Author Topic: The world will never know how Eric Perez died (Read 31881 times)

Ursus · « **Reply #90 on:** August 06, 2011, 09:07:52 PM »

Carol Marbin Miller's above article also appeared in the Palm Beach Post the following day, July 29th, with a slightly different title and with four pics.

Comments for this latter publication, "Mom will get video of teenage son's death in lockup" (by Carol Marbin Miller; July 29, 2011; The Miami Herald/Palm Beach Post):

booradley · 9:05 AM, 7/29/2011

You must be kidding. This kid gets stopped for a bicycle light, then searched, then incarcerated for a small quantity of marijuana, gets ignored for an ailment then dies. This is one f*ked up law enforcement nightmare. Talk about overzelous enforcement. He was arrested because a cop wanted a reason to go off the road to process a "criminal". What probable cause for a bike light resulted in a search? what a lazy, good for nothing bunch of cops and GED educated caretakers. We get what we pay for.L smith · 9:49 AM, 7/29/2011

i AM OUTRAGED! THIS IS DISQUSTING, ARE WE LIVING IN SOME THORD WORLD COUNTRY WERE WE TAKE KIDS (FOR A SMALL INFRACTION) AND THROUGH THEM INTO JAIL, KNOWING **** WELL THEY CANT AFFORD TO HIRE AN ATTY OR BAIL! AND THEN LET THEM DIE! I AM SO AFRAID OF WHAT IS HAPENING HERE. AND WALTERS SAYS SHES INVESTIGATING, PLEASE THATS LIIKE THE HENS GUARDING THE HEN HOUSE. HOPE MOM GETS A BIG LAWYERS AND SUES THE HELL OUT OF THEM ALL!!!Damien · 10:04 AM, 7/29/2011

If someone from the family is reading these posts, please tell mom not to view the recording and allow her attorney to do so for her. As a parent whose son also died in a tragic accident which was cought on video, we chose not to view it ourselves as it would be more devastating than one can immagine. Let her remember he son as he was, alive. Sincere condolances to the family.Correction · 1:01 PM, 7/29/2011

The youth was taken into custody because his underlying charges were more severe. He was probably on probation, violating his curfew at 1:30 am in the morning in West Palm Beach, he was 17 at the time, his family lived in Port St. Lucie, why was this? If he was on probation, why wasn't he being supervised by the parent as ordered by the court?JK · 1:11 PM, 8/2/2011

This is so horrible and can't believe they allowed this to happen. Sad story and I send my thoughts and prayers to the family involved. I hope they get some justice by showing how horrible these people treat others. We need to seriously change our marijuana laws as he should have not been detained for having a non-toxic plant on him that hurt nobody (prime example of prohibition not working because of the laws ending up hurting, destroying lives, and killing somebody).

Copyright © 2011 The Palm Beach Post.

Ursus · « **Reply #91 on:** August 06, 2011, 10:14:42 PM »

Here's an Editorial from TCPalm...

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

Editorial: Promises of improvements at Florida juvenile detention centers fail to prevent teen's death

editorial board
TCPalm
Posted July 29, 2011 at 4 a.m.

Maritza Perez believes her son should not have died while in custody at the Palm Beach Regional Detention Center.

An investigation into the July 10 death of Treasure Coast resident Eric Perez, 18, by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and the West Palm Beach Police Department may prove her right.

The teenager was arrested June 28 for alleged possession of marijuana in violation of probation from a robbery charge. He died a few days before he was to be released from the center.

Perez became ill early on the morning of July 10 and, for hours, screamed and vomited, but received no medical care at the lockup, according to reports, primarily from The Miami Herald and The Palm Beach Post. After paramedics finally arrived, he was pronounced dead. A cause of death has yet to be released.

Following the death of Perez, four members of the staff, including Superintendent Anthony Flowers, were suspended and two people — a supervisor and a guard — were fired, allegedly for failing to call 911 as they were required to do under the circumstances.

But, that fired guard said he was twice told by his bosses not to call 911. In an interview with The Miami Herald, Floyd Powell, 35, who has filed a suit against the state for wrongful termination, said, "I was going to call 911, but my supervisor looked me in the face and said, 'He'll be fine. Don't call 911.' "

Rather, Powell said, he was directed to call a nurse, identified as as Diana Heras, to ask for "guidance."

The staff was unable to reach the nurse.

