The Growing Years by Miguel Sanchez

Julio – The Growing Years

by: Miguel Sanchez

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We watched as he continued listening and listening for the tumblers to drop into place. Soon, he’d called out 2 more numbers then tried to lift the handle but this time it didn’t budge. We all had a look of disappointment on our faces. “What happened?” I asked.

Franco thought for a moment then went back and turned the dial one more time. He stepped back trying the handle again and this time it raised up unlocking the door. He pulled it open and inside was a big box with USA written on it. Rolando and Franco reached in and wiggled the carton out of the safe. Danny went over and opened the box and gasped, “Holy shit.”

Larry stepped inside. “What is it Danny?”

Danny looked over his shoulder. “There must be at least 50 tapes in here and there is a big ledger.”

Chapter 78

Larry stepped inside. “What is it Danny?”

Danny looked over his shoulder. “There must be at least 50 tapes in here and there is a big ledger.”

Rolando looked at the safe. “Dad, there’s no way two people can get this thing out of the house.”

Danny nodded. “I agree son. I don’t know how he managed to get this in here. As for this box, we’ll take it back to the office then do an inventory of everything. We can break it down into smaller boxes then put it into the evidence locker. Inspector, can you open the wall safe next?”

Franco went into the bedroom and within a few minutes, the wall safe was opened. Danny stood on his tip toes and looked inside. He removed two identical looking hand guns. Franco looked at them. “We’ll need to run ballistics on them Danny. By the way, were there bullets recovered from the two bodies found out by the airport?”

Danny nodded his head. “Yes there were but 1 was so badly damaged I don’t think it can be identified. The other one is in good shape so we should be able to compare it to something.”

The last stop was the smaller safe in the office. Before Franco started working on it Danny pulled on the safe. “Damn, this thing weighs a ton. Get this open will you?”

Franco put his nimble fingers to work and soon the door to the safe was open. As soon as the door swung open we all stood there in shock at what we saw. Rolando knelt down and ran his fingers down the contents then took a stack of money out. “Dad, there has to be millions in there in American currency.”

Danny nodded his head. “Lock it back son. I asked your men to come by here in case there was something else that needed to go to the office.”

Larry looked at the Inspector. “I’m going to file a motion for forfeiture with Judge Romero.”

Inspector Franco nodded his head. “You better do that quickly. If that stuff in the box marked USA is stuff that happened there, they might try and claim it too.”

While they were talking I sat down then there was a knock on the door. Since I was close, I went and opened it. The two guys from the home were back and they had a large hand truck with them. “Did that other safe get heavy?”

“Yeah it did boss, that’s why we borrowed this.”

I nodded my head and led them into the office. “Good because you’re going to need it. This one weighs a lot more than the other one did.”

The men put the safe on the hand truck and headed outside as Inspector Franco and Rolando carried the box. Danny carried the two hand guns and secured the box and guns in the trunk. We watched as the workers loaded the safe into the truck while Danny went back to secure the house. Danny told Billings and his partner they could return to their duties then he and Rolando escorted the truck back to the office.

The drive took us about 20 minutes then several deputies came out and provided extra security as the safe was wheeled inside. Once everything was secured in the property room we came out into the main office as a guy came out from the holding cells. Danny saw this as the desk deputy turned around. “Sheriff, this is Gregory Payne. He’s been assigned to represent Rafael Curtis.”

Danny looked at the man then back to his deputy. “Where’d our guests from the states go?”

He shook his head. “I don’t know Sheriff; they left over an hour ago and said they’d be in court on time.”

The lawyer came up to the counter and looked at Danny. “Sheriff, I understand you searched my client’s house?”

Danny nodded. “I did and a search warrant was signed by Judge Romero.”

Larry Moreno came over then. “The search was proper counselor. Your client right now is charged with aiding and abetting attempted murder.”

Mr. Payne shook his head. “I’ll be moving the charges be dismissed as well as the search. The man that did the shooting I hear is dead.”

Larry raised his hand. “We’re not trying the case here. The purpose of today’s hearing is because the US wants to extradite him.”

“Have you lost your mind?” Payne shouted.

Larry raised his hands. “Look, I didn’t request it so you can stop shouting. Your client will be in Judge Romero’s courtroom for his 2:30 hearing.”

