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,
IN THIS EDITION
Ensuring Accountability:
Former School Board Member Arrested
"Beyond Rescue: Restoring Stolen Futures"
SAO Hosts Annual Human Trafficking Forum
"Project Protect"
Empowering Safety for Victims of Crime
United Against Human Trafficking
Outreach for Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Honoring the Legacy:
Dr. Martin Luther King Day Celebrations
Protecting the Vulnerable:
Woman Arrested for Exploiting Elderly
"Second Chance" Program:
Seal or Expunge Event
Community Outreach in Action
Profile in Passion
James McColman
The Success of Our Crime Fighters:
January Courtroom Highlights
Ensuring Accountability:
Former School Board Member Arrested
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 3rd Degree
1 Count – Organized Fraud/ $20,000 or Less
1 Count – Grand Theft 2nd 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.
"Beyond Rescue: Restoring Stolen Futures"
SAO Hosts Annual Human Trafficking Forum
State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle hosted her Annual SAO Human Trafficking Forum. This year’s theme, “Beyond Rescue: Restoring Stolen Futures,” focused on the restoration of lives affected by Human Trafficking, addressing the profound physical, mental, and emotional challenges observed after an individual is recovered from this modern-day form of slavery.
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.
"Project Protect"
Empowering Safety for Victims of Crime
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.
United Against Human Trafficking
Outreach for Human Trafficking Awareness Month
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.
Honoring the Legacy:
Dr. Martin Luther King Day Celebrations
5000 Role Models of Excellence Project Brunch
State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, along with members of our SAO Team, joined local, state, and national leaders to celebrate the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project at the 31st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast hosted by Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson.
The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, a dropout prevention, mentoring program for boys in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, was founded by Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson. Operating with 5,000 adult male mentors, the program guides minority male students from K-12 grade through college, ensuring the attainment of post-secondary credentials for increased employment opportunities.
This year, activist and actor Omari Hardwick, rapper and entrepreneur Rick Ross, and former Broward Public Defender Howard Finkelstein headlined the event speaking to attendees about the importance of such outreach programs.
47th Annual
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, members of her Community Outreach Division, and Justice in Motion (JIM) Bus, joined local leaders, members of law enforcement, and community residents for the 47th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in Liberty City.
Rooted in human integrity and excitement, this celebration fosters racial pride and community building by acknowledging ethnic contributions to our community. The parade is dedicated to annually commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s uplifting message of virtuous, non-violent change, honoring his vision of freedom, justice, and equality, and providing a platform for empowering education that inspires transformation.
Protecting the Vulnerable:
Woman Arrested for Exploiting Elderly
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.
"Second Chance" Program:
Seal or Expunge Event
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.
Community Outreach Representative Jose Lopez and JIM Volunteers Natavia Davis, Valencia Gerald, and Patricia Williams from the Child Support Program attended the Fresh Start Community Fair at the New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.
SAO Representatives shared information with attendees on SAO programs and services, including the State Attorney’s “Second Chance” Seal or Expunge Program.
Community Outreach Representative Angie Fernandez joined the City of Miami Police Department and several of our community partners at a Walk and Talk in West Coconut Grove, going door-to-door and speaking with residents about our services. She distributed information on our upcoming “Second Chance” Seal or Expunge Events.
Community Outreach Representatives Janeen Jones and Steve Machin, along with JIM Volunteers Deyonda Coleman, Breonda Wyche, Rhonda Tice, and Kerlie Saint-Felix participated in a Human Trafficking Symposium and Round Table themed “Out Of the Shadows,” hosted by Dade County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at Miami-Dade College North Campus where they distributed resources on topics, including Human Trafficking.
Profile in Passion
James McColman
James McColman, SAO Investigator
This month, we highlight a distinguished member of our SAO family.
We present our SAO Profile in Passion
James McColman.
There exists no world where one can imagine James (Jim) McColman being anything other than a police officer. It was not his childhood dream, as it was for some officers. Yet, everyone who has ever worked a case with Jim, recognizes that it seems as if he was a born investigator. Jim is wellknown for his great disposition, even though he is always on call, his easygoing manner and his being a team player.
“I always count it as a blessing, having so many former homicide officers now working at the SAO,” said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. “Each individual brings his or her treasure trove of experiences and insights to every prosecutor, they work with. They are like an investigative All-Star team, with Jim McColeman certainly deserving a respected seat at the table.”
