Local prosecutor concerned about juvenile court sentences for violent offenders

CLEVELAND (WJW) – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Mike O’Malley tells the FOX 8 I-Team he wants the public to be aware of sentences being given to violent juvenile offenders.

“Some of these offenders are our terrorizing people,” O’Malley said. “They are committing carjackings and aggravated robberies.”

O’Malley said one teen was recently given probation with no house arrest or GPS monitoring, even after he was found guilty of aggravated robbers.

Just months after he was placed on probation, he was arrested again.

The prosecutor added that the teen was arrested May 6 after he allegedly drove a stolen car with two female passengers. The teen is accused of running a red light and hitting a car driven by a 55-year-old woman. One of his  passenger’s was killed, while the other passenger and the driver of the other car were severely injured.

“My goal is to try and bring some transparency to the juvenile court system,” O’Malley said.  “We have seen cases were juveniles have committed very violent offenses and are being placed on probation. I think it’s good for the public to understand what exactly happens in the juvenile court.”

O’Malley says he plans to post sentences from the court on social media.

We reached out to juvenile court officials to discuss the matter and were told they would release a statement Tuesday.

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