Court Cam: 5 WILD Arraignment Hearings - Part 6 — A&E

[00:00:00] Reed Sadek Al-Sandouk: -As long as you can see it for the record... -Sir. -Maybe you can call the paramedics to check me out. [00:00:06] Elizabeth DeSanto: -Mr. Al-Sandouk, will you stop talking, please? [00:00:12] Speaker 3: -We had to Wyandotte, Michigan, for an arraignment. 35-year-old Reed Sadek Al-Sandouk has been charged with disorderly conduct. A day earlier, Al-Sandouk was arrested for causing a disturbance in public and refusing to identify himself to officers. Today, he appears without a shirt before Judge Elizabeth DeSanto to hear if he'll be released on bond. Al-Sandouk is represented by defense attorney Corey Westmoreland. -Pounsel, yes, to bond. [00:00:47] Corey Westmoreland: -Your Honor, after speaking with my client at length this morning, he did assure me he would be appearing at all future court dates and understands the importance of doing so. I would just ask that all that be taken into an account when assessing a bond on behalf of my client. [00:01:02] Elizabeth DeSanto: -And, sir, how long have you resided in the city of Wyandotte? -Six months. [00:01:07] Reed Sadek Al-Sandouk: I'm off and on from Lago to Wyandotte. -Oh, Lago as in Florida? -Yes. Yes, ma'am. [00:01:14] Elizabeth DeSanto: -And so, sir, when you resided in Florida, who do you reside with? -For my father. [00:01:18] Reed Sadek Al-Sandouk: But I don't plan on going into Florida until this is resolved because I don't want to have to come back and get arrested for some . I mean, for some warrants. [00:01:31] Elizabeth DeSanto: -Well, why haven't you corrected yourself? Um, if you were to test right now, what would be detected in your system? [00:01:38] Reed Sadek Al-Sandouk: -Uh, prescription medication. I don't do any street drugs. I could take a drug test, but I don't do any street drugs. I just do prescription medication. [00:01:47] Elizabeth DeSanto: -Okay. And do you take those as your doctor orders? Or do you take them however you want to take them? [00:01:53] Reed Sadek Al-Sandouk: -No, no, no. My mom is a nurse. She has to hand them to me every day. I don't take them without a nurse's supervision. [00:02:03] Speaker 3: -Judge DeSanto is ready to set bond. [00:02:06] Elizabeth DeSanto: -Given Mr. Sanduke's, um, partial residence in Michigan, partial residence in Florida, the court wants to ensure Mr. L. Sanduke is going to return to court. The court's going to order a $3,500 10% bond, and the court's going to also order a GPS tether through Wayne County Jail. You're not to possess or consume any alcohol or drugs that are not prescribed. [00:02:32] Reed Sadek Al-Sandouk: -She's not done. [00:02:35] Elizabeth DeSanto: -And you're to continue to take your medications as prescribed. [00:02:39] Reed Sadek Al-Sandouk: -But I don't have my medication on me. [00:02:41] Elizabeth DeSanto: -I believe, sir, that, um, you can have one of the officers contact your mom regarding your medication. -You don't understand, Your Honor. I have a blood infection. -Excuse me. Sir, let me finish. Let me finish. [00:02:53] Reed Sadek Al-Sandouk: -I'm going to probably die in here. I'm just letting you know. [00:02:56] Elizabeth DeSanto: -Sir, please let me finish. Let me finish. [00:02:58] Reed Sadek Al-Sandouk: -As long as on the record, you know I'm probably going to die of an infection in here. And you don't care, that's fine. [00:03:04] Elizabeth DeSanto: -Sir, please let me finish. [00:03:07] Reed Sadek Al-Sandouk: -I'm not. As long as you know I have a blood infection and a spinal infection, and I probably have meningitis, and as long as you can see it for the record... [00:03:15] Speaker ?: -Sure. [00:03:15] Reed Sadek Al-Sandouk: -Sir. -Sir. -Maybe you can call the paramedics to check me out. [00:03:21] Elizabeth DeSanto: -Mr. Al Sandouk, will you stop talking, please? [00:03:27] Reed Sadek Al-Sandouk: -Miss Elizabeth de Sandouk. Yes. [00:03:32] Elizabeth DeSanto: -When you're talking about a blood infection, I have no idea what you're talking about, because I have not had any information regarding that. So, counsel, are you aware of any of that? [00:03:41] Corey Westmoreland: -He mentioned it earlier. I'm not exactly sure what he was speaking about. -I didn't do anything wrong. [00:03:50] Reed Sadek Al-Sandouk: I don't know why I have no $3,500 bond. For what? What did I do wrong? [00:03:55] Elizabeth DeSanto: -Sir, you should lightly not discuss the facts of the case, because that is not what's before the court. Not. The court ordered a $3,500 10% bond, which is a lower cash bond based upon your... -I don't care. I'm not saying that. -Based upon your... [00:04:12] Reed Sadek Al-Sandouk: -I'm not saying that. [00:04:13] Elizabeth DeSanto: -Based upon your... -I'm not saying that. -Excuse me. The court wants to make sure that you are going to appear in court, which is why the court ordered the bond and a GPS... [00:04:26] Reed Sadek Al-Sandouk: -I don't even have a car and drive out of state. Why would you think I would skip court? Why? Why would I skip court? I follow the law to a T. Why would you think I'd skip court? [00:04:37] Elizabeth DeSanto: -Sir, the court made its ruling based upon the information that it had. All right? So, we'll see you back on October 15th at 10:45 a.m. -Yeah. [00:04:49] Speaker 3: -Later that day, Al Sanduq posted his bond and was released. But a month later, he was arrested for allegedly selling illegal drugs and is now being held on a $1,000 bond. Both of his cases are pending. Next, we head to Conniat, Ohio, for an arraignment. 