After the judge ruled the evidence was insufficient, the victims mother collapsed in the courtroom. He did. Benavides is accused of having sex with his clients in exchange for legal services. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The sentences will be served at the same time. Follow KSAT's Twitter Moment below for the latest updates on the trial. Officials said the women were. He also covers the Spurs for on-air and digital platforms. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. More: San Antonio woman gunned down by estranged relativedies two weeks after shooting. Benavidesapologized Thursday and asked for forgiveness as he testified. When she had to see him, she would bring her mother along. "I'm so sorry. Officials said the women were extorted by Benavides to take plea deals for crimes they didnt commit. Mark Henry Benavides will have to serve at least 30 years before he is eligible for parole. 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" Mark Benavides, a former San Antonio lawyer, appears in the Wilson County Courthouse on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, in Floresville, TX. 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. Michelle Fair Hilliker, seated at center, consoles a victim testifying in the Mark Benavides trial. Six women he had represented in prostitution or drug cases testified he coerced. Her conviction has been overturned based on his ineffectual counsel. So, I did.. In April 2016, a jury indicted the San Antonio-based lawyer on multiple counts of sexual assault and compelling prostitution. She has worked at five daily newspapers in Texas, including The Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the Denton Record-Chronicle. A witness described the crime scene as a "horror move" in testimony. He is a calculating and manipulating liar, she told the jury. 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. }] Prosecutors said Benavides traded sex for legal services. She said they would go to a motel in San Antonio, where he told her what to do sexually while recording the encounter. His accusers said those sexual encounters took placeon days when they had court dates, and sometimes would occurin jury and witness rooms in the courthouse. 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. 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. 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. Fundraiser honors San Marcos child who was struck, killed CPS Energy sells circular Villita Assembly Building. 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. Just this month, Benavides was indicted again for continuous trafficking of persons in connection with alleged incidents with four of the women from 2012 to 2015. More: Uresti, Cain found guilty on all charges in end to salacious month-long fraud trial. Benavides gave her his card. Benavides was convicted Tuesday of continuous trafficking of persons and faces 25 to 99 years or life in prison. A 51-year-old victim of now-disbarred Mark Benavides goes through paperwork at her San Antonio home on June 18, 2020. 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. 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." A member of the jury collapsed after watching some of the images on the first day of the trial. Marisol Morales, a case manager at the Public Defenders Office, has been working with the two women and others Benavides abused. Rodriguez argued that Benavides did not kill someone and should not be sent away for life. SAN ANTONIO Former attorney Mark Benavides has been sentenced to 80 years for six counts of continuing trafficking of persons. 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. Don't be so rough, as Benavides made sexually explicit commands and repeatedly told her, Come back here, as the woman sobbed. 'The jury found him guilty of crimes, not cheating.'. Mark Steege, a sex therapist, testifies Friday during the punishment phase of the trial of Mark Benavides in Floresville. He was in the wrong no matter what people did.. You can see RJ regularly on KSAT Explains and Good Morning San Antonio. The evidence against Benavides included portions of 246 videos the lawyer recorded of himself having sex with his clients. Elizabeth Zavala covers county and state courts in San Antonio. 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 Henry Benavides will have to serve at least 30 years before he is eligible for parole. 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 Steege said he had not. Mark Howerton, the victims boyfriend of four weeks, was jailed on Feb. 28, 2018, facing charges of murder and sexual assault. The cases stretch back to 2000. 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. Their testimony established a pattern Benavides would pick them up from their homes or from jail, then take them to a hotel or a meeting room behind the courtroom to have sex. Each case is expected to be tried separately. 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. They found him guilty of force, fraud and coercion, Norton said. He did. 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. He is facing up to 99 years in prison. Benavideswill get credit for the days he has already served. Benavides, a former San Antonio lawyer, was convicted Tuesday of trafficking in persons and having sex with clients in exchange for legal services. The woman said that, eventually, Benavides stopped talking to her about her drug case except to urge her to plead guilty. Mark Henry Benavides was convicted Tuesday of continuous trafficking of persons for having sex with clients he represented on prostitution or drug cases. | ezavala@express-news.net | @elizabeth2863, Benavides sentenced to 80 years for coercing clients into having sex, Man dies following hit-and-run on San Antonio's Westside, Canyon Lake animal shelter faces claims of neglect, abuse. Benavides will serve 80 years for each count but the time will. 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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. 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. 'To me, it's cheating,' Benavides replied. Several additional indictments have been added since. 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. While questioning the woman under cross-examination, defense attorney Monica E. Guerrero tried to suggest that their interactions remained friendly after his initial arrest. Benavides was convicted in 2018 for six counts of human trafficking for trading sex for legal services. This is a carousel. Benavides faces up to 99 years or life in prison. 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. I saw a humbled man rather than an arrogant man, he said. More: Urestis alleged ex-mistress admits to relationship with his business partner. His kids love him so much,' she told the jury while crying. As the jurors were exiting the courtroom, one juror fainted. More: Man accused in death of trans woman wont face trial. I looked at you three times, sir, and you were asleep, Norton told Steege. RELATED: New Braunfels man with history of 'deviant' sex acts with vegetables sentenced to life in prison. Detectives recovered 246 mini DVDs containing hundreds of videos in which he was seen directing the women during often violent sex. 