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More Phoenix Shooting Concerns

More Phoenix Shooting Concerns

Man Dies in Phoenix Shooting

It’s pretty bad that you can’t go outside of your apartment building without fear of being shot. Should you fear of being shot? Guess it all depends on what neighborhood you live in and what kind of activities you’re involved in. Of course you could be totally innocent and just be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Sadly, a Phoenix man has lost his life due to wound he suffered from when he was shot. He was shot outside of a south Phoenix Apartment complex on a Tuesday morning.

Twenty-nine year old, Mario Ruiz was found wounded and lying outside of an apartment unit as two young children were outside along. According to the Phoenix Police, the children were both under five years old. The apartment complex is located near Eighth Street and Dobbins Road and happened around 11:30 a.m. rather odd time for a shooting.

Sgt. Vince Lewis later reported that the young man was taken to the local hospital where he sadly passed away.

Family members have now taken the children into their custody. Thank goodness the kids weren’t harmed as well.

Police Request:

Anyone with further information regarding the incident is urged to call Silent Witness at 480-948-6377 (WITNESS) or for Spanish 480-837-8446 (TESTIGO).

Smoke Shop Shooting

Working a late night shift at any public place must be pretty scary. Anything can happen and there’s not a whole lot of witnesses to keep you safe from harm.

Now, police have to investigate an incident where a smoke shop incident where a smoke shop employee was shot overnight.

According to the reports, the incident happened close to 19th Avenue and Indian School Road. The smoke shop employee was shot and then stumbled their way across the street to the laundromat to get help.

The police haven’t figured out for sure what happened. If it was an argument or an attempted robbery however, they are going over the surveillance video. Luckily, the victim is in stable condition and will hopefully be able to explain more about the situation. At this time, there isn’t any suspects.

Shooting Sentencing

Thirty-five years old you would think that you’re old enough to be out of trouble but young enough to have your whole life ahead of you. According to reports, thirty-five year old, Jerry Valentin was sentenced Friday for a felony assault with a deadly weapon. This happened don the 91 Freeway and near the Interstate 5 interchange. Which that part of the freeway stays pretty busy.

Now Valentin will be spending five years in the State prison. Seems a little light for such a severe offense. The drive by shooting happened back in August 2014 when Valentin was driving eastbound on the 91 Freeway. Valentin then swerved his vehicle towards an SUV that was being drove by an unnamed driver.

According to the reports, Valentin drove beside the SUV and then fired shotgun rounds at it. He fired at least one round at the driver’s side of the victim’s SUV.

Schroeder’s Statement:

The victim was hit in the arm and torso, as a result of the pellets fired from the shotgun round. The victim called 911 and continued to follow Valentin’s vehicle.

Around 4:45 p.m. the CHP aka California Highway Patrol officers were able to stop a vehicle that matched the description of the suspect’s vehicle.

Phoenix Murder

Sadly depression can mess with your mind and body in more ways than one. Now a nineteen year old Phoenix man will be facing a first degree murder charge in connection with the shooting of his sister. The nineteen year old reportedly had a history of domestic violence as well as depression.

According to the police the young ma had planned to leave the state after he had planned to kill his entire family.

On July 14th it started. Around five o’clock in the evening Ignacio C. Estrada killed his fifteen year old little sister. He also injured his father during an argument. The fight broke out over a $20,000 loan that he had given his parents over a year ago. Which is quite bit of money for a eighteen year old young man to loan his parents.

Reports say that Estrada had stolen car keys from his brother’s room and then went to get a shotgun from the trunk of his car which was at his family’s home at the time.

Apparently Estrada had planned the killing out the night before. He started by targeting his younger sister. So, he fired in the direction of his sister’s bedroom three to four times. He had plotted to kill his dad when he had gotten home from work, however things went awry when the gun malfunction. As he tried to shoot his dad a second time, he missed.  I’m sure his dad is thankful for that but wishes he would have been so lucky to have missed his sister.

