JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A 17-year-old’s future is in the hands of justice system after he allegedly donned a ski mask and carried a loaded rifle near a Jacksonville middle school.
Tray’tavious Martin was arrested for discharging, exhibiting or possessing a weapon or firearm on school property and possession of a firearm by a minor.
First Coast News has learned Martin previously attended the Florida Youth Challenge Academy, a program of the Florida National Guard that leads, trains and mentors at-risk youth. A National Guard representative told First Coast News Martin graduated last December.
Now, Martin’s case is in the hands of the juvenile justice system.
“They will determine from there what will best serve him and also keep the community safe as well,” Carmella Prescott, clinical supervisor with Daniel Kids, said.
Daniel Kids is an organization that counsels kids and teens referred by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Counselors provide in-home services for both the minors and their families.
Prescott said once a minor is arrested, they go through a risk assessment to determine the best course of action.
“Anger management classes, consequence of crime classes, or they could be committed to a program like ours,” she said.
Prescott expected Martin to be ordered to a commitment facility because of the severity of the crime. While there, though, Prescott said he’ll have access to counseling services which will continue after he’s released. At that point, he could be referred to a program like Daniel Kids.
“Find out what’s going on,” Prescott said. “What caused them to make a poor decision. What’s going on in the home and what kind of services do they need us to provide.”
They also help plan for the future.
“So I’m always talking about, is it a trade you’re interested in?” Prescott said. “Is it college? And sometimes I’m probably the first person that talks to them about college, the possibility of that.”
Prescott said 86 percent of minors who have completed the program have not committed another crime.
First Coast News spoke with a relative of Martin’s Friday, who said the family had no comment.