Youth Detention Periods Soar in Marion County, Florida
Despite having fewer residents, Marion County in Florida ranks third in the state for the length of time juveniles are held in custody, just behind Duval and Broward. Observers believe that the county is likely aiming for the top position in the state. The number of juveniles detained at Marion County Juvenile Detention Center has witnessed a fourfold increase since the 2022-23 period. Consequently, the financial burden on local taxpayers associated with youth incarceration has ballooned over threefold, soaring from $1.3 million per year to $4.3 million. This information comes from records held by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
On the other hand, while the time juveniles have spent in detention centers increased from 191,813 to 309,453 across the state, Marion County saw a disproportionately large surge. In the upcoming budget plan for 2025-26, the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) forecasts a doubling of the current number of juvenile detention periods at Marion County’s center. Further, they project a rise in costs from the present $2.7 million to a higher $4.3 million.
Interestingly, the rising trend in the number of youth detention periods does not align with an increase in the number of youth crimes reported in Marion County. A significant development in recent years was the assignment of Circuit Judge Brad King to handle juvenile court cases. Looking for answers surrounding the situation, authorities conferred with Fifth Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson and Public Defender Michael Graves in their individual budget meetings.
During those meetings, Graves indicated that each county within their circuit has a unique approach towards juvenile releases. This decision is left largely to the discretion of the presiding judge who does not necessarily base these decisions on the alleged crimes. When asked about the cost issue, Gladson admitted that it was a novel concept to him. He remarked that he was unaware of the financial calculations involved and added, ‘I’ve never seen that bill. I don’t know how they do it.’
Gladson recounted witnessing a 12-year-old, now 15, boy’s three-hour sentencing hearing. The minor received a 40-year sentence for participating in the murder of three other teenagers in 2022. He observed how such cases potentially influenced new legislative decisions. Gladson also took the opportunity to highlight how different organizations were cooperatively working to identify which juveniles required prolonged detention.
‘We collaborated with our local DJJ representative (Randy Reynolds.)’ Gladson continues, ‘Together, we formulated a strategic approach. It was structured in a way that he would update us instantly about which juveniles [were in detention] at any given moment.’ Gladson further stated, ‘There are times when it may take a bit longer for us to receive the necessary information.’
He detailed how they identified the most common offenders and subsequently worked on suppressing the number of violent offenses related to juveniles. ‘Once we had singled out the offenders, we were then able to concentrate on them. Instead of making blanket approaches, we directed our efforts towards specific cases and gang activities.’
Gladson believes that this focused approach contributed to an increase in the number of people detained and held in custody. ‘And as a result, I believe this has led to an uptick in detention and custody,’ he explained.
A recent development involving a Tallahassee lawyer, Marie Mattox, however, may yet bring additional public scrutiny to the situation in Marion County. Mattox has informed Ocala of her intention to file a lawsuit against the city on behalf of a client. The claim involves a young person who was supposedly apprehended falsely on the accusation of attempting a car break-in, and who reportedly continues to face robust policing.
DJJ records spanning several fiscal years show a consistent uptick in Marion County’s overall period of youth detention and DV respite days. Along with this is witnessed a noticeable increase in the yearly and monthly costs billed. With juvenile law enforcement becoming such a contentious issue in the county, it’s fair to assume that this issue is poised to continue to be a topic of fervent public discussion.