A Message from the State Attorney |
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A Message from the State Attorney |
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Dear Friend,
A summer that began with plans of getting back to normal has been disrupted by heartbreaking challenges that have reaffirmed our strong and united community cannot just withstand, but will thrive, in the most difficult times.
During a month punctuated by the horrific assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise and the violent repression of the Cuban people demanding basic human rights and freedom, the unprecedented and unimaginable collapse of Champlain Towers South Condominium caused us all to recognize the unpredictable complicated world we live in.
Almost 100 people lost their lives as a result of the collapse, devastating our entire community, and thousands of other condominium dwellers question how safe they are in their own homes. Over 1,000 first responders from South Florida, across the United States, Israel and Mexico, worked around the clock to rescue or recover everyone. They did everything humanly possible despite dealing with fire, smoke, rain and the threat of a hurricane/tropical storm. The bravery and heroism of these men and women were inspiring, but so too was our community’s response.
Individual volunteers, non-profits, religious groups, government agencies and businesses rushed out to feed, clothe and otherwise support those who lost friends, family, and/or their homes. Seven of our SAO Victim Specialists tirelessly assisted in the efforts at the site, 24/7 for several weeks, with some spending the night at the Victim Center in Surfside, including one of my Chief Assistant State Attorneys. Several of my other lawyers and Senior Trial Counsel also provided invaluable legal support, where appropriate, to the Miami-Dade Mayor and Police Department.
As your State Attorney, I wanted to not only provide the victims and survivors with the resources they needed to cope with their loss, but I also wanted to ensure that everything possible was being done to learn how and why the collapse occurred so we could prevent a future similar tragedy. To that end, I spoke with President Biden, Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz, Senators Rubio and Scott and Governor DeSantis, and asked them to have the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) take the lead in the scientific portion of this investigation. NIST is the Federal agency responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of our nation’s buildings and supporting the development of building codes and standards.
I am pleased to say that NIST is actively working to answer our collective questions. Their mission is to focus on the facts, not fault. In addition, I asked the Grand Jury to look into this horrifying event with an eye toward enhancing general building safety. The Grand Jury agreed to do so and has already begun its difficult work.
It is in these truly dreadful moments filled with excruciating pain and disbelief that we see the true strength, beauty, humility, and humanity that makes our community so extraordinary. As we have done in the past, we seamlessly came together to be there for one another.
I am proud to be a part of this collective family of diverse and talented individuals who work together towards a safer, healthier, and just community for all.
Stay healthy, safe and strong.
Sincerely,
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Police Reform and Criminal Justice |
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Governor DeSantis Signs Police Reform Bill Into Law |
“The Governor’s signing of HB 7051, the bipartisan police reform bill which incorporated many of the suggestions originally put forward by our Continuing Justice Reform Commission, is an important step in the effort to provide state standards for use-of-force training and policies.
Having had the support of the Miami-Dade County Police Chiefs Association, the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Legislative Black Caucus in the Florida Legislature, this new law creates a long-needed statewide set of standards applicable throughout the entire state of Florida. We thank Governor DeSantis for incorporating this important change into Florida law.”
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CJRC Community-Police Relations Committee |
State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle welcomed residents, advocates and public officials to a meeting of the Community-Police Relations Committee of her Continuing Justice Reform Commission (CJRC). The State Attorney commissioned CJRC to identify and develop ways to improve our criminal justice system and better protect our community.
The two-hour convening included presentations from local police, clergy, scholars, and community members. Additionally, attendees heard victims, and the concerned residents shared their experiences, perspectives, and solutions.
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SAO Working to End Gun Violence |
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Gun Violence Virtual Town Hall |
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As part of our office’s commitment to safety and reduction of gun violence in our community, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and anti-violence community activist Tangela Sears (Florida Parents of Murdered Children) hosted numerous Police Chiefs from various departments in Miami-Dade County, pastors and concerned residents during a Virtual Town Hall meeting focusing on gun violence and strategic ways to work together to keep our communities safe and free of gun violence.
To view, please click on the image.
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Operation Summer Heat Stop the Silence Against Gun
Press Conference Violence Peace Walk
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State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle joined Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez, numerous Chiefs of Police from Miami-Dade County agencies, Federal law enforcement partners and local community leaders, to announce Operation Summer Heat, an intensive effort to end the rampant gun violence in our community.
