The Department of Juvenile Services is standing behind confidentiality laws when questioned about concerns surrounding Tristan Jackson, one of the five defendants convicted in connection with the Brooklyn Day mass shooting.

Specifically, the wrap-around services that failed to prevent recidivism.

During Jackson’s sentencing, his attorney revealed the following information concerning Jackson during the summer 2023 and when the Brooklyn Day mass shooting happened:

Jackson was on probation and wearing an ankle monitor due to being found in possession of a handgun while at Mervo High School.

Jackson was enrolled with ROCA, a mentorship program that partners with the State.

Jackson was a paid intern with the Department of Juvenile Services.

“Why is somebody who is on supervision and wearing an ankle monitor getting paid by the Department of Juvenile Services for an internship?” questioned Jeremy Eldridge, a legal expert who is not involved in Jackson’s case. “It’s odd that you have an offender working for an agency while they are under supervision, while that same agency fails to adequately monitor the youth and then he commits a violent crime.”

Jackson’s attorney also revealed Jackson’s probation officer had permitted him to attend Brooklyn Day.

The mass shooting happened after midnight, and throughout the day, videos were surfacing online. Eldridge pointed out what he considers a flaw in the system.

“Even though we have someone on 24/7 supervision, we really only monitor them 40 hours a week because during those other hours the courts are closed, the employees aren’t working and the kids can get in trouble on the weekends when no one is actually monitoring them,” Eldridge said.

FOX45 News questioned DJS about the details revealed during Jackson’s sentencing.

A spokesperson wrote, “Per state confidentiality laws, DJS cannot comment about individual cases or youth.”

FOX45 News took a broader approach, sending another list of questions asking:

Does DJS have an internship program for juveniles?

Who is enrolled in this program?

Is it any juvenile or specifically juveniles who are already in the DJS system?

Is there a program where juveniles receive a stipend from DJS?

What are the details of this program?

Who created it?

Who is eligible?

How much is the stipend?

FOX45 News has yet to receive a response to this inquiry.

Have a news tip? Contact Alexa Ashwell at aashwell@sbgtv.com.