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HOME: Press Releases : 2007 |
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2007 Releases The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office is dedicated to providing accurate information to the public and media. If you are a member of the working media and would like an interview with the State Attorney, or you need information on a case, would like to talk to a specific assistant state attorney or are looking for an expert in a certain area of prosecution, please contact our public information officers Ed Griffith or Terry Chavez. Below you'll find recent news releases issued by this office.
12/26/07 - Obituary for Mrs. Marylou Fitzgibbons Fernández,
the mother of Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernández Rundle
12/17/07 - Angel Tree Party of the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office 11/07/07 - "DO FOR SELF" Empowerment Program Graduates First Class 11/02/07 - Arrest made in Fake D.U.I. School Certificate Scam 10/31/07 - State Attorney's Office Partners To Empower Women In Public Housing 11/22/07 - Miami-Dade Attorney Named "Successful Woman of the Year 2007" 10/15/07 - Miami-Dade State Attorney receives Award for her Efforts Against Domestic Violence 09/28/07 - Anti-Gang Billboards Up & Running 08/24/07 - Miami-Dade State Attorney named "Women of the Year" 08/07/07 - State Attorney Elected to the NDAA Board Help 05/31/07- State Attorney Creates Post-Hurricane Help 05/24/07 - Ex-Representative Ralph Arza Pleads Guilty to witness tampering charges 05/16/07 - Assistant State Attorney Loses Job After Buying Drugs 03/21/07- North Miami Beach Police & State Attorney's Office Expand the Fight Against Domestic Violence 03/19/07 - Correctional Officer Charged in Sexual Misconduct Case 02/01/07 - Black History Celebrations at the Miami Dade State Attorney's Office 01/31/07 - Jury Finds Career Criminal Guilty of Sexual Battery, Robbery ED GRIFFITH Public Information Officer PHONE: 305-547-0535TERRY CHAVEZ Hispanic Media Relations Public Information Officer PHONE: 305-547-0535 If you cannot view PDF's, click on Acrobat Reader or the image below to download the free software.  |
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Contact: Terry Chavez 305-547-0535 12/26/07 Obituary for Mrs. Marylou Fitzgibbons Fernández, the mother of Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernández Rundle Miami (December 26, 2007) - It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we inform you that Mrs. Marylou Fitzgibbons Fernández, the mother of Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernández Rundle, passed away this morning, Wednesday, December 26th 2007, after a long battle against cancer. Mrs. Fernández, 79, was born in Chicago but was a long time resident of Miami-Dade County. She was pre-deceased by her husband and the father of the State Attorney, Carlos Benito Fernández. She is survived by her daughters Kathy and Helenita Fernández (pre-deceased by husband Charles Bacher), and sons Steven Carlos Fernández (daughter-in-law Bianca) and Fitz Carlos Fernández, and grandchildren, Evan Carlos Rundle, Justin Robert Rundle, Carla Daniella Fernández, Pearla Bianca Fernández, Krystan Stefanny Fernández, Julia Marie Bacher, and Robert Charles Bacher. Mrs. Fernández, who obtained her Master's of Education Degree at the University of Miami, worked as an elementary school teacher for the Miami-Dade Public Schools system until her retirement. "As a teacher, my mother always believed that people could create their future. She would often say that if you believed in yourself, the future was yours," commented State Attorney Katherine Fernández Rundle. "I've always known – my mother was right." Services will be held this Friday, December 28th, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, at Caballero-Rivero-Woodlawn Funeral Home located at 3344 S.W. 8th Street, in Miami. The Reverend Monsignor Agustín Román will pray the rosary at 6:00 PM at the funeral home. On Saturday, December 29th, a mass will be held at St. Louis Catholic Church, 7270 S.W. 120th Street, Miami, at 9:30 AM to celebrate the life of Mrs. Fernández. ### Contact: Terry Chavez 305-547-0535 12/17/07  Angel Tree Party of the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office Miami (December 12, 2007) - The annual Angel Tree Party is a tradition with