Domestic Shooting

The two men started fight which lasted for about thirty minutes. Estrada’s mother got home from work and found them fighting and saw the gun nearby. She immediately called the police.

When the police arrived to the scary, heartbreaking scene, she told the officers that her son was “not right in the head”.  When the officers got to the scene the two men were still fighting and the gun was still nearby. Thankfully the police were able to break up the fight and arrest Estrada.

Not only is Estrada going to be facing a murder count but also a suspicion of burglary, kidnapping, aggravated assault, armed robbery, first degree murder as well as three counts of attempted first degree murder.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

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battery Homicide Traumatic Brain Injury Wrongful Death

Homicide in Phoenix Area

Homicides in Phoenix Area

Phoenix Shooting Involving an Officer

Being an officer in the Phoenix area isn’t an easy task, especially when it comes to shootings and homicide cases. No way would I want that job. I definitley admire them for their hard work, at least the ones who truly do things the right way.

According to reports, on Monday a woman in Phoenix was armed and ready for battle. She was loaded with a gun and suspected of fatally shooting a man in central Phoenix. She was later shot and killed by an officer.

The reports show that the woman was only in her twenties, and was shot at the Japanese Friendship Garden in downtown Phoenix.

According to Phoenix Police Sgt. Vince Lewis, the responding officers were responding to a homicide scene in an apartment near Central and Minnezona avenues.  That happened around 12:15 p.m. which is a rather odd time for a homicide. When they got to the scene they saw a middle age man with several gunshot wounds. The man was transported to the local hospital, however he was later reported dead.

Sgt. Lewis said that the Officers were able to identify the suspect as a female who was recently seen leaving the scene in a dark blue Jaguar. The vehicle had an Arkansas license plate.

Not long after the shooting happened the woman had visited a restaurant near Central Avenue and Portland Street for several hours. She then left the restaurant and the police got a tip about an armed woman that had matched the suspects description.

Homicide Suspect

An officer then found the woman at the local Japanese Friendship Garden and proceeded to request backup.  They tried to “communicate and begin negotiations” with her but that doesn’t always work.

Lewis’ Statement:

Several non-lethal, less-lethal tools and tactics were brought to the scene with the goal of continuing that contact with her.

The woman then went a little crazy and started to say she was going to shoot her self with a handgun. An experienced Officer on the scene then had no other choice than to take the lead and to fire his weapon at the woman. Others then began life saving efforts. She was quickly transported to the hospital but despite everyone’s best efforts she succumbed to her injures.

Sometimes, officers have to make that impossible choice and then they have to live with that decision the rest of their lives. Hopefully, this officer can live with his.

Phoenix Homicide Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

If you have been charged with murder, the attorney you choose to defend you will likely be one of the most important decisions you ever make. Obtaining a strong defense could be the difference between freedom and a life behind bars.

 

At the Phoenix based Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, you will find the experienced, dedicated and highly skilled trial attorneys you need to protect your rights. Each of our attorneys made a conscious decision to become a criminal defense lawyer. We could have chosen any other field of law, but defending the freedom and liberty of people who are facing the possibility of incarceration was our first choice. We believe strongly that skilled and passionate defense attorneys can make a difference in the lives of their clients. We go into every case feeling that we can make that difference.

 

Hiring the Right Homicide Lawyer in Phoenix

Having a skilled homicide defense attorney is important in any criminal case, but it is even more critical in a murder case. To properly defend a client against a murder charge, a defense lawyer must be prepared to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence. To do so, a Phoenix Murder Defense Attorney must be prepared to effectively cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses, including any expert witnesses.

 

Expert Witnesses

In some cases, a Phoenix Homicide Defense Attorney may need to use expert witnesses on behalf of the defendant to challenge forensic evidence, ballistics evidence and other scientific evidence presented by the prosecution. We are prepared to do so and have worked with expert witnesses in the past to provide a vigorous defense on our clients’ behalf.

