Miami Beach Mayor Wants City Judges for Crime

MIAMI - A Miami Beach commissioner expressed frustration over the recent escape of Christopher Pitre, a man who allegedly threatened him with a gun and was placed under house arrest. Pitre, who has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple felonies in Miami-Dade County, escaped custody on Tuesday, prompting local authorities to intensify their search. The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the judicial system in handling repeat offenders. In response to the situation, Miami Beach Mayor Stephen Meiner announced plans to advocate for the election of local judges to better manage crime in the area. During a press conference, he emphasized the need for Miami Beach to have its own judicial authority, citing a growing trend of violence involving released offenders. "There is something very wrong," remarked resident Jo Manning, highlighting community frustrations with the current system. Pitre's criminal background includes charges from Texas and Alabama, as well as ten open felony cases in Miami-Dade, which the State Attorney's Office opposed releasing him from jail prior to trial. The office stated that they had strongly objected to his release, given the severity of his past offenses. State Representative Fabian Basabe acknowledged the mayor's proposal but raised concerns about the logistics of electing judges. He emphasized the need for accountability in Pitre's case and similar incidents, underscoring the community's demand for a more effective judicial response to crime.