the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office. For the past 15 years, the office's Victim Services Unit has done some remarkable things to make the holidays more special for some less fortunate children in our community. This year's event was held this past Thursday, December 13th. In 1988, the Victim Services Unit staff decided that instead of buying gifts for each other, it would be more in the spirit of the holiday season to help others. Needy children, identified as victims or witnesses from our closed cases, were invited to our office for a holiday party. Employees "adopted" these angels and bought gifts for them. This was an annual event, shared and enjoyed by all, with such guests as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the reindeer, and of course the Three Kings. Santa then presented the children with their gifts and afterwards, we shared some snacks with the children and their families. The children who participate in this event must meet the following criteria:
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Contact: Terry Chavez 305-547-0535 11/02/07 "DO FOR SELF" Empowerment Program Graduates First Class - Innovative Program Created by the State Attorney's Office Miami (November 07, 2007) - Miami-Dade County State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle is proud to announce the first graduating class of the "Do For Self" Empowerment Program. This new program is part of the State Attorney's Community Prosecution Program and is geared towards helping women learn the skills required to re-enter the workforce. The first women to complete the program are all residents of the Liberty City area. The classes, conducted by prosecutors from the State Attorney's Office in conjunction with community partners Suited For Success, Oshu'n Movement, and Legal Services of Greater Miami, included career changing information. The attendees were assisted with job placement opportunities by Youth Co-Op of Opa-Locka, and each participant was outfitted with a suit and accessories by Suited for Success. The graduation ceremonies will take place this Saturday, November 10th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at the Belafonte TACOLCY Center located at 6161 N.W. 9th Avenue in Miami. The event, coordinated by Assistant State Attorney Melba Pearson, will include representatives from the Miami-Dade County Public Defender's Office, Vision to Victory, and Washington Mutual bank. The graduates will receive vital financial information regarding credit and financial pitfalls, and tips on how to resolve on-the-job disputes and achieve success in the workplace. The "Do For Self" seminar is sponsored by the Community Prosecution Unit of the State Attorney's Office, the Belafonte TACOLCY Center, and The Embrace Girls Foundation. The next class is scheduled for January 2008 in the Miami Gardens area. Please call 305-636-2240 for further information. ###
Contact: Terry Chavez 305-547-0535 11/02/07 Arrest made in Fake D.U.I. School Certificate Scam Miami (November 02, 2007) - A joint investigation by the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, the Miami-Dade Police Department Public Corruption Bureau and the F.B.I. has led to the arrest of Ernesto Marcos Carrillo, 60, for allegedly manufacturing fake D.U.I. school certificates of completion. The scheme aimed to allow convicted offenders to take an "unlawful shortcut" by producing fake certificates from two local driving schools. Carrillo created and sold these fake certificates to DUI offenders thereby attempting to defraud the Advocate Program, the agency overseeing traffic school participation in county court. Those who purchased the fake certificates gained no benefits since they were ultimately made to complete the schooling anyway. "Mr. Carrillo's desire to put a few quick dollars in his pockets undercut efforts to reduce dangerous instances of DUI," noted State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. "Last year alone, more than 1,300 people in the State of Florida died in alcohol-related traffic incidents. Court-supervised education is one part of combating the problem. This type of cheating endangers us all and will not be tolerated." Director Robert Parker added, "The Miami-Dade Police Department is committed to eradicating corruption at all levels inclusive of these types of schemes directed at circumventing the legal process."