 

In addition to fighting your charges at trial (or seeking a case dismissal for lack of probable cause), we can also negotiate with the prosecution to seek a favorable plea agreement. A plea agreement might involve a plea to a lesser offense or an agreement on sentencing that will significantly reduce the penalties you face.

 

Homicide Defense Strategy

We will take the time to talk to witnesses, investigate what really happened in your case, understand what evidence is in the prosecution’s possession, look for holes in the prosecution’s case, and determine if the police violated your constitutional rights or made other critical errors that can be used to your advantage.

We are committed to raising a strong and comprehensive defense on your behalf. Depending on the facts of your case, the following defenses and strategies may be helpful:

 

  • Self-Defense
  • Insanity
  • Mistaken Identity
  • Suppression of Evidence
  • Challenging DNA, Fingerprint Evidence and other Forensic Evidence
  • Challenging Ballistics Evidence (Relating to Firearms and Bullets)
  • Challenging the Reliability of an Eyewitness
  • Challenging Whether the Evidence Sustains a Murder Conviction
  • Negotiation with the Prosecution to Determine if a Plea Agreement Could

Significantly Minimize the Charges or Penalties you Face

 

We have defended clients against murder charges and other felony violent crimes. You can be confident that you will have a highly skilled and dedicated defense lawyer who will advise you of your rights, help explain the process and work diligently to seek the best possible outcome on your behalf.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Homicide Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Homicide, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

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Phoenix Police Involved In Robbery Investigations

Phoenix Police Involved In Robbery Investigations

Phoenix Police Respond to Bank Robbery

The Phoenix police stay pretty busy. Let’s be honest, any police station stays pretty busy now days, but especially those closer to borders or cities.

Recently, the Phoenix Police Department as well as the FBI investigated a bank robbery. This was at 19th Avenue and Van Buren Street. Must be pretty serious to have the FBI to get involved.

According to a spokesperson for the Phoenix Police, a man had walked into Chase bank around eleven o’clock in the morning. He then passed a note to an employee.

The bank quickly went into a security lock down mode. There were twenty people who were trapped inside. Luckily, according to the reports the suspect remained calm and didn’t have a weapon on him. If the suspect had been hyper and crazy things could have been a lot worse.

The suspect was quickly taken into custody, without anyone being harmed.

Authorities Arrest Robbery Suspect

Of course a robbery doesn’t just have to happen at a bank, it can happen at a home as well. Police have recently arrested a suspect who was accused of shooting at officers on a Sunday morning. Talk about a crappy day to start shooting a people.

The Phoenix Police Department arrested, twenty-three year old, Derek Johnson after he opened fire on the responding officers. They were responding to a call near the Interstate 17 between Camelback and Indian School roads. Thanks to local tips that were shared with police led to the man’s location. Unfortunately that was at a home near 23rd and Northern Avenues on Thursday, July 6th.

According to reports, the suspect has an outstanding warrant against him and the police were able to find him and take him into custody.

To continue on with that story, on July 2nd at 4 a.m. police officers responded to an unknown trouble call near 27th Avenue and Camelback Road. The caller told 911 that the suspects were armed with handguns. Must have been a very situation for the 911 caller.

When the officers got to the area of the call they activated the blue lights as well as the police spotlight in the direction of a man that was walking eastbound on West Hazelwood Street.

According to the authorities, Johnson stopped and at first placed his hands up before he turned away from the officers. He then pulled out a pistol and started firing a round at the officers as he turned back turned back towards them.

Police Search for Suspect

The round of the bullets struck the center part of the patrol vehicle’s windshield. The officers then got out of their patrol car. As they got out of their car they left it in drive and it rolled and then crashed into the fence.

According to the reports Johnson was last seen running on the North Black Canyon Access Road. He was not found that morning. He was booked on two charges of attempted first degree murder and one charge armed robbery.

Apparently, this isn’t Johnson’s first run in with the police. He had a previous run in with the police and it was for robbery as well. He as well as three other people held a clerk at gunpoint and took merchandise with them from a business.

