She was charged with possession of marijuana when police found the drug in a car she was riding in but she didn't have it on her person. Mark Steege, a sex therapist, testifies Friday during the punishment phase of the trial of Mark Benavides in Floresville. Former clients who were victimized by him are asked to call Morales at 210-335-0701. 14:01 GMT 07 Apr 2018 RELATED: New Braunfels man with history of 'deviant' sex acts with vegetables sentenced to life in prison. I saw a humbled man rather than an arrogant man, he said. He did. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. "" 11-23; 09-29; 09-29; 2021 09-17 "" . Earlier, his wife told the jury deciding his punishment to be fair because he does not deserve this.. Mark Howerton, the victims boyfriend of four weeks, was jailed on Feb. 28, 2018, facing charges of murder and sexual assault. In her closing argument, defense attorney Liza Rodriguez said Benavides is not the person jurors saw only in the snippets of video the state put together for them to watch. FLORESVILLE A juror hearing a sex case against a former San Antonio attorney fainted after seeing video of a sexual encounter involving the defendant as his trial opened Tuesday. Each case will be tried separately. She said she knew Benavides cheated, but said the couple have two children and she still supported him. 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. He will serve at least 30 years before he is eligible for parole. A 51-year-old victim of now-disbarred Mark Benavides goes through paperwork at her San Antonio home on June 18, 2020. She was granted probation and successfully completed it. Benavides was convicted. Its worth life, ladies and gentlemen, Chacon said in her closing argument. More: 'A classic sociopath: Abused victims of Stone Oak playboy speak out after years of violence. Benavides was convicted Tuesday of continuous trafficking of persons and faces 25 to 99 years or life in prison. Julie Mott trail: A jury awarded Sharlotte and Timothy Mott $8 million on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018 after they found Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries negligent in the loss of their daughters body. Rodriguez argued that Benavides did not kill someone and should not be sent away for life. 1.1 Mark R. Benavides lawyer profile in Plano, Texas - Law.net; 1.2 Wife of Mark Benavides testifies - Twitter; 1.3 'I thought I was alone' victims of disgraced - Alton Telegraph; 1.4 Prosecutors: "Pornographic" DVDs show former lawyer with 1.5 Lawyer cries as he is sentenced to 80 years - Express Digest Uresti divorce: A week after state Sen. Carlos Urestis conviction in a salacious trial that included vivid testimony about him carrying on an extramarital relationship, his wife filed for divorce. He cheated. FLORESVILLE, Texas UPDATE: Jurors on Friday sentenced convictedformer San Antonio attorney Mark Benavidesto 80 years in prison for each of his six counts of human trafficking. AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest new. Its worth life, ladies and gentlemen, Chacon said in her closing argument. The evidence against Benavides included portions of 246 videos the lawyer recorded of himself having sex with his clients. Prosecutor Jay Norton said this case was about forced sex, not just about legal services.. There would be threats by Benavides to the women that If you dont plea, Im going to make sure you go to jail., Ex-SA lawyer Mark Benavides takes stand during sentencing phase of sex crimes trial. He faces 25 to 99 years or life in prison. I saw a humbled man rather than an arrogant man, he said. 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. The case was later dismissed for a lack of evidence and Elkhaliny was set to be released from county jail without having to pay bail. Benavides attorneys declined to comment on the verdict or sentencing. Mark A. Cantu, III v. Commission for Lawyer Discipline . As they were walking out, one woman fainted at the door. Its a very important function and a priority in our office, said District Attorney Joe D. Gonzales. Benavides told her she had to plead guilty to stay out of prison. This is human trafficking, Chacon said. Her testimony came a day after Benavides took the stand. Cayley Mandadi, a Trinity University cheerleader, died on Oct. 31, 2017 after falling unconscious in a car traveling to Houston. 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. Mark Benavides (center) confers with defense attornies Monica E. Guerrero (right) and Liza Rodriguez (left) during his trial in the Wilson County District Court and Justice Center in Floresville on Thursday. Mark W Benavides, born Circa 1969 When Norton asked her if her husband committed a crime, Benavides said she was not allowed to hear the testimony, so I am not aware of what has happened, except what I heard on the news.. Bob Owen, Staff / San Antonio Express-News. Mark Henry Benavides, 48, broke down in tears on Friday as he heard the sentence and mouthed 'I love you' to his wife, who is still staying with him A former San Antonio attorney has been. Salacious Uresti testimony: Denise Cantu, a Harlingen woman whom Uresti helped obtain a $2.5 million legal settlement over the deaths of two of her children in a 2010 vehicle wreck, told jurors that the lawmaker became her financial adviser, confidante, friend and eventually lover. We know there are women that that did not want to talk. Even though her record has been expunged, shes still trying to get her drivers license back and pay off fines and fees associated with the original charge. It was a case that rattled San Antonio. Mark Benavides was scheduled to appear . Mark Henry Benavides will have to serve at least 30 years before he is eligible for parole. Shes pleased that the conviction is now off her record, thanks to the DAs and public defenders offices. "I'm asking you to have mercy and give me the minimum," Benavides said while crying. 