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Contact: Terry Chavez 305-547-0535 10/31/07 State Attorney's Office Partners To Empower Women In Public Housing Miami (October 31, 2007) - Katherine Fernandez Rundle, State Attorney for Miami-Dade County, Senior Pastor Arthur Jackson III of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Carol City, and the Liberty Square Residents Council partnered together recently to create the "Waiting to Exhale" event initiated by the State Attorney's Office Community Prosecution Unit for the benefit of women in public housing. "This event is a part of the almost daily outreach conducted by my Community Prosecution Unit attorneys," commented State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. "Finding approaches intended to prevent crime and abuse requires that prosecutors reach beyond the courtroom. My staff and I are doing exactly that." By the end of the afternoon, the women not only had bundles of information including pamphlets from the State Attorney's Office, Legal Services of Greater Miami, and Oshu'n Movement, but also bags of groceries donated by The Peace Alliance and Hope for the Homeless and Hopeless. Oshu'n Movement also donated gift bags to the participants. The evening event began with a personal and powerful story of survival in an abusive relationship by Alexis Wilson, an associate minister at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and a motivational speaker. Assistant State Attorney Melba Pearson provided resources and advice for women who are struggling with domestic violence, and Valerie Fields Erwin, a clinical social worker, shared ideas on how to begin the healing process after a destructive relationship. The night concluded with Oshu'n from Oshu'n Movement demonstrating basic exercises for health and stress reduction techniques. Tracy Kelley, Vice President of the Liberty Square Residents Council said "This is the first event of many. We need this here". Assistant State Attorney Melba Pearson agreed, "The State Attorney's Office is committed not only to prosecuting offenders but to helping victims rebuild their lives." ###
Contact: Terry Chavez 305-547-0535 10/22/07 Miami-Dade State Attorney named "SUCCESSFUL WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2007" Miami (October 22, 2007) - The Latin Chamber of Commerce of U.S.A. (CAMACOL) has recognized State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle for her success as a Hispanic professional woman in our community. The "Successful Hispanic Woman 2007" award was presented to Ms. Fernandez Rundle this past Friday at a symposium luncheon hosted by the Board of Directors at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. CAMACOL was founded in 1965 by a small group of Hispanic entrepreneurs, who had the foresight to create an organization which would protect their business interests, foster commercial growth, and contribute to the economic and social development of the South Florida community. Today, it is the largest Hispanic chamber of commerce in the Greater Miami area and one of the most reputable in the United States. On being recognized for the award, Ms. Fernandez commented "I am very honored to have been selected for this important award by such a prestigious organization. My late father, Dr. Carlos Benito Fernandez, was a founding member and served as counsel for over 30 years, so CAMACOL holds a very special place in my heart. My passion, like his, has always been to serve our community and to continue to promote a better quality of life for all residents of Miami-Dade County." ###  Contact: Terry Chavez 305-547-0535 10/15/07 Miami-Dade State Attorney receives Award for her Efforts Against Domestic Violence Miami (October 15, 2007) - The Latin women's group, "Fundación Entre Nosotras" (Between Us Foundation), has bestowed an award of recognition to Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle for her tireless efforts on behalf of all women and for setting an example for all Latin women in our community. The award was presented to Ms. Fernandez Rundle this Saturday at the foundation's luncheon at the Hotel Sheraton Miami Mart. The "Fundación Entre Nosotras" is a not-for-profit group dedicated to promoting the value of all women, with a special emphasis on the increasing Latina population. The foundation's mission is to raise awareness as to the value of all women in promoting the different roles they have assumed in today's world. The focus of this particular event will be on raising public awareness to the very serious issue of domestic violence. "Ms. Fernandez Rundle is truly dedicated to all of the issues affecting our community and we are recognizing her tireless efforts on behalf of all women as well as her pioneering accomplishment as the first Hispanic State Attorney in Florida", according to Maria Mercedes Becerra, President of the group. On being recognized for the award, Ms. Fernandez commented: "I am very honored to have been selected for this very important award. My passion has always been to serve this community and to further the efforts we have achieved in raising awareness to the problem of domestic violence and prevention. This is only a part of my mission to continue to promote a better quality of life for all residents of Miami-Dade County." The State Attorney has been continuously recognized by different local and national organizations for her work on behalf of all members of our community. ### Contact: Terry Chavez 305-547-0535 09/28/07 Anti-Gang Billboards Up & Running Miami (September 29, 2007)- As part of State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle's campaign against gangs and gun violence, numerous anti-gang billboards were unveiled this week in 7 locations throughout Miami-Dade County. The State Attorney's anti-violence campaign, in partnership with Clear Channel Communications, depicts actual local gang members who have been successfully prosecuted by the specialized gang unit attorneys in the office. All of these defendants were convicted and sentenced to state prison for gang-related violent crimes in our community. The billboards, which carry very powerful anti-gang messages, have been strategically placed in the following locations:
State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said her message is plain and simple: "These billboards are intended to send a very clear message to our youth that gangs are an absolute dead end. Gang membership guarantees you only two options in life - prison or a violent death". ### Contact: Terry Chavez 305-547-0535 09/28/07 Anti-Gang Billboards Up & Running Miami (September 29, 2007)- As part of State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle's campaign against gangs and gun violence, numerous anti-gang billboards were unveiled this week in 7 locations throughout Miami-Dade County. The State Attorney's anti-violence campaign, in partnership with Clear Channel Communications, depicts actual local gang members who have been successfully prosecuted by the specialized gang unit attorneys in the office. All of these defendants were convicted and sentenced to state prison for gang-related violent crimes in our community. The billboards, which carry very powerful anti-gang messages, have been strategically placed in the following locations:
State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said her message is plain and simple: "These billboards are intended to send a very clear message to our youth that gangs are an absolute dead end. Gang membership guarantees you only two options in life - prison or a violent death". ### Contact: Terry Chavez 305-547-0535 08/24/07 Miami-Dade State Attorney Named "WOMAN OF THE YEAR" Miami (August , 2007) - Katherine Fernandez Rundle, the first female Hispanic state attorney in Florida, will be honored as Woman of the Year by the Latin Auxiliary of Douglas Gardens at The Miami Jewish Home & Hospital during the group's annual "Hot, Hot, Hot" Summer Luncheon & Boutique. Rundle was appointed Miami's state attorney in 1993 and re-elected four times. The boutique will offer a vast collection of fashion and home accessories. Lunch begins at noon, and kosher dietary laws are observed. All proceeds from the event fund the salaries and equipment for the Music Therapy Program at Douglas Gardens. In conjunction with the University of Miami music therapy program, this program has become an effective tool in reaching patients with dementia, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. The minimum donation is $45 per person and valet parking is available. "Ms. Fernandez Rundle's proven dedication and devotion to the betterment of our community is authenticated by all of the good work she has done both professionally and personally. Her passion to ensure the well-being of all the residents of Miami-Dade County is just one of the many reasons why the Auxiliary members chose the State Attorney for this important award", according to Latin Auxiliary Co-chairs Hildine Potashnick and Becky Delaster. The Latin Auxiliary is a volunteer group of women who help raise money for the operations of the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged through events and fund raisers such as the Music Therapy Program. Members also reach out to and provide the increasing number of Miami-Dade County's Latin Jews with venues for camaraderie and shared goals. On receiving the award, Ms. Fernandez commented: "I am very honored to have been selected by this tireless group of volunteers for this esteemed award . My passion to serve this community is fueled each day by dedicated and selfless individuals such as these and the goodwill agencies they represent. I will continue my labor in order to promote a better quality of life for us all." ### Contact: Terry Chavez 305-547-0535 08/07/07 State Attorney Elected to the Board of the NDAA Miami (August 7, 2007) - Katherine Fernandez Rundle, State Attorney for Miami-Dade County, was recently elected to the Board of the National District Attorney's Association (NDAA) at their annual meeting held in Portland, Oregon on July 29th. The NDAA is the most influential organization for prosecutors nationwide and it's Board members play a significant role in the formulation of national policy and legislation affecting prosecutors. Ms. Fernandez Rundle has served as State Attorney for the past 14 years and this most recent accomplishment will enhance her commitment to the prosecutors, support staff, and the residents of Miami-Dade County. ### Contact: Ed Griffith 305-547-0535 05/31/07 State Attorney Creates Post-Hurricane Help - Web-Based Video Offers Community Easy Post-Storm Advice Miami (May 31, 2007) - To give citizens advance warning of problems and scams post-hurricane, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle has unveiled her video program How To Avoid Becoming a Victim: After The Storm on the State Attorney's web site. Information on contractor licensing, price gouging, insurance fraud and required building permits as well as methods to protect oneself from criminal activity are all available in this program. The