In an interview herself with The Miami Herald, Heras said, "Nobody works there at night. There is no state funding for night nurses for any night of the week. They do not have a nurse who works at that ... facility on the night shift, and they do not work weekends."

Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Wansley Walters has denied that budget shortfalls had anything to do with the death of Perez, but it may have been caused by a failure to follow proper procedures.

All the finger-pointing about who did what or who did not do what won't bring back the life of this teenager who died under the custody and, theoretically, under the protection of the state.

Who should we believe about what actually happened and why medical care was not provided to someone in obvious need?

There is a video recording of some of what happened in the detention center. But, on July 1 a state law took effect banning the release of photos, videos or audio recordings that relate to the death of a person. Such videos may only be seen by law enforcement or immediate family. Violation is a third-degree felony.

The existence of this videotape in this case clearly demonstrates why such recordings ought to be public record, so citizens can see how effective state workers are.

Following the investigations into the death of Perez, additional disciplinary measures may be taken. And, officials may say new measures will be adopted to prevent similar occurrences.

But, that's what they said eight years ago when 17-year-old Omar Paisley died at a juvenile detention center in Dade County. But there has been another death and, somehow, new pledges of "never again" will sound terribly hollow.

Answers to what happened in the Perez death may not bring peace. But, they need to be forthcoming.

© 2011 TCPalm.

Ursus · « **Reply #92 on:** August 06, 2011, 11:35:14 PM »

This next flurry of articles and blog posts almost begs belief. Despite having a policy of paying the funeral costs of youth who have deceased while in the DJJ's care, inexplicably, in this case, that policy seems to have been revoked.

I guess the probability of an impending lawsuit has superseded simply "doing the right thing," and the case of Eric Perez has been reassigned to ... the "Dept. of Risk Management."

Here's a piece from the Palm Beach Post's political blog, Post On Politics:

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CFO Atwater stops payment for funeral costs for teen who died in DJJ custody in Palm Beach County

by Dara Kam | July 29th, 2011

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater's office has blocked a payment to cover the costs of the funeral of Eric Perez, the 18-year-old who died while in state custody in a Palm Beach County juvenile detention facility on July 10.

The Department of Juvenile Justice had promised to pay $5,000 towards the cost of Perez' funeral, as it has done twice before in the past two years.

Atwater, in charge of the state's check book, had gone so far as to print a $5,000 check for Tillman Funeral Home in West Palm Beach on July 13.

But before DJJ officials released it to the funeral home, Atwater's office asked that the money be returned.

"Since the agency does not have statutory authority to make the payment, we are requesting a warrant cancellation for the following vendor payment," Mark Merry, head of the Department of Financial Services auditing department, wrote to DJJ in an e-mail on Tuesday.

DJJ has had a policy of paying up to $5,000 towards funeral costs for children who die in their custody since 2008, department spokesman C.J. Drake said. Since then, the department has twice paid families the maximum amount – once in November 2008 and again in January 2009.

Discussions are now underway between the two agencies about how the payment can be made, Drake said.

"So far everyone's been very cooperative and agreeable. We just have to resolve it. I'm confident that we're going to make the payment," he said.

Tags: Department of Financial Services, Department of Juvenile Justice, Eric Perez, Jeff Atwater

This entry was posted on Friday, July 29th, 2011 at 5:20 pm and is filed under Dara Kam, Rick Scott, state agencies.

Copyright 2011 The Palm Beach Post.

Ursus · « **Reply #93 on:** August 07, 2011, 12:41:18 AM »

Here's the longer news article that above blog author Dara Kam wrote for the Palm Beach Post:

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The Palm Beach Post

Atwater snatches back check for burial of 18-year-old who died at Juvenile center

By DARA KAM
Palm Beach Post Capital Bureau

Updated: 7:40 p.m. Friday, July 29, 2011
Posted: 6:05 p.m. Friday, July 29, 2011

Eric Perez Photo provided

TALLAHASSEE — Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater's office has blocked a payment to cover the costs of the funeral of Eric Perez, the 18-year-old who died while in state custody in a Palm Beach County juvenile detention facility on July 10.

The Department of Juvenile Justice had promised to pay $5,000 towards the cost of Perez' funeral, as it has done twice before in the past two years.

Atwater, in charge of the state's checkbook, had gone so far as to print a $5,000 check for Tillman Funeral Home in West Palm Beach on July 13, state records show.

But before DJJ officials released it to the funeral home, Atwater's office asked that the money be returned.