 

Phoenix Violent Crimes Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

If you are suspected of murder, aggravated assault or another violent crime, an experienced criminal defense attorney can secure your rights. A skilled lawyer will not only look for ways to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed but will also focus on developing an effective criminal defense trial strategy. At Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we have a substantial background defending clients accused of violent crimes in the state of Arizona and the greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Our lead criminal defense attorney, Daniel Perlman, is a former prosecutor who previously pursued charges against individuals suspected of violent crimes. Mr. Perlman and the entire Perlman Law Group offer a comprehensive view of the criminal justice system and know the right steps to take in developing a defense strategy while seeking to mitigate any potential damage.

Our ability to work with the facts in plea negotiations can turn a weak defense into a strong one. In our experience, a creative approach to your defense strategy can result in a sentence of probation or work release, even on a felony plea.

Effective Defensive Strategy for Violent Crimes

As a starting point for an effective defense strategy, we will evaluate the police report, witness statements and any physical evidence. Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC takes its approach a step further through identifying creative solutions by focusing on the actual risk of punishment you are currently facing. The threat of prison will probably be based as much on your prior record as it will be on the facts of the current criminal charges.

 

Our firm handles cases involving all types of Violent Crime allegations, including:

  • Assault and Assault with a Deadly Weapon
  • Murder, Attempted Murder and Manslaughter
  • Weapons Offenses
  • Armed Robbery
  • Kidnapping and False Imprisonment
  • Criminal Threats
  • Gang-Related Crimes
  • Resisting Arrest and Assault on an Officer
  • Domestic Violence

 

If weaknesses in the government’s case mean that you stand a good chance of success at trial, we will aggressively represent your interests before a jury. If the evidence against you makes a trial too risky, we will advise you and work with all parties — including prosecutors, probation officers, court services and community agencies — to show that you are an excellent candidate for favorable treatment.

Schedule a Free Consultation –  Phoenix Violent Crimes lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

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assault battery Homicide Wrongful Death

Serious Child Abuse Cases in Phoenix

Domestic Child Abuse Cases

Arizona Woman Convicted for Child Abuse

So as a child everyone remembers the fun of playing in a plastic container or cardboard box. However, for one innocent child, it didn’t turn out so fun.

An Arizona woman is being convicted of first degree murder for the death of her ten year old cousin. Her ten year old little cousin was locked in a small plastic storage box, in deadly hot heat.

Twenty-eight year old, Sammantha Allen has been accused and convicted of helping her husband, lock he cousin, Ame Deal in a box. The box was left outside overnight. This was used as a sick punishment against the poor child.

The bin only had small air holes near the handles. The prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the woman. The penalty part of the trial will begin next week.

According to reports, the young child was suffocated and found dead the next day. The temperatures had surpassed 100 degrees.

Child Abuse

The female was also found guilty of three counts of child abuse as well as conspiracy to commit child abuse. As if this isn’t one of the saddest things you’ve ever heard, wait until you hear why the child was being punished. The child was put in the burning box because she stole and ate a popsicle.

When the young girls body was found, they family said that she had “hidden” in there as they were playing a late night game of hide and seek.

According to reports, this was a form of punishment that was done regularly done by the request of the legal guardian of the girl, Cynthia Stoltzmann.

Apparently the child had a long life of child abuse in her short life. Not just by one relative either, apparently several. The young girl has lived with at least ten adults and children.

Three other relatives have also been convicted of abusing the little girl. They are already serving time in prison.

The girl’s father, David Deal had previously pleaded guilty for attempted child abused and was sentenced to jailed. Stoltzmann was also sentenced to twenty-five years in prison for attempted child abuse.

In 2011 there were reports that the little girl had lived in a house of “horrors”. Police reported that the adults that were supposed to take care of her were actually making her sleep on the floor of the shower stall! They even put hot sauce in her mouth when she lied. They sadly locked in her in an airtight chest as a punishment. What kind of sick family did this little girl live with? So sad that they couldn’t help her.

