13-Year-Old Felon Released Again in Florida

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A 13-year-old repeat offender with 11 felony charges walks free again in Florida, exposing how broken juvenile justice policies are putting law-abiding communities at risk.

Story Highlights

Jesus Gaspar Rojas, 13, arrested on 11 felony counts including grand theft auto and burglary in Martin County crime spree
Teen released again under Florida’s juvenile point system despite being processed three times in six months
Sheriff John Budensiek warns residents to stay vigilant, criticizes state detention rules that tie his hands
Community fears for safety as elderly residents become victims of repeat juvenile offender

Broken System Releases Dangerous Teen Again

Jesus Gaspar Rojas terrorized Port Salerno and South Stuart neighborhoods in a multi-day crime spree that netted 11 felony charges. Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek arrested the 13-year-old for multiple counts of grand theft auto, burglary, possession of burglary tools, and criminal mischief. Despite the severity and volume of crimes, Florida’s Department of Juvenile Justice released Rojas back to his mother’s care within days. The teen has now been processed and released three times in just six months.

Sheriff Warns Community After Hands Tied by State Rules

Sheriff Budensiek publicly warned residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity involving Rojas. The sheriff criticized Florida’s juvenile detention point system, explaining that despite 11 felonies, the teen “doesn’t score high enough” to warrant longer detention. Current state law limits juvenile detention to 21 days for most offenses, even when dealing with repeat offenders who pose ongoing public safety risks.

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Vulnerable Residents Live in Fear

At least six victims suffered property theft and damage during Rojas’s latest spree, with many being elderly residents. Community members expressed outrage that “these kids just can’t run the street and take advantage of old people.” The crimes included stealing vehicles and golf carts, breaking into homes, and damaging property throughout the coastal Martin County area. Residents now demand authorities remove the teen from his current living situation.

Failed Policies Enable Repeat Criminal Behavior

Rojas lives in what Sheriff Budensiek describes as “deplorable conditions” with his mother after his father was deported for being in the country illegally. This unstable home environment, combined with Florida’s lenient juvenile detention scoring system, created a dangerous cycle of arrest, brief detention, and release. The sheriff emphasized the teen “needs to be locked up” and “needs help,” but state bureaucrats prioritize politically correct rehabilitation over community safety. This case demonstrates how progressive juvenile justice policies protect criminals while abandoning law-abiding citizens who deserve protection from repeat offenders.