bilingual material is accessible via the State Attorney office website (www.miamisao.com) along with samples of documents mentioned in the video. "As we head into another Hurricane season I have placed on my office web site a video presentation in both English and Spanish entitled: How To Avoid Becoming a Victim: After The Storm", commentated State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. "As a citizen of this great community I know only too well the impact that a major hurricane can have on all of us. While we all now recognize the need to prepare for the possibility of a storm hitting our community, we must also be prepared to protect ourselves from the aftermath. It is my sincere hope that the contents of this program will help provide the guidance and knowledge needed to ensure no citizen of our great community becomes a victim in the aftermath of a storm. I urge everyone to review the contents of this program as a part of their pre-hurricane planning." ### Contact: Ed Griffith 305-547-0535 05/24/07 Ex-Representative Ralph Arza Pleads Guilty to Witness Tampering Charges - Unable to Hold Public Office during 18 month Probation Miami (May 24, 2007)- Former State Representative Ralph Arza pled guilty today in criminal court to misdemeanor charges of tampering with a witness as a part of a plea agreement with the state which ends a series of events initiated by an abusive 20-second message containing racial slurs on the cell phone of Representative Gus Barreiro. Barreiro had previously filed a formal complaint with the Florida House of Representatives against Arza accusing him of using racial slurs in reference to Miami-Dade School Board Superintendent Rudy Crew. Under the plea agreement, Mr. Arza will:
Given the required filing deadlines for public office, Mr. Arza can not choose to run for an elected office until 2010. "For a powerful political figure, like Ralph Arza, this is a strong sentence for the use of hateful speech in the hope of intimidating a witness," commentated Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. " The series of phone calls made to Representative Barreiro were intended to raise serious concerns-and they did-forcing him to relocate his family for safety sake. If alcohol contributed to this situation, I am sorry and this plea will address that matter. However, I and the entire law enforcement community can never allow anyone to threaten or intimidate a witness." ### Contact: Ed Griffith 305-547-0535 05/16/07 Assistant State Attorney Loses Job After Buying Drugs Miami (May 16, 2007) - After a Tuesday evening arrest, Assistant State Attorney Utpal Dighe's employment terminated today. The 31-year-old attorney was arrested for purchasing and possessing marijuana in the Coconut Grove section of Miami at approximately 6:30 p.m. "I am deeply disappointed in the decisions Mr. Dighe has chosen to make. As a prosecutor, one is sworn to uphold our criminal laws, not violate them. I cannot tolerate one of my prosecutors behaving as if their oath of office required no personal commitment to the law," stated Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. Mr. Dighe had worked as an Assistant State Attorney since August of 2004, recently prosecuting criminal cases before Circuit Court Judge Spencer Eig. He had been the subject of disciplinary action in November 2006 for his failure to obtain necessary approvals when making a plea offer in a criminal case. Utpal Dighe is charged with 1 count of the Purchase of Cannabis, a 3rd degree felony, and 1 count of Possession of Cannabis, a 1st degree misdemeanor. A letter is being forwarded to Governor Crist requesting the appointment of a special prosecutor to handle the prosecution of the above drug charges. ### Contact: Ed Griffith 305-547-0535 03/21/07 North Miami Beach Police & State Attorney's Office Expand the Fight Against Domestic Violence Miami (March 21, 2007) - The North Miami Beach Police has expanded its fight against domestic violence through its new inclusion into the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office M.O.V.E.S. program. M.O.V.E.S. (the Mobile Operations Victim Emergency Services Program) is designed to better serve victims of domestic violence by bringing services to the victim immediately after the incident. The program's "on call" full time paralegals can provide support to both the police officers on the scene and the victims of domestic violence by providing timely support and guidance immediately after the crime in order to help victims regain control of their lives. This early intervention also helps build better cases for prosecution and provide the prosecutors with the necessary tools to make decisions about each case, improving the probability of successful prosecution of domestic violence cases. Joining the M.O.V.E.S. network, gives the North Miami Beach Police a new weapon intended to aid domestic violence victims, help combat the violence that endangers women and children and which often leads to a continued cycle of family violence. By bringing services directly to the victim in the immediate first few hours after the crime victims can be directed to a safe environment and evidence necessary for an effective prosecution can be gathered and preserved. Additionally, all of the victim's needs can be fully assessed to help insure connections with the most appropriate services available. Members of the Media are invited to the May 17th North Miami Beach Police 2:00 p.m. to see the department's officers getting training in the use of the M.O.V.E.S program