Phoenix Police Sgt. Trent Crump’s Statement:

I don’t think that a crime could be more unspeakable.

Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

The highly skilled Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC advise and represent people facing criminal charges for domestic violence often described as Spousal Abuse, Spousal Battery or Domestic Dispute, such charges do not always reflect a case between married people, but include those living in the same location (cohabitation), or sometimes just engaged in a domestic (dating) relationship.  Such cases can also lead to violation of a restraining order or protective orders.  They are NOT the same as a Domestic Violence Restraining Order however.

 

With a team of former prosecutors, Phoenix based Criminal Defense Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC offer a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. They understand the necessary steps to take in developing an aggressive defense strategy focused on securing a dismissal or minimizing any potential penalties associated with a conviction.

 

Domestic Violence cases have become extremely political and are regularly treated as “guilty until proven innocent.”   Even with minor cases, that do not involve a documented injury, proactive and rapid action by a caring defense attorney may be they key to not only avoiding a damaging no contact order, but may play a significant role in custody issues and an eventual resolution in the case that does not result in a life-time ban on the possession of firearms, tragic orders separating you from your family and other consequences that can interfere with work, school and life.

 

At the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we are committed to helping you achieve a resolution to your immediate problems, while seeking opportunities to improve the troubled family dynamics that might be underlying factors.

 

In domestic violence cases, the district attorney and the judge will be especially interested in what you’re willing to do to improve relationships, conflict resolution skills, and anger management. Your demonstration toward positive change will often make the difference in the outcome of your case. We work closely with people charged with domestic assault or battery to obtain a dismissal, diversion to community treatment or deferred entry of judgment prior to eventually achieving a dismissal.

 

 

Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

Our creative approach to difficult criminal defense problems can help you avoid the consequences of a conviction in situations such as the following scenarios:

 

  • Violence or assault between spouses, unmarried parents, or cohabiting adults
  • Elder Abuse
  • Child Abuse, Cruelty to a Child, or Child Endangerment
  • Restraining Order Violations
  • Criminal Threats
  • Harassment or Stalking

 

Our ability to connect you with the programs and services that are right for your circumstances can give you an extra layer of legal protection. At the same time, we work hard to help you get the most out of the presumption of innocence that stands between you and a conviction.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Domestic Violence, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445

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Police Investigate Phoenix Stabbings

Police Investigate Phoenix Stabbings

Phoenix Stabbings

Phoenix has been overran by shootings and stabbings lately. Police have definitely stayed pretty busy. According to details recently released, there was a murder in north Phoenix. The body was found by a person passing by.

The police report shows that on June 3rd a person passing by saw a man who was unresponsive. This was in a parking lot near Pinnacle Peak and Cave Creek roads.  Can’t imagine how scary that would have been for the person just innocently passing by.

The victim was later identified as, Evin Ibrahim Paulos. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident. According to the police, Paulos had around 30 stab wounds. Talk about a horrible ending to his life.

The police has been able to identify a suspect in this case, however they are not releasing his name due to investigative purposes.

Investigating Stabbings

The Phoenix Police investigated the scene. Their report says that the suspect and the victim knew each other since the suspect moved to Arizona. Apparently he was a part of a drug and gang culture. He came to Arizona to try to get away from it. The suspect was described as “inappropriate and aggressive”.

Local witnesses say that the victim and suspect had had their differences before and had “sought to fight it out”.  Apparently on June 2nd, the two did actually fight. They fought by the lights from the headlights. The suspect even had the fight recorded on video. After the fight, the victim had went home and told his family that they had worked things out and were still friends.

Police found out that the next day the suspect went over to Paulos’ home in the morning. Paulos was going to take a trip with the suspect. That was the last time that Paulos was seen alive.

A family member contacted the suspect, he told them that the Paulos had jumped out of the vehicle, just down the street from his home and he kept driving. Crazy story, why would Paulos jump out of a vehicle if the two were on good terms?

The suspect is being hunted by the fugitive task force. He or she has already been charged with second degree murder.

