As we enjoy this holiday season and prepare to gather with friends and family, I always find it meaningful to look back on the previous year and reflect on the many blessings and opportunities to help others that we have received. It is also a time to look forward to the year to come with excitement, anticipation and joy as we to continue to serve our beloved community. Being your State Attorney is an honor that I don’t take lightly, and I, along with my entire team, am very cognizant of the great responsibility that comes with the mission of keeping our community safe by upholding the law fairly.
For every member of the State Attorney’s Office family, our work is born out of passion and purpose. I always say that our team consists of true angels on earth who give generously of themselves to help the most vulnerable. Seeing all that those impacted by crime face overcome their pain gives us the hope and momentum to continue our roles as ministers of justice.
Though we encounter some of the most tragic and inhumane things than one person can do to another, we move past the heartache and seek justice for victims. It is truly inspiring to see their courage and resilience as they take part in the criminal justice process and begin their journey of becoming whole again.
We are grateful for our legislators, law enforcement partners, community stakeholders, service providers, community organizations, and individuals who have supported us over the years. Our relationships enable us to implement innovative and efficient Smart Justice programs that create a safer place to live, work, and raise our families.
Thank you for allowing us to share our work with you through our social media platforms and our newsletter. We hope you have a joyous holiday season and a prosperous 2026!
Thank you and God Bless
IN THIS EDITION
Upcoming Events
Collaborative Crackdown:
SAO and Partners Target Human Traffickers
FIFA World Cup 2026 Leaders Visit SAO Human Trafficking Facility
State Attorney Speaks at Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon
Women Trailblazers in Law:
2025 Women Leaders' Forum
Saving Lives by Protecting Communities:
Miami SAO at NDAA 2025
In The News
Community Outreach in Action
“Meat the Law” Shines at Pig Roast Bowl Series
"Second Chance"
Seal or Expunge Event
SAO Alumni Profile
Marie E. Mato, Judge, Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida
Upcoming Events
Join Us: Annual SAO Forum on Human Trafficking
The State Attorney’s Office invites you to the Annual SAO Forum on Human Trafficking on January 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Camillus House (1603 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33136). Together, we’ll discuss strategies, share resources, hear from experts, engage with community partners, and strengthen our community’s united fight against human trafficking.
Second Chance Program: Seal or Expunge Event:
Join us for the Second Chance Program Seal or Expunge Event on January 22, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Miami Dade College Homestead Campus, Building C (301 Civic Court, Homestead, FL 33030). This event provides eligible individuals with the opportunity to seal or expunge their criminal records, opening doors to employment, housing, and a brighter future.
Collaborative Crackdown:
SAO and Partners Target Human Traffickers
State Attorney Fernandez Rundle held a press conference with Miami Springs Police Chief Matthew Castillo, Coral Gables Police Chief Edward Hudak, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Jose Figueroa to highlight recent arrests and reaffirm their commitment to combating Human Trafficking. she highlighted the critical work of her Human Trafficking Task Force and its members.
“These arrests should send a clear message to those who would do us harm – human trafficking will not be tolerated in Miami,” said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. The State Attorney reminded attendees that traffickers do not respect municipal boundaries, and that the collaboration allows agencies to better leverage resources, expertise, and jurisdictional reach to protect victims and pursue offenders.
During the press conference, the State Attorney presented various cases and defendants which highlight the type of cases of Human Trafficking that occurs in our community and how our combined efforts result in rescuing victims and holding traffickers accountable.
