Law Office of the

PUBLIC DEFENDER
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
Broward County Courthouse 201 S.E. 6th Street Suite 3872 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 Telephone: (954) 831-8650 Fax: (954) 831-8853 Internet Address: http://www.browarddefender.org

Howard Finkelstein Public ---- ----------------_. --_,

Defender

June 26, 2013 Wansley Walters Secretary, Department of Juvenile Justice 2723 Centerview Drive, Suite 2219 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3100 Dear Secretary Walters:
Executive Chief Assistants:

Public Defender Howard Finkelstein 954.831.8644

A series of highly disturbing abuse allegations have come to my attention involving staff members at AMI Kids of Greater Fort Lauderdale. The allegations involve inappropriate sexual relationships with the youth committed to the program. It is alleged that compromising photographs of a female therapist were discovered on the cellphone of a male youth who attended the program. The alleged nude photographs were explicit and strongly suggest the existence of an inappropriate and unlawful relationship between a staff member in a position of authority and trust and a youth. The photographs were allegedly discovered by program administrators, however it is unknown whether. the photographs were secured and the matter reported to the appropriate authorities in a timely manner so as to ensure a thorough investigation. It is also alleged that another female staff member engaged in a sexual relationship with a male youth attending the program. I was advised that a female staff member, while employed at AMI Kids of Miami, had a child with a youth who was committed to that facility. The timeframe of the birth suggests the existence of an inappropriate relationship between the staffer and committed youth. If true, the relationship between the staff member and the youth is almost certainly illegal and clearly unethical, a violation of trust, and abuse of the staffer's position of authority. This staff member has allegedly been transferred to AMI Kids of Greater Fort Lauderdale and continues to engage in inappropriate behavior. It is alleged that the staff member has been observed by administrators, other staff members and committed youth sitting on the lap of male youths while secreted in administrative offices. It is also very troubling to learn that the administration is allegedly aware of the behavior. The female staffer is referred to as the "cradle robber" within the facility. This conduct, if true, is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately to assure the safety of children attending AMI Kids of Greater Fort Lauderdale. I demand that the Department take immediate corrective action to prevent future acts of misconduct and/or inappropriate relationships between staff members and youth committed to the program. In addition, I further demand that the findings of your investigation be provided pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statute including, but not limited to, any and all video evidence of the incidents alleged. Thank you kindly for your i~ention feel free to contact m 54831-8636 . . ~
_,.,.

Diane M. Cuddihy 954.831.8814 Catherine A. Keuthan 954.831.8665

Chief Assistants: Douglas N. Brawley 954.831.8497 Renee T. Dadowski 954.831.8817 Lynn M. DeSanti 954.831.8810 Frank de la Torre 954.831.6779 Steven Michaelson 954.831.8664 Susan L. Porter 954.831.6752 Gordon H. Weekes, Jr. 954.831.8636 Robert R. Wills 954.831.8677

to this matter. If you have any questions please

Chief Investi

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Sincerely,

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Allen E. Smith 954.831.6714

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H. Weekes, Jr.

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