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A Message from the State Attorney | | |
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Dear Friend,
As your State Attorney, it is my great honor and responsibility to protect our diverse and vibrant community. I am gravely concerned with the recent rise in the number of anti-Semitic incidents in Miami-Dade County and in South Florida. As a result, my office has seen an increase in the number of referral calls to the State Attorney’s Office Hate Crimes Hotline. Since October 7, 2023, we have been reviewing one to three cases a day of potential hate crimes.
The 2022 FBI data shows there were over 11,634 hate crimes incidents reported nationwide. Of those 59.1% were based on Race/Ethnicity,
17.2% based on Sexual Orientation, and 17.3% based on Religion.
The latter had a 5% increase from their 2020 report.
Though South Florida is seeing a sudden surge of anti-Semitic incidents intended to intimidate and terrorize members of our Jewish community, I want to reaffirm to you my and my office's commitment to vigorously prosecute those crimes committed that are motivated by prejudice, discrimination, and hatred.
This is clearly evident with recent arrests and charges filed against:
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Yudel Antonio Herrero for intentionally and maliciously disrupting the Shabbat services at the King David Chabad. He used anti-Semitic language toward those entering the religious service and blew a shofar with the intention of interrupting and drowning out the prayers of the congregation.
- Andrew Johnson for throwing objects at and breaking the glass door at the entrance at a synagogue in the Brickell area.
- Alier Ojeda Salas for going to a school in Miami Beach and stating that he was a member of Hamas and had explosives in his backpack. Though he didn't have explosives, he was still a threat.
We are also investigating many more cases, including that of a man in the Bay Harbor Islands who stopped his car to yell anti-Semitic slurs at a woman who was walking.
I am proud to have created a Hate Crimes Prosecution Unit (HCU), some seven years ago which is an integral part of my office. In fact, the Anti-Defamation League has awarded HCU Chief Justin Funck and Assistant Chief Jonathan Borst its Doris and Murray Felton Excellence in Law Enforcement Award for their work on prosecuting hate crimes.
Hate is a dangerous sentiment, and it has no place in any self-respecting society or community. Hate crimes are intended to polarize and damage the very essence of our community.
Messages of hate, discrimination, and prejudice should never be allowed to stand. I vow that in Miami-Dade County they will not be tolerated.
Thank you and God bless.
Sincerely,
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Empowering Voices:
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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October, designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1987, sheds light on the issue of intimate partner violence. Communities across the nation join to recognize the prevalence of domestic violence and honor those who have been affected.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. Additionally, 1 in 15 children are exposed to Domestic Violence each year.
In 2022, there were 3,507 Felony Domestic Violence Arrests in Mami-Dade County. Regardless of age, sex, race, religion, ethnicity, education, or economic background, this staggering statistic shows the unsettling reality that anyone can become a victim of Domestic Violence.
This October, the goal was to connect with survivors and the community. The State Attorney’s Office participated in numerous events to raise awareness and provide resources for those affected.
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Chief of Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Unit Lindsay Davis, alongside a distinguished panel of public servants, recently convened at the second annual National Faith & Blue hosted by Florida International University - FIU Police and the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society to discuss Domestic Violence with attendees to raise awareness and increase education and prevention.
Faith & Blue, launched in 2020, emphasizes safer, stronger, and more just communities through partnerships between law enforcement and community groups with faith-based organizations.
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The State Attorney’s Office participated in the "Choosing Love Not Violence" Domestic Violence event at Miami Dade College West Campus. Assistant State Attorney Yaneth Baez took part in a panel discussion on Domestic Violence, while Domestic Crime Supervisor Nayla Marrero, Program Administrator Faunah Brookes Edmead, and Community Outreach Representative Angie Fernandez shared insights into SAO programs and services. | |
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Members of the State Attorney's Office Domestic Violence Unit and Child Support Program participated in a Domestic Violence Resource Fair hosted by the Violence Prevention and Intervention Division of the Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Service Department.
Our team members provided attendees with information and resources available to the Miami-Dade Community, including the State Attorney’s Domestic Violence Hotline.
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Chief of Misdemeanor Domestic Crime Unit Lindsay Davis, Staff Supervisor Maria Gomez, and Staff Supervisor Nayla Marrero participated in the 3rd Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk hosted by the Miami Gardens Police Department.
Lindsay addressed attendees, detailing the progression of domestic violence cases in the criminal court system and highlighting resources available for those impacted. Volunteers answered questions about the SAO and our Programs and Services.
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Celebrating Community Heroes:
Honoring Students at “Do the Right Thing” Vehicle Unveiling
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State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle was honored to attend the "Do the Right Thing" Miami Police Department Vehicle Unveiling, an event that celebrated the remarkable courage displayed by young community members. Before the vehicle unveiling, the Miami Police Department, in partnership with Do the Right Thing of Miami, Inc. (DTRT), hosted an awards ceremony to recognize and honor 10 exceptional students. These young heroes took action to ensure the safety of their school and peers by reporting concerning incidents, including weapons on campus, bullying, and racism. | |
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“In a world where negative action often overshadows positive deeds, it is crucial to recognize the good work of our youth. This program is a beacon of change, addressing the imbalance and reminding us there is never a wrong time to do the right thing,” stated State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle.
“These students exemplify courage and integrity. Their parents and community should be proud. Their actions inspire us all and help to make our community a better place.”
The centerpiece of the event was the unveiling of the new Miami Police Department vehicle, designed by artist Romero Britto. This vibrant community policing tool is aimed at building relationships between Miami Police officers and our community youth and serves as a reminder to “Do the Right Thing.”