Payne stormed out of the office and Larry looked at Danny. “I don’t know whether to go along with the US or not. We need to get a count on that cash in the safe because Payne’s going to be wanting to know what has been seized.”

“Not counting the US,” Danny replied as he picked up the phone. “Hello Carla, this is Sheriff Vasquez. I need a big favor. How many of your bill counters can you send over to my office?”

“I don’t know Sheriff. How long will you need them?”

Danny was shaking his head. “I don’t know Carla. There is a big job we have here and I don’t know how long it will take.”

“I’ll talk with the manager and send over what we can.”

Danny hung up the phone then sat on the edge of the desk. “Larry, will there be a problem with what was seized in Victoria’s house?”

I could see Larry thinking. “I don’t think so” he replied looking at Franco. “Everything she had done was done in this country unlike Curtis. The Government isn’t going to try and lay claim to her property are you?”

Franco shook his head. “No, we’re not going to interfere in this matter.”

About that time Carla came in with two bill counters. “Danny, there are 3 more out in my car.”

Danny sent the desk deputy out to retrieve the other three then showed Carla where to set them. I went over to Danny and spoke softly. “Which safe do you want to count first?”

“We need to get the one from Curtis’ house. I see Larry hard at work filling out paperwork.”

After Carla left, Danny opened the property room door and we carried the bill counters inside. Franco opened the safe and once again, we all gasped as the amount of cash Curtis had amassed. Every person in the office went to work on counting all the cash. We’d been in there for a short while when the deputy working in the holding cells came out. “Sheriff, Mr. Curtis wants to see you and I think Mr. Moreno should be there too.”

Danny and Larry stopped what they were doing and left the room. Danny then stopped and looked at me. “You might want to come too Miguel.”

I didn’t know what I could do but I went any way. We went into the holding area and the Deputy had moved him into a conference cell. He unlocked the door and the three of us went in. After sitting down, Danny looked at Curtis. “OK, what is it you want?”

“What’s this I hear I’m going to court?”

Larry looked at him. “What of it?”

Curtis got smug. “Suppose I don’t want to go?”

Danny giggled. “You don’t have much of a choice. One way or another you’ll be there.”

“Come on, spill it Sheriff. Why am I going to court?”

I was really tired of him and was in a way hoping Judge Romero would let the US Attorney take his sorry ass back to the states. Larry glanced at me and saw I was really losing my patience with him. “OK wise guy, here it is in a nutshell. The F.B.I. and an Assistant US Attorney are here. They want to take you back to the US to stand trial.”

His eyes got huge. “No way, you’re kidding right.”

Larry smiled and just shook his head no. At that, I heard someone walking in the holding area. I looked over and there was Inspector Franco. “Danny, you might want to look at this.”

Danny stood up and went over to the bars and looked at what Franco had in his hand. Danny took it looking at it closer. “Where did you find this?”

“In the safe we’re working on.”

“SAFE?” Curtis shouted. “What the hell is going on?”

Larry slammed his hand onto the table. “Shut up right now. We had a search warrant and there are a lot of things we’ve found that can very possibly send you away for a very long time.”

Franco giggled at the dumb look on Curtis’ face. “Yeah, if the USA doesn’t get your sorry ass.”

Franco left and Danny showed Larry the photo. “This answers some questions but it also adds to his charges.”

Curtis snatched the photo and looked at it. “You think you know everything? I can tell ya you don’t know squat.”

Larry looked pissed. “I know what I see.”

Curtis shook his head. “You see a teen having a great time and for your information he was compensated quite nicely too. But it did bring out Ms. Ruiz’s hidden passion. She was really into teens as you can see.”

Larry stopped him. “You realize anything you say here can be used against you in court.”

He nodded his head. “I know and I also know you don’t have capital punishment.”

Larry went outside then returned with his briefcase. He pulled out a form and filled it out. “Here, sign this.”

Curtis looked it over then signed his name.

I was confused. If anything he could have had her behind the 8 ball. “You used that information against her to help you?”

He smiled coyly. “I tried but she wouldn’t budge when I needed her services so if I couldn’t beat her, I had her join me.”

