January 2024 | Volume 1

Dear Friend,

Just a few days ago I met with our prosecutors who reached their three-year commitment, an important milestone. We had an intimate ceremony during which each was presented with a certificate. But it was not about a piece of paper. The recognition ceremony was about acknowledging how far these young attorneys had come during a time of unprecedented events. They began their careers as prosecutors during the pandemic. Instead of being in the courtroom at the podium in front of a judge, they practiced law from their homes via Zoom for about a year. Though physically isolated from one another, they were able to maintain a virtual connection with each other and formed a unique bond. When finally returning to the courtroom, like the many prosecutors who had come before them, they rose to the occasion, developing into the skilled prosecutors I saw that afternoon.

Many of these prosecutors volunteered with our Police Accountability and Integrity Team (PAIT). When asked why they joined this team despite having their own extremely high caseloads, they explained that they wanted to do their part to ensure everyone was treated fairly and according to the law. The passionate responses showed their commitment to justice, fairness, and transparency. As I looked at them, I could see how seriously they took the responsibility of serving as ministers of justice and abiding by the oaths they took upon becoming prosecutors.

Two members of this class are serving in our Sexual Battery and Child Abuse Unit which reviews all cases involving children. Another class member is currently in our Narcotics Unit.

I asked them what they see in their future in the office. They answered with determination and excitement about wanting to join our specialized units in the areas of public corruption, human trafficking, and gangs prosecutions.

For me, it was important and inspiring to hear first-hand what our prosecutors think, feel, and need to do their jobs to the best of their ability. I am always moved when I see these young women and men in action having chosen to enter this difficult but rewarding career as a prosecutor.

I am so proud of the great work our attorneys and staff do to keep our more than 2.8 million residents and tens of millions of annual visitors safe. 

It is impossible for me to describe the scope and importance of their work in this message, so I ask you to please click here to view our 2023 Year in Review and see what we accomplished in 2023. 

I am honored to have the most incredible prosecutors and staff, as I always say, we have the Best Team in America. 

Thank you and God Bless,

State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, alongside Miami-Dade County Inspector General Felix Jimenez, held a press conference to announce the filing of criminal charges against a former Miami-Dade School Board member, Lubby Navarro, who faces two counts of Scheme to Defraud and two Counts of Grand Theft following an investigation by the State Attorney’s Public Corruption Task Force uncovered the improper use of school district credit cards to purchase non-school related items and goods for personal gain, including home appliances, electronics, clothing, health and beauty products, household goods, home furnishings, food, and a variety of store gift cards.

The School District Administration uncovered an issue after Navarro left her position in December of 2022. Her outstanding credit card paperwork was left uncompleted, and a reconciliation revealed suspicious bills and statements. An initial review showed large purchases, leading to an investigation into the possible irregularities. It was discovered that her purchases were neither school-related nor authorized and totaled nearly $100,000 of personal purchases during 2022.

“Every dollar stolen and spent by Navarro is a dollar taken from our school system, and therefore, stolen from our children diminishing their possibility for a better future,” stated State Attorney Fernandez Rundle.

“Lubby Navarro, who had been the Vice Chair of the School Board and had worked for the school system since 2002, knew better than to have gone down this pathetic path.”

Navarro was charged with:

1 Count – Organized Fraud/ $50,000 or More

1 Count – Grand Theft 3^rd Degree

1 Count – Organized Fraud/ $20,000 or Less

1 Count – Grand Theft 2^nd Degree 

“After so much work in the area of public corruption, there are still individuals who think that they can get away with stealing from the public. We are here today to say, that if you even consider such an action, I, my Public Corruption Task Force, and our entire Law Enforcement community will be waiting for you.”



The State Attorney concluded the press conference by urging individuals to report suspected instances of Public Corruption to our Public Corruption Hotline at

305-547-3300.

Guest speakers highlighted the neuroscience that supports how to best treat victims, and the discussions emphasized a trauma-informed, victim-centered model, that is imperative in reducing or preventing additional trauma in survivors.

The keynote speakers for the forum included Chief Executive Officer of Camillus House/ Phoenix Hilda Fernandez, Professor of Medicine and Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff and Medical Director at T.H.R.I.V.E. Clinic, University of Miami Health System and Women Veteran’s Health Program Dr. Panagiota Caralis, Director of Programs and Services at Citrus Family Care Network Dr. Kimberly McGrath, and Deputy Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools Dr. John D. Pace, III. 



