Opinion
CRIMINAL NO. B-12-79
03-27-2012
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. JORGE ALBERTO BRIONES
ORDER OF DETENTION PENDING TRIAL
In accordance with the Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f), the Government moved for detention pending trial and the Defendant waived his right to a detention hearing. That waiver of detention hearing is entered in the record as Dkt. No. 52. I conclude that the following facts are established by a preponderance of the 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
[ 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 and possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 and 846.
[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 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 establish 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 there is no condition or combination of conditions of release which would reasonably 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 40 year-old U.S. citizen born in Laredo, Texas. He is currently incarcerated in the Federal Detention Center serving a 97-month sentence for money laundering. He has a projected release date of 2020.
2. In addition to the charge on which he is incarcerated, defendant has a prior conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
3. Defendant is charged with conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 and 846. He faces potential penalties of 10 years to life confinement.
4. Defendant has not rebutted the statutory presumptions that he is a flight risk and a danger to the community.
5. There is no condition or combination of conditions of release which would assure the safety of the community or defendant's 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.
Signed at Houston, Texas on March 26, 2012.
______________
Stephen Wm Smith
United States Magistrate Judge