Gerardo Hernandez has been declared a Sexually Violent Predator and has been civilly committed to the Florida Civil Commitment Center. He was the subject of a Petition for Civil Commitment, following his incarceration for Lewd and Lascivious Molestation on a Victim less than 12 years of age and Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration, in a Collier County case.
The State is responsible for reviewing and presenting information regarding those who are potentially Sexually Violent Predators. Pursuant to section 394.912(10), Florida Statutes, a Sexually Violent Predator is any person who has been convicted of a sexually violent offense and suffers from a mental abnormality or personality disorder that makes the person likely to engage in acts of sexual violence if not confined in a secure facility for long-term control, care, and treatment.
A contracted doctor evaluated the defendant prior to his release from prison and found he met the criteria outlined under Florida law. A petition was then filed to have the defendant committed.
Now, as a Sexually Violent Predator, Hernandez is committed to the custody of the Department of Children and Families where he will remain in a secure facility. Once committed there is an annual review by a Judge.
Assistant State Attorney Bianca Bentley, of the Sexually Violent Predator and Post Conviction Units, drafted the response for the petition and handled the case.
Samantha Syoen – Communications Director, State Attorney’s Office