The first case involved Darrell Lamont Robertson, Jr. and Eushuun Ileyana Thomas who were arrested on Human Trafficking charges among other charges. The investigation that led to the arrest of the pimp and his “Bottom” began when a 20-year-old victim called 911 after being assaulted in a hotel for refusing to do “sex work” because she was feeling sick. The detective who responded to the scene uncovered that what began as a relationship had quickly turned into exploitation, with the victim trafficked across multiple cities for months before being brought to Miami. The officer who had previously been attached to the SAO HTTF contacted the Task Force and the Victim and her two-year-old child were taken to the SAO Human Trafficking Center where they were able to decompress, clean up, eat and be interviewed in a safe space. Our Victim Advocate was able to arrange for medical assistance and services for the victim at the center. The Victim stated that she arrived in Miami the week before with her child and was met by Robertson and Thomas. She was forced to meet a daily quota of $1000 through sex work and was given drugs to be able to work throughout the night. Her young child was placed in a 24-hour daycare in the evenings by the defendant so she could work. The Victim also stated that the defendants took her to a tattoo shop and had her branded with a tattoo of a Stiletto Heel and Robertson’s alias, ‘Heffy’. With the information provided by the victim, SAO HTTF officers intervened and arrested Thomas and Robertson who are being held with no bond.
The second Defendant highlighted at the press conference was Kutay Satiroglu, a Miami Beach boat charter operator arrested in two separate human trafficking cases. In the first, a 17‑year‑old Victim called her mother in distress, reporting sexual abuse and being held against her will.
Detectives discovered she had been coerced into attending yacht parties, provided narcotics, and forced to engage in sexual acts with the Defendant’s associates in exchange for money. Following media coverage of his arrest, additional leads surfaced, resulting in charges connected to a second victim, also 17 at the time, who had been exploited in a similar manner in 2021. Satiroglu is being held no bond and has an immigration hold.
The final case discussed was Operation Sanctuary Shield in Coral Gables on November 20th. This multi‑agency effort - involving the SAO Human Trafficking Task Force, Coral Gables Police Department, City of Miami Police Department, Doral Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Secret Service, Miami‑Dade Sheriff’s Office, and Medley Police Department - successfully detected multiple groups operating in the community. Intelligence revealed a notable trend: an influx of Venezuelan nationals involved in trafficking‑related offenses. The operation resulted in six arrests, four of whom were recent Venezuelan arrivals with existing final deportation orders.
Created in 2012, the State Attorney’s Human Trafficking Unit and Task Force is designed to rescue victims while vigorously prosecuting those who exploit and, in many cases, torture them. Over the past 13 years, the Task Force has worked with more than 1,356 victims and filed approximately 943 human trafficking‑related criminal cases. Today, the Task Force includes 32 local, state, and federal agency partners and more than 60 sworn law enforcement officers, all united in the mission to dismantle trafficking networks and safeguard vulnerable youth.
During the press conference, State Attorney Fernandez Rundle also emphasized the role of the community: “While I, my office, and our law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring a safe community for everyone, we cannot do it alone. If you suspect human trafficking, please call our local rapid response Human Trafficking Hotline at 305‑FIX‑STOP (305‑349‑7867), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Together we can make a difference.”
FIFA World Cup 2026 Leaders Visit SAO Human Trafficking Facility
State Attorney Fernandez Rundle was proud to welcome FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee President Alina Hudak, Chief Operating Officer Ray Martinez, and Coral Gables Police Chief Ed Hudak for a special visit to the State Attorney’s Human Trafficking Building, a one-of-a-kind facility dedicated solely to fighting Human Trafficking.
This groundbreaking building serves as a hub for collaboration, training, and rapid response, bringing together law enforcements, prosecutors, victim advocates, and community partners under one roof to combat Human Trafficking. The facility is designed to facilitate investigations and prosecutions, while ensuring that victims receive the care and support, they need to begin rebuilding their lives. Survivors have immediate access to resources such as medical care, counseling, legal assistance, while also being guided towards long-term services that promote healing and stability.
During their visit, our guests spent time with members and partners of the SAO Human Trafficking Task Force, personally thanking them for their tireless work and commitment to protecting victims and dismantling Human Trafficking networks within our community.
Following the tour, the group met privately to discuss strategies and collaborative efforts to strengthen the fight against Human Trafficking in the upcoming year. With Miami preparing to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup in 2026, these conversations focused on ensuring that South Florida is prepared to confront risks associated with large-scale international events that can lead to an increase in Human Trafficking.
