Opinion
Case No. 1:12 Cr 60
03-23-2012
United States of America v. Ronquela Christine Wallace Defendant
ORDER OF DETENTION PENDING TRIAL
After conducting a detention hearing under the Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f), I conclude that these facts require that the defendant be detained pending trial.
Part I - Findings of Fact
___ (1) The defendant is charged with an offense described in 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f)(1) and has previously been convicted of ___ a federal offense___ a state or local offense that would have been a federal offense iffederal jurisdiction had existed - that is
___ a crime of violence as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 3156(a)(4), or an offense listed in 18 U.S.C. § 2332b(g)(5)(B) for which the prison term is 10 years or more.
___ an offense for which the maximum sentence is death or life imprisonment.
___ an offense for which a maximum prison term of ten years or more is prescribed in:
___ a felony 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.
___ any felony that is not a crime ofviolence but involves:
___ a minor victim
___ the possession or use of a firearm or destructive device or any other dangerous weapon
___ a failure to register under18 U.S.C. § 2250
___ (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 less than 5 years has elapsed since the___ date of conviction_________________defendant's release from prison for the offense described in finding (1).
___ (4) Findings (1), (2) and (3) establish a rebuttable presumption that no condition will reasonably assure the safety of another person or the community. I further find that defendant has not rebutted that presumption.
Alternative Findings (A)
___ (1) There is probable cause to believe that the defendant has committed an offense
___ forwhich a maximum prison term often years or more is prescribed in
Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.)*
___ under18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
___ (2) The defendant has not rebutted the presumption established by finding (1) that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the defendant's appearance and the safety ofthe community.
Alternative Findings (B)
√ (1) There is a serious risk that the defendant will not appear.
___ (2) There is a serious risk that the defendant will endanger the safety of another person or the community.
Part II - Statement of the Reasons for Detention
I find that the testimony and information submitted at the detention hearing establishes by _________________clear and convincing
evidence√ a preponderance of the evidence that:
defendant is a 32-year-old married woman with a history of physical and mental health problems. She has moved around the country with her husband, an enlisted man in the Navy, and her children. Defendant has a long criminal history spanning 15 years, including both felony and misdemeanor convictions. She has frequently used aliases or false names in an effort to evade prosecution. The most recent episode involved her use of her sister's name in a federal prosecution in No. Carolina, leading to a conviction for giving false statements to the US Probation Officer and a 12-month sentence. There are four documented instances of failure to appear and numerous instances of committing new offenses while on supervision. Defendant was on bond when she allegedly committed the instant offenses, which again involve impersonation.
Part III - Directions Regarding Detention
The defendant is committed to the custody of the Attorney General or a designated representative for confinement in a corrections facility separate, to the extent practicable, from persons awaiting or serving sentences or held in custody pending appeal. The defendant must be afforded a reasonable opportunity to consult privately with defense counsel. On order of United States Court or on request of an attorney for the Government, the person in charge of the corrections facility must deliver the defendantttotthetUnitedtStatestmarshaltfortatcourttappearance.
Judge's Signature: Joseph G. Scoville
Name and Title Joseph G. Scoville, U.S. Magistrate Judge