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"We need the community’s help – your eyes and ears – to help us in law enforcement bring a sense of justice to the devastated parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and brothers and sisters of these fallen innocent children and youth who have been fallen by killers who don’t think that these young lives matter when they are out to settle a score," commented State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. |
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SAO Elder Exploitation Task Force |
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State Attorney's Office and Miami-Dade County Elder Exploitation
Task Force Meeting
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State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle hosted members of the Elder Exploitation Task Force, which includes Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts Harvey Ruvin, Miami-Dade Property Appraiser Pedro Garcia and members of the SAO Economic Crimes and Elder Exploitation Unit, as they work together to develop ways to thwart those criminals who are exploiting our senior residents.
The Task Force is planning strategies via mutual agency collaboration to help prevent fraud of elder homeowners’ deeds.
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Man and Mother Scam 93
Year Old Uncle, Leave Him Homeless and Penniless
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Young Money Launderer Exposes Alleged "Grandparents Scam" Links |
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Three Arrested in Elder Deed Fraud, West Grove Senior Gets Justice |
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Driver Charged In Hit-and-Run Crash That Killed 14-Year-Old Bicyclist In Bal Harbour |
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Two Miami-Dade Corrections Officers Charged in Separate Schemes to Smuggle Items
Into Prison
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Two Men Arrested in Connection with Fatal Shooting of
FIU Student in 2016
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Woman Pleads Guilty
In Animal Abuse case
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· ASA Nicole Lydecker-Moreira successfully petitioned the Court to enter a child support order for $1,967.47 per month after engaging in lengthy discovery with opposing counsel. ASA Lydecker-Moreira presented a considerable amount of evidence to the Court and proved that the father was earning over $132,000.00 per year through international business dealings She also introduced evidence showing that the father had played little to no role in the lives of his three sons, thereby increasing the financial and emotional burden on the mother and convinced the Court to award a 5% upward deviation from the statutory guidelines.
· ASA Yiselle Seiglie obtained a Writ of Bodily Attachment for the arrest of a father who failed to appear at a hearing set on a Motion for Contempt. She elicited testimony from the mother regarding the father’s assets including his property, businesses, and automobiles. As a result of ASA Seiglie’s preparation and direct examination, the Court found the mother’s testimony to be credible and entered a purge amount of $12,000.00 for the Writ of Bodily Attachment.
· ASA Jackson Shuford and Division Chief Robin Peguero obtained a guilty verdict on a Grand Theft case. Their case was highly dependent on circumstantial evidence. The State compelled the testimony of the defendant’s girlfriend, which placed him at the crime scene. The State introduced surveillance footage that showed 1) the defendant’s car pulling into the spot next to the victim’s car; 2) blurry figures moving for the better part of an hour; 3) the defendant’s car being driven out of the garage with the same standard hub caps with which he entered; and 4) the defendant returning to the hospital a couple hours later to pick up his girlfriend with the victim’s rims and tires on his car.
Congratulations to Victim/Witness Counselors Mayuly Baena and Smirne Syndic along with secretaries Cary Jose and Kendle Williams, whose work was essential to this victory.
· ASAs Lindsey Johnson and Isha Kumar earned a Guilty Verdict on a case where the Defendant was charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm after threatening an 18-year-old and her grandmother with a handgun during the aftermath of a car accident. Both victims gave emotional and compelling testimony which was corroborated by the audio of two anonymous 911 calls. Three City of Miami Police officers testified as well. The ASAs introduced the firearm, along with a bullet that was ejected from the firearm when the Defendant racked it in front of the victims, into evidence. After the Defendant testified, ASA Kumar cross-examined him, highlighting multiple inconsistencies between his statement to police on the date of the incident and his testimony on direct. After deliberating for approximately two hours, the jury delivered a verdict of Guilty on both counts and the Defendant was taken into custody.
· ASAs Nicole Garcia and Jacob Castineira tried a case against a Defendant who was charged with multiple counts of Engaging in Sexual Activity with a Minor while in Familial Authority, Lewd and Lascivious Molestation victim 12-16, and Lewd and Lascivious Conduct. The Defendant raped his biological granddaughter starting at the age of 12 and impregnated her when she was 13 years old. At the age of 14, DCF received an anonymous tip that the victim was being sexually abused. When they interviewed the victim, she was 7 ½ months pregnant and disclosed the sexual abuse she had endured from her grandfather. As soon as the DNA came back confirming the grandfather was the father of her baby, the Defendant fled the country to Haiti. He remained in hiding there for nearly 4 years with an active fugitive warrant while the United States Marshals Service and INTERPOL looked for him. When the Defendant was finally found, he admitted engaging in sexual relations with his granddaughter several times. He was extradited to Miami.