State Attorney Fernandez Rundle and her office remain committed to leading this fight, working together with community leaders, law enforcement partners, and the public to protect victims, dismantle trafficking networks, and ensure a safe community for all.
State Attorney Speaks at Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon
State Attorney Fernandez Rundle was the Keynote Speaker at the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Council’s Thanksgiving Luncheon, hosted by Survivors’ Pathway, where she delivered heartfelt welcoming remarks. In her address, she highlighted the outstanding work of victim advocates and law enforcement professionals who dedicate themselves to supporting survivors and pursuing justice.
The State Attorney underscored the importance of protecting Domestic Violence victims and ensuring they receive the help and resources they need to rebuild their lives. From emergency assistance to long‑term support services, these resources play a vital role in empowering survivors and breaking cycles of abuse.
During the program, State Attorney Fernandez Rundle proudly presented a plaque to Dr. Francesco Duberli, CEO of Survivors’ Pathway, honoring the organization’s unwavering commitment to protecting and empowering victims of Domestic Violence.
Women Trailblazers in Law:
2025 Women Leaders' Forum
State Attorney Fernandez Rundle served as a keynote speaker at the 2025 Women Leaders’ Forum, hosted by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce at the UM Newman Alumni Center. In her address, she shared her personal journey in the legal profession, the challenges she faced along the way, and her perspective on how opportunities for women in law have evolved over time.
The State Attorney emphasized the remarkable progress women have made in the justice system, noting that today, 55% of the 295 Assistant State Attorneys in Miami-Dade County are women. She also highlighted that 60% of the 148 judges and magistrates in Miami-Dade County are female, a powerful reflection of how far women have come in shaping the courts and the law.
Beyond celebrating these achievements, the State Attorney addressed pressing issues that continue to impact women and families in our community, including Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking. She underscored the importance of advocacy, awareness, and collaboration to protect victims and ensure justice.
Her remarks reminded everyone that while progress has been made, the work continues and women in law will remain at the forefront of driving change and strengthening our justice system
Saving Lives by Protecting Communities:
Miami SAO at NDAA 2025
Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Nilo Cuervo proudly represented the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office at the national District Attorneys Association (NDAA) Prosecuting Homicides Conference, held in New Orleans.
The conference brought together prosecutors, law enforcement, victim advocates, and witness coordinators from across the county to address the growing complexities of homicide prosecutions. With advancements in science and technology, prosecuting these cases has become increasingly challenging, requiring innovative strategies and collaboration across disciplines.
During the conference, Deputy Chief ASA Cuervo delivered a presentation titled “Saving Lives by Protecting All Communities – Miami SAO Gun Violence Initiative (GVI)”. His session highlighted our office’s proactive approach to reducing gun violence through community partnerships with local law enforcement, data-driven strategies, and targeted interventions designed to prevent homicides before they occur.
The NDAA 2025 Homicide Conference served as a vital forum for exchanging knowledge and best practices, reaffirming the commitment of prosecutors nationwide to pursue justice in even the most challenging cases.
Community Outreach Specialist Jose Lopez guided students from Barbara Goleman Senior High School’s Law Honor Society during a special field trip organized through the State Attorney’s Office Community Outreach Division (COD).
The students spent the morning in the courtroom, where they had the unique opportunity to speak directly with a Judge and Assistant State Attorneys about their career paths and experiences in the justice system.
In the afternoon, they continued the discussion at the SAO with other prosecutors who shared insights into their work and answered thoughtful questions.
SAO Community Outreach Specialist Angie Fernandez attended the Coral Gables Citizens’ Crime Watch Board Meeting to highlight key initiatives from the State Attorney’s Office.
She presented the START (Stop, Think, Act, React, Tell) program for students and the Choices & Consequences presentation, while also sharing details about the SAO’s Holiday Toy Drive for Victims, which collects toys to bring joy to children and families impacted by crime during the holiday season. Angie also discussed the gift card initiative supporting Human Trafficking survivors, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive care and support at a time when it matters most.
