Homeless Man Arrested for Possessing ‘Cuff Keys

A homeless Miami Beach man could face years in prison for wearing handcuff keys on a necklace.

Prosecutors on Tuesday formally charged 22-year-old Michael Gonzalez with disorderly intoxication, marijuana possession and two counts of possession of a concealed handcuff key. He was arrested last month after police said he was harassing women on the sand.

Prosecutor Barbara Teresa Govea said in court that the charge is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Assistant Public Defender Michelle Prescott asked the judge if this was a constitutional violation.

The Florida law was passed after the 1998 murders of three Tampa law enforcement officials killed by a man who escaped his handcuffs using a universal key on a necklace.