and have their questions answered. To insure a smooth flow of events during roll call, the media is asked to be on site by 1:30 p.m. The North Miami Beach Police Department is located at 16901 NE 19th Avenue, North Miami Beach and may be contacted regarding admission to the 2:00 p.m. roll call by contacting Major Kathy Katerman, of the Investigative Unit: Special Services at 305-525-7014. ### Contact: Ed Griffith 305-547-0535 03/19/07 Correctional Officer Charged in Sexual Misconduct Case Miami (March 19, 2007) - State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle announced that a joint investigation undertaken by the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has led to the arrest of Correctional Officer Gustavo Coronado on the charge of Sexual Misconduct with a Detainee or Offender, a 3rd degree felony. These charges arise from circumstances that occurred at the Homestead Correctional Institution. On Monday, January 9, 2006, while the victim inmate was opening her locker, Officer Gustavo Coronado came to her cell and stated that he wanted her to stay behind and show him what she was putting in her locker. The victim alleged that this was to make it appear as if Officer Coronado was legitimately searching her area. Once all the inmates had left the prison dormitory, Officer Coronado removed his penis from his pants and engaged in a variety of sexual acts with the inmate. Clothes allegedly worn when these acts were committed and Gustavo Coronado's DNA swab acts were submitted to the FDLE Orlando Forensic Laboratory for Serological evaluation. The resulting DNA profile matched the DNA of Officer Coronado. On Tuesday, September 19, 2006, Gustavo Coronado voluntarily gave a statement to FDLE agents admitting to having had sex with the inmate. According to Gustavo Coronado, the victim made sexual advances at him on a daily basis for approximately one month. Gustavo Coronado stated that he became tired of the victim's advances and had sex with her so that she would leave him alone. "There must never be a situation where a correctional officer has sexual contact with an inmate," noted State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. "Any sexual contact is an abuse of authority. It is always a crime which swiftly moves the officer away from the laws he has sworn to uphold and makes him the very criminal he was hired to oversee." ### Contact: Ed Griffith 305-547-0535 02/01/07 Black History Celebrations at the Miami Dade State Attorney's Office Miami (February 1, 2007) - The Miami Dade State Attorney's Office will host its annual Black History Celebrations throughout the month of February. Events will kick off Friday, February 2, 2007 beginning at 7:30 a.m. with a Book/Art Fair hosted by Afro Books and Things. The celebrations will continue each Friday throughout the month with a number of special guest participants. As part of the month long celebrations there will be a fashion show, a musical play, musical tribute and a cultural food feast. On 2/16/07 at 12:30 p.m. Jerome McDougle of the Philadelphia Eagles will be appearing at the main office of the State Attorney (1350 NW 12th Avenue, Miami) along with students from the 5,000 Role Model Program. Mr. McDougle, a University of Miami alumnus and a member of the 2001 Hurricanes 12-0 national championship team will be here to take pictures with the kids and sign autographs. "I'm very appreciative of individuals, like Mr. McDougle, taking the time to work with the children of Miami Dade," commentated State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. "I know the value of giving our children a tangible sense that they can make their own future. Jerome McDougle has gone from playing on the grassy lots of our community to playing in the national spotlight before a TV audience of millions. His belief in himself is a belief we wish to instill in all of our young people to give them control over their own futures and their lives." ### Contact: Ed Griffith 305-547-0535 01/31/07 Jury Finds Career Criminal Guilty of Sexual Battery, Robbery Miami (January 31, 2007)-After a four day trial and after 6 hours of deliberations, a Miami-Dade County jury found Bienvenido Meliciano guilty of a series of violent felonies including two counts of sexual battery, kidnapping, robbery, carjacking, attempted sexual battery and two counts of resisting a police officer without violence (Case # F0215017). The violent attack occurred May 18, 2002 at 1301 SW 16 Court in the City of Miami. Meliciano broke the 61-year-old victim's left arm, stole her car and repeatedly raped her. He was arrested on May 22, 2002 at his room in the downtown Miami Leamington Hotel. After coming in initial contact with police Meliciano fled, running ran past the Inter Continental Hotel and jumping into Biscayne Bay. He was retrieved from the water by the Coast Guard and was transported to the Miami PD. "Career criminals, individuals for whom crime is a full time occupation, are a key part of every community's crime problem," commented State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. "Getting dangerous people like this off of our streets helps make us safer. I'm proud of the work my attorneys did in bringing Bienvenido Meliciano to justice. I'm also proud of the cooperative efforts of police and prosecutors to gather together our witnesses and our information to insure that justice was done. Successful law enforcement is always the result of a good partnership effort." Congratulations go out to:
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