"Since the agency does not have statutory authority to make the payment, we are requesting a warrant cancellation for the following vendor payment," Mark Merry, head of the Department of Financial Services auditing department, wrote to DJJ in an e-mail on Tuesday.

Instead DJJ should seek payment from the Division of Risk Management, which handles insurance and claims against the state, a later e-mail advised.

As of Friday, Perez' family had not filed a lawsuit against DJJ in connection with the death.

Since 2008 DJJ has had a policy of paying up to $5,000 towards funeral costs for children who die in its custody, department spokesman C.J. Drake said. Since then, the department has twice paid families the maximum amount -- once in November 2008 and again in January 2009.

"The CFO wants to have resolution on this claim and in a timely manner for the family," Atwater spokeswoman Anna Alexopoulos said in an e-mail. She did not say why the payment was referred to the risk management division.

Richard Schuler, a lawyer representing Perez' mother Maritza Perez, said he was unaware of the funeral payments.

"I'm sure that it would be very helpful for her to have that under these circumstances," Schuler said.

Discussions are now underway between the two agencies about how the payment can be made, Drake said.

"So far everyone's been very cooperative and agreeable. We just have to resolve it. I'm confident that we’re going to make the payment," he said.

Perez, 18, died following seven hours of vomiting, hallucinating and complaining of severe headaches that were largely ignored by workers at the West Palm Beach detention center, according to officials reports of the incident. Two guards have been suspended, and DJJ and West Palm Beach police are separately investigating Perez' death.

Palm Beach Post staff writer Michael Laforgia contributed to this story.

[email protected]

Copyright © 2011 The Palm Beach Post.

Ursus · « **Reply #94 on:** August 07, 2011, 10:11:17 AM »

Comments left for the above article, "Atwater snatches back check for burial of 18-year-old who died at Juvenile center" (by Dara Kam; July 29, 2011; The Palm Beach Post):

Rawhide · 6:44 PM, 7/29/2011

way to go Atwater, is that how you ran Riverside bankWhat No Reach Around? · 6:47 PM, 7/29/2011

I hope Atwater gives the $5000.00 to **** Scott to give out as a tax break for the ultra wealthy. They need it.OK! · 6:51 PM, 7/29/2011

Great Job! Another nail in the coffin of the Republican Tea Party!buddy · 6:56 PM, 7/29/2011

The GOP loves to kick a dead horse! Thanks Jeffdavid · 8:31 PM, 7/29/2011

atwater would rather put him in garbage bag.its not bad enough that where going to give this family millions because they like to kill the poor.so lets show them how stupid the republicans are.checksinthemail · 9:16 PM, 7/29/2011

Easy Ed · 10:04 PM, 7/29/2011

Jethro Atewater is a complete piece of garbage and always has been!Garl · 8:24 AM, 7/30/2011

All previous comments criticize the state's Chief Financial Officer FOR FOLLOWING THE LAW. He did NOT say that the state would not pay the funeral expenses, only that they would be paid by the correct agency with the correct funds. Your partisanship is so over the top that you are blinded to legalities. Get a grip, folks. Then again, both the headline and the article pushed you into believing that Atwater hates dead kids. Disgusting.denny wood · 12:16 PM, 7/30/2011

Atwater, as President of the Senate did not care that his guest restroom outside his entrance door on the 4th floor, was not usable for people in wheelchairs. His Sgt. of Arms, annually perpetuated many Senate ADA violations. Even as Comptroller, all the restrooms on their floors cannot be used by someone in a wheelchair. He does not care. The ADA Capitol Report is at http://www.dignity4diabled,com as well as the citizen remedy which is directed ADA violator who now "wants to obey the law".[/list]
So so sad · 1:30 PM, 7/30/2011

Say WHAT!?!?!? · 2:38 PM, 7/30/2011

trader · 5:44 PM, 7/30/2011

The dope pusher that sold him the drugs should be paying. But, of course he can't be prosecuted because he is a minor too! Get the freaking drugs out of school! This country is breaking apart. We have murderers walking free and law abiding citizens charged with crime for defending themselves. Wake Up!tonia · 8:39 AM, 7/31/2011

They should pay. They may be the ones who killed him by giving him pills like the were doing in the other juvenile centers, that just made the news two months ago. The mother need to find out the cause of her childs death 1st and not so much on how to pay for a burial. To the mother. Get youself a good Lawyer and then you can put him and your family at rest$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ you feel me.Pitwawa · 6:33 PM, 7/31/2011

I wonder if the same thing were to happen if this had been his nephew or his child? It is so easy to say no when it does not affect you.Lillyldy · 4:02 PM, 8/1/2011

Kevin · 4:14 PM, 8/1/2011

@TRADER WTF YOU TALKING IM CONFUSED

Copyright © 2011 The Palm Beach Post.