At trial, the State introduced testimony from the DCF child protective investigator, the first responding officer, the lead detective and a DNA expert. They introduced the Defendant’s videotaped confession as well as laboratory testing confirming that he was the biological father of the baby.
The prosecutors saved the victim for last, but she never had to testify. The Defendant changed his plea to guilty right before the State called her and pled open to the Court even though he is facing a minimum sentence of 26 years state prison up to 300 years in state prison. After he pled, the judge gave the victim an opportunity to talk about what happened. Even though the jury was discharged, they all stayed back to watch. The victim gave a very courageous, powerful yet heartbreaking statement in a packed courtroom.
Special thanks to Victim Witness Counselor Nancy Germeille and Secretary Bertreece Wilder for assisting with the victim during the trial. Also, a huge thanks to Division Chief Natalie Snyder for her guidance, and ASAs Kioceaia Stenson, Melissa Sandness and Amy Drever for their invaluable assistance throughout the trial.
· ASAs Andrea Piloto and Alexander DeFilippo won a trial where the Defendant was found Guilty of Attempted Armed Robbery with a Firearm. The Defendant lured three girls to a secluded area to buy marijuana from them. Upon arriving, the Defendant approached the driver side of the victims’ car and engaged in some small talk before pulling out a gun and demanding that they hand over their belongings. When the victims refused, he became upset and fired a shot into the air -- prompting the driver to accelerate. The Defendant then shot several rounds at the victims’ car as they sped away sending one projectile into the hand of the driver, where it remained for five days until surgically removed.The victims’ credibility was an issue because they were not forthcoming with police about the true reason they met with the Defendant because the victims identified the Defendant through a social media search. However, the prosecutors were able to corroborate their testimony and convince the jury the victims were telling the truth. The Defendant is now facing a 10-year minimum mandatory sentence.
Special thanks to Intern Laura Montoya; Elizabeth Frade and Amor Carrillo for their help in acquiring important evidence; John Zoeller for supporting the victims while they waited to testify; and a very special thanks to ASA Jonathan Sallah, who provided assistance at a moment’s notice. Thank you as well to Chief Assistant Scott Dunn and to Gladys MaClao, for helping the team obtain additional evidence prior to trial.
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State Attorney Fernandez Rundle
Welcomes Broward State Attorney Pryor
to Miami-Dade SAO
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State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle hosted Broward County State Attorney Harold F. Pryor and members of his team, sharing our respective offices’ Felony Screening and Intake Unit processes.
Joining the State Attorney for the meeting were Chief Assistant Kathleen Hoague and Deputy Chief Assistant Marie Jo Toussaint as the group shared their respective best practices and successful approaches to Smart Justice.
"It is always a very rewarding opportunity for me and my team to have conversations about our work with our colleagues as we work together for the betterment of the particular communities we serve," commented State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle.t Link
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FPAA Conference and Executive Board Meeting |
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State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle joined her colleagues earlier this week for the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association (FPAA) Executive Board Meeting and Conference in Jacksonville.
The FPAA is a non-profit corporation whose members are comprised of the 20 elected State Attorneys and over 2,000 Assistant State Attorneys in Florida. The FPAA was created to serve the needs of prosecutors. The primary functions of the Association are the education of prosecutors through training seminars and conferences, publications and technical support.
Among the attendees were State Attorneys Dave Aronberg from Palm Beach County, Monique Worrell of Orange County, Harold Pryor of Broward County and Melissa Nelson of Duval County. Also in attendance were recently retired State Attorneys Bill Cervone of Gainesville and Mike Satz of Broward County.
A special tribute was held in memory of longtime State Attorney for Pinellas and Pasco counties, Bernie McCabe, who passed away earlier this year.
Also recognized during the conference was former Florida State Representative and Senator Bill Galvano, who was honored with a Leadership Award for his exemplary public service during his tenure in office.
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Human Trafficking Roundtable
Miami Dade College
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State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, accompanied by Assistant State Attorney Brenda Mezick, joined Florida Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Florida Senator Manny Diaz, Jr., State Representative Toby Overdorf, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Esteban Bovo, City of Hialeah Councilman Oscar De la Rosa, Miami Dade College (MDC) President Madeline Pumariega, Community Activist against Human Trafficking Eugenise Mompremier, community leaders, advocacy groups and a distinguished panel of guests for a Human Trafficking Roundtable at MDC North Campus.
