Opinion
Case No. 17-CR-00087-RBJ
04-05-2017
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff, v. EMERSON MOISES VELASQUEZ-RAMOS, Defendant.
FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW and REASONS FOR ORDER OF DETENTION
This matter is before the court for detention hearing on April 5, 2017. The court has taken judicial notice of the court's file and the pretrial services report. In addition, I have considered the proffer submitted by defense counsel and the arguments of counsel.
In order to sustain a motion for detention, the government must establish that (a) there is no condition or combination of conditions which could be imposed in connection with pretrial release that would reasonably insure the defendant's presence for court proceedings; or (b) there is no condition or combination of conditions which could be imposed in connection with pretrial release that would reasonably insure the safety of any other person or the community. The former element must be established by a preponderance of the evidence, while the latter requires proof by clear and convincing evidence.
If there is probable cause to believe that the defendant committed an offense which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of over 10 years and is an offense prescribed by the Controlled Substances Act, a rebuttable presumption arises that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required and the safety of the community.
The Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3142(g), directs the court to consider the following factors in determining whether there are conditions of release that will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant as required and the safety of any other person and the community:
(1) [t]he nature and circumstances of the offense charged, including whether the offense is a crime of violence or involves a narcotic drug;
(2) the weight of the evidence against the person;
(3) the history and characteristics of the person, including -
(A) the person's character, physical and mental condition, family ties, employment, financial resources, length of residence in the community, community ties, past conduct, history relating to drug or alcohol abuse, criminal history, and record concerning appearance at court proceedings; and
(B) whether at the time of the current offense or arrest, the person was on probation, on parole, or on other release pending trial, sentencing, appeal, or completion of sentence for an offense under Federal, State or local law; and
(4) the nature and seriousness of the danger to any person or the community that would be posed by the person's release.
The government is requesting detention in this case. In making my findings of fact, I have taken judicial notice of the information set forth in the pretrial services report and the entire court file. In addition, I have considered the proffer submitted by defense counsel and the arguments of counsel. Weighing the statutory factors set forth in the Bail Reform Act, I find the following:
First, the defendant has been charged in the Indictment with Illegal Re-entry of a Removed Alien in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). Based upon the Indictment, I find probable cause exists that the defendant committed the charged offense.
Second, I find that the Defendant is in the United States illegally. There is an ICE detainer that has been lodged against the defendant. Defendant was born in Honduras and is a citizen of Honduras. Defendant does not possess a Colorado driver's license. Defendant has used at least three alias names in the past.
Third, I find that the defendant two pending criminal cases. In the Third District Court, Salt Lake City, Utah under Case No. 15190667, the defendant is charged in Count No. 1 with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (felony) and in Count No. 2 with Obstructing Justice (felony). In the Denver District Court Case No. 17-cr-901, the defendant is charged with Distribution of a Controlled Substance (felony). In both of the above cases there are warrants outstanding. Defendant has also suffered one prior failure to appear.
Fourth, I find that defendant's time in the community is unknown and his employment status is unknown. Further, it is does not appear that defendant has any familial or financial ties to the District of Colorado. Defendant is not contesting detention at this time. Defendant is a flight risk.
In light of these facts and the defendant's immigration status, I find, by a preponderance of evidence, that no condition or combination of conditions of release will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant. Accordingly, I order that the defendant be detained without bond.
Done this 5th day of April 2017.
BY THE COURT
S/ Michael J. Watanabe
Michael J. Watanabe
U.S. Magistrate Judge