State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle attended a press conference hosted by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller Juan Fernandez-Barquin to announce the launch of “Project Protect” in Miami-Dade County. This initiative, sponsored in part by Airbnb and presented to Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking, will provide doorbell cameras to victims of Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and Sexual Assault to help reduce revictimization, ensure peace of mind, and increase community safety.

“A program like Project Protect can provide much-needed assistance and protection to those who have suffered such violence. I applaud the actions of our Attorney General and support such initiatives that aim to help protect victims, provide evidence for the violation of protective injunctions, and help address crimes aimed against them. In Florida, every survivor should feel safe in their residences,” stated State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle.

In 2010, January became recognized as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, playing a pivotal role in educating the public about the identification and prevention of this form of modern-day slavery. Over the years, our office has been steadfast in this fight, aiding over 1,000 victims and filing over 850 human-trafficking-related cases. Our office collaborates strongly with law enforcement agencies and community partners, participating in 50 outreach initiatives in January alone.

Our dedicated team has actively participated in police role calls to enlighten officers on how to approach a suspected victim of Human Trafficking best, spoke to local hospitals and schools on the signs and dangers of this crime, and contributed to panels with distinguished guests and local leaders of South Florida.

The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office commitment extends far beyond this month, as we persist in the fight against Human Trafficking striving to assist more victims, holding individuals responsible accountable, and putting an end to this crime in our community. 

To strengthen our impact, the State Attorney established a Human Trafficking Unit and Task Force in 2012 to combat this crime in our community. Our office actively monitors a 24-hour local rapid response hotline number, ensuring a swift and effective response to reports of human trafficking. Collaborating with 41 officers, this task force actively investigates and helps to save those affected by this heinous crime. 

If you suspect someone is a victim of Human Trafficking, call our Hotline at 305- FIX- STOP.

State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle held a press conference to announce the arrest of Gladys Smith, the caretaker of a 81-year-old victim after an investigation uncovered the theft of the victim’s Miami-Dade County properties.

The victim, who had lost her driver’s license due to an eye disease causing blurred vision and blindness, found herself without proper identification in 2021. Taking advantage of the victim’s vulnerability, Smith became a caregiver, providing the victim with transportation to doctor’s appointments and assisting with document reading. Smith exploited the victim’s trust convincing her that a power of attorney was necessary for medical visits, and the victim unwittingly signed a document she was unable to read. Subsequently, Smith filed a quit claim deed on the victim’s properties without her knowledge or authorization. 

“The sad reality, that we can never over-emphasize, is that for elder exploitation to succeed, the exploiter needs to gain our victim ’s trust,” stated Katherine Fernandez Rundle.

“The Defendant, Smith, used her position as caregiver to take advantage of our elderly victim, Miriam Fernandez. We, here in Miami Dade county, utilizing all the available resources of my State Attorney’s Office Elder Exploitation Task Force and Miami-Dade County’s entire law enforcement community, will not allow or tolerate the abusing, exploiting, or robbing of our vulnerable seniors.”

Smith was charged with:

1 Count – Exploitation of the Elderly

1 Count – Grand Theft Over 100,000

1 Count – Organized Scheme to Defraud Over $50,000

1 Count – Making False Statement to Obtain Property/ Credit



1 Count - Forgery

Fortunately, the Victim’s tight-knit group of lifelong friends quickly reported their concerns to the Miami-Dade Mayor’s office, which directed them to the State Attorney’s EVA Task Force. This timely intervention prevented our Victim from further exploitation.

The State Attorney was joined by Miriam Fernandez, the victim in this case, and her supportive and attentive friend who assisted in reporting this crime to the EVA Task Force, Sylvia Napoli. They were eager to be present at the press conference to give a face to the crime and encourage others to remain vigilant and report any suspected elder fraud.

To report a suspected crime against the elderly or vulnerable by calling our EVA Hotline at 786-804-6723.

State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle wants to thank all who attended the “Second Chance” Sealing or Expungement Event held at Jorge Mas Canosa Youth Center in Sweetwater.

 The State Attorney’s Office, along with the help of the Miami-Dade Public Defender's Office, the City of Sweetwater Government, the Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller, was able to assist 101 total individuals, with 75 attendees eligible to seal or expunge one arrest in Miami-Dade County.

“Second Chance” events would not be possible without the help of our amazing volunteers and community partners, including individuals from the NAACP Miami-Dade Branch, Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, and Miami-Dade College.

We are looking forward to bringing the “Second Chance” Sealing or Expungement Event to Kendall next month!



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