COLUMBUS, Ohio-In Franklin County, crimes such as car theft, aggravated robbery, and murder are committed by a small segment of juveniles. Judge Lasheyl Stroud, leading the Juvenile Branch of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, asserts that the court is not lenient on crime despite community perceptions. Data shows an increase in the number of juveniles sent to the Department of Youth Services (DYS) from 33 in 2020 to 65 in 2023, reflecting a significant rise. However, fewer juveniles are being transferred to adult court for serious crimes like aggravated robbery and murder. The use of GPS monitoring for juveniles has also increased from 137 orders in 2020 to 413 in 2023. Stroud highlights the long-term impacts of detention on youth, emphasizing its detrimental effect on educational outcomes.