Larry stared at him. “So she was bought and paid for in Sao Paulo and Rio?”

He nodded his head, “Lock, stock and barrel.”

I had to ask a question. “So what made Ruben Peña do what he did?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “She became a liability. You see Mr. Sanchez I wanted Joey and she told me she could make it happen.”

I gasped. “You wanted Joey, for what?”

He smiled that smile again. “Oh come on, I’m sure you’re aware of my other ventures. Ruben told me of the boy’s likes and how he would make a great actor for some of my entertainment features.”

I couldn’t take listening to that any more. “Deputy, I want out please.”

I went out to the main office and found the water cooler. I got a cup of water and drank it down fast then another. I took my third over to a desk and sat down. My arm was throbbing so I looked at the clock. It was 1:30 so I could take another pill.

I sat there lost in thought thinking about what I’d just heard from Rafael Curtis. I knew now that Ruben was after Joey and why. I also knew that that was something Joey would never know. It just wasn’t important and it could cause more harm than good. I was returned to reality by the door from the holding cells being closed. I turned to look at Danny and Larry when Rolando came out of the property room. Danny saw him walking over as he came through the gate. “How much more do you have to do?”

Rolando shook his head. “We’re done Dad.”

Danny motioned him over. “What’s the total son?”

I saw him take a deep breath then blow it out. “You better sit down Dad. The total in that safe is $20,500,000.”

I almost choked as I swallowed, “20 million dollars?”

Larry went back into his briefcase and put the total amount of money down on the form. Just then our American visitors came in. “Good afternoon gentlemen, how did the search go?”

Danny looked at Larry as if to ask how much we should tell them. Larry put the papers back into his briefcase then looked at the guests. “It went quite well actually. I think we all need to sit down and have a little talk.”

The Americans weren’t quite sure what was going on but they followed us into the conference room and took a seat. “OK, what’s going on?” Agent Douglas asked.

“OK gentlemen, it’s like this,” Larry started. “The search was very fruitful as was a little talk Danny, Miguel and I had with Curtis. Ruben Peña’s place was broken into and totally trashed. If there had been anything of importance before, it was gone when Deputies arrived. Victoria Ruiz’s place turned up a large supply of cash, all in Brazilian currency and information as to her involvement. It seems she was paid quite well to lose the cases in both Sao Paulo and Rio.”

“What did you find when you searched Curtis’ place?” Leon asked.

Larry took a deep breath. “Well, that place was a real gold mine. “We found enough to put him away for life here.”

James interrupted. “Hang on, you’re not meaning you’re against our extraditing him are you?”

I saw a coy look come across Larry’s face. “Now I didn’t say that. The Sheriff’s Deputies also found 2 handguns. The gun used to shoot Miguel was also the same one used to kill Chad’s parents.”

Douglas smiled. “Can those be turned over to us so we can run ballistics on them? We have several murders we believed were committed by Curtis but without the weapon, proving it will be difficult. What else did you find?”

‘This was going to be interesting,’ I thought as Larry swallowed hard.

“We found a safe with several photos of him and Victoria along with a teenage boy. They were engaged in a sex act. There was also a large quantity of cash.”

The Asst. US Attorney’s head came up, “How much?”

Larry closed his eyes momentarily. “Umm, a little over 20 million.”

I thought Leon James was going to choke. He started coughing then tried to speak. “T…twenty million? I take it that’s in American currency?”

Larry nodded his head. “Yes it is. Now, there is another item that they found but haven’t had the chance to look at yet.”

Just then there was a knock on the conference room door then it opened. Rolando stuck his head in then looked at Danny. “Dad, I think you should see this. Davis and I are looking at the things in that big box.”

We all got up then followed Rolando to the evidence room. “What’s in the box son?”

Rolando turned the TV on. “The box is loaded with tapes. The journal has names, dates and places and locations in there.”

Rolando then turned on the VCR and pushed play. We watched as two young boys were talking to each other then one reached over and started playing with the other’s crotch. Soon, they were naked and engaged in various forms of sexual activity. I turned around and left the room as I heard Leon James speak. “That’s enough Deputy, I’ve seen more than enough. May I take a look at that journal?”

