By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Maxwell Book
BBC - Honduras - CIA Trial Book - NY Mag
SDNY COURTHOUSE, July 29 – Martin Conception is on trial for child sex trafficking.
On July 27, 2022 U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge J. Paul Oetken was presiding over the trial. Inner City Press went and covered it.
On the stand was a Ms. Rodriguez, who testified she was 16 years old when she was prostituted out by a trio including Concepcion a/k/a Tito.
Judge Oekten admonished some of those in the courtroom gallery for gesticulating during the testimony and said if it continued, they would be removed.
The events described took place in The Bronx around 184th Street and Creston Avenue, and Valentine Avenue. Tito got shot, but did not go to the hospital, at least not immediately.
Concepcion's defense counsel repeatedly asked Rodriguez about her previous prostitution, and how many months she had been missing.
A long sidebar in the robing room ensued.
On July 28, things had already reached the charging conference. Inner City Press live tweeted it, here:
now the jury charge conference. In the same 40 Foley Square #GhislaineMaxwell was convicted in, for this graphic trafficking trial there are only 7 people in the gallery: 4 supporters of defendant, 2 Court Security Officers watching over them, and Inner City Press. Judge cites strict liability
Judge: Jury must find if defendant rectuited for or benefited from trafficking
Defendant, in a re-used prison suit though jury's not here for charging conference, is reading the draft charge over his appointed lawyer's shoulder. Charge is agreed.
On July 29, the closing arguments, including this rebuttal summation, here:
AUSA David Robles says all defense did was blame the victim, Camila. Thread below AUSA: Bigga texted the defendant and told him to lie low after the FBI raid on his apartment. He put Camila's photos in an ad online, then was in the apartment with a gun.
AUSA: He was a pimp. Rico, the cooperator, shuts the door. Yes he committed terrible crimes agsinst Camila. He gets 20 years if he lies.
AUSA: Camila was 16. You have her passport. Defendant trafficked her. Find him guilty. Thank you.
But it wasn't that simple. At 4 pm on July 29, there was note. Inner City Press live tweeted here
All rise! Judge Oetken: The jury has asked for Camila's testimony, and if they can rely on Camila's passport for her age.
Jury entering! Judge Oetken: We'll answer your questions Monday. Don't read about the case over the weekend. A juror: Can we take the instructions home? Judge: Please leave your notes and the instructions here. [Jurors leave]
Judge: On the passport, write me or we'll talk Monday morning.
Defense lawyer: I have an EDNY video arraignment Monday 9 am.
But answers will be given to the jurors, and deliberations will proceed...
The case is US v. Concepcion, 19-cr-883 (Oetken)
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