Defense attorney Monica E. Guerrero said Benavides admitted he lost his moral compass, and although he deserves to be punished, she asked for mercy. Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role. His sentences will run concurrently, and he will be eligible for parole in 30 years. When she had to see him, she would bring her mother along. He was in the wrong no matter what people did, said a 32-year-old woman who was one of Benavides' victims. The trial started last week and included testimony from all six accusers. ', Norton said: 'They found him guilty of force, fraud and coercion.'. Rory Tingle For Dailymail.com }] By He faces 25 to 99 years or life in prison. Her testimony came a day after Benavides took the stand. Besides offering more indoor exhibit space and outdoor interpretation in a quieter, pedestrian-friendly area, Stephen Harrigan suggests the public-private Alamo project will help people better Former attorney Mark Benavides enters the courtroom of Judge Dick Alcala on Friday during the punishment phase of his trial in Floresville. Someof the graphic and sexually explicit videos were played for jurors. When he started throwing my son in there, I started taking him serious He started to get aggressive. She said she knew Benavides cheated, but said the couple have two children and she still supported him. The case was tried in Wilson County on a change of venue from Bexar County, with Senior District Judge Dick Alcala presiding. Benavides was convicted of having sex with female clients in exchange for his legal services. Mark A. Cantu, III v. Commission for Lawyer Discipline . She later was excused and an alternate was seated. Under questioning by Guerrero, Benavides said her husbands demeanor changed after his arrest in 2015. 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. A Wilson County jury found Benavides guilty on Tuesday. Elizabeth Zavala is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. More: Man accused in death of trans woman wont face trial. Marisol Morales is a case manager with the Bexar County Public Defender's Office working with victims of now-disbarred attorney Mark Benavides. Officials said the call will be kept confidential. Alison Dahlberg, director of the DAs Conviction Integrity Unit, has worked with Michael Young, chief defender for the Bexar County Public Defenders Office, to identify potentially hundreds of victims of Benavides and re-evaluate their criminal cases. I knew he was serious. Calling him a master manipulator and liar, prosecutors had asked the jury to send Benavides to life in prison for having sex with clients in exchange for legal services. Linda Benavides (front), who is the wife of Mark Benavides, and his mother, Olga Benavides, are emotional after he was given 80 years after being convicted for continuous trafficking of persons on Friday. A 51-year-old victim of now-disbarred Mark Benavides goes through paperwork at her San Antonio home on June 18, 2020. A 51-year-old victim of now-disbarred attorney Mark Benavides pauses during an inteview at her San Antonio home on June 18, 2020. At the time he had been running as a candidate as a state district judge. SAN ANTONIO Former attorney Mark Benavides has been sentenced to 80 years for six counts of continuing trafficking of persons. 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. Do you think the charges should be lumped into one trial? She was encouraged to answer: 'I'm going to [expletive] my lawyer.' The jury entered deliberations at 1:18 p.m. This is a carousel. When I saw him first, he was arrogant and untreatable. Shes pleased that the conviction is now off her record, thanks to the DAs and public defenders offices. Cop killer trial: Shaun Puente was found guilty on March 21, 2018 for fatally shooting San Antonio Police Department Officer Robert Deckard during a highway chase in Atascosa County on Dec. 8, 2013 that started after Puente, according to witnesses, committed two armed robberies in San Antonio. He still faces a possible charge for aggravated assault with severe bodily injury. More: 'A classic sociopath: Abused victims of Stone Oak playboy speak out after years of violence. He took me to a small room down a back hallway, and at that point he told me if I didnt perform a sexual act on him right then and there, he would not only kill my case, but try to worsen my case, she said, her voice trembling, even 12 years later. Former San Antonio attorney Mark Benavides is serving 80 years in prison for forcing former clients into having sex. Benavides was convicted Tuesday of continuous trafficking of persons and faces 25 to 99 years or life in prison. His kids love him so much,' she told the jury while crying. Each case is expected to be tried separately. His kids love him so much, she told the jury through tears. He said he knew police and judges and I didnt know who to try to ask for help, she said. Both said Benavides actions cast a cloud over the entire legal profession in Bexar County. 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. S.A. animal sacrifice was Santera practice, but was it illegal? Her conviction has been overturned based on his ineffectual counsel. It's an understatement to call it cheating if its a criminal act, Norton replied. 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. Benavides, 50, was convicted in 2018 of six counts of human trafficking and coercing his clients to have sex with him. Benavides was sentenced to 80 years in prison on each of the six counts of continuous trafficking of persons against him. Officials said the women were extorted by Benavides to take plea deals for crimes they didnt commit. 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. Six accusers testified he forced them to have sex, making them believe it would keep them out of jail or lessen their legal problems. Mark A Benavides, born Circa 1971 Mark A Benavides was born circa 1971. Defense expert Mark Steege, a sex therapist who testified he has treated hundreds of sex offenders in 35 years, said he evaluated Benavides in April 2017. Senior District Judge Dick Alcala confers with prosecuting and defense attorneys after watching sex tapes of former San Antonio lawyer Mark Benavides in the Wilson County Courthouse on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, in Floresville, TX. She was incredulous. The defense has already filed an appeal. the woman, 29, cried on the video. Mark Howerton, the victims boyfriend of four weeks, was jailed on Feb. 28, 2018, facing charges of murder and sexual assault. 