Rolando stopped then ejected the tape. He put it back into the case then handed Leon the journal. I saw the agent look over his shoulder. “Damn, this is just the thing we need. If either of those two weapons match bullets removed from those bodies, we have him cold.”

Danny looked at his son. “I need you to tag every tape and log it into evidence as well as the journal.”

Rolando nodded his head. “OK Dad. You all better get ready for the hearing. Judge Romero doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

Leon looked at Larry. “Isn’t there something we can work out?”

We followed Danny out into the office as Larry and Leon were talking quietly amongst themselves. Danny then headed over to the door leading to the holding cells and called down to the guard. “Get Curtis ready for transport to court.”

The guard disappeared then returned a few minutes with Curtis and we could all tell he wasn’t happy. “Put me back into my cell, I didn’t say I wanted to go anywhere.”

Larry walked over to the counter and stared at him. “You don’t have a choice. You’re going to appear before Judge Romero.”

He looked at Larry then over to the Americans. “Who are they?”

Danny walked over. “My I introduce Special Agent Brian Douglas and Asst. US Attorney Leon James.”

For the first time I actually saw Curtis worried. “What do they want?”

Insp. Franco came over giggling, “You.”

“Me?” He screamed. “What do they want with me?”

Leon James came up and looked him right in the eyes. “You’re going to stand trial for the crimes you committed in the US.”

He looked at Larry. “No way, I’m not going anywhere.”

Danny laughed. “That’ll be up to Judge Romero. Rolando, take Mr. Curtis out to your car and being him over to the courthouse. The hearing will be in Judge Romero’s courtroom.”

Rolando went around the counter then led him outside. Danny then looked at us and motioned to me. “Come on guys, we better get going too.”

I led the way as we went through the gate then out towards the parking lot. A few minutes later, we were pulling into the parking lot of the courthouse. Rolando was leading Rafael towards the front door when he suddenly kicked Rolando and started running. Because of the fence he only had one way out and that was past us. Danny and Brian Douglas pulled their weapons, “Freeze Curtis.”

He kept running and shouted, “You’re not going to shoot.”

Douglas holstered his weapon then waited as Curtis came closer. When he was about 20 feet away Douglas charged the prisoner then tackled him driving his shoulder into the man’s gut sending him down to the ground. Danny walked over looking at the stunned man. “Get up.”

I walked over and Curtis looked stunned. He managed to get out a little squeak. “Help me up.”

Danny and Brian reached down and pulled him up to his feet then they both held his arms. “Next time we will shoot.” Danny said as they led him towards the front door.”

I saw Rolando coming over so I waited for him. “Are you alright?”

He turned red. “Yeah I’m fine. Next time I’ll hold onto the guy a little firmer.”

We walked inside the courthouse and made our way to Judge Romero’s courtroom. When we went in, Larry and Leon were still talking. I had no idea what they were discussing but I was sure it was about Curtis. Rolando and I took a seat behind Larry and Leon then waited which wasn’t very long. “All rise!”

We stood as Javier came into the courtroom. He climbed the stairs then sat down. “Be seated.” He said as he looked around the room. “Is Mr. Curtis here?”

Danny stood and nodded. “He is Your Honor. He’s still in a holding cell because he tried to escape while being led into the courthouse by Deputy Rolando Valdez.”

Javier nodded then looked at his Bailiff. “Can you get Mr. Curtis and escort him in please?”

As the Bailiff was getting Curtis, a man came into the courtroom and he was out of breath. “My apologies Your Honor, there was an accident on the road and I was stuck in the traffic.”

Javier nodded. “And you are sir?”

The man approached the rail. “I’m Gregory Payne Your Honor. I’m Rafael Curtis’ attorney.”

“Very well Mr. Payne, please take your seat over there. Your client will be here momentarily. I should let you know now there were 2 other charges added against him today. While he was being escorted into the courthouse he assaulted a Deputy then tried to escape.”

Payne rolled his eyes. “Thank you for the information Your Honor.”

As Payne was speaking, Rafael Curtis was brought into the room. He stopped and stared at the Asst. US Attorney. “Mr. Curtis, there have been 2 additional charges levied against you. You’re being charged with Assault on a Peace Officer and Attempted Escape.”

Curtis stood by his seat and acknowledged the Judge’s statement, “Piece of cake.”

