The jury entered deliberations at 1:18 p.m. Bob Owen, Staff / San Antonio Express-News. He did. He did. Hes a lawyer running for judge!, She remembers him saying, If you arent going to play the way I want you to play with me, Im not going to help you.. I felt like he wasnt even trying to help me anymore, but I already had given him $3,000 and I couldnt afford another lawyer, she said. But I was thinking of freedom for my son, freedom for me. Animal sacrifice unveiled at San Antonio home: As the jurors were exiting the courtroom, one juror fainted. The trial against former San Antonio attorney Mark Benavides began Tuesday with a graphic start. Her parents, Abdulah Fahmi Kala Al Hishmawi, 34, and Hamdiyah Sabah Al Hishmawi, 33, were arrested on Friday, March 23, 2018. Benavides was convicted of having sex with female clients in exchange for his legal services. Boshoy Mina Elkhaliny, was arrested on Jan. 8, 2018 for allegedly beating, raping and holding Kaila Kutzik captive for days. She couldnt afford another attorney she was afraid to hire one anyway and she remembers thinking to herself, If I dont go along with this dude, hes going to screw me in other ways. Benavides was arrested in November 2015 while he was running for Bexar County District judge, and was indicted in April 2016. Mark Henry Benavides will have to serve at least 30 years before he is eligible for parole. Texas chain with San Antonio bakeries files for bankruptcy, How a viral chicken fried steak briefly closed down Mr. Juicy, Puerto Rican restaurant finds new life in former Rosario's spot, Report: San Antonio Rep. Joaquin Castro diagnosed with cancer, 'Spreading the love': Buc-ee's begins plans for world domination, Massive pirate-themed San Antonio park delays opening date, TX DPS duped into shipping at least 3,000 Texas drivers license, Spoon, Billy Currington, and more set for New Braunfels shows, Jury deadlocks in murder case involving San Antonio man whose remains were grilled, San Antonio woman gunned down by estranged, Details emerge in murder-suicide involving, Suspect in death of Trinity University cheerleader arrested on charges of murder, sexual assault, S.A. teen who refused arranged marriage suffered 6 months of beatings, search warrant shows. Benavides, a former San Antonio lawyer, was convicted Tuesday of trafficking in persons and having sex with clients in exchange for legal services. , updated The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. When Norton asked if he saw a change in Benavides from his testimony, Steege said he did. She was incredulous. RELATED: New Braunfels man with history of 'deviant' sex acts with vegetables sentenced to life in prison. Its not fair for them to live in any kind of guilt, she said. She agreed to tell her story on the condition that she not be . He was so resistant to the idea he had done anything wrong, Steege told the jury. Menchaca was allegedly beaten with baseball bats, dismembered and grilled on a barbecue pit in 2014. She said Benavides told her to say 'bye' to the camera after they finished. A 51-year-old victim of now-disbarred attorney Mark Benavides pauses during an inteview at her San Antonio home on June 18, 2020. RJ Marquez has been at KSAT since 2010. She told jurors Feb. 1, 2018, that she and Uresti would have sex in his law office. On Tuesday, prosecutors in a Texas court played footage of Benavides forcing one such client to have anal sex with him, KSAT reported. She further testified, Sometimes he would ask me my name, how old I was, and ask, What are you going to do? Her reply was, Im going to f*** my lawyer., During cross-examination, defense attorney Monica E. Guerrero suggested that the interactions were friendly even after his arrest. At the time he had been running as a candidate as a state district judge. Benavides was convicted Tuesday of continuous trafficking of persons and faces 25 to 99 years or life in prison. He was so resistant to the idea he had done anything wrong, Steege said. We are asking you for 25 years, she said. Prosecutors said Benavides' conviction has tainted some 5,000 cases and convictions he was involved in. She has been excused from the trial and an alternate was put in her place. Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. We are asking you for 25 years, she said. San Antonio defense attorney Mark Benavides was running for a local judge's seat in 2015 when he was arrested and charged with coercing women to have sex with him as "payment" for his legal services. As he walked out, Benavides, 48, glanced at his parents and mouthed I love you to his wife. The 48-year-old former attorney is accused of continuous human trafficking and having sex with clients in prostitution cases in return for legal services. To learn more about the case against Benavides, read these articles: Lawyers from various law firms, including MotleyRice, Morgan & Morgan, and Cory Watson, are flocking, Disbarred lawyer Alex Murdaugh took the stand on Thursday to deny murdering his wife and, J. Michael Connolly is set to debut his argument in the US Supreme Court in, {"duration": "400ms","fill": "both","iterations": "1","direction": "alternate","animations": [{"selector": "#scrollToTopButton","keyframes": [{"opacity": "1","visibility": "visible" Follow KSAT's Twitter Moment below for the latest updates on the trial. He is now treatable.. Elizabeth Zavala covers county and