Investigators say at least six victims were hit as vehicles and golf carts were targeted in recent days.
PORT SALERNO, Fla. — A 13-year-old boy linked to a string of thefts and break-ins in the Salerno area was arrested on 11 felony charges this week and then released to a guardian, prompting Sheriff John Budensiek to call for more flexibility in juvenile detention decisions.
Deputies said the case underscores a gap between repeat arrests and pretrial detention rules for children. The sheriff’s office says the same boy has cycled through juvenile processing three times in six months. Under Florida’s risk assessment, officials decided he did not qualify for extended secure detention and was released shortly after booking. Detectives continue to gather victim statements and surveillance footage while advising residents in south Stuart and Port Salerno to report suspicious activity. The agency emphasized it is following all legal steps as it prepares additional filings for prosecutors.
Investigators identified the boy as Jesus Gaspar Rojas and listed the charges as three counts of grand theft auto, four counts of burglary, one count of possession of burglary tools, and three counts of felony criminal mischief. Reports describe damaged steering columns, rummaged interiors and three stolen golf carts later found with damage. In one case, a home was entered and items taken; deputies executed a search warrant and said stolen property was recovered. “He got into the cars … trying to punch the steering wheel,” Budensiek said, describing failed attempts to start some vehicles. At least six victims have been identified as detectives review new complaints that came in after the alert went out.
Officials said no injuries were reported during the spree. The sheriff added that the teen’s family situation has been unstable since his father’s deportation and that the boy now lives with his mother in Stuart. Budensiek said the quick release is tied to the scoring system used by juvenile authorities and not a discretionary choice by deputies. Florida law typically caps juvenile pretrial detention at 21 days without additional findings by a court, and longer holds often require more serious allegations, repeated violations or specific judicial orders. Prosecutors have not said whether they will seek to move any of the charges to adult court; that decision would weigh age, record and the facts of the case.
Community reaction has been sharp. “He needs to be removed from the house,” said Alberta Powell, who lives near Port Salerno and described neighbors checking cars twice each night. Another resident, Josefina Alvarez, called the situation “very sad and dangerous for the neighborhood.” Patrols have been increased in the Salerno corridor and nearby South Stuart blocks, deputies said, with detectives canvassing for doorbell video and receipts that could help map the teen’s movements. The sheriff’s office said social service referrals were made to explore supervision and services while the court process runs.
The case arrives amid periodic debates over youth crime and accountability in Florida. Deputies say the point-based detention score, designed to standardize decisions statewide, can leave little room for local discretion in unusual patterns like rapid, repeat property crimes by a very young suspect. Budensiek said he would support a review of the scoring tool for repeat juvenile felonies, along with court options that combine treatment, secure placement and closer monitoring when public safety is at risk. For now, detectives plan to finish supplemental reports, prepare restitution estimates and continue interviews with victims who reported damages after the alert.
As of Thursday, the teen remained out of secure detention and in his mother’s care. A juvenile court date will be set once additional reports are filed and the clerk issues a notice, the sheriff’s office said.
Author note: Last updated December 18, 2025.