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DETENTION ORDER 15.13

18 U.S.C. § 3142(i) Rev. 1/91

PAGE 1

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

WESTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON

AT SEATTLE

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

Plaintiff,

v. 

ROBEL MEKONEN,

Defendant.

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Case No. CR06-26-RSL-JPD

DETENTION ORDER 

Offenses charged: 

Count 1: Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1),

and 841(b)(1)(A), and 846.

Counts 16 through 20: Distribution of Cocaine Base in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§

841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).

Count 21: Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute in violation of 21 U.S.C.

§§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).

Date of Detention Hearing: February 14, 2006.

The Court, having conducted a detention hearing pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f), and

based upon the factual findings and statement of reasons for detention hereafter set forth, finds

the following:

FINDINGS OF FACT AND STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR DETENTION

(1) Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3142(e), there is a rebuttable presumption that defendant

is a flight risk and a danger to the community based on the nature of the pending charges. 

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DETENTION ORDER 15.13

18 U.S.C. § 3142(i) Rev. 1/91

PAGE 2

(2) Defendant was born in the Republic of the Sudan and moved to the United States

with his parents at an early age. His parents and three siblings reside in Charlotte, North

Carolina.

(3) Defendant has had past substance-abuse issues, and it appears that those problems

are ongoing.

(4) A criminal background history check reveals several prior drug-related charges

and arrests, both as a juvenile living in Pennsylvania and as an adult living in Washington.

(5) Although defendant denies the accusation, it is alleged that he is associated with

the East African Posse street gang, which is reported to be involved heavily in criminal activity,

including violent activity. This is part of the conspiracy charge in the first count of the

indictment.

(6) Defendant’s instant charges are serious offenses, and he faces a mandatory

minimum sentence if convicted.

(7) The defendant appears to have lied to his uncle about his employment, which

raises questions about the continued suitability of his uncle’s apartment as a primary residence.

(8) There is conflicting information regarding defendant’s residence, immigration

status, and employment. 

(9) There are no conditions or combination of conditions that will reasonably assure

the appearance of defendant as required, or the safety of the community

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED:

(1) Defendant shall be detained pending trial and committed to the custody of the

Attorney General for confinement in a correction facility separate, to the extent

practicable, from persons awaiting or serving sentences or being held in custody

pending appeal;

(2) Defendant shall be afforded reasonable opportunity for private consultation with

counsel;

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DETENTION ORDER 15.13

18 U.S.C. § 3142(i) Rev. 1/91

PAGE 3

(3) On order of a court of the United States or on request of an attorney for the

government, the person in charge of the corrections facility in which defendant

is confined shall deliver the defendant to a United States Marshal for the purpose

of an appearance in connection with a court proceeding; and

(4) The Clerk shall direct copies of this Order to counsel for the United States, to

counsel for the defendant, to the United States Marshal, and to the United States

Pretrial Services Officer.

DATED this 15th day of February, 2006.AJAMES P. DONOHUE

United States Magistrate Judge 

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