Fatal Stabbing Kills a Woman

Sadly, domestic violence can lead to death. When things get bad enough for the cops to be called, it’s probably time to go your separate ways for the health of all of those involved. Sometimes, on very rare occasion, the victim in a domestic dispute gets away from their vindictive life and has a great new start, however that wasn’t the case when a woman was fatally stabbed.

In south Phoenix a woman sadly got stabbed during a domestic dispute. Police said that they responded to a report of a family fight around eleven o’clock in the morning. The home was located near 43rd Avenue and Baseline Road.

Police Identified Stabbing Victim

The police were able to find and identify a sixty year old woman named Mercy Gomez. Gomez was stabbed and later died at a nearby hospital.

Olanzo Gomez is forty-two years old and is accused of stabbing his mother to death. How tragic is it that a son stabbed the woman who gave him life?

Olanzo was detained and will face one count of first degree murder, as well as three counts of aggravated assault.

Phoenix Battery Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

A verbal altercation in a bar or at your own home could be misconstrued as an assault charge. If you are accused of starting a bar fight or engaging in domestic violence, secure experienced legal help immediately. Understandably, you may feel tempted to explain your side of the story to law enforcement. But, any details you provide could be used against you.

 

Battery Defense Strategy

At the Law Offices of Daniel R. Perlman, we will act quickly to develop an effective defense strategy against battery and assault charges. Our Phoenix-based team of Criminal Defense Attorneys is comprised of former prosecutors with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. They know firsthand how prosecutors develop cases against individuals suspected of criminal assault and are prepared to stay ahead of the prosecution through identifying any procedural errors, contradictory evidence or violations of your civil rights.

 

Types of Battery Cases

The highly skilled attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC provide a substantial background defending individuals across Arizona and the greater Phoenix Metropolitan area accused of offenses ranging from simple assault to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. These offenses may include:

 

  • Domestic violence
  • Spousal abuse
  • Child abuse
  • Sexual assault
  • Assault and battery
  • Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon

 

Our Attorneys at the Phoenix-based Perlman Law Group will devote the right resources to develop an effective defense strategy against the damaging charges. We will meet with any eyewitnesses to understand the series of events before the alleged criminal activity occurred and are prepared to craft a strategy around self-defense, if you were in fear of your life.

 

We will also seek to illustrate any weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence or contradictory statements from the plaintiff. When appropriate, we work with psychologists to illustrate the plaintiff’s state of mind and tendency to exaggerate or lie as well as analyzing the case from every angle possible. If your civil rights were violated or procedural errors were made, we will fight for an acquittal.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Battery Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Battery, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445

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Human Trafficking in Phoenix

Human Trafficking in Phoenix

Sex Trafficking in The United States

Sex Trafficking is sacredly becoming more and more common. Children and women need to be cautious with even every day errand to the store. Women and children can be abducted anywhere and anytime.

There were twenty-one alleged members of an international sex trafficking ring. They have been charged within the United States for forcing hundreds of Thai women to travel to the United States so that they could be “modern sex slaves”. How disgusting can people be? Those poor girls.

They will be joining another 17 members that were charged last October. Three of those 17 have already pleaded guilty.

According to reports, the details is of a scheme that went all the way back to 2009. Women were sadly denied their freedom until payment of “bondage debts” . Some of the debts the some of the women owed were as high as $60,000.

Sex Trafficking Numbers Rise

US Attorney, Gregory Brooker said that the defendants include: 10 Thai nationals and 11 United States citizens. They were all arrested at different locations in Los Angeles, San Diego, Dallas, Austin, Houston, as well as Chicago. One of the defendants are still being searched for.

