Posted on 10/30/2007 7:11:02 AM PDT by 3AngelaD
TAMPA - A University of South Florida student charged with transporting explosives will not be released on bail, a federal judge ruled Thursday. In ruling that Youssef Megahed poses a flight risk and a danger to the community, Judge Steven D. Merryday overturned a ruling by federal magistrate, who said the defendant could be released on $200,000 bail under strict conditions.
Merryday wrote ... that no conditions would stop Megahed if he "wants to blow something up or cause a disturbance. ... I am unwilling at the prospective cost of property damage, injury or death to assume he will not do so."
Megahed's attorney, public defender Adam Allen, said, "We respect the court's ruling but are disappointed... "
Megahed, 21, was arrested Aug. 4 in South Carolina along with fellow USF student Ahmed Mohamed, 26, after deputies found explosives in the trunk of the car in which the two men were riding, authorities said. Mohamed was driving the care, which was registered to Megahed's brother.
...Megahed is a legal, permanent U.S. resident, and Mohamed has a student visa. Both are charged with illegally transporting explosives. Mohamed also is charged with trying to help terrorists by teaching or demonstrating the use of explosives...
"The evidence fails to establish or even suggest any innocent or wholesome explanation for the events that led to Megahed's arrest," Merryday wrote....
The judge said Megahed has a $3,000 balance in his checking account, but his parents do not require him to contribute to household expenses. "Neither Megahed's father nor his mother works outside the home, but the family enjoys substantial business ties and interests in Egypt."...The judge also said he didn't consider the fact that investigators found a remote-controlled toy boat in the Megahed home....
(Excerpt) Read more at 2.tbo.com ...
Because when he is convicted, we don't want him getting out on appeal.
Because that is our system of justice. Work to change it if you don't agree.
I applaud this judge's ruling. Common sense from the bench is so refreshing these days.
In most jurisdictions there is a means test for people who ask for a public defender. Apparently not in Tampa.
Obviously the well-to-do parents will step in and pay when an appeal is needed, but they are willing to let taxpayers foot the bill now. These people are shameless parasites.
I got no problem with providing lawyers. It is small potatoes compared to convicting these guys and sending them to jail. If giving them a lawyer is part of the process that ends with them incarcerated for a long, long time, I say give them a lawyer.
I’ll take an overworked public defender over a high-priced guy with connections. We can either pay nw in the form of a public defender or pay later when we bury the dead and clean up the scene of the bombing.
This guy is 21 years old. Are you suggesting that his parents' assets dictate whether or not he is provided with a public defender, or am I missing the part about this guy being able to afford counsel in his own right?
I won't be very surprised if they plead guilty to spitting on the sidewalk and accept deportation, and the government lets them go.
Guy still lives at home with parents. He did not offer to use his own $3,000 to help pay for his own defense. He and the parents are saving their money for the appeals process. If my child was arrested under such circumstances, I would provide for his defense, unless I knew he was guilty.
How is this guy saving money while held in custody, unless you mean the $0.27/hour he may be earning in the jail's laundry?
With all due respect, you asked why we are paying for his attorney ... and I am trying to arrive at an answer with you. What you would do under the circumstances really doesn't enter into the mix.
Oh, and $3000 will get you one — maybe 2 — days’ of representation with a reputable law firm in a case such as this.
In jail, his name may be his undoing..
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.