Martin County authorities are raising alarms after a 13-year-old boy with 11 felony arrests was released back into the community for the third time in six months.
Jesus Gaspar Rojas has been linked to a series of thefts and break-ins in Port Salerno and South Stuart, highlighting the limitations of Florida’s juvenile detention system and prompting calls for reform.
Between Oct. 29 and Nov. 24, deputies allege Rojas committed multiple property crimes, including three counts of grand theft auto, four burglaries, one charge for possession of burglary tools and three counts of felony criminal mischief.
Damages included broken steering columns, ransacked car interiors and the theft of three golf carts, some of which were later recovered. Officials noted that no injuries were reported during the spree, The Republican Gazette reports.
Rojas has repeatedly cycled through juvenile facilities. Fort Pierce’s St. Lucie Regional Juvenile Detention Center booked and released him three times in the past six months.
Sheriff John Budensiek explained that the teen’s offenses are considered non-violent under Florida law, which limits the length of pretrial detention.
“He’s got to commit more crimes,” Budensiek said, referencing the statutory scoring system that governs detention decisions.
According to The Daily Caller, the sheriff described the situation as “extremely frustrating,” noting the department’s limited authority to hold minors longer without specific judicial approval.
Authorities cited Rojas’s home environment as a contributing factor. Following his father’s deportation, the teen has lived with his mother in Stuart and struggled with supervision and stability.
Social services have been engaged to provide additional oversight and assistance while the court process continues.
Budensiek described the teen’s living conditions as “rough,” suggesting they may have contributed to his repeated offenses.
On Monday, deputies executed a search warrant at Rojas’s residence, recovering stolen property. The next day, he was briefly placed on a Baker Act hold after allegedly threatening to shoot others.
Holds for minors under the Baker Act last up to 12 hours, and even extended pretrial detention is capped at 21 days without further judicial findings, limiting the options for detaining juveniles with repeated offenses.
Residents expressed frustration at the recurring crimes.
Alberta Powell said neighbors now check vehicles twice nightly, emphasizing, “He needs to be removed from the house.” Josefina Alvarez called the situation “very sad and dangerous for the neighborhood.”
In response, patrols have increased in the affected areas, and deputies continue canvassing for surveillance footage, receipts, and witness statements to track the teen’s movements.
Sheriff Budensiek emphasized the need for potential reforms to Florida’s juvenile system, suggesting measures that combine treatment programs, secure placements and closer supervision for high-risk minors.
“Repeat offenses by very young suspects expose gaps in our system that can leave communities at risk,” he said.
He also expressed hope that courts would provide resources to get the teen “on track” while balancing public safety.
For now, Rojas remains in his mother’s care. Prosecutors have not indicated whether they will pursue adult charges. Detectives are continuing to gather victim statements, review surveillance evidence, and prepare restitution reports.
A juvenile court date will be scheduled once additional filings are completed, keeping the focus on both accountability and rehabilitation for the minor.
WATCH:
