News from the State Attorney's Office

We are just over two months into our new normal as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I am more convinced than ever before that the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office has the Best Team in America!

How can I fully express what I feel in my heart for the men and women who have worked with such dedication and commitment to seeking justice for the victims of crimes while taking care of the safety and well-being of their own families?

Everything that we have accomplished has been due to their efforts. Whether they have worked from home or have been coming to the office, they are the reason that the wheels of justice have continued to turn.

Though most of the work has been done through the use of technology, they continue to have that personal connection to those we serve. It has been a beautiful experience to see how resilient we can be as an office and a community.

Through these challenging times, we have once again shown why we are a leader in criminal justice reform through our strategic and innovative Smart Justice approach. Other jurisdictions continue to look to us for insights on how they can better deliver justice, especially now during this global health crisis. We have been sharing our operations plans, policies and procedures for delivering justice remotely and some of these agencies have developed their own responses based on our model.

As we move forward into the next chapter and as our community emerges from the lengthy lockdown, my Leadership Team and I are working on a comprehensive plan that will allow our prosecutors and staff to return to our offices in a safe and efficient manner.

This has truly been a time of great challenges, yet also a time of great achievements. What this has shown us is the SAO's resiliency, strength, level of compassion, comradery, and dedication to our community and to our mission. I have never been prouder of the women and men who make up the SAO family than I am now. I cannot thank them enough.

I invite you to stay informed about developments on the COVID-19 outbreak and the impact those changes may have on our operations. Please visit our website at www.miamisao.com/COVID-19 as well as follow us on our various social media platforms.

Sincerely,

Federal Judge's Ruling on Amendment 4

In November 2018, millions of Floridians voted to pass Amendment 4 to the Florida Constitution, allowing convicted felons who have not been convicted of certain crimes and who have completed their sentences, to vote. The Legislature subsequently passed Florida Statutes Section 98.0751 implementing the law.

On Sunday May 25th, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle essentially struck down portions of the implementation law that prevented individuals who couldn't afford to pay court fees, fines, and restitution from voting because it created a "pay-to-vote" system.

Judge Hinkle emphasized that:

outstanding costs and fees cannot stand in the way of voting for anyone, regardless of the ability to pay since they were taxes,

outstanding restitution and fines cannot prevent someone from voting unless the Division of Elections can prove the person is able to pay them,

a voter may (but is not required) to request an Advisory Opinion from the Division of Elections asking whether they owe a fine or restitution. If they do, the Division of Elections has 21 days to respond.

The rationale that is expressed in the U.S. District Court Order, echoes the July 2019 and January 2020 procedures and protocols created by the State Attorney and our stakeholders in Miami-Dade County to implement the goals of Amendment 4.

To read the complete order, click here

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

PASSES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOLUTION

Domestic violence is a community-wide problem that devastates couples and families, impacting adults and children alike. That is why State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, who created the SAO Domestic Violence Unit under State Attorney Janet Reno, has continued to be a relentless advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Through SAO's longstanding partnerships with organizations and agencies that provide much needed services to these victims, we have been able to create a safety net for them to find alternate housing and shelter, services, and opportunities to heal.

At the Miami-Dade County Commission meeting held on May 5th, 2020, Vice Chairwoman Rebeca Sosa advanced legislation supporting the creation of an outreach campaign with State Attorney Fernandez Rundle to ensure that domestic violence victims know that shelters, domestic violence courts and service providers are available to help keep families together and safe from those who abuse them, especially during the added challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I am very appreciative of the Board of County Commissioners for sponsoring Vice Chair Sosa's Resolution and for promoting an awareness campaign to fight domestic violence," said State Attorney Fernandez Rundle. "Our victims need to know they are not alone. It is important for them to know that even during this COVID-19 pandemic, police, prosecutors, and service providers are available and ready to help them."

State Attorney Fernandez Rundle appeared before the Commission delivering the important message that staying home does not mean staying trapped in a domestic violence situation. Staying at home with someone who is an abuser could be a matter of life or death, especially during times of heightened stress like these.

Shelters in our community are available and all are CDC compliant. They are following the appropriate safety protocols for COVID-19 while also providing a space where victims can be safe from their abuser.