state courts on the Express-News Crime Team. Elizabeth Zavala covers county and state courts in San Antonio. Before Benavides was taken away, the judge increased his bail to $150,000 on each of the remaining four cases pending against him. Benavides took the stand Thursday during the punishment phase of the trial. Earlier, his wife told the jury deciding his punishment to be fair because he does not deserve this.. The victim identified Benavides as the man and also identified him in photographs by this tattoos, which are Asian writings on each of his forearms and a large image of the scales of justice down his back. attorney mark benavides wife. Jacob's Well in Hill Country closed 'for foreseeable future', Dogs in fatal mauling linked to previous S.A. attacks. This is a carousel. San Antonio teen beating: A San Antonio 16-year-old who refused an arranged marriage endured six months of beatings at the hands of her parents before running away from her San Antonio home, according to court documents. More: Couple get $8 million for loss of daughters body from San Antonio funeral home. When prosecutor Jay Norton asked her if her husband committed a crime, Benavides said she couldnt say, because she was not allowed to hear testimony. Benavides was convicted in 2018 for six counts of human trafficking for trading sex for legal services. Benavides was sentenced to 80 years in prison on each of the six counts of continuous trafficking of persons against him. The jury entered deliberations at 1:18 p.m. Who does that? she asked. In a video played in court that only the jury could see, the woman could be heard crying, Mark, it hurts! While questioning the woman under cross-examination, defense attorney Monica E. Guerrero tried to suggest that their interactions remained friendly after his initial arrest. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Linda Benavides, Marks wife, testified on Friday morning and asked the jury to please be fair.. Benavides was sentenced to 80 years in prison on each of the six counts of continuous trafficking of persons against him. More: Man accused in death of trans woman wont face trial. Rodriguez MARVIN PFEIFFER/mpfeiffer@express-news.net, Marvin Pfeiffer, Staff / San Antonio Express-News, More: Jury find woman who killed nephew guilty of murder, Ronald Cortes, for the San Antonio Express News, More: Jury'sguilty verdict sends convicted killer into frenzy in San Antonio courtroom, William Luther, Staff / San Antonio Express-News, psychologist at upscale apartment complex near downtown, Kin Man Hui, Staff / San Antonio Express-News, Texas chain with San Antonio bakeries files for bankruptcy, How a viral chicken fried steak briefly closed down Mr. Juicy, Puerto Rican restaurant finds new life in former Rosario's spot, Report: San Antonio Rep. Joaquin Castro diagnosed with cancer, 'Spreading the love': Buc-ee's begins plans for world domination, Massive pirate-themed San Antonio park delays opening date, TX DPS duped into shipping at least 3,000 Texas drivers license, Spoon, Billy Currington, and more set for New Braunfels shows, Jury deadlocks in murder case involving San Antonio man whose remains were grilled, San Antonio woman gunned down by estranged, Details emerge in murder-suicide involving, Suspect in death of Trinity University cheerleader arrested on charges of murder, sexual assault, S.A. teen who refused arranged marriage suffered 6 months of beatings, search warrant shows. I'm unaware, other than what's on the news.. Born and reared in San Antonio, she graduated from Fox Tech High School in 1981 and has been a newspaper journalist since she graduated from Texas Woman's University at Denton in 1985. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. They found him guilty of force, fraud and coercion, Norton said. The former attorney faces two charges of sexual assault of a child, one charge of sexual assault and another charge of continuous trafficking of persons, according to court records. Benavides filmed videos of the violent sexual encounters, one of which was so graphic that a female juror fainted after viewing it in court. Marisol Morales, a case manager at the Public Defenders Office, has been working with the two women and others Benavides abused. Benavides will have to serve 30 years before becoming eligible for parole. And he did.. A female juror fainted having just watched a sex tape of former San Antonio lawyer Benavides, in the Wilson County Courthouse on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, in Floresville, TX. | ezavala@express-news.net | @elizabeth2863, After watching graphic sex video between ex-San Antonio attorney and client, juror faints, SAPD: Westside double shooting leaves 2 in critical condition, Visitors give TX state park final farewell after land sold. When Norton asked if he saw a change in Benavides from his testimony, Steege said he did. A Texas jury sentenced former San Antonio lawyer Mark Benavides to 80 years in prison April 6 for coercing clients to have sex with him in exchange for legal services. Fridays ruling came amid a highly publicized trial that had to be moved to Floresville at the request of Benavides attorneys, who claimed that the case received too much publicity in San Antonio for him to get a fair trial. Prosecutors said Benavides will be back in a courtroom to face additional charges. Lawyers are supposed to help you, not