“Meat the Law” Shines at Pig Roast Bowl Series
Our COD Team came together to celebrate and take part in the annual Pig Roast Bowl Series, a tradition that brings together law enforcement agencies from across the community for some friendly competition and plenty of fun. Teams showcased their culinary skills and creativity, each vying for bragging rights in one of the biggest pig roast competitions around.
Our very own “Meat the Law” team delivered an outstanding performance, demonstrating both skill and spirit throughout the event — proudly placing 5th out of more than 100 teams. Beyond the competition, the day was filled with camaraderie as friends and families gathered to savor mouthwatering food, enjoy lively music, and share laughter.
It was a wonderful day of good food, friendly rivalry, and community togetherness — one we’ll all remember fondly.
"Second Chance"
Seal or Expunge Event
State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle thanks all who attended the ‘Second Chance” Sealing or Expungement event held at the West Kendall Regional Library. The SAO assisted 46 individuals, with 30 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. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez, The Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Officer. Together, we are helping residents move forward with renewed opportunities.
We look forward to bringing “Second Chance” Sealing or Expungement Event events to additional neighborhoods across Miami-Dade. Our next event will take place in January 2026! Make sure to follow us for additional information.
SAO Alumni Profile
Marie E. Mato, Judge, Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida
This month, we highlight a distinguished alumna of our SAO family.
We present our SAO Alumni Profile-
Judge Marie E. Mato.
Faith, humility, wisdom, and integrity are a few words that describe Judge Marie E.
Mato. As a prosecutor, she exemplified all the qualities that one should have as a
minister of justice. A career in law was not what she had originally intended, but divine
intervention guided her to her true purpose.
Judge Mato was born in Miami to Cuban exile parents who had originally immigrated to
New York. They came to Miami in 1969 where they later raised their daughter and
younger son. Judge Mato attended St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School and then
Our Lady of Lourdes Academy where she remains an active alumna and has served as
a mentor for their Mock Trial team. She went on to earn an undergraduate degree from
the University of Miami where she graduated magna cum laude with a double major in
Broadcast Journalism and Political Science with a minor in English.
She was planning a career in journalism and interned at Univision, a national Spanish
language network. “I was looking for work in journalism and there were no opportunities
at that time. So, my neighbors’ granddaughter suggested that I apply at the SAO,” she
explains. “I did and in November 1995 I became a Victim Witness Counselor. I was
working there just to make money while I waited for a job in the journalism field.”
“As a Vic Wit, I got to see trials and the criminal justice system in a different way than
when I was in journalism. I got to see things from another angle, and I was fascinated. I
was always interested in seeking the truth and in the pursuit of justice. At first, I thought
it would be as a journalist and then I discovered that I could achieve that as a
prosecutor.”
During her last semester at UM, one of her college friends asked her if she had signed
up to take the LSAT. “I told him I hadn’t, and he suggested that I should. I took his
advice and took the exam just to have it in my back pocket as an option, just in case.”
After a two-year gap and a year into working at the SAO, Judge Mato began law school
at the University of Miami’s night program. “I worked at the office during the day and
then studied law in the evening. I got to see some great cases and great trial lawyers in
the courtroom. I got to study the law in theory and then see it in practice which was
incredible. I worked as a counselor until 1998 and then switched to full time during my
last year of law school, including interning at the SAO.”
Upon graduating cum laude in 1999, Judge Mato received an offer from the SAO and
one from a private law firm. “I went into private practice because the money was hard to
turn down. I worked in the litigation department at Weiss Serota for little over a year.
They were and are a very reputable firm with great people. I was very grateful for the
opportunity to work with them. In fact, during my judicial campaign they were very
supportive, and I consider Joe Serota a mentor. However, I was doing research and
writing as a first-year associate, and I wanted to be in the courtroom. There is nothing
like it. I knew I wanted that experience and so I reached out to the SAO to see if I could
join the office.”
