Opinion
CR 24-475-AB
08-15-2024
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Plaintiff, v. MICHAEL PONTIOUS, Defendant.
ORDER OF DETENTION
ALKA SAGAR, UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
I.
On August 15, 2024. Defendant made his initial appearance on the Indictment filed in this case. Deputy Federal Public Defender Holtz Ortiz Alden was appointed to represent Defendant. Defendant submitted on the recommendation of detention in the report prepared by U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services.
[] On motion of the Government [18 U.S.C. § 3142(f)(1)] in a case allegedly involving a narcotics or controlled suosrance offense with maximum sentence of ten or more years.
[X] On mot5on by the Government or on the Court's own motion [18 U.S.C. § 3142(f)(2)] in a case allegedly involving a serious risk that the defendant will flee.
The Court concludes that the Government is not entitled to a rebuttable presumption that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the defendant's appearance as required and the safety or any person or the community [18 U.S.C § 3142(e)(2)].
II.
The Court finds that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure: [X] the appearance of the defendant as required.
[X] the safety of any person oi the community.
III.
The Court has considered- (a) the nature and circumstances of the offense(s) charged, including whether the offense is a crime of violence, a Federal crime of terrorism, or involves a minor victim or a controlled substance, firearm, explosive, or destructive device; (b) the weight of evidence against the defendant; (c) the history and characteristics of the defendant; and (d) the nature and seriousness of the danger to any person or the community. [18 U.S.C. § 3142(g)] The Court also considered the report and recommendation prepared by United States Probation and Pretrial Services.
IV.
The Court bases its conclusions on the following:
As to risk of non-appearance:
[X] Background information is unverified as Defendant did not consent to be interviewed by U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services.
[X] No available bail resources
[X] Defendant has multiple name variations and identities and an identification card with an out of state address.
As to danger to the community:
[X] Defendant has a significant criminal history and law enforcement contacts.
[X] Allegations in the Indictment
V.
The defendant will be committed to the custody of the Attorney General 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 will be afforded reasonable opportunity for private consultation with counsel. On order of a Court of the United States or on request of any attorney for the Government, the person in charge of the corrections facility in which defendant is confined will deliver the defendant to a I tiited States Marshal for the purpose of an appearance in connection with a court proceeding.