Ursus · « **Reply #95 on:** August 07, 2011, 10:32:17 AM »

An abbreviated version of Dara Kam's above article was also posted on news partner News Channel 5's website under a different title, along with video news footage also at that link.

Comments for this latter article, "State stops payment for the funeral of Eric Perez, the teen who died in DJJ custody" (by Dara Kam; 07/29/2011; Palm Beach Post/News Channel 5 - WPTV):

Terri Aaron · Last Week

$5k? OMG, what a ridiculous drop in the bucket! How much do we pay our USELESS politicians for their non-work? Can't we pinch it from THEIR salaries? You politicians are the REAL criminals! Scum.Gigi Koslow-murray · Last Week

James H Johnson · Last Week

So you let the boy die for a misdemeanor and then won't pay for his funeral? Law enforcement is getting out of control.Erich Werner · Last Week

This is getting more and more outrageous.

Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc.

Ursus · « **Reply #96 on:** August 07, 2011, 10:47:44 AM »

Here's a piece from the Miami Herald blog Naked Politics.

The Florida DJJ was gonna pay for Eric Perez's funeral costs, but then they put a stop on the check! Geeezzzz...

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The Miami Herald — Naked Politics

CFO Jeff Atwater won't pay for funeral for teen who died in detention

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater is refusing to pay the funeral expenses for a teenager who died in state custody after unsuccessfully seeking medical attention for several hours.

Juvenile justice administrators had offered to pay up to $5,000 in funeral costs to bury 18-year-old Eric Perez, who died at the West Palm Beach detention center on July 10. But after cutting a check to the Tillman Funeral Home, Florida's chief financial officer ordered that the check be destroyed, records show.

Perez, who was detained at the Palm Beach County Juvenile Detention Center on a marijuana possession charge, would not have been the first child whose funeral expenses were borne by the state.

In November 2008, the Department of Juvenile Justice paid for the funeral of a Tampa Bay-area youth, said agency spokesman C.J. Drake. In January 2009, the agency helped bury a Highlands County youth.

"The Department of Juvenile Justice has a policy dating from 2008 authorizing the payment of funeral expenses when a youth dies in our custody," Drake told The Miami Herald.

"The chief financial officer printed the check, and sent it over to us," Drake said, referring to the agency's offer to pay for Eric's funeral. "Then they said, 'Whoa, don't send it.'?" The funeral home, Drake said, has received no payment from the state.

Atwater's office said in a statement: "The CFO wants to have resolution on this claim and in a timely manner for the family. The Department of Juvenile Justice was advised that they did not have statutory authority to pay for funeral expenses. DJJ was also advised that a more appropriate venue to address this claim is the Division of Risk Management."

In a July 26 email to DJJ, Mark Merry from the chief financial office said DJJ "does not have statutory authority to make the payment." An agency spokesman is looking into why the department stopped payment of the check.

Drake said leaders of the two state agencies still are discussing the funeral expenses. "I'm confident that we can work out an agreement so that the expenses are paid," he said Friday afternoon. "And Secretary Walters is committed to paying the expenses."

--CAROL MARBIN MILLER AND MARC CAPUTO

Posted by Patricia Mazzei on July 29, 2011 in Jeff Atwater

Copyright 2011 Miami Herald Media Co.

Ursus · « **Reply #97 on:** August 07, 2011, 10:54:41 AM »

Comments left for the above blog entry, "CFO Jeff Atwater won't pay for funeral for teen who died in detention" (by Carol Marbin Miller and Marc Caputo; July 29, 2011; The Miami Herald - Naked Politics):

Posted by: Lois | July 29, 2011 at 05:46 PM

While I have no information to form an opinion about the correctness of the state paying these funeral expenses, I am curious as to why Perez was referred to as a "child"? He is 18, but I feel certain the term "child" was used to elicit a specific judgment by the reader. Is this the way to write "news?"Posted by: Unreal guy this one. | July 30, 2011 at 10:51 AM

What Mr. Atwater should've done was hand delivery the check since he goes home to Palm Beach County every weekend anyway and lives there. This is unreal. He is no different than Alex Sink was except she worked more hours and tried hard while in Tallahassee to actually look for and solve issues costing the taxpayers too much money. Guess we don't have a state plane to shuttle him around anymore but he is using state money to do it anyway.Posted by: NativeFlWoman | July 31, 2011 at 10:29 AM

Ursus · « **Reply #98 on:** August 07, 2011, 01:28:02 PM »

And here's Carol Marbin Miller's full article as it ran in the Miami Herald...

