Florida Judge Shocks Criminal With Stories Of Their Youth!

Miami-Dade County judge talking to defendant she recognized as a former friend goes viral.

Cue the irony.

In Florida, a Miami-Dade County circuit judge got national attention when she recognized that one of the defendants standing trial is a former childhood friend. This childhood friend got very emotional.

Circuit court judge Mindy Glazer read the name of the suspect Arthur Booth.

As Booth appeared towards the closed circuit television, Judge Glazer asked Booth if he attended Nautilus Middle School.

As soon as he replied he recognized the judge and went into tears. He realized that he was truly embarrassed to see him in this predicament.

"Oh my goodness," replied Booth repeatedly, clearly overwhelmed by the unexpected meeting.

"I'm sorry to see you here," replied Judge Glazer. "I always wondered what happened to you."

“This was the nicest kid in middle school. He was the best kid in middle school. I used to play football with him, all the kids, and look what has happened.”

"What's sad is how old we've become," she continued before concluding: "Good luck to you, sir, I hope you are able to come out of this OK and just lead a lawful life."

Booth, 49, was arrested on Monday after being spotted driving a car that matched the description of one allegedly involved in a robbery and failing to stop after a police officer signaled him to.

A police chase followed, resulting in two accidents before he crashed the car. He fled on foot but was eventually caught and charged with various offences.

His cousin, Melissa Miller, said Booth used to be academic and an athlete, but that he turned to a life of crime after succumbing to drug addictions.

Miller speculated that when Booth saw his playmate he was thinking: "Wow, I had those possibilities and those opportunities ... that should have been me up there.''

The judge set bail at $44,000. Booth reportedly remains behind bars.