Opinion
CRIMINAL NO. H-11-513
08-01-2011
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. MOHAMMED ZAINALDIN
ORDER OF DETENTION PENDING TRIAL
In accordance with the Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f), the Government moved for detention in this case. Defendant requested postponement of a detention hearing pending resolution of removal proceedings pending with Immigration and Custom Enforcement. I conclude that the following facts are established by a preponderance of the evidence and require the detention of the defendant pending further hearing.
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[ ] B. Findings of Fact [18 U.S.C. § 3142(e)]
[ ] a crime of violence as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 3156(a)(4).[ ] (2) The offense described in finding 1 was committed while the defendant was on release pending trial for a federal, state or local offense.
[ ] 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.
[ ] (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.
[ ] (1) There is probable cause to believe that the defendant has committed an offense[x] C. Findings of Fact [18 U.S.C. § 3142(f)(2)]
[ ] for which a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years or more is prescribed in 21 U.S.C.[ ] (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.
() § 801 et seq. () § 951 et seq. () § 955(a).
[ ] under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
[x] (1) Defendant is accused of transporting stolen merchandise and laundering funds.[x] D. Findings of Fact [18 U.S.C. § 3142(c)]
[x] (2) There is a serious risk that the defendant will flee.
[ ] (3)
[ ] (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).
[ ] (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 in the Pretrial Services 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 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 33 year old citizen of Palestine with no legal status in the United States. I.C.E. has issued a detainer against him. He reports employment in Houston with Quick Gas and Lube, Inc.
2. Defendant is currently in I.C.E. custody and there is an outstanding warrant for his removal from the United States pending.
3. Defendant's criminal history includes prior charges of possession of marijuana and engaging in organized criminal activity.
4. Defendant is charged with conspiracy to transport stolen merchandise in interstate commerce in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, conspiracy to launder funds in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h), transporting stolen goods (5 counts) in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2314, and structuring transactions to evade reporting requirements (22 counts) in violation of 31 U.S.C. § 5324(a)(3). He faces a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
5. There is no condition or combination of conditions of release which would assure the appearance of the defendant 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.
It is further ORDERED that this order will remain in effect until further order of the court following any future detention hearing.
Signed at Houston, Texas, on August 1, 2011.
Stephen Wm Smith
United States Magistrate Judge