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. Under cross-examination, Norton asked Steege whether he reviewed police reports and videos Benavides took of sexual encounters with his clients. juror fainted as the panel left the courtroom last week. Steege said he had not. Linda Benavides testifies Friday during the punishment phase of the trial of her husband, Mark Benavides, in Floresville. But I was thinking of freedom for my son, freedom for me. Benavides is accused of having sex with his clients in exchange for legal services. Everyone in the car was charged with drug possession. Who does that? she asked. Jurors were shown a video recorded by one of Benavides alleged victims showing a violent sexual . Marisol Morales is a case manager with the Bexar County Public Defender's Office working with victims of now-disbarred attorney Mark Benavides. Mark A Benavides, born Circa 1981 Mark A Benavides was born circa 1981. Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role. The woman who had been charged with drug possession encouraged victims to make that call. Please be fair. In this2018 file photo he sits in Judge Dick Alcalas courtroom to address his other pending pending cases. Benavides sentenced to 80 years for coercing clients into having sex - San Antonio Express-News. Investigators seized 246 mini DVDs that contained hundreds of videos of Benavides and the former clients engaged in various sex acts, in which he could be heard directing the women and telling them what to do and say. When I saw him first, he was arrogant and untreatable. Steege said he had not. Benavides was indicted earlier this month for continuous trafficking of women between 2012 and 2015. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Linda Benavides, Marks wife, testified on Friday morning and asked the jury to please be fair.. During the trial, some of the graphic and sexually explicit encounters were played for the jury. She said she rejected his overtures. Mark Henry Benavides was convicted Tuesday of continuous trafficking of persons for having sex with clients he represented on prostitution or drug cases. Benavides was arrested in November 2015 while he was running for Bexar County District judge, and was indicted in April 2016. She told Benavides she did not want to have sex with him, but he still made me, she said. Jacob's Well in Hill Country closed 'for foreseeable future', Dogs in fatal mauling linked to previous S.A. attacks. Benavides was convicted of having sex with female clients in exchange for his legal services. He was so resistant to the idea he had done anything wrong, Steege said. He also writes a weekly Spurs newsletter. The case was later dismissed for a lack of evidence and Elkhaliny was set to be released from county jail without having to pay bail. I looked at you three times, sir, and you were asleep, Norton told Steege. What I saw yesterday (Benavides testimony), was a totally different man. This is a carousel. Mark Benavides looks back at his wife and parents Friday as he is escorted out of the courtroom after being sentenced to 80 years for continuous trafficking of persons. It took the panel nearly four hours to find Benavides, 48, guilty on all six counts. Linda Benavides, who is the wife of Mark Benavides, receives his belt and necktie Friday from a sheriffs deputy after he was sentenced to 80 years as punishment after being convicted for continuous trafficking of persons. Personal Life, Parents and Family Details : Your email address will not be published. The 48-year-old, who has since been disbarred, was first arrested in November 2015 accused of using force or coercing at least nine female clients into prostitution. Heres what you need to know. Texas Democrat, Attorney Mark Benavides, has been found guilty on six counts of sex trafficking and torture by a judge in San Antonio. On ExpressNews.com: Four pending sex cases against convicted ex-San Antonio attorney dismissed. He lied to you, sitting here. Since then, the Conviction Integrity Unit reviewed evidence in the case and identified more than 50 women he represented and whose cases may have been tainted. It took the panel about six hours to decide on the sentences for the six counts of continuous trafficking of persons. RJ Marquez has been at KSAT since 2010. Before the state and defense rested their cases, Linda Benavides told the jury Friday morning that although he was unfaithful, she didnt leave her husband of nearly 11 years after his arrest because she supports him. July 20, 2020As many as 500 women who were represented by a disgraced, now-imprisoned San Antonio attorney could have their convictions overturned as Bexar County prosecutors review their cases with the help of the public defenders office. She had been a passenger in a car when police found marijuana during a traffic stop and no one claimed it. She was 20 when she found herself facing possible prison time. It dragged on for nearly four years. 'Sometimes he would ask me my name, how old I was, and ask, 'What are you going to do?' Please be fair. 'Mark, it hurts!' Misael started at KSAT-TV as a photojournalist in 1987. More: 'A classic sociopath: Abused victims of Stone Oak playboy speak out after years of violence. He eventually started asking me for small stuff, meet up for lunch, stuff like that, the woman said. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Under direct questioning by prosecutor Meredith Chacon, the woman told the jury she had sex with Benavides the day he became her court-appointed attorney around July 2014, for her bond. It was important for us to correct a wrong from someone in our bar.. He was in the wrong no matter what people did, said a 32-year-old woman who was one of Benavides' victims. Dahlberg and Young want more of Benavides victims to come forward to have their cases reviewed. Steege said he had not. Six accusers testified he forced them to have sex, making them believe it would keep them out of jail or lessen their legal problems. The case was tried in Wilson County on a change of venue from Bexar County, with Senior District Judge Dick Alcala presiding. I felt young and dumb and powerless. You can see RJ regularly on KSAT Explains and Good Morning San Antonio. I looked at you three times, sir, and you were asleep, Norton told Steege. After the judge ruled the evidence was insufficient, the victims mother collapsed in the courtroom. In this2018 file photo he sits in Judge Dick Alcalas courtroom to address his other pending. Julie Mott trail: A jury awarded Sharlotte and Timothy Mott $8 million on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018 after they found Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries negligent in the loss of their daughters body. iago physical appearance; renaissance musical instruments for sale; sarah marie johnson today; subaru temperature light flashing red and blue; how to use rear camera on face scan 2k22; philadelphia cheesecake crumble recipe; . Summary: After watching a graphic video of a sexual encounter between a former San Antonio attorney and one of his victims, a juror passed out. He paid more attention; we spent a lot more time with the kids, she told the court. During the trial,San Antonio Police Department Detective Manual Morales testified that police found a filing cabinet at Benavides' home containing 246 of what the detective called "pornographic DVDs" that showed Benavides having sex with women who police said were Benavides' clients. Follow KSAT's Twitter Moment below for the latest updates on the trial. Benavides, a former San Antonio lawyer, was convicted Tuesday of trafficking and having sex with clients in exchange for legal services. This is a carousel. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. Man cleared in River Walk death: A judge issued a ruling Thursday, March 8, 2018, that prevented a manslaughter trial of Mark Daniel Lewis (left), accused of causing transgender woman Kenne McFadden to drown along the River Walk last year. | 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. SAN ANTONIO Officials from the Bexar County District Attorneys Office and the Bexar County Public Defenders Office are urging potential sex crime victims of a disbarred San Antonio lawyer to come forward. To read more from Elizabeth, become a subscriber. "Theres others out there, I know. He is now treatable.. The video caused one juror to faint, according to the Express News. What I saw yesterday (in Benavides testimony) was a totally different man. His mother, Olga Benavides, defended her son on the witness stand, saying she didn't think he was guilty of trafficking charges. Officials said the women were. While the video played, the victim cried with her hands over her face in the courtroom as she can be heard in the video pleading for Benavides to stop. He has applied for probation, according to court records. Read more of her stories here. Personal Life, Parents and Family Details : Mark was born on October 1st, 1969. "I'm so sorry. The cases stretch back to 2000. The jury found Benavides guilty of all six counts and sentenced him to 80 years in prison. Benavides accusers testified during the first phase of the trial that Benavides would take them to a motel and record videos of those encounters. More: S.A. animal sacrifice was Santera practice, but was it illegal? 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. "I'm asking you to have mercy and give me the minimum," Benavides said while crying. she testified. | ezavala@express-news.net | @elizabeth2863, Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. He cheated. It took the panel about six hours to decide on the sentences for the six counts of continuous trafficking of persons. She said she knew Benavides cheated, but said the couple have two children and she still supported him. More: S.A. teen who refused arranged marriage suffered 6 months of beatings, search warrant shows. Bendavid was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to a Belgian-born mother and a Moroccan-Jewish father. This jury understood that., RELATED: S.A. company responds after woman finds 'teeth' in barbacoa. There are women we did speak to that did not want to participate," said Meredith Chacon, a prosecutor. She said they'd first had sex in July 2014 - on the same day that he was appointed by the court to work as her attorney. Rodriguez argued that Benavides did not kill someone and should not be sent away for life. } View Non-AMP Version Copyright 2017 JDJOURNAL, Disbarred San Antonio Attorney Mark Benavides Trial Delayed, San Antonio Lawyer Compelled Clients for Sex, Woman Says She Traded Sex for Legal Services, Disney Star, Caroline Sunshine, Joins White House as a Press Assistant , East Palestine Train Derailment Draws Lawyers: Information Sessions and Client Sign-Ups Increase, Prosecutors Highlight Ex-Lawyer Murdaughs Financial Misdeeds and Inconsistencies in Murder Trial Cross-Examination, Consovoys Boutique Law Firm Returns to Supreme Court in Student Loan Lawsuit. Dont be so rough. Benavides can also be heard in the video making sexually explicit commands and telling her to Come back here.. Linda Benavides testifies Friday during the punishment phase of the trial of her husband, Mark Benavides, in Floresville. Benavides was sentenced to 80 years in prison on each of the six counts of continuous trafficking