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. Marvin Pfeiffer /For the San Antonio Express-News. The next day, employees discovered her body missing from a damaged casket. Benavides was first arrested in November 2015, charged with compelling prostitution from at least nine female clients. But hes a good person. On Tuesday, prosecutors in a Texas court played footage of Benavides forcing one such client to have anal sex with him, KSAT reported. I'm unaware, other than what's on the news.. Linda Benavides, wife of ex-SA attorney Mark Benavides, asks jury to please be fair. He transported, coerced, threatened and made them feel they had no choice. Several women also testified that they would also have sex with Benavides in backrooms at the courthouse. 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. Personal Life, Parents and Family Details : Your email address will not be published. Their accounts paint a harrowing picture of how the justice system went awry in their cases. He was so resistant to the idea he had done anything wrong, Steege said. ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863. Continue with Recommended Cookies. This month, Benavides was indicted again on a charge of continuous trafficking of persons in connection with alleged incidents that involved four women between 2012 and 2015. By 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. Officials said the call will be kept confidential. 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. The jury found him guilty of crimes, not cheating.. 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. 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. In the end, she had to hire another lawyer, because Benavides was behind bars by the time her case came up. Under questioning by Guerrero, Benavides said her husbands demeanor changed after his arrest in 2015. Boshoy Mina Elkhaliny, was arrested on Jan. 8, 2018 for allegedly beating, raping and holding Kaila Kutzik captive for days. He said he knew police and judges and I didnt know who to try to ask for help, she said. RELATED:Expert: Guilty ex-S.A. attorney displayed arousal to violent sex. The women said the alleged encounters took place at his law office, motels, his car and the courthouse, according to the affidavit. 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. The juror was replaced by an alternate. 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. 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. I looked at you three times, sir, and you were asleep, Norton told Steege. She told Benavides she did not want to have sex with him, but he still made me, she said. His kids love him so much, she told the jury through tears. 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. Read more of her stories here. RJ Marquez has been at KSAT since 2010. Before Benavides was taken away, the judge increased his bail to $150,000 on each of the remaining four cases pending against him. 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. More: 'A classic sociopath: Abused victims of Stone Oak playboy speak out after years of violence. The two agencies, normally on opposing sides, are working together to ensure justice for the victims of disbarred lawyer Mark Henry Benavides, who was once a candidate for state district judge. He cheated. 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. 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. Ex-SA lawyer's mother defends convicted son on witness stand. More: S.A. animal sacrifice was Santera practice, but was it illegal? Before Benavides was taken away, the judge increased his bail to $150,000 on each of the remaining four cases pending against him. Benavides was sentenced to 80 years in prison on each of the six counts of continuous trafficking of persons against him. Six women he had represented in prostitution or drug cases testified he coerced. FLORESVILLE, Texas Closing arguments were set to begin Friday afternoon in the punishment phase of the trial for former San Antonio attorney Mark Benavides. He said he would help me get my son back.. To read more from Elizabeth, become a subscriber. He did. He said he would help me get my son back, the woman told the court. She said Benavides flirted with her and offered to help her incarcerated son. Benavides is being tried in Wilson County on a change of venue from Bexar County because of intense media coverage. Steege said he saw a dramatic change in Benavides, from arrogant and entitled when they first met, to humble and treatable. This latest indictment marks the fifth open case against him, including two charges of sexual assault of a child, one charge of sexual assault, and two charges of continuous trafficking of persons. } {"duration": "400ms","fill": "both","iterations": "1","direction": "alternate","animations": [{"selector": "#scrollToTopButton","keyframes": [{"opacity": "0","visibility": "hidden" View the profiles of professionals named "Mark Benavides" on LinkedIn. Personal Life, Parents and Family Details : Mark was born on October 1st, 1969. What I saw yesterday (in Benavides testimony) was a totally different man. At the end, she said, he would ask her to say bye to the camera. When I saw him first, he was arrogant and untreatable. Benavides still faces two charges of sexual assault of a child, a charge of sexual assault and another charge of continuous trafficking of persons. scott van pelt wife age. Apparently, this has been going on for virtually his entire legal career, here. Steege said he had not. The defense has already filed an appeal. More: Couple get $8 million for loss of daughters body from San Antonio funeral home. Benavides texted and called her, describing in explicit terms the sex acts he wanted her to perform. Benavides was convicted Tuesday of continuous trafficking of persons and faces 25 to 99 years or life in prison. Benavides is accused of having sex with his clients in exchange for legal services. Benavides repeatedly ordered the woman to 'come back here' in the footage, while the woman pressed her hands against her face and sobbed. Benavides attorneys declined to comment on the verdict or sentencing. He's covered a variety of stories and events across the San Antonio area, and is the lead reporter for KSAT Explains. Benavides was convicted Tuesday of continuous trafficking of persons and faces 25 to 99 years or life in prison. According to court documents, the district attorney's office cited insufficient evidence in dropping the charges. More: S.A. teen who refused arranged marriage suffered 6 months of beatings, search warrant shows. Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. One after another, she lost her drivers license, her car, her job, her apartment. 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. Marvin Pfeiffer /For the San Antonio Express-News. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. Elizabeth Zavala covers county and state courts on the Express-News Crime Team. The jury found Benavides guilty of all six counts and sentenced him to 80 years in prison. 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. 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. 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. He was in the wrong no matter what people did, said a 32-year-old woman who was one of Benavides' victims. It took the panel about six hours to decide on the sentences for the six counts of continuous trafficking of persons. She was 20 when she found herself facing possible prison time. The trial against former San Antonio attorney Mark Benavides began Tuesday with a graphic start. Mott died Aug. 8, 2015 and was to be cremated Aug. 15, 2015. 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