34-year-old Christopher Barrett has been charged with violating a protection order. A month earlier, police say Barrett violated a five-year no-contact order granted to his ex-wife when he showed up at her workplace. The alleged victim hid in the back of the store for 20 minutes before Barrett left the premises. Barrett's ex reported the incident to police and he was ordered to appear in court. Today, he's before Judge Nicholas Irochi to enter a plea. Barrett is represented by attorney Joseph Loftus. [00:05:57] Speaker 5: Okay. The court will accept the not guilty plea. The law director's office is asking for a bond in the amount of $10,000 cash surety 10%. [00:06:07] Speaker 3: Judge Irochi takes a look at the defendant's criminal history. [00:06:11] Speaker 5: It says that Mr. Barrett has a history of drug use. When's the last time you've been through any kind of substance abuse or mental health treatment, Mr. Barrett? Last time I was up here, I went through a company through my work. [00:06:28] Speaker ?: I did behavioral health there. [00:06:30] Speaker 5: I also did 18 months inpatient in Florida for some facility. So when's the last time you've received any treatment? [00:06:39] Speaker ?: Well, I haven't been able to really find a place to set my insurance [00:06:43] Speaker 5: because I can't seem to get a job here because of the protection orders. Yeah, you don't seem to hear my question and answer my question. I'm going to ask it for the third time. When's the last time you received treatment? Last time I was up here, so about a year ago. Where do you work in him? What's the name of the company? How long have you worked there? Yeah, I don't need to hear that. Look, Mr. Barrett. You're in my court now. And when I order you to have no contact with someone, that means you stay away from her. You don't go anywhere near her. You don't have any communication with her. There's already an order in place. Look at me. You violate this order that I'm about to impose? I will make sure you sit in jail for as long as I can keep you there. You stay away from her. Do you got that? Do you hear me? [00:08:09] Speaker ?: Yes. [00:08:15] Speaker 5: I didn't hear you. [00:08:16] Speaker ?: Yes. [00:08:16] Speaker 5: Blonde is set in the amount of $25,000 personal recognizance. Defendant has ordered not to consume or possess alcohol or drugs. He is subject to random chemical testing by probation on law enforcement. He has to have no contact whatsoever with . Mr. Barrett, if you fail to abide by the conditions of your bond, I'll revoke your bond. I'll issue a warrant for your arrest and I could order you to pay the state of Ohio $25,000 as a penalty. Understood? Yes. [00:08:50] Speaker 3: Barrett was released on bond and his case is pending. [00:08:54] Speaker 6: Show some respect for the court, whoever the court is. You don't have to feel respect for me, but you have to show respect. [00:09:03] Speaker 7: I am showing respect, but you're being disrespectful to me. [00:09:06] Speaker 3: We go to Eureka, Kansas for an arraignment. 42-year-old Rihanna Ray Johnson has been charged with driving with a suspended license and having no insurance. Three months earlier, Johnson, a mother of three, was pulled over for driving with a damaged windshield. And when the trooper learned Johnson's license was suspended and that she didn't have insurance, he issued her a citation and she was ordered to appear in court. Today, Johnson appears remotely without an attorney before Judge Phyllis Webster to discuss next steps in the case. The prosecutor is Jared Regeer. [00:09:48] Speaker 8: Your Honor, the state is recommending a bond of the very least $3,500. Besides the charges currently for the court, the state understands this is a defendant with at least one prior driver's license violation, a diversion for DUI, as well as at least one non-traffic felony conviction. [00:10:05] Speaker 9: I haven't received a DUI. When did they say I had a DUI on that? [00:10:11] Speaker 8: It does appear to be somewhat dated. Nevertheless, given the nature of the offense, the state does consider it relevant for purposes of setting an appropriate bond in this matter. [00:10:22] Speaker 9: When was it dated, you said? [00:10:23] Speaker 8: Approximately 20 years by the state's understanding, Your Honor. [00:10:27] Speaker ?: 20 years? [00:10:28] Speaker 