Story perspectives

9-Year-Old's Mugshot Sparks Outcry Over Juvenile Policy

11/21/2025

34 8

Summary

Story summary

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office posted a 9-year-old boy's name and mugshot after an arrest for allegedly threatening a classmate with a pocketknife, drawing backlash.
Public information officer Allison Merritt says the policy, in place since 2018, aims to keep parents informed.
Florida law permits releasing juvenile information for felony charges.
Experts warn this can have lasting negative effects on a child's life.
Families can request removal of such images.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office posted a 9-year-old boy's name and mugshot after an arrest for allegedly threatening a classmate with a pocketknife, drawing backlash.
Public information officer Allison Merritt says the policy, in place since 2018, aims to keep parents informed.
Florida law permits releasing juvenile information for felony charges.
Experts warn this can have lasting negative effects on a child's life.
Families can request removal of such images.