Prosecutors and support staff, in both our Misdemeanor and Felony Domestic Violence Units have been working remotely to file criminal cases and assist victims.

SAO M.O.V.E.S. (Mobile Operations Victim Emergency Services) program staff are providing community outreach services throughout the community for domestic violence victims, contacting victims to assess their immediate needs, offering safety planning and services, and conducting video pre-file conferences as part of a concerted effort to protect the victims and ensure a stronger case when the matter goes to court.

This resolution will ensure that potential victims in our community know the courts are open and issuing protective orders; police are available to respond to abusive and violent calls; prosecutors are opening and handling cases; and shelter and services are available.

Victims can call the State Attorney's Office Domestic Violence Unit at 305-547-0140 for further information about their cases. For services, victims can call Miami-Dade County's Coordinated Victims Assistance Center (CVAC) Helpline at 305-285-5900.

State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle

Swears in

Miami-Dade County League of Cities Council Members

On May 5th, 2020, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle administered the Oath of Office to 34 Miami-Dade County League of Cities (MDCLC) Council Members during a virtual swearing-in ceremony.

The ceremony usually takes place during their annual gala, but this year, the 66th Installation was held via a virtual platform due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Though the installation took place in a different way than it traditionally has, it was nevertheless an opportunity to reaffirm the MDCLC's mission of continuing "to protect the sovereignty of our municipalities to give our residents the best possible services and ensure a good quality of life for them and future generations."

This nonprofit organization was established in 1953 with the purpose of uniting the common interests of the municipalities within Miami-Dade County. We at the SAO thank these dedicated volunteer members for their commitment to the communities they selflessly serve.

SAO Community Outreach in Action

Our Community Outreach Division (COD) is dedicated to making Miami-Dade County a great place to live, work, and visit.

Division members have a long history of working with local, state, and national leaders along with non-profit groups and agencies, particularly during our community's times of need.Since the shutdown and resulting layoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our COD team has distributed much needed meats, juice, milk, produce, and pet food at Farm Share events in neighborhoods throughout Miami Dade County an average of three times per week.

At these events we work closely with the sponsors and other allied groups and individuals, including Miami-Dade County; the Cities of Miami; Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, and Hialeah, the North Miami Police Department and respective Congressional, State, County, School Board, and Municipal elected officials in their respective jurisdictions; the Miami Marlins Foundation; Mothers Fighting for Justice, Parents of Murdered Kids, MANA Foundation, and Fathers Fighting for Kids. Together we have helped get food on the table for many thousands of families who have lost their incomes as a result of the pandemic.

Our COD team members also are responding to emails, conducting virtual meetings, and assisting with calls from the public, community based organizations and homeowners' groups such as Grove Crime Watch and Kendall Federation of Homeowners.

As always, our partnerships with community organizations contribute to the safety and well-being of all. We are proud to serve the community through our COD team representatives and will continue to participate in these much-needed events as long as we are needed.

Mother Charged in Death of Autistic Son

"The death of a child is tragic; the killing of a child is horrific," said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle at a press conference on May 24th, 2020, regarding the killing of 9-year-old Alejandro Ripley allegedly by his own mother.

Patricia Ripley is presently charged with First Degree Premeditated Murder and Attempted First Degree Murder of her autistic son who was nonverbal. She is being held in jail without bond.

"This arrest was the result of the incredibly thorough work of investigators from the Miami-Dade Police Department and my prosecutor, Senior Trial Counsel Gail Levine, who together combed the community diligently for witnesses and evidence. They deserve the appreciation of all Miami-Dade County residents."

The circumstances regarding the death and the story surrounding the crime horrified a community who still remembers the heart wrenching deaths of Lazaro Figueroa (Baby Lollipops) and Nubia Barahona.

On the evening of Thursday, May 23rd, Patricia Ripley contacted Miami- Dade County Police and reported that she had been driving with her son when she noticed that they were being followed by two black males in a light blue car. Ripley said that the car tried to side-swipe her vehicle and forced her to veer off the road before blocking her.

