Attorney: $10 million bond tied to sealed document
The attorney for a woman accused of manslaughter and held in jail on a controversial $10 million bond is looking to have her bond reviewed as soon as possible.
In the meantime, as NCN first reported, former State Senator Ernie Chambers is planning to file a complaint against the judge who set the bond.
[View our full video report above]
Inside a Douglas County Courtroom today, backers of 30-year-old Carlos Salguero-Canar who was beaten to death earlier this month, demanded justice.
26-year-old Jessica Hernandez and 24-year-old Nadim Zarazua-Hernandez are both charged with manslaughter.
Jailed under a $200,000 bond, the man who allegedly did the beating, posted the required 10 percent, $20,000, and is back on the street.
But additionally charged with evidence tampering the woman’s bond, set by Judge Grant Forsberg, is $10 million. Unable to post her required 10 percent, $1 million, she remains behind bars.
Hernandez insisting she needs to get her hands on a sealed court document, likely tied to the high bond. Prosecutors say the secret document is part of an “ongoing investigation” but agreed to let Hernandez and her lawyer see it.
Joe Jordan, NCN: “You did not request at this hearing for a reduction in bond. Is that coming?”
Bassel El-Kasaby, Hernandez’ attorney: “It’s coming. After we review that document, we will request a bond review.”
Jordan: “You believe that information in that document is tied to the bond?”
El-Kasaby: “I know it is, but I don’t know exactly what’s in it. We will review this document and request a hearing as soon as possible.
”Chambers: “Even mobsters didn’t have $10 million bonds.”
Former State Sen. Ernie Chambers, calls Judge Grant Forsberg’s bond “racist and sexist.” Chambers plans to file formal complaints against both the judge and Douglas County Attorney, Don Kleine.
Kleine tells NCN there’s no basis for a complaint against his office because, “We didn’t set the bond, the judge does.”
Judge Forsberg has not responded to NCN's request for comment.
Ben Salazar: “The suffocating and you know sort of irrational high figure for someone like a single mom with ties to the community.”
Long-time self-described community advocate Ben Salazar tells NCN the $10 million bond has ripped apart Jessica Hernandez’ family.
Salazar: “During her the first week of incarceration the absentee father showed up demanded the children who was staying with an aunt and of course she couldn't refuse to give over the children to him he took the children out of state.”
Hernandez isn’t due back in court until late July, but again Hernandez wants her bond reviewed long before that.