of persons against him. The jurors were so shocked by the clip that the judge sent them out for a break. Ex-SA lawyer's mother defends convicted son on witness stand. Under cross examination, Norton asked Steege whether he reviewed police reports and videos Benavides took of sexual encounters with his clients. More: Urestis alleged ex-mistress admits to relationship with his business partner. He ran for judge and he used that as part of his operation, his judicial candidacy, as coercion, Young said. This is human trafficking, Chacon said. SAN ANTONIO - Though former attorney Mark Benavides is serving an 80-year prison term for trading his legal services for sex, his case is still under review by the Bexar County District. Mark is married to his wife, Linda Benavides, and they have two kids together. , updated It took the panel nearly four hours to find Benavides, 48, guilty on all six. More: Man accused in death of trans woman wont face trial. Benavides, a former San Antonio lawyer, was convicted Tuesday of trafficking and having sex with clients in exchange for legal services. The latest indictment is the fifth open case against Benavides. Benavides' wife, Linda, took the stand on Friday and asked the jury to "please be fair." She said she knew Benavides cheated, but said the couple have two children and she still supported. More: Urestis wife files for divorce following salacious trial. I felt like he was coming on to me, and I didnt like it.. Double murder-suicide:Hailey Reyes and her father (left) were gunned down by her estranged uncle, Elijah Jared Stone, on May 12 in an incident police called a "double murder-suicide." Copyright 2020 by KSAT - All rights reserved. Elizabeth Zavala covers county and state courts on the Express-News Crime Team. (Josie Norris /Staff Photographer |. Its something that is very present for them.. The jurors looked so uncomfortable that District Judge Dick Alcala sent them out for a break, and as they exited, a woman on the jury fainted at the door. Benavides was found guilty Tuesday on six counts of continuous trafficking of persons. Marisol Morales, a case manager at the Public Defenders Office, has been working with the two women and others Benavides abused. He faces two charges of sexual assault of a child, one charge of sexual assault and two charges of continuous trafficking of persons, according to court records. Each case is expected to be tried separately. Marisol Morales is a case manager with the Bexar County Public Defender's Office working with victims of now-disbarred attorney Mark Benavides. Benavides attorneys declined to comment on the verdict or sentencing. He said he would help me get my son back, the woman told the court. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Prosecutors said Benavides will be back in a courtroom to face additional charges. Benavides was convicted Tuesday of continuous trafficking of persons and faces 25 to 99 years or life in prison. The trial against former San Antonio attorney Mark Benavides began Tuesday with a graphic start. She said Benavides told her to say 'bye' to the camera after they finished. He also covers the Spurs for on-air and digital platforms. By He was so resistant to the idea he had done anything wrong, Steege told the jury. She has been excused from the trial and an alternate was put in her place. More: S.A. animal sacrifice was Santera practice, but was it illegal? 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Ex-attorney Mark Benavides found guilty on all 6 counts of continuous trafficking of persons KSAT 12 193K views 4 years ago WATCH: Meteorologist Justin Horne gives his early weather forecast. Linda Benavides, Mark's wife, testified on Friday morning and asked the jury to "please be fair." She said she knew Benavides cheated, but said the couple have two children and she still. Marisol Morales is a licensed counselor with the Bexar County Public Defenders Office and may be reached at 210-335-0701. Paul Venema (@PaulVenema12) March 27 . 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. She was later excused and replaced with an alternate. Its rattlesnake season in Texas. At the time of Mark's court proceedings, Linda requested the jury to "please be fair as his kids love him so much." A Wilson County jury found Benavides guilty on Tuesday. She later was excused and an alternate was seated. W&P Porter bowl review: A container that makes office 10 beach essentials to pack for a spring break vacation, HOKA dropped a brand new version of their most popular shoe, You can still overpack the smaller Monos check-in suitcase. In halting sobs, Benavidesapologized and asked for forgiveness as he testified. Mark married Crystal A Valdez on month day 2009, at age 28 at marriage place, Texas. Benavides sentenced to 80 years for coercing clients into . document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Hearst Communications Inc. I thought I was alone victims of disgraced San Antonio lawyer Mark Henry Benavides get a second chance, (Josie Norris /Staff Photographer | Express-News), Photo: Billy Calzada /San Antonio Express-News, (Josie Norris, The San Antonio Express-News / Staff Photographer | Express-News), Benavides sentenced to 80 years for coercing clients into having sex, Four pending sex cases against convicted ex-San Antonio attorney dismissed, Jury being picked to hear S.A. ex-lawyers sex case. Benavides repeatedly ordered the woman to 'come back here' in the footage, while the woman pressed her hands against her face and sobbed. Man cleared in River Walk death: A judge issued a ruling Thursday, March 8, 2018, that prevented a manslaughter trial of Mark Daniel Lewis (left), accused of causing transgender woman Kenne McFadden to drown along the River Walk last year.