From Harassment to Justice: The Journey of Lorenzo Scott
Five years ago, Lorenzo Scott’s life was defined by hardship. Homeless and living out of his car in Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Florida, he was subjected to relentless harassment by the local sheriff’s department. Deputies followed him, pulled him over repeatedly, and subjected him to relentless questioning. The stress was unbearable—one night, while speaking on the phone, Lorenzo was so overwhelmed that he was physically sick, vomiting on the side of the road.
Despite his circumstances, Lorenzo refused to accept this mistreatment in silence. With guidance and support from the Courtroom Accountability Project, he took the first step toward reclaiming his dignity by filing a formal complaint against the sheriff’s office. This action gave him a brief respite from the harassment, but he knew it wasn’t enough. He needed a more substantial way to protect himself and expose the injustices happening in his community.
The solution came in the form of technology and empowerment. Through the Courtroom Accountability Project, Lorenzo’s vehicle was equipped with multiple camera systems, allowing him to livestream and document every interaction with law enforcement. These cameras were provided as part of the Project’s community work, ensuring that any improper actions by law enforcement would be recorded and made public. The Courtroom Accountability Project also developed an app, which Lorenzo has been using along with Microsoft Teams channels to record and store all of his activities safely. This system not only provided protection but also served as a powerful tool to hold officers accountable.
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But Lorenzo didn’t stop at self-protection. Inspired to take a proactive role in fighting injustice, he set his sights on becoming a private investigator. With the direct intervention and support of the Courtroom Accountability Project, he successfully obtained his private investigator’s license. His achievement was made possible through the Cheryl Ellis Scholarship Award, which he received in 2024. Thanks to Cheryl Ellis’s legacy, Lorenzo was able to receive the training and certification necessary to launch his career in investigative work.
Now, Lorenzo patrols the streets, documenting police interactions with civilians, providing a crucial watchdog service in his community. His mission echoes the work of Diop Kamau three decades ago—standing up against police misconduct and giving a voice to those who need it most.
Beyond his role as a private investigator, Lorenzo is no longer homeless and has achieved stability in his life. Where he was once the target of unjust scrutiny, he is now an advocate, a protector, and a force for justice.
Lorenzo Scott’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of standing up against injustice. Thanks to the intervention of the Courtroom Accountability Project and the enduring impact of Cheryl Ellis’s legacy, he is not only safe but thriving, proving that even in the face of adversity, with the right tools and determination, change is possible.
The Courtroom Accountability Project continues its work, having successfully graduated multiple individuals who, like Lorenzo, have turned their lives around and become investigators, advocates, and defenders of justice. The program stands as a beacon of hope for those who seek to fight back against injustice and reclaim their futures