An abbreviated version of the below article (missing the last three paragraphs) was also published on August 1st by Bradenton.com under the title State balks on paying for teen's funeral.

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

The Miami Herald
Posted on Friday, 07.29.11

JUVENILE JUSTICE
Florida finance chief won't pay for funeral of teen who died in lockup

State juvenile justice chiefs had sought to help bury a teenager who died in their custody. But the state's top finance administrator won't let them.

BY CAROL MARBIN MILLER
[email protected]

Maritza Perez, the mother of Eric Perez, at a press conference Monday afternoon. (Damon Higgins/The Palm Beach Post)

Eric Perez (Photo provided)

The state's top financial officer is refusing to pay the funeral expenses for a teenager who died in state custody after unsuccessfully seeking medical attention for several hours, despite a three-year-old policy to pay such costs.

Juvenile justice administrators had offered to pay up to $5,000 in funeral costs to bury 18-year-old Eric Perez, who died at the West Palm Beach detention center on July 10. But after the state cut a check to the Tillman Funeral Home, Florida's chief financial officer ordered that the check be destroyed, records show.

Perez, who was detained at the Palm Beach County Juvenile Detention Center on a marijuana possession charge, would not have been the first child whose funeral expenses were paid by the state.

In November 2008, the Department of Juvenile Justice paid for the funeral of a Tampa Bay-area youth, said agency spokesman C.J. Drake. In January 2009, the agency helped bury a Highlands County youth. Drake could not identify the children due to confidentiality laws, he said.

"The Department of Juvenile Justice has a policy dating from 2008 authorizing the payment of funeral expenses when a youth dies in our custody," Drake told The Miami Herald.

"The chief financial officer printed the check and sent it over to us," Drake said, referring to the agency's offer to pay for Eric’s funeral. "Then they said, 'Whoa, don't send it.' " The funeral home, Drake said, has received no payment from the state.

In a July 26 email to DJJ, the CFO's chief of auditing, Mark Merry, said DJJ "does not have statutory authority to make the payment."

Perez's mother, 47-year-old Maritza Perez, was too distraught Friday afternoon to discuss her son's burial expenses, which totaled $7,600.

"They killed him in there," is all Perez could say Friday. Her attorney could not be reached for comment.

Drake said state officials are still discussing the funeral expenses. "I'm confident that we can work out an agreement so that the expenses are paid," he said Friday afternoon. He added that DJJ Secretary Wansley Walters is committed to paying the expenses.

But a spokeswoman for the finance chief seemed to suggest late Friday that the CFO's office is unlikely to budge.

In an email to The Herald, a CFO spokeswoman, Anna A. Alexopoulis, said Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater "wants to have resolution on this claim, and in a timely manner for the family."

"The Department of Juvenile Justice was advised that they did not have the statutory authority to pay for funeral expenses," Alexopoulis wrote. "DJJ was also advised that a more appropriate venue to address this claim is the Division of Risk Management," which defends the state when it is sued. A lawyer for Perez's mother has informed authorities of the family's intent to file a lawsuit.

Perez turned 18 on July 2, a few days after he was arrested. At about 1:30 a.m. on July 10, he complained his head hurt, and he vomited and appeared to be hallucinating for the next seven hours. A guard on duty in Perez's cellblock told The Herald that he wanted to call for an ambulance, but both his supervisor and the lockup's superintendent forbade him from calling 911.

Perez was pronounced dead at 8:09 a.m., minutes after paramedics arrived. Records show the youth had stopped breathing before paramedics got there.

In the days after Perez's death, Walters, the state's top juvenile justice administrator, suspended five guards and the lockup's superintendent, Anthony C. Flowers. Walters later fired one guard and his supervisor.

Walters told The Herald this week that she will release to Perez's mother seven to eight hours of video shot from two cameras that captured her sons's final hours at the lockup. Beyond that, the agency has declined to discuss the youth's death in any detail, citing ongoing investigations by both DJJ's inspector general and the West Palm Beach police.