Living a life of service to others runs in his family. His mother who was from Louisiana and his father from North Carolina met during World War II at a USO dance. They went on to marry and have three children. “I have two older sisters and I am the youngest,” McColman explains.
McColman ‘s roots are deeply embedded in Miami-Dade County. He was born in Coral Gables at Doctor’s Hospital and grew up in North Miami by Miami Dade College’s North Campus. He attended Miami Central High School, graduating as a Central High “Rocket”.
“When I was in high school, I worked part-time at a lawn irrigation company. After I graduated in 1974, I worked there full-time and went to Miami Dade College at night. I thought I wanted to go into crime scene work, but I had a professor Dr. Ingram who was a police officer who suggested that I do a ride along with police. I loved it and from then on wanted to become an officer.”
After earning his Associate’s Degree at Miami-Dade College, he went to the police academy and accepted a position at the North Miami Police Department (NMPD).
“I worked uniform street patrol for three years before laterally transferring to the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) in 1983 where I was also doing uniform patrol. What I really liked about that was interacting with people.” His style of relating with people would become a skill that daily benefits the SAO in interactions with our community. “The reason for transferring was because I eventually wanted to work in Homicide and at that point, North Miami did not have a Homicide Unit.”
McColman then joined the uniformed Priority Response Team which targeted high crime areas throughout Miami-Dade County.
He was then for the General Investigations Unit (GIU). They worked everything except robbery, homicide, and sexual assault.
In 1989 McColman was assigned to the Sexual Battery Unit, “This was very difficult because many of the victims were children. It is easier to talk to a murderer than someone who sexually abuses kids.”
Two years later he joined the Homicide Unit where he would remain until he retired in 2013. Jim’s broad range of police investigative experiences were additional tools that he later brought to the SAO.
Over the course of his police career, McColman has worked on many notable cases but one that particularly shocked the community was the Jimmy Ryce case.
On September 11,1995, almost 10-year-old Jimmy Ryce was kidnapped after being dropped off less than a block from his home by his school bus in the Redlands. He was forced at gunpoint into the truck of Juan Carlos Chavez who took him to his trailer, raped him, and killed him. His body was dismembered and buried on a nearby farm in planters. Chavez was arrested three months later when his landlord discovered the boy’s backpack in a closet.
“I was a part of the team that worked on the investigation. We executed the search warrant of the Subject’s trailer home. I, along with other detectives, assisted in chipping away at the containers trying to remove the Victim’s body that was encased in concrete. My son was four at the time. It was tough,” he sighs.
In 2002 North Miami was having a large problem with an upsurge of gangrelated activity. NMPD, North Miami Beach Police Department (NMBPD), MDPD, ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), and the State Attorney’s Office all joined together to create the Gang Strike Force.
“I joined the Gang Strike Force, which was being led by, now judge, Frank Ledee. We could tie one gang, the Terrorist Boys, to 16 murders and 34 attempted murders. Our work led to the indictment and prosecution of 10 Defendants.”
Finally in 2013 after 30 years and five years of DROP program, it was time for McColman to retire. “I was ready to go and swore that I would never do it again.”
But after running out of things to do he got bored and that is when fate stepped in. It was a call from a friend and former NMBPD Homicide Gang Detective turned SAO Investigator Jodi Schuster that changed the course of his life. “She called and asked me if I was interested in coming to SAO as an investigator. I thought, yes why not?”
McColman joined the SAO investigators in 2014. His first assignment was with the Human Trafficking Task Force when it was created.
Then when State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle had been working with Chief of Investigations Emiliano Tamayo on the SAO Gun Violence Initiative (GVI) to address issues in the areas where there was high gun violence activity, McColman was the first to be embedded at the MDPD Northside Police Station.
McColman emphasizes what a blessing it is to be a part of GVI. “It is great working with State Attorney Fernandez Rundle. She gives us the ability to do our work and is always available to us. It’s a work of collaboration and no drama.”
“It kind of came full circle. I was working with their GIU which was where I had worked as an officer many years ago. Having us there benefits the cases because we go out to the scenes of shootings, and we help make the cases more prosecutable. We give guidance to officers who are in the position I used to have. They are open to us being there and eager to learn from an old-timer.”
