulled by Hernandez or JLH Repair LLC. When confronted, Obispo admitted that Hernandez was not a licensed contractor, yet he had been selected to oversee the project.

The State Attorney explained that, following statewide reforms enacted after the Champlain Towers collapse in 2021, Euclid East was due for a rigorous 40‑year recertification, a process requiring structural and electrical inspections, permitting, remediation, and a final safety inspection. Despite the complexity of the project, estimated at $500,000, Obispo selected Hernandez, a general maintenance employee with no contractor’s license, to manage the extensive work. This decision triggered further scrutiny.

A deeper review revealed that JLH Repair LLC, owned by Hernandez and registered to his home address, received approximately $370,000 between May 2024 and May 2025, even though neither Hernandez nor his company held any contractor licenses. Investigators uncovered a troubling pattern: payments from the association to JLH Repair LLC were closely followed by payments to Obispo or entities he controlled. A similar pattern emerged involving Elite Builders US LLC, the licensed contractor for the recertification, whose manager made eight payments totaling $29,400 to Obispo or his companies.

In total, investigators allege that Obispo received $54,625 of the $155,934 paid by the association through 13 identified transactions, while Hernandez submitted inflated invoices and kicked back portions of the payments to Obispo.

The State Attorney noted that the charges the defendants now face were made possible by new protections enacted in 2024. After years of advocacy from her office for stronger laws to protect homeowners, the Florida Legislature created criminal penalties for kickbacks involving condominium officers, directors, and managers. This case may represent Florida’s first use of the new anti‑kickback statute.

State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle praised the whistleblower’s commitment and attentiveness, stating, “This arrest is not possible without the vigilance of a board member who was willing to ask tough questions.” She reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring transparency, integrity, and accountability within condominium associations, and emphasized that her office, alongside its law enforcement partners remains dedicated to protecting homeowners across Miami‑Dade County.

If you or someone you know believes they may be a victim of HOA or condominium‑related fraud, please contact our dedicated hotline at HOACrimeTips@miamisao.com.

State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle served as a keynote speaker at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, addressing more than 250 community and business leaders on the critical importance of Human Trafficking awareness and prevention.

With Miami preparing for an unprecedented year of major sporting and other events and millions of expected visitors, the State Attorney noted that large‑scale gatherings can heighten the risk of trafficking in our community. She underscored the need for strong partnerships, proactive education, and community vigilance to help protect vulnerable individuals.

Florida currently ranks third in the nation for Human Trafficking cases, with Miami‑Dade County leading the state. Given these realities, the State Attorney stressed that everyone plays a role in prevention. She encouraged attendees to remain alert to suspicious behavior and to report concerns to the State Attorney’s Human Trafficking Hotline at 305‑FIX‑STOP (305‑349‑7867).



State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle joined Attorney General James Uthmeier for a press conference where he formally announced that he is providing our office with $1.5 million strengthen Miami‑Dade’s fight against human trafficking. As a long‑time leader in this field, State Attorney Fernandez Rundle created one of the nation’s first Human Trafficking Task Forces and established the first dedicated Human Trafficking Center in the country, efforts that continue to shape statewide and national responses to this crime. 

Surrounded by our local law enforcement partners and community‑based organizations, the event underscored our united commitment to expanding investigations, protecting our community, enhancing survivor support, and preparing for the major events coming to our community in 2026.

Community Outreach Specialist Angie Fernandez visited Paul W. Bell Middle School to speak students about the State Attorney’s Office S.T.A.R.T. Program. Through this initiative, they learned about alternatives to violence and crime, the serious impact of bullying, and positive, constructive ways to resolve conflict.

The visit offered students an engaging opportunity to build awareness and better understand how their choices shape their futures.

Community Outreach Representative Janeen Jones participated in the Trayvon Martin Peace Walk, an annual event held in his memory that brings our community together to call for unity, justice, and an end to gun violence.

The State Attorney’s Office stands firmly with victims, survivors, and families impacted by gun violence, and we remain committed to supporting efforts that promote healing, safety, and lasting change in our community.

Community Outreach Representative Janeen Jones attended the launch of the Venetian Gardens Crime Watch Group, led by community advocate Myya Passmore. During the meeting, Janeen shared information about the State Attorney’s Office’s victim services, as well as the many community resources available to support residents and strengthen neighborhood safety.

Throughout February, the State Attorney’s Office proudly celebrated Black History Month with a series of events honoring the history, culture, and contributions of African American communities. Each gathering brought our SAO family together in unity, reflection, and appreciation highlighting the richness of Black heritage and the importance of celebrating it year‑round.

State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle thanks all who attended the “Second Chance” Sealing and Expungement event held at the Jorge Mas Canosa Youth Center. The SAO assisted 114 individuals, with 88 attendees eligible to seal or expunge one prior arrest in Miami-Dade County.

“Second Chance’ events would not be possible without the help of our extraordinary volunteers and community partners, including the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s office, City of Sweetwater Mayor Jose ‘Pepe’ Diaz, and the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office. Together, we are helping residents move forward with renewed opportunities.

We are excited to announce that the next “Second Chance” event will take place on March 19, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Samuel K Johnson Youth Center. We look forward to continuing to bring these life‑changing opportunities to neighborhoods across Miami‑Dade County. Stay connected with us for more updates on future events.

Dr. Scotty Izevbigie,

Child Support Program,

Administrator

This month, we highlight a distinguished member of our

SAO family.

We present our

SAO Profile in Passion-

Dr. Scotty Izevbigie.

2025 Year in Review:

Though we regularly share our efforts with you through our social media platforms and our monthly newsletter, we publish our SAO Annual Year in Review to provide you more details about the important work we do.

To read our newly released 2025 report online, please click here.

Visit our website | www.miamisao.com