Ayala eyes halt to release of minors

State attorney wants those accused of certain crimes to stay detained

Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala on Tuesday publicly called on Gov. Ron DeSantis to issue an executive order that would allow minors accused of violent crimes and first-degree felonies to stay in juvenile detention, citing concerns for public safety.

The Florida Supreme Court in response to the COVID-19 pandemic suspended all trials in juvenile court unless all parties agree to conduct them remotely, a precaution that was recently extended through June.

That sparked worries in Ayala’s office about such offenders being released after 21 days, which typically is the maximum amount of time a juvenile can be held under state law without a trial.

“Because they are unable to be brought to trial, juveniles are often being released much earlier than they should be into the community and often prevent a danger to themselves and to others,” Ayala told reporters, during a video-streamed press conference.

Ayala’s remarks followed a letter she sent last week to DeSantis’ office asking he issue the executive order, which Ayala said went unanswered.

State Sen. Randolph Bracy, DOcoee, who was present in the video call, said he supports the proposal and that he would bring up the issue when he returns to Tallahassee this week.

A spokesperson for DeSantis did not respond to a request for comment.

About 30 minors in Orange County have been arrested for violent crimes since early March, with most having been released, said Michael Deen, the assistant state attorney who leads Ayala’s juvenile justice division in Orange County.

“Close to 10” have since been arrested again since getting out, he added.

“When serious juvenile offenders are released and commit additional violent crimes, they put our office in a difficult position of having to decide whether or not treat them as an adult before they’ve had a chance to be rehabilitated,” Deen said.

The State Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for similar arrest numbers from Osceola County.

Ayala’s office has supported the release of low-level non-violent offenders to prevent the spread of coronavirus in county jails. She told the Orlando Sentinel

in April that police making fewer arrests in recent months and prosecutors pushing for releases in some cases have led to a shrinking jail population since the pandemic began.

She said her call to keep certain minors in custody does not contradict those efforts, adding “the community’s safety is currently in doubt.”

“I’m talking about guns. I’m talking about violence. I’m talking about threats to victims,” Ayala said. “I’m talking about children who have not been treated, rehabilitated or held accountable in any matter whatsoever.”