LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — At 18 years old, Montez Hardaway has faced more trials and tribulations than most people his age.
As an early adolescent, he experienced physical, sexual and mental abuse, which led to trauma and criminal activity, and that criminal activity landed him in front of a judge.
"I was charged with two aggravated robberies... I was a felon and facing 40 years of life," Hardaway said. "I came out on top."
Hardaway ensured that wasn't the end of his story. Now, he's doing the same for others to set them up for success.
"I see the main problem is that kids are scared to ask for help, and so I'm connecting with them," Hardaway said. "I had extra help to get out of this position... now what do we need to do for you to help further your career, education [or] school?" Hardaway said.
Hardaway now works as an interceptor for the prosecuting attorney's office in Pulaski County. He coordinates outreach to teens and their families, letting them know that success is possible.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Casey Beard started working on this mission last year when the county saw a rise in juvenile cases.
"We can help a family that is willing to receive the help before they're at the crisis point of the teenage years where some of that violence has really taken hold," Beard said.
Beard said since last year, they have been down 30% in homicides and only counted three juveniles that their office charged as adults with homicide since Jan. 1. That's why this new youth violence initiative is all a part of their plan to open the doors of their office and get out in the community and schools.
"While we have to react to the things that are already happening right now, we hope we're getting to start really early in this process of the future lives and impact those so that we are turning off that faucet and getting to people before the bang," Beard said. "That we will turn off that faucet for the crime that we have to react to."
Beard said having a partner like Hardaway leading the way will make the process much easier.
"We love to have him on this team [and] we love to see all the work that he's doing," Beard said. "The fact that he received help with open arms and chose to receive it has been heartwarming to see like it makes me melt."