News from the State Attorney's Office

STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE  NEWSLETTER  Dear William Alexander,  I recently co-hosted our 5th Annual Human Trafficking Forum with the support of Dr. Eduardo J. Padron, President of Miami-Dade College (MDC), at the college's Wolfson Campus.  This year's forum titled Seeing the Unseen, brought together stakeholders, service providers, victims' advocates, lawmakers, educators, medical professionals, community leaders, law enforcement and members of the judiciary to discuss innovative strategies for combating Human Trafficking. It is without a doubt that raising awareness of this problem as was done at the forum is the first step toward eliminating this modern form of sexual slavery. It is sad to know that victims of human trafficking see these predators, these pimps, as the only thing they know. It's their routine; it's their anchor, it's the structure of their lives, as horrible as it may be. It's a long road to recovery for the victims of human trafficking, and it is our moral and legal responsibility to stop this crime, rescue these girls, and prosecute their predators.                                                               Sincerely, Former City of Miami Building Inspector Charged At a press conference held at the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and Miami Police Chief Rodolfo Llanes announced the arrest of former City of Miami Building Inspector Jose Fabregas on corruption-related charges. A thorough investigation that included a very effective wire-tap revealed that Fabregas received thousands of dollars in cash from a catering company in exchange for his influence with site managers at  high-rise condo construction projects. On one occasion, surveillance video shows the catering company owner, Jesus Vargas, going to the residence of Jose Fabregas and handing him a white envelope with almost $8,000 cash. Fabregas allegedly later used this money to go on vacation to Spain. State Attorney Fernandez Rundle commented, "As I have said before, we can win this fight against corruption, but it takes a partnership between committed citizens and law enforcement to get the job done. This case had exactly that partnership." Community Resilience Forum at US Attorneys Office     State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and panel at The US Attorneys Office State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle took part in a Community Resilience Forum alongside United States Attorney Wilfredo Ferrer and other community leaders at the US Attorney's Office.    After joining Mr. Ferrer in delivering opening remarks, community stakeholders heard from local and federal law enforcement chiefs regarding the shared role in combatting internal and external security threats.  Also highlighted at the Forum were strong partnerships among all law enforcement and community agencies in combatting hate crimes and intimidation.  The Forum participants demonstrated that the community shares a strong, committed network of open and accessible communication between law enforcement agencies and faith and community based organizations throughout the region. February is Black History Month Throughout the month of February, the State Attorney's Office (SAO) Black History Month celebrations will commemorate the contributions of African-Americans to the  rich   cultural  blend  that  makes Miami-Dade County unique.    In commemoration, SAO staff will organize a series of events that celebrate the richness of the African-American culture while at the same time raises money for charity. This includes a historical presentation of Moments in Black History as well as a Silent Auction.     The SAO continues this annual tradition as Black History Month never allows us to forget to highlight the history and the contributions of Black communities and Black individuals, past and present. Latin American Insurance Agents Host State Attorney State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle was a guest speaker at the Latin American Insurance Agents (LAAIA) networking dinner at the La Jolla Ballroom in the city of Coral Gables. After pointing out that insurance fraud is estimated to cost Americans at least $80 billion a year, the state attorney commented, "I have always believed that to fight crime effectively, you must fight crime intelligently. The rock solid public-private partnership that the insurance industry and our office have is now a model for insurance fraud investigation throughout our state." LAAIA was founded in 1969 as The Voice of Independent