Filed: Apr. 30, 2015
Latest Update: Apr. 30, 2015
Summary: ORDER OF DETENTION PENDING TRIAL STEPHEN WM SMITH , Magistrate Judge . In accordance with the Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. 3142(f), the Government moved for detention in this case. 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 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
Summary: ORDER OF DETENTION PENDING TRIAL STEPHEN WM SMITH , Magistrate Judge . In accordance with the Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. 3142(f), the Government moved for detention in this case. 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 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..
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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), the Government moved for detention in this case. 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 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
[X] for which a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years or more is prescribed in 21 U.S.C.
(X) § 801 et seq. () § 951 et seq. () § 955(a).
[] under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
[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 possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841 and 18 U.S.C. § 2.
[X] (2) There is a serious risk that the defendant will flee.
[X] (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.
[X] (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 indictment and the information submitted in the Pretrial Services Agency report establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant as required and by clear and convincing evidence that no conditions will assure the safety of the community.
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 United States citizen who has resided in Brownsville, Texas his entire life. He denies having a passport, although he recently applied for one. He denies ever having traveled outside the United States. He resides with his mother and grandmother and 2 young nieces in Brownsville. He has never been married and has no children. He has worked since 2008 for a Construction company in Brownsville.
2. Defendant is accused of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 and 18 U.S.C. § 2. Defendant faces a potential penalty of 10 years to life in prison.
3. Defendant's criminal history includes convictions for possession of a controlled substance, driving while intoxicated, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and charges of theft.
4. Defendant admits to current use of marijuana and cocaine. He has an active warrant for his arrest in Georgia for failure to appear in court.
5. Defendant has not rebutted the statutory presumptions that he is a flight risk and a danger to the community.
6. There is no condition or combination of conditions of release which would assure the appearance of the defendant in court or the safety of the community. 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.