9: So you bring up something for 20 years ago? [00:10:31] Speaker ?: Sure he can. [00:10:32] Speaker 6: I'm not going to consider it, but for all the other reasons he stated, 3,500 OR sounds reasonable and I am going to make that your bond. And why is that? Just because I have-- I have a lengthy record, ma'am, starting in 2004 up to now. [00:10:50] Speaker 9: I mean, I'm not trying to argue with it, but I don't have a really extensive record except for a couple driving on suspended. [00:10:56] Speaker 6: Going back to your record, there's some children involved in some cases that I won't use. But that's irrelevant with this. All right, look. OK, are you going to let me be the judge and tell you what's relevant and what's not, or are you going to just take over the case? [00:11:10] Speaker 9: No, but you don't have to be rude to me. I mean, but I don't know what my children have to do with me driving on suspended. [00:11:16] Speaker 6: I'm not going to let you talk down to me like that when you're the one that's accused of violating the law. I mean, you come in here with an attitude trying to tell me how it's going to be. [00:11:26] Speaker ?: No! [00:11:27] Speaker 9: No, but you're bringing my children into it for why. My children have nothing to do with me driving on suspended. They have nothing to do with that. None of them cases do. [00:11:36] Speaker 3: Judge Webster appears to be running out of patience. [00:11:39] Speaker 6: Show some respect for the court, whoever the court is. You don't have to feel respect for me, but you have to show respect. [00:11:45] Speaker 7: I am showing respect, but you're being disrespectful to me. [00:11:48] Speaker 6: You want me to make it a cash assurity bond? Because you're starting to show me an attitude that I don't know that you respect the court enough to follow the court's orders. [00:11:56] Speaker 9: I do respect the court. [00:11:58] Speaker 6: You just don't respect me personally. Is that what you're saying? [00:12:01] Speaker 9: No, I do respect everybody, but I feel like I'm not being respected at all. But I will keep my mouth shut and you can proceed and I will come back with my attorney. [00:12:10] Speaker 6: You are provoking the court, Ms. Johnson, and you need to stop it. [00:12:15] Speaker 3: Despite the judge's warning, Johnson's got more to say. [00:12:19] Speaker 9: I have a question. How far back do you guys go? I mean, you used that against a person. I thought it was like seven years. [00:12:26] Speaker 6: I don't know where you heard that I can't use anything you've done after seven years criminally speaking, but I have never heard that law. They didn't teach me that in my law school. Maybe they did in yours, but not in mine. [00:12:36] Speaker 9: I was just asking a question. You don't be rude. I was asking a question. [00:12:41] Speaker 6: You know, I'm really trying to stay calm and not find you in contempt. But the way you are sassing and disrespecting and arguing with the court puts you in a position where I can find you in contempt, order you to pay a fine, and actually order you to serve jail time. Ms. Johnson, anything else you want to take out before I let you go? No, Your Honor. All right. [00:13:07] Speaker 3: Johnson posted the $3,500 bond and was released. She's yet to enter a plea, and her case is pending. Next, we're in Eureka, Kansas, for an arraignment. 53-year-old Danny Johnson has been charged with speeding and operating a vehicle without proof of insurance. Seven months earlier, Johnson was pulled over and issued two citations. When he failed to appear in court, he was arrested and released on $1,000 bond. Today, Johnson appears from a separate room in the Greenwood County Courthouse without an attorney before Judge Phyllis Webster to enter a plea. If found guilty, Johnson's facing a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Representing the state is Prosecutor Jill Gillette. [00:14:05] Speaker 6: Do you want to talk to an attorney and discuss whether or not you have a defense? [00:14:08] Speaker 10: No, Your Honor. I simply do not understand the nature and cause of the accusation with regard to the jurisdiction of the venue and nature of this action until the prosecutor properly alleges them there. I cannot enter a plea to the charge until I have the opportunity to raise a meaningful defense on my behalf. [00:14:32] Speaker 3: It sounds like Johnson could be trying to make a sovereign citizen type argument, challenging the court's jurisdiction. [00:14:40] Speaker 6: All right, I will then, since you cannot enter a plea today, I will enter a not guilty plea for you and give you time. [00:14:49] Speaker 10: I object, Your Honor. I object to you entering a plea to me because I must understand the nature and cause of these accusations. [00:14:57] Speaker 6: Well, your position is taken and I'm still going to do it. [00:15:01] Speaker 10: Well, I object, I object to you entering a plea on my behalf. [00:15:04] Speaker 