Insurance Agents.Purpose with the purpose to protect the rights of its members for the benefit of the consumer through education, information, networking and active participation in the political environment and community service. State Attorney's Office Alumni Profile  Abigail Price-Williams, Miami-Dade County Attorney As the middle child in a family of six children, Abigail Price-Williams is used to being in the middle of disagreements among siblings. Maybe that's why she decided to become a lawyer. As she says, "I like helping other people solve their problems." Price-Williams was born and raised in New Jersey. "My father, who passed away at age 49, inspired me to maintain a strong work ethic. He was a mechanic and I admired him, but I didn't want to get my fingers dirty," she laughs. "My mother is my role model of faith and courage. She worked two jobs to provide for our family as a young widow. I learned the importance of sacrifice and compassion watching her take care of others. And I learned leadership skills watching her launch the first 4-H Club in our town and open our home to students from Africa and Japan so that our family and our community would reap the priceless benefits of cultural exchanges. I'm the woman I am today because of the powerful way that my mother has inspired and influenced me." Price-Williams attended Howard University where she earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science with a minor in Economics. She later attended the University of Miami School of Law. While at UM, she worked at Legal Services of Greater Miami as a Certified Legal Intern. "When I asked people for career advice, they all told me that if I wanted to be a trial attorney then I should apply to the State Attorney's Office." Price-Williams was an Assistant State Attorney from 1984 to 1990. "I absolutely loved working at the SAO! It was a dream job and it helped establish the way that I practice law today. You are not only trying important cases, but you also have a significant impact on our community. In fact, my commitment to use my legal training to serve the community was reinforced by the experience I gained as an Assistant State Attorney." "The senior prosecutors are the bedrock of the organization," she explains. "New prosecutors can learn so much from watching and working alongside them." One of the essential lessons that Price-Williams learned at the State Attorney's Office is that your reputation and your word are invaluable. To this day, she advises young lawyers to be respectful and "Besides having a good appearance and being ultra-prepared, establish yourself as a lawyer of good reputation and integrity." At the SAO, Price-Williams also learned the importance of professionalism and trial experience. "Always be professional whether they are dealing with the public or in the courtroom. After spending time in County Court prosecuting DUIs, Price-Williams moved on to the Felony Division and then the Sexual Battery Unit before becoming a Division Chief. "The sexual battery cases were difficult on various levels. These cases really tugged at my heart. But that just made me more focused on the mission to ensure that justice was served. I learned that you must have a good working relationship with social workers, therapists, law enforcement, support staff and others." "The cases dealing with children changed me. I felt that I had to go above and beyond so that these children were not traumatized again. I played with them, earned their trust, and prepared them for court proceedings. I felt a real sense of obligation to protect them," she recalls. She continues to feel that obligation today. Her experience helping children as a prosecutor inspired Price-Williams to serve as a volunteer attorney for the Guardian ad Litem Program, which provides representation for abused, abandoned and neglected children, and she is an active member of Voices for Children Foundation, two causes that remain dear to her heart. From these experiences, Price-Williams learned many valuable lessons that she enjoys sharing: Under the leadership of State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, the SAO also continues to value the team player philosophy in keeping the community strong. "I consider Kathy a friend," she says. "She is always so supportive and encouraging of the lawyers. She is focused on the community and their safety and not just putting people in jail." In 1990, Price Williams went to work at the Miami Dade County Attorney's Office where she has worked for the past 25 years and now holds the top position. She oversees 134 