County Sheriff, Thomas Dart’s Statement:

The complexities of this organization represent the lengths to which criminals will go to profit off of human beings. This is an important reminder that sex trafficking and the associated buying, are not victimless crimes — this organization preyed and profited on vulnerable women.
The operation lasted from early 2009 – May 2017. Talk about a long run. The criminal organization trafficked hundreds of women from Bangkok, Thailand to also various cities across the United States. Some of those places include: Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, Washington, Las Vegas, Dallas, Houston, Seattle, as well as Austin. Quite a wide spread.
 There was an indictment of eight different counts, including: bulk cash smuggling and money laundering offenses, detailing “funnel accounts” to route cash from several cities across the United States to money launderers in L.A.
 The criminal ring moved tens of millions of dollars from the United States to Thailand as well as other places. The criminals used a “hawala-based system”. This was so that trusted family members and others could carry large amounts of money on the person. Some cash was hidden in clothing as well as dolls.
The women who were brought to the Untied States for sex purposes were also forced to open their own bank accounts that were controlled by “members of the organization for coordinated deposits”.

IRS Criminal Investigator, Charge Shea Jones’s Statement:

The special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation are committed to taking the profit away from these human traffickers.  As all financial transactions leave a trail, IRS Criminal Investigation special agents used their accounting expertise to analyze the complex financial transactions made by these criminals.
Criminal positions ranged from traffickers who also held the bondage debt of the victim to house bosses. House bosses owned the houses of prostitution. There were also money launderers and facilitators, their duties included transportation of women to different houses of prostitution, travel costs that had to be added to the “victims bondage debt”.
Attorney Brooker said that the investigation has taken years to complete. They were finally able to dismantle the criminal organization from all angles.  Thank goodness, hopefully this is just one step closer to ending trafficking.

Human Trafficking Suspect Arrested

The District Attorney’s Office said that a twenty-five year old young man was arrested and sentenced to thirty years in prison for human trafficking and sexual assault. Sad that a young man has wasted his life on such a horrible act.

In 2016, Donald Pierre Whiteside, traveled with two young females aging at 18 and 22 years old. They traveled through Colorado, Phoenix and up and down the West Coast. He forced the women into acts of prostitution.

The man forced the women to post advertisement for prostitution then set prices to be charged and then even drove them to their appointments and then took all of their money.

He physically, sexually, and emotionally abused the girls. He did this so that he could have the upper hand and gain “compliance”. The sicko also forced the girls to get tattoos of his “pimp moniker”.

The man pleaded guilty to human trafficking for sexual servitude and attempted sexual assault. After he is released from prison he will have to register as a sex offender.

Coffee Shop Helps Fight Against Human Trafficking

A Local coffee shop helps in changing lives.

President of NRG, Elizabeth Killinger’s Statement:

A 2nd Cup, you are the $100,000 winner from Reliant Gives.

Talk about an amazing thing.

Erica Raggett’s Statement:

I feel like my mind just kind of went blank, like ‘waaa.’ I can’t believe this is happening.

According to Raggett, the journey started around six and a half years ago. She was a Houston teacher when she had watched a presentation on human trafficking at her church.

Erica Raggett’s Statement:

My mind was blown and I was horrified and outraged and … I heard stats, like the average age of entry into sex trafficking is 12 to 14 years old. I was, ‘Those are the kids that I’m teaching. I want to do something. I want to be part of the solution.

So after that she founded ” A 2nd Cup”.

She started as just a pop up coffee shop on the street, later her shop found a more permanent spot 2015. It’s helpped to attract others who has the same passion to help, such as Alyse Bordelon.

Alyse Bordelon’s Statement:

A lot of people come in here not knowing that it’s a nonprofit, not knowing that all of their resources go towards fighting human trafficking. They think it’s just a coffee shop.

Alyse, like most thought that it was just a regular coffee shop, but now she knows the truth and volunteers at the shop at least once a week. She was the one who nominated A 2nd Cup to receive the $100,000 grant. The money is to help launch their nonprofit coffee shop. This will also go to help in the culinary training program for survivors.

Bordelon’s Statement:

I’m very excited to support those survivors in getting jobs that they get to keep that are going to lift them into independence.

Raggett said that the logo is a phoenix because they really believe that they can rise and do something beautiful. How hopeful!

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445

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