She said that one of the men came to her window with a knife and demanded drugs. Ripley stated that she told him she didn't have any drugs and that he responded by stealing her phone, kidnapping her son, and driving away.

Police found Alejandro's lifeless body Friday morning floating in a canal in the area of S.W. 62nd Street and 138th Court. The child was wearing his blue Captain America t-shirt and a diaper.

But Ripley's story and the evidence gathered in the case did not match up. Surveillance video from hours earlier and witness testimony told an entirely different story that contradicted Ripley's story and exposed that she is the real alleged perpetrator of this horrific crime.

An apartment complex's surveillance video shows Ripley pushing Alejandro into a canal in the area of S.W.103rd Avenue and Kendall Drive at approximately 7:30 pm. Nearby residents heard yelling and rescued him. Because Alejandro was nonverbal, he could not tell his rescuers what had truly occurred. Over an hour later, Patricia Ripley drove her son to yet another canal, but this time there was no one to save him.

"What is important now is to find out what really happened to Alejandro because that is what he deserves," said State Attorney Fernandez Rundle. "As prosecutors, we are bound by the law and due process. My office has and will continue to seek the truth and justice for all victims of crimes, especially the most vulnerable."

SAO Human Trafficking Task Force

Makes Arrest

21-Year-Old Woman Rescued from Alleged Sex Trafficker

While most of the world is concerned about staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, human traffickers are only focused on making money by selling their victims in the lurid web of this modern-day slavery.

"Human trafficking is always a very ugly crime. The traffickers, wanting those dollars, are continuously looking for young victims because that's where they feel the money is," said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. "Fortunately, the Miami-Dade law enforcement community is united together to fight such predators."

On May 19th, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Miami Springs Police Chief Armando Guzman, South Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas) Director Hugo Barrera, Miami-Gardens Police Chief Delma Noel-Pratt and Aventura Police Chief Bryan Pegues announced the successful rescue of a 21-year-old woman who reportedly was being forced into prostitution at the direction of an man who wanted to sell her services, the result of a joint operation by the agencies involved providing the necessary assistance to make the overall Human Trafficking operation possible.

The victim came to Miami-Dade County following an argument with her boyfriend. Alone and in an unfamiliar community, she checked into a motel located in Miami Springs on the evening of May 4, 2020. The following morning, she was approached by 33-year-old Gregory Sutton.

According to the victim, Sutton solicited her to commit acts of prostitution and indicated that he would organize the entire operation. Sutton allegedly indicated that he would post pictures of the victim on social media sites to generate interest and attention.

The victim indicated that she supplied Sutton with photos because she was too afraid to resist. He told her that she would charge $200 for 30 minutes of sexual activity and provided her with make-up, false eye lashes, and nail polish. She said Sutton took additional steps to facilitate the prostitution operation, including promising to provide security for the victim during the sexual activity.

On May 6, 2020, Sutton allegedly told the victim that he was going to start placing ads online and sending her "dates". The victim, not wanting to engage in prostitution, locked herself in her motel room and contacted a friend about her situation. This friend then called the Miami Springs Police Department, who then contacted the State Attorney's Office Human Trafficking Task Force, and a joint investigative operation commenced, leading to the arrest of Gregory Sutton. At the time of arrest, officers reportedly found several illegal drugs in Sutton's possession.

Thirty-three (33) year-old Gregory Sutton has been charged with:

1 count - Human Trafficking - 1st Degree Felony
1 count - Unlawful Use of a Communications Device - 3rd Degree Felony
1 count - Possession of Cocaine - 3rd Degree Felony
1 count - Possession of a Controlled Substance - 3rd Degree Felony
1 count - Possession of Hallucinogens - 3rd Degree Felony
1 count - Attempt to Derive Support from proceeds of Prostitution - 3rd Degree Felony
1 count - Soliciting Another to Commit Prostitution -1st Degree Misdemeanor
1 count - Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - 1st Degree Misdemeanor

Murder Suspect Extradited from Thailand

International Fugitive in Fatal Shooting Returned to Miami

Some think that they will escape the long arm of law and the consequences of the crimes they commit by fleeing to other countries. But time and again they are proven wrong, especially when the State Attorney's Office is involved.