employees, including 70 lawyers. "I work with an exceptional team of professionals. I'm reminded every day that nothing I do is alone and we achieve our objectives as a team." "Abigail has accomplished so much in her legal career and she has done it the old fashioned way, merging talent and ability with hard work and determination," mentioned State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. "Her experiences as an accomplished prosecutor, combined with her experiences overseeing Jackson Memorial Hospital's and Miami International Airport's legal affairs have given Abigail a broad understanding of government's impact on the daily lives of our citizens. Such knowledge will prove invaluable as Dade's new county attorney."    Price-Williams was exuberant in sharing her advice with young prosecutors: "Be a team player; be willing to learn from others; and find good mentors." "Remember that you are providing an important and essential public service as an ASA. What and how you do what you do matters to the community because it's not about us." Courthouse Highlights Division Chief (DC) Lara Penn and DC Rebecca DiMeglio worked tirelessly in a case that led to a guilty plea by a defendant who murdered his ex-girlfriend. Assistant State Attorney (ASA) Etta Akoni and ASA Kimberly Rivera won a guilty verdict on charges of Sexual Battery/No Serious Injury, Lewd & Lascivious Battery on a Child, and Incest. The defendant was sentenced to 45 years in state prison. Gangs ASA Mary Ernst and Career Criminal ASA Maryam Adeyola won a trial before Judge Brennan convicting 2 co-defendants of First Degree Murder, 2nd Degree Murder, and Armed Robbery with a Firearm. DC Lisa Jacobs and ASA David Emas got a guilty as charged in a 2nd Degree Murder with a Deadly Weapon and Attempted 2nd Degree Murder with a Deadly Weapon before Judge Diaz.    DC Justin Funck and ASA Stacy Turansky got a Manslaughter with a Firearm conviction against a career criminal before Judge Ruiz. ASAs Anastasios Kamoutsas and Alexander Peraza obtained a guilty verdict on a Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon case before Judge De La O. DC Tammy Forrest and ASA Katherine Martinez won a complex trial before Judge Tinkler-Mendez in which the defendant was convicted of First Degree Murder with a Firearm, Kidnapping, Attempted Robbery with a Firearm, Falsely Impersonating a Police Officer, Discharging a Firearm within a 1000 feet of a Vehicle, Providing a False Name to Law Enforcement, and Aggravated Assault with a Firearm.    ASAs Marbely Hernandez and William Volet secured a guilty verdict on Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell, Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Sell, Delivery of Cocaine, and Possession of a Place for the Purpose of the Sale of a Controlled Substance before Judge Walsh. REPORT PUBLIC CORRUPTION !  Don't Allow the Public's Trust to be Jeopardized. Hotline: 305-547-3300 Quick Links State Attorney Victim Services Clerk of Court Miami-Dade Police  Grand Jury Reports Need the latest Grand Jury Report or any other Grand Jury Report dating back to 1965? Click Here Our Community Outreach Events February 3 - Citizens Crime Watch of Miami-Dade County Meeting, 1515 NW 79 Avenue, Doral, FL 33126, 9:30AM - 12:00PM February 4 - Red Riders Crime Watch Meeting, Sylvania Heights Elementary, 5901 SW 16 Street, Miami, FL, 33155, 6:30PM - 8:00PM February 5 - Hospitality Institute Career Fair, Greater Bethel AME, 245 NW 8 Street, Miami, FL, 33136, 10:00AM - 2:00PM February 6 - Coconut Grove Ministerial Alliance, Greater St Paul AME Church, 3680 Thomas Avenue, Miami, FL, 33133, 8:00AM - 10:30AM February 11 - Coconut Grove Crime Watch, Greater St Paul AME Church, 3680 Thomas Avenue, Miami, FL, 33133, 6:30PM - 8:30PM February 13 - 3rd Annual Black Heritage Festival, Betty T. Ferguson Community Center, 3000 NW 199 Street, Miami Gardens, FL, 33056, 12:00PM - 4:00PM February 16 - A Conversation About Discrimination, LGBT Visitor Center, 1130 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, 33139, 6:00PM - 8:00PM February 19 - 4th Annual Veterans & Military Career Resource Fair, FIU Stadium Club, 11200 SW 8 Street, Miami, FL, 33199, 10:00AM - 2:00PM February 27 - Miami Dade College Annual Health Fair, Miami-Dade College, 950 NW 20 Street, Miami, FL, 33127, 9:00AM - 2:00PM  February 25 - Sealing & Expungement Event, Sherbondy Village Community Center, 215 North Perviz Avenue, Opa Locka, FL, 33054,  4:00PM - 7:00PM Follow Me On To Receive Future Newsletters    M I A M I S A O . C O M       M I A M I S A O . C O M       M I A M I S A O . C O M