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Dear Friend,
In light of the recent cases in the media, both locally and nationally, I wanted to dedicate this opening message to addressing the issue of domestic violence. I want victims of domestic violence and their loved ones to know that a safety net of services and resources is available to them. You are not alone.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of age, sex, race, religion, ethnicity, or educational and economic background. This crime is perpetrated in private and thrives when victims are afraid to come forward. Experience has sadly shown that every instance of domestic violence has the potential to escalate into a deadly situation. Studies have revealed that in the United States, intimate partners are involved in almost 50% of female homicides and 10% of male homicides. Intimate partner violence appears to be a contributing factor in an estimated 6% of America’s suicides, which may correlate with instances of murder/suicides.
Though many cases reach a tragic end, we know that in numerous situations, this outcome can be avoided by reporting abuse to law enforcement and seeking justice for victims through our criminal justice system. On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. That is about 13 calls per minute. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. One in 15 children is exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence.
Under the leadership of my mentor, Janet Reno, I created our Domestic Violence Unit. It employs a victim-centered, trauma-informed model that has been adopted nationally and internationally. When I prosecuted domestic violence cases, they were not treated as crimes but were instead seen as family disputes. They were not given the importance they deserved, and victims suffered because of it. Some judges handled domestic violence cases in a cavalier manner. In one instance, a judge told the victim in one of my cases that she should be grateful her husband was a bad shot and missed when he fired a weapon at her. You can only imagine the impact this had on the victim and their children.
I am blessed to work with a wonderful team in our Misdemeanor and Felony Domestic Violence Units. Besides having great lawyers, paralegals, and staff, we also have dedicated victim-witness counselors who ensure that our victims are served and supported throughout the criminal justice process. We partner with community agencies and organizations to connect victims to services while proceeding with the criminal cases. Through these longstanding partnerships that provide vital services to victims, we have been able to create a safety net for them to find alternative housing and shelter, various services, and opportunities to heal. Justice and healing must go hand in hand.
If you are in an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. For more information about domestic violence resources and victims’ services, you can call our state attorney’s office domestic violence unit at 305-547-0140.
You can also visit our website, MiamiSAO.com, where you can find helpful information and brochures under our Domestic Violence section.
If you are a domestic violence victim in need of shelter and services, please call Miami-Dade County’s Coordinated Victims Assistance Center (CVAC) Helpline at 305-285-5900.
Remember that the many domestic violence resources available can only help when those in danger reach out and take advantage of them.
Thank you, be safe, and God bless, |
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| As a part of the National Public Education Campaign, the State Attorney’s Office hosted “Bring Your Child to Work Day,” welcoming children ages 9 to 17 for an engaging hands-on experience. This annual event is designed to show young participants the value of education while giving them a chance to imagine their future careers. |
| Children who attended, alongside their adult host, had the opportunity to hear from the Honorable Judge Laura Cruz, Assistant State Attorney Kioceaia Stenson, and Assistant Public Defender Daniela Torrealba, gaining insight into the criminal justice system and many of the careers that support it. |
| One of the highlights of this event was a demonstration by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Canine Unit, where children learned how these highly trained dogs assist in investigations, from detecting narcotics to tracking suspects and missing persons. |
| This event continues to be a success in inspiring our next generation of leaders and building community trust through education and exposure. With a wonderful turnout of children and strong engagement from staff, this event proved to be an inspiring and educational experience for all involved. |
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| The University of Miami School of Law, in partnership with the Human Rights Clinic, hosted a powerful panel discussion called “Keeping the Game Safe: Addressing Sexual Violence and Child Safeguarding in Sports.” The panel discussion, moderated by Carrie Bettinger-Lopez, brought together industry leaders and community advocates to address the challenges of ensuring child safety, especially during large-scale events like the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. With thousands of visitors expected to arrive in our community, the panel focused on the risk these events can pose, with emphasis on gender-based violence and broader human rights concerns. |
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| The State Attorney spoke about ongoing outreach initiatives and law enforcement operations designed to combat human trafficking. The conversation emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between legal systems, community organizations, and event organizers to protect vulnerable populations. |
| “At the start of my career, I believed I wanted to pursue human rights law in The Hague, but I quickly discovered the deep human rights issues occurring right here, in Miami-Dade County,” stated the State Attorney. “This realization encouraged me to pursue my career at the State Attorney’s Office. Since then, I have come to admire the deep spirit of collaboration within our community. We work with our law enforcement and community partners to enforce the law, offer meaningful community services, and promote public safety by tackling issues.” |