The most recent case of an international fugitive finding himself back in our community to face the consequences for his actions was initially charged with murder two years ago.

On May 22, 2020, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and Miami Beach Police Chief Richard Clements announced the in-custody return of charged murder suspect Matthew McGowan after his extradition from Thailand to Miami.

"I want to thank the government of Thailand, U.S. Department of Justice Office of International Affairs, United States Marshals Service, Interpol Central Bureau and F.B.I., for all of their assistance in helping bring Matthew McGowan back to Miami to stand trial," commented State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. "The amount of police work and legal complexity that goes into the international repatriation of a fugitive wanted for murder can be overwhelming but is deeply appreciated by all those victimized by crime. My Legal/Extradition Unit works tirelessly with our criminal justice partners to ensure that justice would not be confined by geographical boundaries."

The now 32-year-old McGowan was charged in the September 16, 2017 shooting of Jose Alberto Martinez Valenzuela in Miami Beach. Investigators believe that McGowan shot Valenzuela because of Valenzuela's relationship with McGowan's ex-girlfriend. Three days after the incident, and prior to Valenzuela's death, McGowan fled the United States.

The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office and the Miami Beach Police Department have been working with the Federal Government to locate McGowan since September 19, 2017. Once he was located, the United States Department of State facilitated McGowan's extradition from Thailand to Miami.

The SAO's commitment to victims and their families drives us to do everything we legally can to bring back those individuals who flee our jurisdiction and obtain justice for the victim.

Don't Feed the Hungry Scammers

by Katherine Fernandez Rundle, State Attorney

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we in law enforcement have seen an increase in scams concocted by ruthless individuals who are after your money. As such and from the very beginning, my office engaged our Price Gouging and Scam Hotline (305-547-3300) for residents to call to report these types of crimes.

We also established a working relationship with online retailer Amazon, making them aware of our efforts and concerns for our residents. They provided us with a direct line of communication in case we have cases of concern to bring to their attention, and many of the ones we brought to their attention were blocked. They also assured us that anyone their company sees is price gouging would have their entire Amazon store blocked. Additionally, this collaboration with Amazon has resulted in ten open criminal investigations.

Now that the federal government has started sending economic impact payments, also known as stimulus checks, to Americans to help them overcome the financial challenges created by this pandemic, many individuals are looking forward to these payments as an important crutch to survive job layoffs and downturns. But scammers see these times as a chance for "Christmas in Spring", using every trick in the book to make your money, their money

Identity thieves are particularly working extra-hard to use your personal information to steal your check.

Fraudulent applications using real social security numbers are redirecting stimulus checks, and unemployment checks as well, into the pockets of these thieves.

Some of these scammers are trying to ensnare you through phone calls. For example, they may call you repeatedly using illegal robocalls claiming that your social security number is about to be revoked, your bank accounts are about to be seized, or that your grandson/granddaughter is in trouble.

Do not believe a caller is reputable simply because your caller ID seems to verify their identity. Scam callers use technology to show up on caller ID as anyone they wish.

Other scammers may text you that your credit cards are being revoked or your internet or cable service is being terminated. It's all about trying to scare or provoke you to act and give them important personal information like your bank account routing number which the "caller" will use to "help" you get your relief money faster or "reinstate" your social security account.

These crooks are also sending fake emails for fake charities that look perfectly real, all with the goal of trying to steal your personal information. They will guide you to fake websites intended to place surreptitious programs, called malware, on your computer, tablet or phone, and loot your accounts at their leisure.

It has been shown that when people know about scams, they don't fall for them. Now that you know what's going on, you have all the power. You can beat them by simply hanging up your phone or deleting their texts and emails. Scammers are much like hungry lions waiting for their food. Don't you be the one to feed the them.

Stay safe and healthy!

SAO Profile in Passion - Isis Ferreiro


Isis Ferreiro, Traffic Homicide Victim Witness Counselor

Every individual who works at the SAO has a particular gift that contributes to the overall mission and success of the office. This month, we are highlighting one of the very special team members who works with families who have lost a loved one, providing peace and comfort in their times of need. She truly is an angel to each of them and to all her colleagues. Our SAO Profile in Passion is Isis Ferreiro

Isis Ferreiro is a quiet woman of great strength who is known for her warm smile and sweet demeanor. In her almost 16 years at the office, she has become a treasured member of the SAO family.