Paolo Annino, a Florida State University law professor who heads a legal clinic for children and disabled people, praised juvenile justice chiefs for both developing the burial policy and seeking to "do the right thing" for Perez's family. He suggested the state is obligated to bury the teen, since authorities failed in their basic duty to keep him safe. State finance chiefs, Annino added, should rethink their objections.

"If they looked at this carefully, and they still arrived at this conclusion, then there is something seriously wrong," Annino said.

Copyright 2011 Miami Herald Media Co.

Ursus · « **Reply #99 on:** August 07, 2011, 01:36:24 PM »

Comments left for the above article, "Florida finance chief won't pay for funeral of teen who died in lockup" (by Carol Marbin Miller, 07.29.11, Miami Herald), #s 1-20:

radney · 07/29/2011 04:45 PM

miamibeach99 · 07/29/2011 07:14 PM in reply to radney

Excuse me. You actually think pig DEMS are going to give them the money. If you have such concern, since you can make such comments, open up your pocketbook and give to them. Or, are you just heartless.

modsquad · 07/29/2011 09:02 PM in reply to miamibeach99

cremate the poor child and give mom the ashes!

radney · 07/30/2011 07:53 AM in reply to modsquad

The child might be alive if not for the actions of jail employees. Allow the family some dignity and let them choose within reason like anyone should.

sinbadsailor · 07/30/2011 11:15 AM in reply to radney

The young man has already been buried. The funeral was completed long ago. This dispute is over a bill that the family wants taxpayers to pay while the family continues their lawsuit against the taxpayers.[/list][/list][/list][/list]

radney · 07/30/2011 07:51 AM in reply to miamibeach99

I teach children who get in trouble and need help. I spend my life caring for them genius and yes, Dems WOULD pay without worrying about teabaggers like you.charleo1 · 07/30/2011 08:34 AM in reply to miamibeach99

Did, "radney," lock up this kid? It's not, "radney's," responsibility. So excuse yourself.EarthOne · 07/30/2011 09:38 AM in reply to miamibeach99

This is not a liberal vs. conservative issue, this is a matter of doing the right thing for this family who just lost a son because of the incredible indifference, and stupidity, of detention personnel. And this was not a kid who just murdered someone, he was simply a kid, like so many other kids, who got caught with some marijuana. I wonder if those of you who were happy to see him pass would feel the same way if your brother, sister or mother was caught with a small pouch of marijuana. In either case, it's very likely that the family will win this case of negligence.[/list][/list]

red2121 · 07/30/2011 06:57 PM in reply to radney

The facts in this case seem to suggest the State was negligent. They were ready to cut a check. I hope the mother sues them if she can for wrongful death. The state has a responsibility to care for those under arrest. This was a kid on a relatively minor charge. I didn't see if the kid had lengthy priors but regardless, that is the least they can do. This should not be a dem or republican issue, it is what is RIGHT! However, under the current administration, I do feel Scott and his cronies have no problem stepping on the necks of little people. I voted Republican for the most part in the last election, but not DICK SCOTT, since I was convinced he was an idiot or crook who had no business running out state.[/list]
biobot · 07/29/2011 04:51 PM

That stupid move is only going to mean a larger out of court settlement. Good. The family deserves it.martiansaresmarter · 07/29/2011 04:54 PM

roger · 07/29/2011 04:56 PM

The article doesn't specifically say, but this is likely the work of Jeff Atwater, Florida's Chief Financial Officer. He's one of the retrograde conservative sleazebags elected to statewide office last November, along with The Big Sleazy, Gov. Tricky Rick Scott. Class acts, all.ninodeoro · 07/29/2011 04:56 PM

wow how stupid can society be another child's life lost over a G-d given right... legalize it and stop with the nonsense... no one else needs to be hurtTimeForChange · 07/29/2011 05:11 PM

If the state Pays anything -- The State automatically Admits Liability.