6: Your objection is noted. Your objection is noted. And if the time comes, you can appeal that to the court of appeal. [00:15:10] Speaker 10: I object to you entering a plea on my behalf. I do not grant you that right. [00:15:15] Speaker 6: Sir, you need to stop your being in contempt of court. It's false imprisonment. I want you to stop talking or you can go upstairs to the county jail. Now, do you want to go to jail tonight? [00:15:33] Speaker 10: Your Honor, again. [00:15:35] Speaker 6: Deputy Miles, could you come in and assist the defendant? Now, that deputy there is going to take you into custody if you cannot control yourself through the remainder of this hearing. [00:15:50] Speaker 10: Your Honor, I'm still trying to understand the nature and cause of the allegation, Your Honor. [00:15:54] Speaker 6: You can either walk out the front door with the officers or you can walk upstairs to the county jail with the officers. The choice is yours. I'm trying to understand. You are released disruptively. I'm not being disruptive. [00:16:05] Speaker 10: I'm not being disruptive. I'm just trying to understand and they can cause other, the, the, the charges. [00:16:11] Speaker 6: All right, officers. [00:16:13] Speaker 10: But I'm still not understanding what you're charging me with. [00:16:16] Speaker 6: Goodbye. We are adjourned. [00:16:19] Speaker 3: Judge Webster held Johnson in contempt of court. He served one day in jail. When released, the judge continued his $1,000 bond. Johnson is yet to enter a plea and his case is pending. Next, we had to Atlanta, Georgia for an arraignment. Rodney Thomas has been charged with criminal trespass. A day earlier, Thomas, who has previous convictions for aggravated assault, battery and drug possession, was arrested for urinating in public at a MARTA train station. Today, he appears before Judge Jesse Lawl to hear if he'll be offered bond. The state is represented by Ginta Bickerstaff, who's recommending a $3,000 signature bond through pretrial services. Jay Kim, the public defender, agrees with the bond, but prefers that it goes through a jail diversion program called PAD, where community workers help people who've been arrested avoid incarceration. Bickerstaff strongly disagrees with that option. [00:17:32] Speaker 11: Your Honor, the state's recommendation to have his bond through pretrial seems more reasonable, considering that this defendant just pled guilty to a battery charge, and he's currently on probation for that case as well. OK. [00:17:47] Speaker 12: The bond is set at $3,000. It's going to be a signature bond through the jail. [00:17:53] Speaker 3: Judge Lawl rules to allow Thomas to stick with the PAD program, and the hearing is essentially over. But it looks like Thomas wants to say something. [00:18:02] Speaker 12: Mr. Thomas. [00:18:04] Speaker 3: Yes, ma'am. [00:18:05] Speaker 12: Why are you putting your hand up? And do you have something to tell me? [00:18:08] Speaker 3: Yes, ma'am. [00:18:09] Speaker 11: Please do not say anything. You got the best signature bond through the jail, please. You have nothing to say. [00:18:16] Speaker 3: Despite his attorney's advice, Thomas seems determined to make a statement. [00:18:21] Speaker 10: I just wanted to state that I am not on probation. That case was closed. [00:18:26] Speaker 12: OK. We don't have to talk about anything else. Mr. Thomas, you have 77 arrest cycles. Do you think I really care whether you're on probation or not? [00:18:39] Speaker 10: No, ma'am. [00:18:40] Speaker 12: Then why would you mention it? [00:18:43] Speaker 10: Yes. [00:18:44] Speaker 12: The only reason I'm granting a signature bond is because it's being recommended by the prosecutor. But I was looking at a $5,000 bond because apparently you do not know how to use a bathroom. Do you understand, sir? [00:18:57] Speaker 10: Yes, ma'am. I'll be better, ma'am. [00:18:59] Speaker 12: Very good. You are to stay 200 yards away from each and every modest station of property, including their sidewalks and their parking lots. Do you understand? Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. And if you need to answer nature's call, do you know what that means? [00:19:16] Reed Sadek Al-Sandouk: Yes, ma'am. [00:19:17] Speaker 12: You are to use a proper public restroom or the privacy of your own restroom. You are not to exhibit yourself in any kind of public way in order to relieve yourself. otherwise, the state completely has its right to charge you with public indecency. Do you understand, sir? [00:19:36] Speaker 10: Yes, ma'am. [00:19:37] Speaker 12: I do. All right. I can't believe I'm telling a grown man how to use a bathroom. This is all shame on you. [00:19:44] Speaker 3: Yes, ma'am. [00:19:45] Speaker 12: Thank you. [00:19:47] Speaker 3: Thomas was released on bond but must continue his diversion program until his next court date. His case is pending. [00:19:59] Speaker ?: We'll see you soon. We'll see you soon.