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. 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. I started caring for him as a person because I didnt have anybody at the time. Taken advantage of, really, the woman recalled. She had never been in trouble before and had no drugs on her person, but that arrest triggered a terrifying string of events that still affects her today. Lopez was found guilty of the murder by the jury on June 5, 2018 and struggled against deputies moments after being convicted of the 2014 killing of Menchaca. "Theres others out there, I know. Mark Benavides is currently serving an 80-year prison term after he was convicted in 2018 of trading sex for legal services from women he was representing. Mark Benavides (right) and defense attorney Liza Rodriguez are in court Thursday during the punishment phase of his trial in Wilson County District Court and Justice Center in Floresville. Former clients who were victimized by him are asked to call Morales at 210-335-0701. She said they would go to a motel in San Antonio, where he told her what to do sexually while recording the encounter. Benavides, a former San Antonio lawyer, was convicted Tuesday of trafficking and having sex with clients in exchange for legal services. "We know there are women we could never ID. Mark Steege, a sex therapist, testifies Friday during the punishment phase of the trial of Mark Benavides in Floresville. Mark Henry Benavides was convicted Tuesday of continuous trafficking of persons for having sex with clients he represented on prostitution or drug cases. Reyes survived for two weeks before being pronounced dead. Mark Benavides, a former San Antonio attorney, is accused of having sex with his clients in exchange for his legal services Prosecutors in a Texas court played footage of Benavides forcing. More: Death penalty testimony paints violent portrait of officers killer. When Norton asked if he saw a change in Benavides from his testimony, Steege said he did. 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Defense expert Mark Steege, a sex therapist who testified he has treated hundreds of sex offenders in 35 years, said he evaluated Benavides in April 2017. At the time of Mark's court proceedings, Linda requested the jury to "please be fair as his kids love him so much." Linda Benavides said that although he was unfaithful, she didn't leave her husband of nearly 11 years after his arrest because she supports him. 2014 - 2023 Marathi.TV - All Rights Reserved. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Six women he had represented in prostitution or drug cases testified he coerced them into having sex to keep them out of jail or lessen their legal troubles, and videotaped the encounters, which were shown to the jury. Mark W Benavides, born Circa 1969 Linda Benavides, Marks wife, testified on Friday morning and asked the jury to please be fair.. Cop killer trial: Shaun Puente was found guilty on March 21, 2018 for fatally shooting San Antonio Police Department Officer Robert Deckard during a highway chase in Atascosa County on Dec. 8, 2013 that started after Puente, according to witnesses, committed two armed robberies in San Antonio. Benavides was first arrested in November 2015, charged with compelling prostitution from at least nine female clients. "I'm asking you to have mercy and give me the minimum," Benavides said while crying. Animal sacrifice unveiled at San Antonio home: Its worth life, ladies and gentlemen, Chacon said in her closing argument. Norton told the jury that this wasnt Benavides trial alone, that it was shared with every single person who took the stand and told their stories. 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. 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. He is facing up to 99 years in prison. Apparently, this has been going on for virtually his entire legal career, here. RELATED:Expert: Guilty ex-S.A. attorney displayed arousal to violent sex. What I saw yesterday (Benavides testimony), was a totally different man. Rodriguez argued that Benavides did not kill someone and should not be sent away for life. Benavides, a former San Antonio lawyer, was convicted Tuesday of trafficking and having sex with clients in exchange for legal services. On ExpressNews.com: Four pending sex cases against convicted ex-San Antonio attorney dismissed. Her parents, Abdulah Fahmi Kala Al Hishmawi, 34, and Hamdiyah Sabah Al Hishmawi, 33, were arrested on Friday, March 23, 2018. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. A 29-year-old woman who testified for the state that Benavides forced her to have anal sex and recorded the encounters sat with her hands over her face and cried as the jury heard her plead for Benavides to stop. In this2018 file photo he sits in Judge Dick Alcalas courtroom to address his other pending pending cases. Mark Howerton, the victims boyfriend of four weeks, was jailed on Feb. 28, 2018, facing charges of murder and sexual assault. He still faces a possible charge for aggravated assault with severe bodily injury. Detectives recovered 246 mini DVDs containing hundreds of videos in which he was seen directing the women during often violent sex. She said Benavides flirted with her and offered to help her incarcerated son. Benavides is accused of having sex with his clients in exchange for legal services. Mark Benavides leaves the courtroom as his trial recesses for lunch in the Wilson County District Court and Justice Center in Floresville on Thursday, April 5, 2018. The sentences will be served at the same time. Youre hurting me. More: Urestis alleged ex-mistress admits to relationship with his business partner. The next day, employees discovered her body missing from a damaged casket. A witness described the crime scene as a "horror move" in testimony. Bendavid was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to a Belgian-born mother and a Moroccan-Jewish father. In this2018 file photo he sits in Judge Dick Alcalas courtroom to address his other pending. More: S.A. animal sacrifice was Santera practice, but was it illegal? Earlier, his wife told the jury deciding his punishment to be fair because he does not deserve this.. