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
Upcoming Events:
Second Chance Seal or Expungement Event
Honoring Excellence:
State Attorney Joins MDCPS Hall of Fame Class of 2026
State Attorney Fernandez Rundle Announces Condo Fraud Arrests in Major HOA/Condo Task Force Case
State Attorney Fernandez Rundle Highlights Human Trafficking Risks at Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
State Attorney Fernandez Rundle Joins Attorney General Uthmeier to Strengthen the Fight Against Human Trafficking
Community Outreach in Action
SAO Celebrates Black History Month with a Variety of Events Reflecting on Culture and Community
"Second Chance"
Seal or Expunge Event
In The News:
Elder & Vulnerable Adults Unit Cases
2025 Year in Review
Dr. Scotty Izevbigie
Child Support Program, Administrator
Upcoming Events:
Second Chance Seal or Expungement Event
The State Attorney’s Office will host its next Second Chance Seal or Expungement event on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.at the Samuel K. Johnson Youth Center.
This free community event helps eligible individuals begin the process of sealing or expunging their Miami‑Dade arrest records, with staff and partners on‑site to answer questions and assist with applications.
Community members are encouraged to attend and take an important step toward new opportunities and a fresh start.
Honoring Excellence:
State Attorney Joins MDCPS Hall of Fame Class of 2026
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.
State Attorney Fernandez Rundle Announces Condo Fraud Arrests in Major HOA/Condo Task Force Case
State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle held a press conference with members of the State Attorney’s HOA/Condo Task Force to announce the arrests of condominium manager Francisco Obispo and maintenance worker Jose Luis Hernandez in connection with an alleged kickback and fraud scheme at the Euclid East Condominium in Miami Beach. Obispo is charged with one count of Organized Scheme to Defraud and 13 counts of Receiving a Kickback in violation of the Florida Condominium Act related to the co-defendant. Hernandez is charged with one count of Organized Scheme to Defraud over $50,000 and one count of Grand Theft over $100,000. The State Attorney highlighted the critical work of her Task Force and underscored the importance of protecting the millions of Floridians who call condominium communities’ home.
“These arrests should send a clear message,” said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. “We will not tolerate fraud, self‑dealing, or the exploitation of homeowners in Miami‑Dade County.” She emphasized that three million Floridians live in the state’s 1.5 million condominium units and noted that at least 24% of residents in Miami-Dade County reside in condominiums making accountability and transparency essential.
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 [email protected].
State Attorney Fernandez Rundle Highlights Human Trafficking Risks at Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
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 Fernandez Rundle Joins Attorney General Uthmeier to Strengthen the Fight Against Human Trafficking
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 in Action
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
SAO Celebrates Black History Month with a Variety of Events Reflecting on Culture and Community
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.
"Second Chance"
Seal or Expunge Event
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.
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.
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.
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.
The road to the State Attorney’s Office Child Support Program is different for everyone. But for Dr.
Scotty Izevbigie, the road began in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. He was born into a very large
family and has 22 siblings. The importance of education and social responsibility was instilled in all of
them from a very young age. “As a child I was ambitious. My father had a PhD and was in politics and
held many government positions. My mother was a high school principal. We were all expected to do
well in school and pursue higher education.”
He attended the University of Benin in Benin City, Nigeria and graduated with a Bachelor of science in
Zoology with a concentration in parasitology. This led to his work as a histologist in the lab at the
Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.
In 1997 His father sent him to continue his studies in the United States. Expecting to stay in the
sciences, Izevbigie enrolled in the National School of Technology and earned his diploma as a
medical assistant. He enjoyed his internship at a doctor’s office. Then he got his first job in the US at
Quest Diagnostics being a phlebotomist. “I was assigned to go to patients’ houses to draw their blood.
The only issue is that they sent me to Hialeah. I spoke no Spanish, and the patients didn’t speak
English. I only lasted a week,” he laughs. Fortunately, he had a side job as a security guard. So then
on his days off he went looking for work. “I was married, and my wife and I wanted to have a family,
so I needed a stable job with benefits.”
