Filed: Mar. 19, 2014
Latest Update: Mar. 19, 2014
Summary: ORDER OF DETENTION PENDING TRIAL STEPHEN WM. SMITH, Magistrate Judge. In accordance with the Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. 3142(f), a detention hearing has been held. I conclude that the following facts are established by a preponderance of the evidence or clear and convincing evidence and require the detention of the above-named defendant pending trial in this case. Findings of Fact [] A. Findings of Fact [18 U.S.C. 3142(e), 3142(f)(1)]. [ ] (1) The defendant has been convicted of a (fe
Summary: ORDER OF DETENTION PENDING TRIAL STEPHEN WM. SMITH, Magistrate Judge. In accordance with the Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. 3142(f), a detention hearing has been held. I conclude that the following facts are established by a preponderance of the evidence or clear and convincing evidence and require the detention of the above-named defendant pending trial in this case. Findings of Fact [] A. Findings of Fact [18 U.S.C. 3142(e), 3142(f)(1)]. [ ] (1) The defendant has been convicted of a (fed..
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ORDER OF DETENTION PENDING TRIAL
STEPHEN WM. SMITH, Magistrate Judge.
In accordance with the Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f), a detention hearing has been held. I conclude that the following facts are established by a preponderance of the evidence or clear and convincing evidence and require the detention of the above-named defendant pending trial in this case.
Findings of Fact
[] A. Findings of Fact [18 U.S.C. § 3142(e), § 3142(f)(1)].
[ ] (1) The defendant has been convicted of a (federal offense) (state or local offense that would have been a federal offense if a circumstance giving rise to federal jurisdiction had existed) that is
[ ] a crime of violence as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 3156(a)(4).
[ ] an offense for which the maximum sentence is life imprisonment or death.
[ ] an offense for which a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years or more is prescribed in 21 U.S.C. ( ) § 801 et seq. ( ) § 951 et seq. () § 955(a).
[ ] a felony that was committed after the defendant had been convicted of two or more prior federal offenses described in 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f)(1) (A)-(C), or comparable state or local offenses.
[ ] (2) The offense described in finding 1 was committed while the defendant was on release pending trial for a federal, state or local offense.
[ ] (3) A period of not more than five years has elapsed since the (date of conviction) (release of the defendant from imprisonment) for the offense described in finding 1.
[ ] (4) Findings Nos. 1, 2, and 3 establish a rebuttable presumption that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of any other person and the community. I further find that the defendant has not rebutted this presumption.
[X] B. Findings of Fact [18 U.S.C. § 3142(e)]
[X] (1) There is probable cause to believe that the defendant has committed an offense
[ ] for which a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years or more is prescribed in 21 U.S.C.
( ) § 801 et seq. ( ) § 951 et seq. ( ) § 955(a).
[ ] under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
[X] involving a minor victim under 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(2).
[X] (2) The defendant has not rebutted the presumption established by finding 1 that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant as required and the safety of the community.
[X] C. Findings of Fact [18 U.S.C. § 3142(f)(2)]
[X] (1) Defendant is accused of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1591, 1592, and 1594.
[X] (2) There is a serious risk that the defendant will flee.
[ ] (3) Defendant represents a danger to the community.
[ ] (4) There is a serious risk that the defendant will (obstruct or attempt to obstruct justice) (threaten, injure, or intimidate a prospective witness or juror, or attempt to do so).
[X] D. Findings of Fact [18 U.S.C. § 3142(c)]
[ ] (1) As a condition of release of the defendant, bond was set as follows:
[ ] (2)
[X] (3) I find that there is no condition or combination of conditions set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3142(c) which will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant as required.
[ ] (4) I find that there is no condition or combination of conditions set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3142(c) which will reasonably assure the safety of any other person or the community.
Written Statement of Reasons for Detention
I find that the accusations in the criminal indictment, the information submitted in the Pretrial Services Agency report, and evidence at the detention hearing establish by a preponderance of the evidence that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant as required.
I conclude that the following factors specified in 18 U.S.C. § 3142(g) are present and are to be taken into account:
1. Defendant is a 25 or 26-year old female United States citizen born in Los Angeles. She relocated to Houston in 2005. Her mother and three siblings reside in New Orleans, a brother is a student in Waco, Texas. She is not married and has no children. She has previously been employed at "gentlemen's clubs" and at a day care facility. She has tenuous family and economic ties to the community.
2. Defendant is charged with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1591, 1592, and 1594. She faces a potential penalty of 10 years to life in prison.
3. Defendant faces state felony charges of compelling prostitution, aggravated promotion of prostitution, and possession of a controlled substance.
4. Defendant does not have stable employment and TWC records show no reportable wage income for the last year.
5. Defendant has no stable residence, often staying in various hotels in the Houston area that are used for sex trafficking purposes.
6. The evidence at the hearing was that defendant was involved in arranging the prostitution of minors, and, in at least one instance, sexually violated a minor victim.
7. Defendant has not rebutted the presumption that there is no condition or combination of conditions of release which would assure her appearance in court. Detention is ordered.
Directions Regarding Detention
It is therefore ORDERED that the defendant is committed to the custody of the Attorney
General or his designated representative for confinement in a corrections facility separate, to the extent practicable, from persons awaiting or serving sentences or being held in custody pending appeal. The defendant shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity for private consultation with defense counsel. On order of a court of the United States or on request of an attorney for the Government, the person in charge of the corrections facility shall deliver the defendant to the United States Marshal for the purpose of an appearance in connection with all court proceedings.
