Critics have long charged that over-crowding at the County's Juvenile Detention Center, due to a backlog of cases, has put too many youth offenders back on the streets. Yesterday afternoon, Head Juvenile Judge Joseph Russo announced that a special officer will soon be assigned to help clear up the caseload.
Judge Joseph Russo: My staff is engaged in final interviews for a full time magistrate position assigned to our detention center. It is my intention to finalize this position by the end of the month.
In the interim, the judge said a temporary magistrate has been assigned to the task. He added that the home detention staff will be beefed up by four full time and two part time employees, and that they will be equipped with new communications technology to better monitor the activities of offenders.
Johanna Orozsco's aunt, Hilda Hernandez, stood at the back of the room as Judge Russo outlined all these changes. She says she reserves judgment on the details, but remains cautiously optimistic.
Hilda Hernandez: Whatever happens to her, it's already done. She survived this, she's getting through it. But what about future victims? I don't want to know the aunts that feel the way I do.
David C. Barnett, 90.3.