One day he went to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to apply for a job and then he
went to the building where he worked as security which was close by. “One of the people that worked
there let me know that there was going to be a job fair in about two hours and that I should go. So, I
attended the job fair. I approached the State Attorney’s Office (SAO) table and Richard Clifford from
Human Resources was there. He spoke about the work the office did and I found it so engaging! I
was fascinated and took application and completed it right then and there. I even had copies of my
degrees with me, and I handed him all the paperwork that same day. After going through the
background check that lasted about a month, I was hired. My first day was January 4
th
, 1999, and my
first daughter was born January 7, 1999.”
Izevbigie began as a case analyst in the defunct Seals Unit and is now, 27 years later, Administrator
III overseeing the Payment Processing and Fund Distribution (PPFD), Court Order Processing (COP),
and the Legal Court Secretary (LCS) Units of Child Support program. Under his leadership, the Miami
Dade CSP consistently led the state in the resolution of payment exceptions and remittance and
distributions issues.
Among his duties are:
• Supervising; motivating; planning; and coordinating the activities of three Supervisors and
thirty-nine support staff members. These staff are responsible for auditing cases, handling financial
issues and troubleshooting payments on child support cases, the updating of court orders to the
system for enforcement activities, and handling of post court activities as prescribed by the court, and
preparing court orders for the attorney’s, general magistrates, and judges to sign.
• Evaluating current operational systems and procedures for efficiency
• Recommending and implementing changes to improve the overall success of the Child
Support Program.
Izevbigie believes in the mission and vision of the Child Support Program and how State Attorney
Katherine Fernandez Rundle makes this a priority as it provides children the financial support they
deserve while hopefully deterring youth from becoming involved in the criminal justice system.
“I always believe that when you bring a child into the world you should be responsible for that child. If
you have problems with your partner the children should not be affected,” he explains. “All of these
children’s lives would be very different if the CSP program did not exist and if we were not doing our
jobs. We represent the interest of the children. We are fair and help the non-custodial parent as much
as we do the custodial parent to meet their legal responsibility. What we do is a service to humanity,
and I believe that I am making a difference with what I do.”
“The gifts that Dr. Izevbigie’ s parents passed on to him, a gift of determination, a gift of focus and
drive, a gift of believing in in the power of education, these are gifts that Scotty has not only passed
on to his daughters but are also gifts that have helped so many of the children of Miami-Dade County
have the chance of a better life,” said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. “All who meet and
work with Dr. Izevbigie are charmed by his manner and inevitably impressed by his skills. We, in the
State Attorney’s Office Child Support Program, owe an inescapable debt of gratitude to Scotty’s
parents since we are the faraway beneficiaries of their hopes for their son and for his direct and
positive impact on so many lives.”
“When my father sent me to study in America, he wanted me to be a medical doctor. After I began
working at CSP, I told him that I would get a PhD but not in medicine. I was an already an
administrator when I decided to get my Master’s degree at Florida International University (FIU) in
Public Policy and Administration. I concentrated on management and leadership. When I graduated, I
called my dad to tell him and he didn’t even congratulate me,” he laughs. “Instead, he asked me what
was next!”
In 2019, Izevbigie earned his PhD in Public Policy and Administration with a concentration in
leadership and organizational management from Walden University in Minnesota. His doctoral
dissertation was Cultural Integration in Newly Formed Public-Private Partnership Organizations.
He and his wife have also instilled the importance of education in their six daughters. “I am proud to
say that they are all good students.” Three of them are graduates now with the oldest doing her
master’s program.
Dr. Izevbigie is also very active in various organizations that allow him to continue to experience and
share his culture and customs within his family, the Nigerian community here and the community at
large. He is an “organizational member” of the Nigerian American Foundation (NAF), member of the
Edo Association of Florida, Inc. (EAF), and the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW).
Though his professional and academic achievements are impressive, what strikes on the most about
him is his humanity, his sense of humor and his love for his family. He is beloved and respected by his
colleagues and supervisors. So, it is only fitting that we ask him for some words of wisdom:
“Take life as it comes. Be patient with yourself and never give up. If you put your mind and heart into
something you can achieve it. All those who came before us didn’t have two heads and they achieved
it so we can too. All you need is curiosity, commitment and the desire to make a difference!"
