One of two alleged human smugglers has been released from jail on a low bond, following a court hearing in Houston last month.
Angel Mendoza, 25, is out of jail on seven bonds after seven charges were filed against him for kidnapping and smuggling. During a probable cause docket hearing on November 28, the magistrate seemingly downplayed the severity of aggravated kidnapping, according to a report by Fox 26 News.
Mendoza stood with co-defendant, Christian Fernandez, during the court, when it was learned that both suspects were already free on bond for the same charges, in other counties.
“Smuggling is a very serious offense, people lose their lives,” Crime Stoppers’ Andy Kahan said. “Mendoza was actually out on three counts of smuggling of individuals, including one under the age of 18.”
“He [Fernandez] too, is also out on bond for smuggling out of another county in West Texas.”
Although the Harris County DA pushed to keep the defendants behind bars, the magistrate set the bond amount at $7,500 for each charge. Mendoza has since posted bond while Fernandez is still behind bars.
“It’s an awful unfortunate miscarriage of justice,” said Ken Nealy, First Vice President of the Houston Police Officers Union, told Fox 26.
“You are already charged with a similar offense in a different county in the state of Texas, then you came to Harris County, and you are arrested and charged with the same offense. You shouldn’t be given a bond.”
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[Feature Photo: Pixabay]