FortyfiveAutomatic · 07/29/2011 05:14 PM in reply to TimeForChange

Who cares?...might as well pay it, the damage is done already.lucky0111 · 07/29/2011 05:45 PM in reply to TimeForChange

Bingo. Just like car insurance companies tell you to never admit fault at the scene of an accident, I'm sure their attorneys are having a conniption over this.jim444 · 07/30/2011 07:44 AM in reply to TimeForChange

All we can go on right now is this story. What you say is right. But, with the firing of the guard and or supervisor, we may never find the real truth. So all we have is this video to go by. If I were one of the people who got fired and could possibly face criminal charges I don't know if I would hang around and go to prison on neglect charges. The mother should have received that video by now. The longer they hold that video the better chance they have to alter the video. Why have they not given the video to her yet? I think in this case they should pay, then they can see what the video shows.charleo1 · 07/30/2011 08:31 AM in reply to TimeForChange

That would be the truth. Would it not?[/list]
Brenda1212 · 07/29/2011 10:07 PM

Where are our morals. Please help this family, they have struggled enough. Everyone, please pray.cljahn · 07/29/2011 11:20 PM

Atwater better get that check into Maritza Perez's hands pronto, and I don't care if it comes out of his own pocket, or if he sells Rick Scott's limo to raise the cash. The state of Florida murdered Perez's son. Enough damage has been done by idiots working for the state; if Atwater can't make this right by Monday morning, he should tender his resignation Monday afternoon. This is simply unacceptable.

Copyright 2011 Miami Herald Media Co.

Ursus · « **Reply #100 on:** August 07, 2011, 01:46:33 PM »

Comments left for the above article, "Florida finance chief won't pay for funeral of teen who died in lockup" (by Carol Marbin Miller, 07.29.11, Miami Herald), #s 21-32:

Richard Nixon 2012 · 07/30/2011 12:00 AM

Where was this concerned mother when her thug offspring was out committing multiple felonies? Maybe if she cared then, he'd still be alive.

charleo1 · 07/30/2011 08:29 AM in reply to Richard Nixon 2012

[/list]
DENALI1 · 07/30/2011 12:07 AM

Once more, your Republicans in action. Happy that you voted for them???Venita Peyton · 07/30/2011 04:48 AM

So does the State feel that paying funeral expenses now may be used in court to suggest that they were wrong and will have to pony up even more later?studd · 07/30/2011 05:54 AM

hed1117 · 07/30/2011 06:49 AM

charleo1 · 07/30/2011 08:37 AM

TheMiddlePath · 07/30/2011 09:28 AM

SouthPort · 07/30/2011 09:54 AM

the state murdered him, but will not pay funeral costs?WOOF · 07/30/2011 10:23 AM

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater has added a few million dollars to the jury's award at the civil trial.Chenzo · 07/30/2011 11:04 AM

The family should go ahead and cremate the young man and sue the @#$% out of the State of Florida for negligence.Johnna Smith · 08/03/2011 11:05 PM

I am pissed reading of this brutality against a 18 yr old boy for christs sake. Not only should tehy pay any funeral costs. The mother should sue the state. There was NO excuse for what happened. The minute they say him having medical problems it was time to get the paramedics there PRONTO. I worked at a police dept and I had to watch the lockup area that was monitored with cameras and sound. This kid was suffering and there is NO excuse for not getting him proper Prompt medical treatment. The fact that my "kids" are 16,18, and 20 just further sickens me. That could have been my 18 yr old son. No excuse. Maritza, Eric's mom needs to SUE them and get that tape. I would not watch it but I would let the lawyers see it and take it as far as they can.

Copyright 2011 Miami Herald Media Co.

Ursus · « **Reply #101 on:** August 11, 2011, 02:56:04 PM »

Apparently Florida will pay part of Eric Perz's funeral costs after all. Atwater seems to have changed his mind:

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WPEC - CBS 12 News

CFO Jeff Atwater says state will pay for teen's funeral
August 01, 2011 6:13 PM

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. -- The state's Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater says he will approve a $5,000 payment to cover funeral expenses for 18-year-old Eric Perez.

Perez died at a Juvenile Detention Center in West Palm Beach this month.

Originally, Atwater blocked the payment stating that the Department of Juvenile Justice officials lacked the authority to issue the money.

Today Atwater released this statement saying:

"My office is now working directly with the family's attorney through our Division of Risk Management, and my commitment is to have a check covering funeral expenses for this young man in the hands of the family within 48 hours."

Copyright © 2011 Freedom Communications · CBS 12 News

Ursus · « **Reply #102 on:** August 11, 2011, 05:06:55 PM »

From the Palm Beach Post blog Post On Politics:

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The Palm Beach Post - Post On Politics

Atwater will reissue check for funeral expenses for teen who died in DJJ care

by Dara Kam | August 1st, 2011

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater said Monday he will sign off on a $5,000 payment to cover funeral expenses for Eric Perez, an 18-year-old who died in state custody in West Palm Beach on July 10.