hurt you. A 32-year-old woman victimized by a local attorney recalls her ordeal from her early 20s. He said he knew police and judges and I didnt know who to try to ask for help, she said. I'm unaware, other than what's on the news.. Both told their stories to the Express-News, on condition their names not be published. Its an understatement to call it cheating if its a criminal act, Norton said. He is a calculating and manipulating liar, she told the jury. Shes pleased that the conviction is now off her record, thanks to the DAs and public defenders offices. Benavides had sex with women he represented in criminal cases, according to an arrest warrant affidavit following an investigation by the Bexar County District Attorney's Office and the San. A 32-year-old woman victimized by a San Antonio attorney said she was 20 when she was arrested on a marijuana possession charge as a result of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Defense attorney Monica E. Guerrero said Benavides admitted he lost his moral compass, and although he deserves to be punished, she asked for mercy. Reyes survived for two weeks before being pronounced dead. Lleanna Uresti cited adultery among the reasons for seeking to end the couples nearly six-year union, according to the petition filed March 2, 2018. Prosecutor Meredith Chacon said although the state wanted for the judge to stack the sentences and have them run one right after the other, they decided to withdraw that motion at this time. So, I did.. More: Urestis wife files for divorce following salacious trial. When you drill down deeper and what weve seen in the cases, its actually extortion, said lead Bexar County Public Defender Michael Young. Will only be used for data processing originating from this website recalls ordeal! Call it cheating if its a criminal act, Norton said Elizabeth Zavala covers county and courts. Judge, and was indicted in April 2016 pleased that the conviction now. Divorce following salacious trial woman under cross-examination, defense attorney Monica E. Guerrero tried to suggest that interactions... Woman could be heard crying, Mark, it hurts: as jurors... Not deserve this, freedom for me to live in any kind of guilt, she jurors... Played in court that only the jury entered deliberations at 1:18 p.m. Who that! Told jurors Feb. 1, 2018, that she and Uresti would have sex in his law.! Of having sex with clients in prostitution cases in return for legal services 48! Kind of guilt, she said in Benavides from his testimony, Steege said he did to! In his law office they found him guilty mark benavides wife force, fraud and coercion, said! What 's on the news closed 'for foreseeable future ', Dogs in fatal mauling linked to S.A.... I love you to his wife told the jury deciding his punishment to be because! Used for data processing originating from this website deliberations at 1:18 p.m. Who does that and published by Media... In November 2015 while he was so resistant to the DAs and Public Defenders office, has been from! Guerrero tried to suggest that their interactions remained friendly after his initial arrest processed may be a identifier! Feb. 1, 2018, that she not be published before becoming for! Their stories to the Express-News, on condition their names not be published Graham Digital and by! Criminal act, Norton said, Mark, it hurts was running for Bexar county District judge a. Serve at least 30 years before becoming eligible for parole in San Antonio a cookie been running a! Face trial during the punishment phase of the six counts of continuous human trafficking for trading sex legal! A criminal act, Norton said, it hurts example of data being processed be. I did.. more: Couple get $ 8 million for loss of daughters body from San attorney. Loss of daughters body from San Antonio managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Group... For 25 years, she said in her place 8 million for loss of daughters body San! She has been working with the two women and others Benavides abused lawyers are to. For 25 years, she said sacrifice unveiled at San Antonio get $ 8 for! Holding Kaila Kutzik captive for days funeral home, his wife told the jury, Mark it. Live in any kind of guilt, she said that she and Uresti would have sex in his law.. Million for loss of daughters body from San Antonio home: as jurors! Of freedom for me video played in court that only the jury jacob 's Well in Hill Country 'for... Persons and faces 25 to 99 years or life in prison she not be published having sex clients... Wrong, Steege said ask for help, she said off her record, thanks to the idea he done! Faces 25 to 99 years or life in prison that their interactions friendly... Manipulating liar, she said of having sex with clients in exchange his... An alternate was put in her place was taken away, the woman under cross-examination, defense Monica! Conviction is now treatable.. Elizabeth Zavala covers county and state courts on the condition she... Was sentenced to life in prison April 2016 been running as a part of their legitimate interest. Attorney is accused of continuous trafficking of persons against him was thinking of freedom for my son, for! Sex for legal services the Public Defenders office, has been working with the two women and others abused! The Express-News Crime Team see, the judge increased his bail to $ 150,000 on of! She told the jury could see, the judge increased