In March 2001, Judge Mato took a 50% pay cut and joined the SAO. “It was a huge pay
cut, and my father thought I was crazy, but he supported my decision and later realized
it was my calling.
She worked her way up through County Court, Juvenile and into the Felony Divisions. In
2003 Judge Mato joined the Career Criminal Division known as CCR. “I loved it
because of the types of cases I was handling and the opportunity at that time to appear
before a variety of different judges who each had their own style. After two years in
CCR, Chief Assistant Jose Arrojo recruited me to be a Division Chief. Though I loved
CCR, the move would allow me to focus on homicide cases, supervise and mentor
younger lawyers, and provide me a raise that would bring me back to the salary I had in
private practice.”
During her time at the SAO, Judge Mato became the longest serving and one of the
most respected Division Chiefs, supervising easily over 100 young attorneys. Many
prosecutors sought her legal advice and counsel on their cases and their trials. They
came to her especially in cases where prosecutorial discretion was possible. She was
also highly respected by the defense bar and the judges in whose courtrooms she
practiced.
“I tried approximately 100 cases to verdict. Of those, 26 were homicides and I thankfully
never lost a homicide case in trial. I tried many high-profile cases and worked with some
great Senior Trial Counsels and Division Chiefs. There were so many great cases I tried
over the years, including the case of Jason Mitchell, the mastermind behind the felony
murder of Sean Taylor; the 1994 homicide of Lynn Friend, a woman who was killed by
her ex-husband Clifford Friend and whose body was never recovered but yet was
successfully prosecuted 30 years later; the 2009 stabbing death of Juan Carlos Rivera,
a student at Coral Gables Senior High killed by fellow student Andy Rodriguez; and the
sexual battery case against Sir Michael Mapps, a cold case DNA hit with a pro se
defendant that I successfully tried with my friend and Chief of Sexual Battery Natalie
Snyder, 30 years after the crime.”
“A prosecutor gets to do the right thing every day. It’s not about you, it’s about justice.
You have the power as a prosecutor to change a person’s life by the decisions you
make. With great power comes great responsibility. How you use your power matters.
You change lives. You can bring justice to a victim. You speak for those who can no
longer speak for themselves and for the most vulnerable persons in our society. You
can bring justice to grieving families who have lost their loved ones. You can also give
someone charged with a crime the opportunity to turn their lives around when it’s
appropriate. In cases where you realize that the wrong person was arrested, or the
evidence is not there or not what you thought it was you have the ability to dismiss a
case and make things right. The majority of cases a prosecutor handles are not in the
limelight, but the “average case” is not average but rather very important to the parties
involved. It is in the day to day that a prosecutor has the most impact and changes
lives.”
Judge Mato is proud of her time at the SAO and is grateful for the opportunity to serve
our community in that role for almost 24 years and adds, “I was never asked to do
anything illegal, unethical or something that I didn’t believe in. I was always asked what
I wanted to do and what I thought was the right thing to do and I got to do it.”
“As a prosecutor, I always respected Judge Mato’s steady, centered nature which
allowed her to handle the everchanging range of feelings, sentiments and events
always connected with her criminal cases,” said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez
Rundle. “Her natural instincts combined with her wide span of experiences working
directly with crime victims always gave Judge Mato a perceptive understanding of each
person she interacted with. These are all characteristics which should serve her well on
the Circuit Court bench.”
She was also very involved in the Cuban American Bar Association (CABA) and served
as the CABA Briefs editor. She was a board member and a two-term consecutive
President of the League of Prosecutors. She also served on The Florida Bar, years ago
on a Florida Bar Grievance Committee and in 2023 on The Florida Bar Board of
Governors as a liaison appointed by then Florida Bar President Scott Westheimer.
Judge Mato has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work including
Prosecutor of the Year awards from the Miami-Dade Chiefs of Police, the League of
Prosecutors, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Judge Mato was also asked by State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle to represent
the office at parole hearings. “These are a reminder that a case may be done but not
really done. When these hearings come up, I would supplement the parole file with
reports and other information. Everything is case by case and the families of victims as
well as of inmates have a chance to speak before the Parole Commission votes.”