The Palm Beach Post and The Miami Herald reported this weekend that Atwater blocked the payment. His office told Department of Juvenile Justice officials they lacked statutory authority for the payment although the agency has had a policy for two years to pay up to $5,000 for funeral costs of children who die while in their custody and has issued the payments twice before.

On Monday, Atwater blamed Department of Juvenile Justice officials for what he called “a tragic delay” in a press release Monday afternoon. Atwater promised to send a check to the Perez family’s attorney within 48 hours.

“Regrettably, this tragic delay would not have occurred if the Department of Juvenile Justice had not blatantly ignored guidance from my office,” Atwater said in the release. “In the future, I would hope that DJJ would be more transparent in its dealings with the public and with taxpayer monies.”

Tags: Department of Financial Services, Department of Juvenile Justice, Eric Perez, Jeff Atwater

This entry was posted on Monday, August 1st, 2011 at 3:04 pm and is filed under Dara Kam, Jeff Atwater, state agencies.

Copyright 2011 The Palm Beach Post.

Ursus · « **Reply #103 on:** August 11, 2011, 05:13:43 PM »

Comments left for the above blog piece, "Atwater will reissue check for funeral expenses for teen who died in DJJ care" (by Dara Kam; August 1st, 2011; Palm Beach Post - Post On Politics):

Jeremy Says: August 2nd, 2011 at 10:36 am

is it $5000 enough for payment?Andrew T Says: August 2nd, 2011 at 10:37 am

Ursus · « **Reply #104 on:** August 11, 2011, 05:21:11 PM »

Here's Dara Kam's longer news article...

This article also appeared on New Channel 5's website, along with video news coverage. Same article title: Atwater reverses, issues burial check to family of youth who died in state custody

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The Palm Beach Post

Atwater reverses, issues burial check to family of youth who died in state custody

BY DARA KAM
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Updated: 9:51 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011
Posted: 7:10 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, 2011

Eric Perez · Photo provided

TALLAHASSEE — After his staff blocked the payment last week, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater signed off Monday on a $5,000 check to help cover the costs of a teen who died while in state custody earlier this month and blamed the Department of Juvenile Justice for the delay.

Atwater's office last week stopped the payment sought by DJJ to pay for the funeral of Eric Perez, an 18-year-old who died at a state-run juvenile detention facility in West Palm Beach on July 10.

But after newspapers including The Palm Beach Post reported that Atwater's Department of Financial Services had halted the payment to Tillman Funeral Home, the North Palm Beach banker reissued the check and blasted DJJ officials for the embarrassment.

"Regrettably, this tragic delay would not have occurred if the Department of Juvenile Justice had not blatantly ignored guidance from my office," Atwater said in the release. "In the future, I would hope that DJJ would be more transparent in its dealings with the public and with taxpayer monies."

After printing a $5,000 check to the funeral home, Atwater's staff told DJJ to cancel it because the agency lacked the authority to for the payment, although DJJ has had a policy for at least two years to provide up to $5,000 for funeral costs of children who die while in their custody. The agency has issued the payments twice before, according to DJJ spokesman C.J. Drake.

Drake would not comment on the finger-pointing but said "we're pleased that this matter is finally being resolved in favor of the young man's family."

The check was overnighted Monday to Richard Schuler, an attorney representing Perez' mother Martiza Perez, Atwater spokeswoman Alexis Lambert said.

"They have done an about-face on the issuance of the check for funeral expenses. I think it's the right thing to do under the circumstances," Schuler said.

Atwater was incensed because, Lambert said, the two agencies were negotiating how the payment could be made when DJJ asked for the money and the check was cut. A routine audit by Atwater's department caught the check and Atwater's office then ordered DJJ, which had not yet released the funds, to get the money back and to submit the request to the Risk Management division.

But on Monday, Atwater re-cut a check, Lambert said.

"The most important thing is the check has been cut and overnighted to the family," Lambert said.

Workers at the West Palm Beach detention center waited more than six hours before calling 911 after Perez began vomiting, hallucinating and complaining of severe headaches, according to official reports of the incident. Two guards have been suspended, and DJJ and West Palm Beach police are separately investigating Perez' death.

Copyright © 2011 The Palm Beach Post.

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