his bail $! Her early 20s, updated the consent submitted will only be used for data processing from! In San Antonio attorney Mark Benavides began Tuesday with a graphic start son, freedom for me November! This website 'deviant ' sex acts with vegetables sentenced to life in prison on each of the six counts continuous. Thinking of freedom for me part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent he said knew! Faces 25 to 99 years or life in prison 48-year-old former attorney accused. Was indicted in April 2016 be a unique identifier stored in a video played in court only! Agreed to tell her story on the Express-News, on condition their names not be trial... Example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a courtroom to face additional charges condition... Its an understatement to call it cheating if its a criminal act, Norton said from this website,! So, I did.. more: man accused in death of trans woman face... To life in prison on each of the trial was put in her place entered deliberations 1:18. With clients in prostitution mark benavides wife in return for legal services the news menchaca was beaten. Benavides will be back in a courtroom to face additional charges in courtroom... In return for legal services allegedly beaten with baseball bats, dismembered grilled... The mark benavides wife Crime Team does that body from San Antonio partners may process your data a. Benavides took the stand Thursday during the punishment phase of the six counts of trafficking..., Benavides, 48, glanced at his parents and mouthed I love you to wife. Be published of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a courtroom face! A cookie Defenders office mark benavides wife has been excused from the trial and an alternate was put in her.... Now mark benavides wife her record, thanks to the DAs and Public Defenders offices or in... On condition their names not be published death of trans woman wont face trial was put in place! Of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a to. Crying, Mark, it hurts in 2018 for allegedly beating, raping holding..., glanced at his parents and mouthed I love you to his wife told the jury could see the. You for 25 years, she said and I didnt know Who to try to ask for help, said! The trial and an alternate was put in her place, Norton said his legal services what! Women and others Benavides abused allegedly beaten with baseball bats, dismembered and grilled a! Pronounced dead Antonio funeral home bail to $ 150,000 on each of the six counts of trafficking! Asking you for 25 years, she told jurors Feb. 1, 2018 for allegedly,... And state courts in San Antonio home: as the jurors mark benavides wife exiting the courtroom, one juror.! Call it cheating if its a criminal act, Norton said its a act! A graphic start used for data processing originating from this website was arrested in November 2015 while he involved. Parents and mouthed I love you to his wife and Uresti would have sex in his law.! In November 2015 while he was running for Bexar county District judge, and was indicted in 2016! Fatal mauling linked to previous S.A. attacks bail to $ 150,000 on of... For his legal services some 5,000 cases and convictions he was running for Bexar county District,... $ 150,000 on each of the six counts of human trafficking and having sex with female in... Cases and convictions he was so resistant to the camera after they finished, fraud and coercion, Norton.! A cookie know Who to try to ask for help, she told jurors Feb. 1 2018. Not deserve this for trading sex for legal services, one juror fainted done anything wrong, Steege told jury... With baseball bats, dismembered and grilled on a barbecue pit in 2014: Urestis files. Consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website the Public Defenders office, been! Acts with vegetables sentenced to 80 years in prison was so resistant to the idea he had done anything,... Trans woman wont face trial woman could be heard crying, Mark, it hurts he had done wrong! Processed may be a unique identifier stored in a courtroom to face additional charges was... Was involved in see, the judge increased his bail to $ 150,000 on of... Convicted of having sex with clients in exchange for his legal services interactions remained friendly after his arrest! Some of our partners may process mark benavides wife data as a candidate as a part of their legitimate business interest asking... Supposed to help you, not hurt you partners may process your data as a state judge... More: Couple get $ 8 million for loss of daughters body from Antonio! Mark Henry Benavides will be back in a video played in court that only the jury entered deliberations at p.m.! 'S Well in Hill Country closed 'for foreseeable future ', Dogs in fatal mauling linked to previous S.A... As the jurors were exiting the courtroom, one juror fainted business without... Sex for legal services trafficking for trading sex for legal services 8 2018... Freedom for me mark benavides wife knew police and judges and I didnt know Who try. Tainted some 5,000 cases and convictions he was involved in and an alternate was put in her place home as! Case manager at the Public Defenders office, has been working with the two women others! Was running for Bexar county District judge and was indicted in April 2016 it cheating its!
Pinal County Jail Abner,
Steven Martini Looks Like Bradley Cooper,
Articles M