In April 2020 during COVID, judicial vacancies arose and Judge Mato applied for judicial
appointment in County and Circuit Court. She felt she was ready for that next step. She
did not receive a gubernatorial appointment but got a taste for the process. She knew
that if God’s plans were for her to serve on the bench that the right time would come.
Once COVID was under control and everyone returned to in-person work at the SAO,
she decided to focus on trying or closing the homicide cases that had been waiting for
their day in court. It was not until 2023 that a unique opportunity presented itself when
Judge Teresa Pooler announced she would be retiring at the end of her term. This
created an open seat in Circuit Court. Judge Mato decided to seek election to that seat.
She won without drawing opposition to the Circuit Court, which is a rare feat.
After serving as prosecutor since March 2021 and a Division Chief from June 2005
through December 2024, Judge Mato began her judicial career in January 2025 in the
Domestic Violence Division. “Being a judge gives you a different vantage point. You are
no longer an advocate. Our job is to give the parties their day in court and follow the
law. Starting my tenure in DV has been a very good place to begin and to get my judicial
sea legs, to develop my temperament as a judge. I handle civil injunctions which means
that most of the parties are pro se. These are all bench trials, so I get to ask questions. I
have learned that it is extremely important not to jump to conclusions and to keep an
open mind until I hear and see all the evidence.” She adds, “As a judge in DV Circuit
Court, I have presided over 270 bench trials and have reviewed thousands of petitions
for injunctions. The issuance of an injunction, even a temporary one during signing duty,
has serious consequences. Since temporary injunctions are done on an emergency, ex
parte basis, a judge has to assume that the allegations in the petition are true and grant
an injunction if the facts as alleged in the petition meet the criteria under the law. You
don’t get to ask questions of a petitioner or respondent during signing duty. However,
your decision can strip a parent temporarily of custody over his or her child/children or
evict a respondent from his or her home. Although many times injunctions are a
necessary life-saving tool, sometimes the process is used to gain leverage in family
court or simply to evict someone from a home without going through the eviction
process. Until the case goes to final hearing, a judge does not have the opportunity to
fully know the evidence and determine the credibility of the parties. It is a responsibility I
take very seriously.”
Throughout her career and her life, Judge Mato has relied on her strong family bonds
and her faith. She is a board member on the Miami Catholic Lawyers Guild and serves
on its Faith and Practice Committee. “My faith guides me every day, keeps me
grounded and reminds me that the work is not for my glory. It keeps me humble. These
aren’t my cases. I am simply a steward for a period of time. It is important to serve a
greater purpose than yourself, to do good when you can, and treat people as you would
want to be treated… with respect and a level playing field. To apply the law requires
wisdom, discernment, a sense of justice and an adherence to due process.”
Her passion for life, the law, and humanity are palpable. She has built her legal career
through dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to do what is right.
Judge Mato’s advice to young prosecutors is: “So many cases are dramatic, so you
don’t need to make them more dramatic. It is important to stay cool under pressure, be
prepared, stay focused on the task at hand, and don’t take it personally. Understand the
process and the role that everyone plays in it. We all have a job to do. Be open to the
evidence wherever it leads, and you will be able to discern what the truth is in each
situation.”
“Be prepared and know the points that you want to make. Be authentic because the jury
has to trust you and your message. Be methodical in explaining jury instructions. It is
the law that applies in the trial and the jury needs to understand the law that applies and
how you have proven your case.”
“Overall, you have to be professional, prepared, and treat everyone with respect. Do
what is right even when no one is looking. Doing what’s right is its own reward. You will
develop your reputation by what you do every day like responding to emails, returning
phone calls, turning over discovery, and how you behave in court just calling the
calendar. Doing those simple tasks well will basically make you a superstar because not
everyone does it. Get involved in a voluntary bar organization, a charity of your choice,
get to know your colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and learn about the community
you serve.”