| Keeping the Game Safe facilitated crucial conversations around public safety and human dignity while serving as an educational opportunity for University of Miami Law students. Attendees gained first-hand exposure to the real-world legal and policy challenges, enriching their academic experience while reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling complex social issues. |
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| State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle hosted a meeting and tour of our Human Trafficking Center with FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass, FDLE SAC John Vecchio, Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez, and Chair of the Miami-Dade County Human Trafficking Coalition Ivon Messa, who had the opportunity to learn more about the State Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force and our victim-centered, trauma-informed response to these crimes. |
| During this meeting, community leaders shared new ideas and explored collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening our response to human trafficking. This important discussion focused on how we can better work together to stop this form of modern-day slavery. |
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| State Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Unit Special Victim Advocate Tanya Gennusa spoke to youth and their parents from the Children’s International Summer Villages International Organization about the dangers and signs of human trafficking, specifically on the internet, social media, and gaming apps. Tanya explained the holistic, victim-centered approach to prosecution. She provided attendees with resources available to our community, including the State Attorney’s Human Trafficking “Know the Signs” flyer and SAO Human Trafficking Hotline QR code. |
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| State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle thanks all who attended the “Second Chance” Seal or Expunge Event held at Miami Vineyard Church in Kendall. The State Attorney’s Office assisted 145 individuals, with 99 eligible to seal or expunge one arrest in Miami-Dade County. |
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| “Second Chance” Events would not be possible without the help of our amazing volunteers and community partners, including the Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller, the Miami-Dade Public Defender's Office, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, and the NAACP Miami-Dade Branch. |
| "Each month, my Community Outreach Division travels to different locations in Miami-Dade County helping our residents to seal or expunge their arrest records through our free one-stop Sealing and Expungement event,” said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. “The invaluable support of our hard-working community partners, combined with the dedication of our own volunteers , not only has made these events a community success but has also shown each individual participant that lasting change is possible. Thank you to everyone at Miami Vineyards Church for helping us to promote this event to county residents.” |
| We look forward to bringing the “Second Chance” Seal or Expunge Event to the City of Hialeah in May. Be sure to follow us on social media for additional information! |
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| Anyone who has met Judge Marilyn Milian can attest that she has a transcendent joy for life and unparalleled authenticity. She has always known the power of her voice and her actions.
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| “So, when it was time to apply for jobs, I knew that there was only one place that I wanted to be and wanted to do… that was being a prosecutor at the SAO.”
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| “What I learned is that the mentality of the group isn’t present when you are alone. I wasn’t afraid to try four cases. I would rather do four trials and get justice than save time but trying them all together.”
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| Well-meaning friends and family advised her to consider whether it would be worth the risk of throwing away her judicial career if the television show didn’t work out. But in typical Marilyn fashion, she went with her gut and made sure that the jump would be worth the risk. She couldn’t be bought by a substantial salary and the promise of fame. None of that was more important to her than her family’s well-being and staying true to her values.
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| The Victim, who was in her mid-fifties, suffered from meningitis as a young child and became intellectually disabled with an IQ of 70. She was an employee at Goodwill for 20 years. She routinely left the house by 5:00 a.m., took the same bus, and walked the same route to the bakery for breakfast on the way to Goodwill. In the early hours of the morning on March 12, 2024, the Victim took her usual route to work before sunrise. As the Victim walked toward the bakery, she walked right past the Defendant, who had stopped at the corner of the intersection she was crossing. After making sure there was no one around, the Defendant approached the Victim from behind. He told her in Spanish, “This is an assault. Give me your purse.” In fear for what might happen next, the Victim handed over her purse to the Defendant, who ran from the scene of the robbery. Video footage from various residences captured the Defendant walking toward the scene of the crime with only a cellular phone, stopping at the intersection, following the Victim, running from the scene of the crime, and later walking with a small to medium-sized object under his arm. The video footage obtained did not show the robbery itself. The Victim could not identify the Defendant and misidentified the color of his clothing. However, a Neighborhood Resource Officer who knew the Defendant from a coffee shop positively identified him from the video footage.
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| Congratulations to Felony Division Chief Shawn Abuhoff and ASA Steve Simeonidis for securing a guilty verdict on charges of Second-Degree Murder and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Defendant faces a 25-year minimum mandatory sentence up to life in prison. |
| On September 16, 2020, the Victim walked into a rooming house where the rooms were rented by the hour for drug use and prostitution. The Victim arrived with bags of allegedly stolen merchandise to sell to people who hung out there. The Defendant, who lived in one of the rooms and was the manager of the establishment, confronted the Victim in the hallway.