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Do The Right Thing of Miami, Inc. (DTRT) is a non-profit organization that recognizes and awards youths of Miami for their extraordinary behavior, accomplishments, and good deeds through a partnership with the Miami Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. Since the start of the program, Do the Right Thing has rewarded over 200,000 students.
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The Women's Fund Miami:
Raise the Bar Event
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State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle was recognized at The Women's Fund Miami Raise the Bar Event for her innovative response and efforts to combat Human Trafficking in our community. The event, attended by 36 esteemed judiciary members, including former ASA, and now Administrative Judge Carroll Kelly, SAO Team members, elected officials, and dedicated members from Women’s Fund Miami, recognized the remarkable achievements of Judge Amy Karan and the outstanding efforts of community members.
Judge Amy Karan, a trailblazer in domestic violence cases, was appointed as the Administrative Judge of the Domestic Violence Court in Miami, Florida from 1997 until 2009. Sadly, her tenure was cut short due to an illness.
The event acknowledged Judge Karan's contributions and aimed to continue her mission. The proceeds raised during the event will be instrumental in continuing the mission of the Women's Fund Miami, including combating sex trafficking and domestic violence, and will support Judge Amy Karan's Legacy Fund.
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Strengthening Our Legal Forces:
SAO Increases Recruitment Efforts Nationwide
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State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the mounting challenges in recruiting Assistant State Attorneys. Recognizing the critical nature of the staffing challenges, the State Attorney has advocated for an increased budget, pressing legislation to increase wages for her staff. She has forged partnerships with developers to secure affordable housing for those who qualify. In her latest ambitious initiative, the State Attorney announced that SAO representatives are spearheading recruitment efforts nationwide, with upcoming events in New York and Georgia.
Recently, the State Attorney engaged in a compelling discussion during the "Video Edition: The Innovations Blog" hosted by the Prosecutor's Center for Excellence on recruitment and retention challenges and explored strategies to foster the well-being of employees in the communities they serve. Through collaborations with legal professionals, informative seminars, and targeted outreach programs, our office is striving to showcase the profound impact, societal significance, and unmatched trial experience achieved with a career in criminal law prosecution.
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Chief Assistant State Attorney Kathleen Hoague guest lectured first-year students at St. Thomas Law School on the laws and prosecution of Animal Cruelty Cases.
Chief Investigator of Miami Dade Animal Services Sean Gallagher and Pete Cuervo joined Kathleen, adding further expertise to the discussion.
The participating students, who are members of the Animal League Defense Fund Student Chapter, asked thoughtful questions about the State Attorney’s Office.
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Deputy Chief Assistant Nilo Cuervo presented to law students during the “Law & Order: Interactive Program with Miami-Dade Homicide Prosecutors” at the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law in Washington, DC. The event allowed participants to prepare a case for a mock trial, giving them a glimpse into the responsibilities of a criminal law prosecutor. | | |
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Assistant State Attorneys Nicolas Chavez and Yaneth Baez spoke to law students at the University of Miami School of Law through the "Hope Connects on the Bricks" initiative.
During this event, SAO Representatives discussed the various opportunities available through the State Attorney's Office and the potential effect individuals can have on their community as prosecutors.
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Community Outreach in Action | | |
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Community Outreach Representatives Jose Lopez and Steve Machin, along with our Justice in Motion (JIM) Bus, participated in the Walking One Stop Event in Homestead.
Community leaders, law enforcement agents, social services, and volunteers went door to door to connect residents to government and non-government support services that may assist them.
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Community Outreach Representative Angie Fernandez and JIM Volunteers Natavia Davis and Chovitta Ariza attended National Night Out in West Miami. This event is hosted by law enforcement to strengthen community and law enforcement relationships.
Office representatives shared information about our programs and services and provided Child Fingerprinting for over 15 children.
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Community Outreach Representative Janeen Jones conducted a START Program presentation to the South Miami Jack and Jill Chapter held at South Dade Regional Library.
The Stop, Think, Ask, React, Tell (START) Program is geared towards juveniles and focuses on how making good choices results in positive outcomes. The presentation addresses issues of school violence, bullying, sexting, and internet safety.
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"Second Chance" Program:
Seal or Expunge Event
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State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle thanks everyone who attended our “Second Chance” Sealing or Expungement Event at Historic St. John AME Church.
The State Attorney’s Office assisted 76 individuals, with 48 attendees eligible to seal or expunge one arrest in Miami-Dade County.
This event would not be possible without the assistance from our community partners at the Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller, Miami-Dade Public
Defender’s Office, NAACP Miami-Dade Branch, the Florida Rights Restoration
Coalition, and Miami-Dade College.
We are bringing this event to Phichol Williams Community Center in Homestead on November 2, 2023. Follow us on social media for additional information.
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"Turn Up the Pink:"
SAO Wears Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
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State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and staff wore pink to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
In 2023, the American Cancer Society estimates 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women, and about 43,700 women will die from breast cancer.
The significance of wearing shades of pink went beyond statistics; it reminded us of the personal encounters our community has had with breast cancer. Together, we remembered our family, friends, and brave team members who faced this devastating illness.
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Judge Dawn Denaro
Circuit Court Judge
This month, we highlight a distinguished alumni member of our SAO family.
We present our SAO Alumni Profile - Judge Dawn Denaro.
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The Success of Our Crime Fighters:
October Courtroom Victories
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This month, our dedicated crime-fighting team achieved significant victories in pursuing justice. With unwavering determination, our ASAs prosecuted many cases, with two linked to gang-related violence sending a powerful message against organized crime and the first Gun Violence Initiative Case in Miami-Gardens since its creation in 2019. This is the first case handled from incident to trial in this neighborhood.
These collective efforts are a testament to our mission, demonstrating that we can make our communities safer together.
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