“I’m glad you think so sir,” Judge Romero said before looking at Larry. “Mr. Moreno, what are the charges against Mr. Curtis?”

Larry stood and looked at the list. “Your Honor, this is what we have so far but as the investigation continues, I’m sure more will be added. I’ll start off with the lesser charges, if you can call them that. First off is 1 count of kidnapping, to wit, the holding of Chad Barnes against his will.”

Curtis jumped up. “I didn’t kidnap that kid. He was being watched by a friend of mine while his parents were out.”

BANG, BANG, BANG “Order, control your client Mr. Payne.”

Payne looked over at Curtis. “Sit down and be quiet. If you don’t, Judge Romero will have you removed.”

Larry continued. “The next is 3 counts of manufacturing and distribution of child pornography. The Sheriff found 3 original video tapes linking the “actors” to the defendant.”

Payne jumped up. “Objection.”

Javier looked over. “To what Mr. Payne, these are just the charges, this is not a trial.”

Payne sat down as Larry continued. “Next is aiding and abetting the attempted murder of Dr. Miguel Sanchez. And finally there are 2 counts of 1^st degree murder, 1 each in the death of Zane and Nancy Barnes.”

Larry handed a copy to Payne then took one up to Judge Romero. The judge looked at the charges. “Mr. Moreno, I see you have a ballistics match to the gun Mr. Curtis tossed to Ruben Peña and the bullet removed from Dr. Sanchez’s shoulder.”

Larry looked at Curtis then back to the judge. “Yes Your Honor. That gun was also used in the murders of Zane and Nancy Barnes.”

“Very well Mr. Moreno. Is there a motion on bond?”

Mr. Payne stood. “Your Honor, Mr. Curtis wants his day in court to prove his innocence. He denies every one of these allegations and plans to actively participate in his defense.”

Judge Romero looked over to Larry just as the courtroom door opened and Rolando came walking in out of breath. Judge Romero was staring at him. “This better be good Deputy, we are in session.”

Rolando came up to the rail. “It is Your Honor. My apologies but I have something for my Dad and Mr. Moreno.”

Rolando reached over and handed a paper bag to Larry. Larry took it then looked inside. He smiled and nodded his head to Rolando. “Your Honor this very important.”

Javier nodded his head. “Very well Mr. Moreno and your apology is accepted Deputy.”

Rolando nodded his head then left the courtroom. Larry took the contents out and showed them to Danny as he leaned close to his ear, “So Curtis wants to aid in his defense huh.”

Larry looked at Javier. “Side bar Your Honor?”

The judge covered the microphone and motioned for the attorneys to come forward. “Alight Mr. Moreno, what came in that was so important.”

Larry set the contents of the bag on the bench. “Is this how Mr. Curtis plans on aiding in his defense?”

Judge Romero looked at them then slid them over to Mr. Payne. The man looked at them then looked at his client. “Your Honor, I had no idea he had these.”

Judge Romero patted the man’s arm. “I believe you counselor. Go back to your places.”

“Proceed Mr. Moreno.”

Larry took what he found and set it on the defense table. “Your Honor, pursuant to the search warrant, these 2 passports were discovered. One is in the name of a Charles Brockley, a citizen of Columbia and another in the name of Zane Phillips, a citizen of the United States. Based on this and the serious nature of the crimes he’s being charged with, we’re asking that bail be denied.”

Curtis jumped up. “What? This is outrageous. I’ve never seen these before in my life. I’m not going anywhere; I want to prove my innocence.”

Judge Romero nodded in agreement. “You’re right Mr. Curtis, you’re not going anywhere. Bail is denied. Is there anything else Mr. Moreno?”

Larry nodded his head. “Yes Your Honor, there is a request by the United States that Mr. Curtis be extradited so that he can stand trial there.”

“Who is representing the US?”

A man stood and approached the rail. “I am Your Honor. I’m Asst. US Attorney Leon James.”

“Come forward Mr. James and sit beside Mr. Moreno.”

Curtis jumped up. “I ain’t goin nowhere.”

BANG, BANG, BANG “Silence Mr. Curtis and if I say the US can have you, they can have you.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” He said as he tried to stand up and Payne pushed him back down into his chair.”