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| Congratulations to ASAs Jared Octala and Adam Schwartz for securing a guilty verdict for one count of Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle. |
| On the day of the incident, the Defendant went to the Victim’s home to visit their children. Once the visit concluded, the Defendant became enraged because the Victim would not lend him her only vehicle. The Defendant struggled with the Victim for her purse, took the car key and drove away in her car.
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| Congratulations to Senior Trial Counsel Scott Warfman and Felony Division Chief Arvind Singh for securing a guilty verdict on April 3, 2025, for first-degree premeditated murder. |
| On November 1, 2013, a shooting occurred outside a Motel 7 in North Miami, resulting in one casualty. The Defendant merely walked right up to the Victim and shot him. Video of the shooting showed no interaction between the Defendant and the Victim before the shooting. The State was never able to identify the motive for the murder or uncover a connection between the Victim and the Defendant.
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| Congratulations to ASAs Jonathan Sardiña and Kyle March for securing a guilty verdict of Felon in Possession of Ammunition. |
| The Defendant was investigated by the Gang Unit of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. After obtaining a valid search warrant for the Defendant’s home, the search of his room recovered 9 mm ammunition, .40 caliber ammunition, and a 9 mm extended drum magazine containing live rounds. Items found in the room proved that it belonged to the Defendant, including his passport, his social security card, his graffiti on his wall, and leftover food that could be linked to him.
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| Congratulations to ASAs Janeen Zamora and Angel Sierra for securing a guilty verdict of Aggravated Battery causing Great Bodily Harm with a Deadly Weapon. |
| On May 30, 2023, the Victim and her brother were visiting Miami from outside the United States for her brother's birthday weekend. That night, they met the Defendant on the beach and shared alcohol and marijuana with him. Throughout the night, the Defendant, who was over 30 years older than the Victim, made advances toward her, which she repeatedly rejected. At one point, the Defendant became physical with the Victim, and she fought back until he stopped. Believing the situation had been resolved, she waited for her brother to head back to their hotel. Finally, when the Victim and her brother were leaving, the Defendant rushed after her and attempted to lean in for a kiss. The Victim pulled away from the Defendant's advances. The Defendant then stabbed her in the right side of her abdomen with a knife he had concealed. The Victim sustained a stab wound that punctured a portion of her colon that had to be removed. She has ongoing dietary and health complications due to the incident.
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| Congratulations to ASAs Ayana Duncan and George Bell for securing a guilty verdict on the charge of Second-Degree Murder. The Defendant was sentenced to 35 years State prison followed by 10 years of reporting probation. |
| In the early morning hours of October 6, 2019, the Defendant went to South Beach looking for the Victim, Latoya Wiggins. They were intimate partners who had a long history of domestic violence. The Victim was a prostitute, and the Defendant would occasionally act as her pimp. When he found her, the Victim was leaving the Clevelander with three college students, all of whom testified at the trial.
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| Congratulations to ASAs Yaneth Baez and Shaymaa Shwel for securing a guilty verdict for one count of Human Trafficking of a Minor, one count of Human Trafficking of a Minor Across State Lines, one count of Custodial Interference, one count of Renting a Space for the Purpose of Prostitution, one count of Directing Another to Engage in Prostitution, and one count of Deriving Support from the Proceeds of Prostitution. The Defendant was sentenced to two Life Sentences for Human Trafficking of a Minor Across State Lines and for Human Trafficking of a Minor for Commercial Sex Within the State. |
| This case came to our office through Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Task Force members of the Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD). MBPD received a tip from the FBI and the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children regarding a female minor who was missing from the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The FBI advised that there was intelligence indicating the minor may be in Miami Beach, being sold for commercial sex. On September 24, 2024, the MBPD, in conjunction with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Task Force and the Miami Springs Police Department, conducted an undercover operation at a hotel in Miami Springs in hopes of recovering her.
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| Congratulations to Sexual Battery Unit (SBU) ASA Jared H. Lorenz and ASA Carolina Sanchez for securing a guilty verdict on two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation on a Child Under 12 Years of Age against a Repeat Offender. This career criminal faces a 25-year minimum mandatory sentence and up to life in prison for each count. |
| In September of 2023, the Victim was at a family gathering when the victim’s aunt, who was a school counselor, started discussing online safety practices with the Victim. She was teaching the Victim about the potential risks of inappropriate content and online predators. The aunt immediately noticed that the Victim’s behavior changed. She described the Victim as losing all color in his face. The Victim then immediately approached the mother and disclosed to her that the Defendant, a trusted guardian, had sexually molested him for years.
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