“Our local prosecutorial, law enforcement and community anti-human trafficking efforts show what a mobilized public-private partnership can create,” says State Attorney Fernandez Rundle.
“My office’s multi-agency Human Trafficking Task Force utilizes its Rapid Response Team to impact potential trafficking situations and provide immediately accessible services to victims. I am very thankful to have committed public servants like Lt. Governor Nuñez, Senator Garcia, Representative Overdorf, Commissioner Bovo and Councilman De La Rosa supporting efforts to eradicate human trafficking in our great State of Florida, and I thank MDC President Pumariega for hosting this important conversation.”Text Link
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Human Trafficking Bill Passes
in Florida Legislature
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In our efforts to combat Human Trafficking during the past nine years, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle has been able to work with legislators to successfully pass and strengthen laws that make it easier for our office to prosecute human traffickers and provide services to survivors..
Florida Senate Bill 1826, sponsored by Senator Manny Diaz Jr., was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis this past legislative session and went into effect on July 1, 2021.
This important piece of legislation amends the Florida Human Trafficking Statute in the following ways:
• It created a Human Trafficking Victim Advocate-Victim privilege;
• established training requirements for Victim Advocates;
• amended the definition of “Human Trafficking” and the definition of the word “obtain”;
• allows defendants who communicate with a person they believe to be a child, or negotiating for a child, to be charged with Human Trafficking;
• mandates that defendants who are convicted of Human Trafficking and placed on probation or community control be given Sex Offender probation conditions; and
• allows for the expungement of a Human Trafficking victim’s criminal history for more than one offense. Prior to this bill, this remedy was limited to one offense.
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Interfaith Rally Against Anti-Semitism |
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"Eliminating hate crimes is very important to a community, no matter where they occur and no matter who the victim is." said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle.
"Hate crimes are message crimes. They are different from other crimes in that the offender wants members of a certain group to know that they are not welcome.
Hate crimes have a special emotional and physical impact that extends far beyond the original victim. They are always intended to intimidate others and to make victims feel isolated, vulnerable, and unprotected by the law. By making members of some specific groups fearful, angry and suspicious, these crimes polarize cities and damage the very essence of our community.
I am proud to have created a Hate Crimes Prosecution Unit as a part of the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office. It represents not just my commitment to upholding the law, but my commitment to making this community as safe as possible for everyone, no matter who you are."
Our Community Outreach Division Director David Maer joined hundreds of individuals and community leaders of all faiths for this important event against Anti-Semitism.
To report a hate crime, please call our Hotline at 786-687-2566.
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Community Outreach in Action |
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Community Outreach Representative Janeen Jones joined many local community leaders and concerned residents for a Peace Walk to reduce gun violence in the Lincoln Fields area of Liberty City.
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Community Outreach Representative Angie Fernandez conducted ID Theft and Other Scams Prevention Presentations throughout county. This series of presentations are for groups of 55+ residents.
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Community Outreach Representative Yeileen Jacome joined Desmond Meade (FRRC) for an event hosted by the I CAN Foundation to provide information about our programs including Child Support and our “Second Chance” Program.
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COD Rep. Angie Fernandez along with COD Director David Maer,
Division Chief and Hate Crimes Unit member Jonathan Borst, Human Trafficking Unit prosecutor and Hate Crimes Unit member ASA Jeffrey Pierce and ASA Lindsey Johnson, joined the City of Miami Police Department for their “LGBTQ+ Pride Month Kickoff” event where they unveiled the Department's newest vehicle in celebration of Pride Month.
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COD Rep. Yeileen Jacome and Hate Crimes and Human Trafficking ASA Jeffrey Pierce attended the Latino LGBTQ+ Pride event at Cuba Ocho in Little Havana with Survivors' Pathway Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, Francesco Duberli, and many community residents and supporters.
The event was hosted by the Consulate General of Mexico in Miami, The Honorable Jonathan Chait Auerbach.
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COD Rep. Janeen Jones partnered with Affirming YOUth Foundation, Inc. to provide information and services to residents of Lincoln Fields Apartments in Liberty City.
Affirming YOUth Foundation Inc. provides community treatment and services in Liberty City with the goal of improving social and emotional outcomes for all youth and families by providing wellness support, coordinated services, and trauma-informed care.
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Judge Frank Ledee,
17th Judicial Circuit
of Florida
Broward County
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This month we highlight a distinguished member of our SAO Family.
This month’s SAO Alumni Profile is Judge Frank Ledee.
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