He doesn’t mind being on call all the time. He likes being the bridge and sometimes referee between the officers and prosecutors when working cases.
McColman states that during his tenure in the Gun Violence Initiative, “every case has gone forward, there have not been any cases that have been No Actioned and we haven’t lost an Arthur hearing.”
It has been almost 10 years since McColman became an SAO Investigator. “I don’t need to work but I am happy and love what I do. I don’t foresee stopping any time soon.”
For Jim McColman following his passion for justice and law enforcement allowed him to have a life and career that he fully enjoys. His work ethic and personal integrity have helped him become a well-respected detective and beloved colleague.
We are proud and honored to have Jim McColman as a member of our SAO family… the Best Team in America!
The Success of Our Crime Fighters:
January Courtroom Highlights
• Congratulations to Felony Division Chief Kimberly Rivera and ASA Ashley Ramkishun for securing a guilty verdict of one count of Second-Degree Murder and one count of Attempted Premediated Murder.
On October 5, 2023, at approximately 6:20 A.M., the Defendant was walking in his neighborhood when he approached the Victim, a homeless man living in the community, at the corner of NW 71st and NW 14th Ave. in unincorporated Miami-Dade County. For reasons unknown, the Defendant pulled out a firearm and shot the Victim twice, striking him in the head and right thigh. ShotSpotter did not detect gun shots at that location, so the Victim was bleeding on the sidewalk for about 40 minutes until a passerby saw the body and called 911 at approximately 7 A.M.
At 7:04 A.M., the Defendant approached Victim 2 near NW 68th Terr. and NW 15th Ave. in the City of Miami. Victim 2 was walking to his uncle’s house to get bus fare so he could go to his job at Cheesecake Factory. The Defendant asked Victim 2 if he had heard shots. Victim 2 said “no” and continued walking. The Defendant followed the Victim. As he was turning down NW 68th Terr., the Defendant pulled out a firearm and demanded that Victim 2 hand over his firearm. Victim 2, who was unarmed, backed away from the Defendant while lifting his shirt and pulling his pants down to show he was unarmed. The Defendant walked toward Victim 2 and shot him twice, striking him in the arm and side.
The homeless Victim was transported to Ryder Trauma Center where he was pronounced brain dead 5 days later, on October 10, 2023. Victim 2 was treated at the hospital and survived. He was able to provide a description of the Defendant and cameras in the area operated by the City of Miami Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center captured the shooting. With images from the various cameras in the area, detectives were able to create Need to Identify Flyers, which were disseminated via social media. Detectives received multiple anonymous tips that identified the Defendant. Detectives learned that shortly after the shooting, the Defendant walked into a local business and discussed the shooting that took place at 6:20 A.M. with patrons inside the store. This was captured on store surveillance video. He also matched the description provided by Victim 2.
The Defendant had been released from prison 5 months prior after serving 31 years for a murder he committed as a juvenile pursuant to a Miller/Graham hearing. The detectives reached out to his probation officer, and she identified the Defendant as the person in the video captured at the scene of the second shooting. Later, a search warrant was executed at the Defendant’s house and the police found the clothing, shoes, and backpack worn by the Defendant at time he committed both crimes. The firearm was never located, but a forensic expert testified that the spent casings found at both shooting scenes had been fired from the same gun.
Despite the seriousness and complexity of the charges, the Defendant filed a speedy demand and represented himself at the probation violation hearing and the trial. At the probation violation hearing, the Defendant was found in violation and sentenced to life in prison.
Unwilling to plead guilty to the new crimes, the Defendant proceeded to trial and claimed selfdefense right before starting jury selection. He testified on the stand that he was only a witness to the first homicide and that the real killer was Victim 2. He argued that when he saw Victim 2 again, he shot him in self-defense. During cross examination, DC Kim Rivera was able to elicit from the Defendant that he was not actually in fear. She also demonstrated that his version of events was completely contradicted by the video showing him shoot Victim 2.
While the Defendant’s last-minute self-defense claim caused the prosecutors to shift their trial strategy away from an ID case, they still called the probation officer to identify the Defendant. She testified in plain clothes as a civilian and was carefully questioned to avoid any indication that the Defendant was on probation.
The jury deliberated for a little over an hour before finding him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The ASAs would like to thank Trial Coordinator Tiana Whittaker and Homicide Counselor Andrea Marquez for their valuable assistance.