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. At first, Benavides would text or call her when he was lonely or bored, she said. Read more of her stories here. The victim responded, I started caring for him as a person because I didnt have anybody at the time. FLORESVILLE A Wilson County jury on Friday sentenced a former San Antonio attorney to 80 years in prison on each of the six counts he faced for coercing clients into sex. Benavides was convicted Tuesday of continuous trafficking of persons and faces 25 to 99 years or life in prison. To read more from Elizabeth, become a subscriber. 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. Benavides will serve 80 years for each count but the time will. Benavides was convicted in 2018 for six counts of human trafficking for trading sex for legal services. Mark Benavides (left) sits beside defense attorney Liza Rodriguez during his trial in the Wilson County District Court and Justice Center in Floresville on Thursday. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Prosecutor Jay Norton said this case was about forced sex, not just about legal services.. 'Sometimes he would ask me my name, how old I was, and ask, 'What are you going to do?' 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. FLORESVILLE A Wilson County jury on Friday sentenced a former San Antonio attorney to 80 years in prison on each of the six counts he faced for coercing clients into sex. Linda Benavides, wife of ex-SA attorney Mark Benavides, asks jury to please be fair. He lied to you, sitting here. Benavides is being tried in Wilson County on a change of venue from Bexar County because of intense media coverage. More: Death penalty testimony paints violent portrait of officers killer. I felt young and dumb and powerless. Benavides was sentenced to 80 years in prison on each of the six counts of continuous trafficking of persons against him. This was someone within our legal community, Dahlberg said. Copyright 2018 by KSAT - All rights reserved. Both sides rested their cases and are expected to begin closing arguments this afternoon. And so, I think its hard to know how many women out there were subjected to this kind of undue influence, Young said. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Read more of her stories here. Cruz, Abbott and others react to Castro's cancer diagnosis, Rep. Joaquin Castro diagnosed with cancer, undergoes surgery, San Antonio's first car elevator is ready to start accepting cars, Buc-ees planning new travel centers in Wisconsin, Florida. 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. Mark Benavides was scheduled to appear . So far, two women represented by Benavides have had their convictions overturned and their records expunged. Earlier, his wife told the jury deciding his punishment to be fair because he does not deserve this.. Meredith Chacon, also prosecuting, branded Benavides 'a pimp in a suit' during her closing arguments. When Norton asked if he saw a change in Benavides from his testimony, Steege said he did. He's covered a variety of stories and events across the San Antonio area, and is the lead reporter for KSAT Explains. One of thevideos was so graphic that a female juror fainted as the panel left the courtroom last week. One after another, she lost her drivers license, her car, her job, her apartment. 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. Boshoy Mina Elkhaliny, was arrested on Jan. 8, 2018 for allegedly beating, raping and holding Kaila Kutzik captive for days. He did. The latest indictment is the fifth open case against Benavides. Please be fair. 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. ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863. 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 is accused of having sex with his clients in exchange for legal services. }] He cheated. Benavides, a former San Antonio lawyer, was convicted Tuesday of trafficking and having sex with clients in exchange for legal services. Calling him a master manipulator and liar, prosecutors had asked the jury to send Benavides to life in prison for having sex with clients in exchange for legal services. 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. Mark Benavides (left) sits beside defense attorney Liza Rodriguez during his trial in the Wilson County District Court and Justice Center in Floresville on Thursday. This is a carousel. 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. According to a criminal complaint, authorities alleged Mark Benavides pressured his victims everywhere from courtroom conference rooms to his office and hotels between 2009 and 2015. The jury entered deliberations at 1:18 p.m. 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.. Meredith Chacon prosecuting attorney in the Mark Benavides trial, talks to another attorney after 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. More: Man accused in death of trans woman wont face trial. Linda Benavides said that although he was unfaithful, she didn't leave her husband of nearly 11 years after his arrest because she supports him. Dismemberment trial: The murder trial of Gabriel Moreno, accused of killing Jose Luis Menchaca, began on Feb. 26, 2018. Benavides has applied for probation. More: 'A classic sociopath: Abused victims of Stone Oak playboy speak out after years of violence. I'm unaware, other than what's on the news.. Anyone who feels they were forced to take a plea deal by Benavides is urged to contact the Bexar County Public Defenders Office at 210-504-6216. 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