Born in Santa Clara, Cuba, Isis left the island nation when she was 6 years old along with her parents and her sister. They arrived in Miami in 1971 and a month later relocated to Boston, where she lived for the next 36 years.

"There was a small and tight-knit Cuban community there," Isis explains. "Everyone knew each other, and my sister and I were very active in all the youth events at El Centro Cultural Cubano."

Both of Isis' parents were lawyers in Cuba but when they came to the U.S. as exiles, they pursued other fields because of the language barrier and licensing requirements that made it difficult to practice law in this country. "My father became a social worker and my mother became a teacher after earning a Master's Degree at Boston University."

Isis attended Northeastern University where she majored in Speech Communications. "I was shy, but I loved it," she giggles. "I remember taking an Impromptu Speaking class. I was so nervous because I had to get up and speak in front of everyone. I was shaking! I've come a long way!"

After graduation, Isis attended Lesley College and pursued a master's degree in Child Education. "I used to watch my mom as she graded papers and prepared assignments. I thought that I would want to teach as well, since I have patience for children."

Isis did go on to teach in Boston for the next six years. During that time, her parents had moved to Miami. "I moved to be closer to them in 2000. We had been vacationing in Miami for many years, so it was a smooth transition."

"I found work as a substitute teacher at Feinberg Fisher Elementary on Miami Beach. After seven months, I was offered a full-time teaching position at Crestview Elementary in Miami Gardens."

About a year after moving to Miami, Isis tagged along with her parents to a gathering at a Spanish restaurant. Little did she know that she would meet her future husband, Juan Ferreiro, there. "He had just come back from Spain and his friend, who was the owner of the, had invited Juan to pass by and catch up. He did, and it was the same place where I was with my parents. We saw each other, he approached, said hello and the rest is history."

Isis continued to work as a teacher for another three years. By that point, she had just given birth to her son and chose to be a stay-at-home mother for two years.

When she wanted to go back to work, her husband Juan suggested that she apply to the SAO. He had been working there since 1989 and was head of the M.O.V.E.S. program in the Domestic Violence Unit. She was hired as a Victim Witness Counselor. After a year, she joined the DART program where she worked for 10 years. And when former Traffic Homicide Counselor Judy Rainey retired, Isis applied for the Traffic Homicide Counselor position and got it.

She credits State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle with creating the specialized Traffic Homicide Unit after speaking with a victim's relative and seeing the gaps that existed in the system. "She created the unit and made sure that prosecutors and staff had the appropriate training and expertise needed to work with those victims and their families and try the cases."

Working with next of kin is a natural fit for Isis. "Throughout my career, I have trained to listen and help people. Just by being there, supporting them, and letting them know that I care makes a huge difference in their lives. You really do connect with people and they appreciate that you are there for them."

"The hardest thing for the families to understand is the criminal justice system and the process. They may not know the laws or what the progression is in a criminal case. I am there to walk them through it and explain anything that they don't understand."

Though all the cases and families have been important to Isis, there are some stand out. "There was a case about two years ago where a grandmother was driving home from her retirement party. She was killed in a crash by a young man who was very drunk and had no license to drive. It was a particularly difficult case because the court ended up dismissing it."

Isis still keeps in contact with some of the families from the cases she has worked on. "Every case is meaningful to the families affected; that is why I love what I do."

For Isis, the SAO is her family away from home. "We are a great team. The Victim Witness Counselors are wonderful people who support families and help give them justice. Our job is to be loving and helpful. I am dedicated to my families and always come in with a smile. The SAO is a very special place."

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, much of how Isis and her colleagues do their work has changed though their commitment hasn't. "Now we have video conferences, phone meetings, and the other day I had a hearing via Zoom. It is different because I am used to being there in person to hand them a tissue, hold their hand or even give them a hug. We now have to learn to convey our support through a screen which is the new normal."

Isis continues to help families heal and receive justice. We are blessed to have her as a shining example of the wonderful people that make up the SAO family.