“If you don’t sit there and remain quiet the next place you’re going is into a holding cell, do I make myself clear?”

“And I said I ain’t goin no where.”

BANG, Bang, Bang “Bailiff, take him back into a holding cell.”

The bailiff came over and put his hand on Curtis’ arm. “Come on buddy, let’s go.”

Curtis stood up then grabbed the man by the wrist wrenching it behind his back. He quickly grabbed the man’s pistol then pushed him to the ground. “Don’t anyone move.”

Curtis turned to look at the Asst. US Attorney but had a surprise. There were 3 men holding weapons on him. “Drop it Curtis, don’t think for a minute we won’t shoot.”

I’m standing there and my mind is replaying what happened in the ER in living color. I ease down to the floor as I hear Franco. “Curtis drop the weapon NOW! If you don’t think I’ll drop you, look down at your knee cap.”

I lifted my head up and there was a red dot in the middle of his knee. Curtis looked then eased down setting the pistol on the ground then stood up raising his hands. “OK man, don’t blow my knee off.”

The Bailiff retrieved his weapon as Danny came around and put the cuffs on Curtis. “You just keep adding charges aren’t you?”

Danny went to lead him towards the holding cells then Curtis stopped. “I told you, I’m not going anywhere.”

The Bailiff grabbed him firmly by the other arm then opened the door into the holding area. They put Curtis into a cell then returned to the courtroom. Judge Romero looked at Mr. James. “What are the charges and I will need to see some evidence that you have a prima facia case.”

Leon James opened his briefcase and took out the formal list of charges against Rafael Curtis. “Your Honor, we have had evidence against this person for over 2 years. We have fingerprints and blood samples that we have but never could put a face to them until we received a request from the Sheriff along with a fingerprint card requesting our assistance. The fingerprints he had matched the unknown prints we have along with the other evidence.”

“What other evidence Mr. James?” Judge Romero asked.

Larry stood up. “Judge Romero, there was a box the Sheriff found in Mr. Curtis’ residence while executing the search warrant with US on it. That along with everything else was returned to his office and is being cataloged. Inside the box are a number of videos of child pornography. There is also a journal that has names, dates and places all of which are in the United States.”

Judge Romero raised his hand. “Mr. James, are you saying the finger prints to your unknown suspect are those of Rafael Curtis?”

James nodded his head. “We’re positive of that Your Honor. Sheriff Vasquez also recovered 2 identical hand guns. We have bullets in our custody that we can’t match. We’d like the opportunity to test fire them and see if they match our bullets.”

Javier listened intently as Mr. James presented his evidence. “Sheriff, has your office logged everything in yet?”

Danny stood then looked at Larry. “Just about Your Honor. My staff were tagging and cataloging the video tapes when we left to come here.”

“Very well, what other evidence was recovered in that house?”

Larry took the lead. “Your Honor, if I may. There was another safe and in that was a substantial amount of cash.”

“How substantial Mr. Moreno,” Javier asked.

“Over 20 million dollars in American currency.”

I could see Javier swallow hard. “Is this money in dispute?”

Leon and Larry looked at each other. “No Your Honor.”

“Mr. Moreno, what is your take here?”

Larry loosened his tie. “Well Your Honor, he’s committed some heinous crimes in this country. He’s made a 6 year old boy an orphan plus used innocent teens to make his garbage. The charges the United States have against him are far more serious than what we have. I’m inclined to let them have him so they can extract their pound of flesh. We’re willing to with hold filing murder charges against Rafael Curtis since there are no statute of limitations. If he is acquitted in the United States, we will file our own request to extradite him back here.”

Javier glared at Larry at that then thought about all he had heard. “I’ve heard the City Attorney’s charges and they have enough evidence right now to bring him to trial. He is willing to withhold filing formal charges which is within his rights. Since he’s agreed to this, I will allow the United States to bring him there to stand trial on their charges. Sheriff, you will bring me an inventory of everything you have recovered from Mr. Curtis’ residence and a signed receipt of what you turned over to the United States with 48 hours.”

Danny stood and nodded. “It shall be done Your Honor.”

Judge Romero banged his gavel. “This case is adjourned.”

To be continued...

Posted: 01/23/09