"All rise," the bailiff commanded the occupants of Courtroom 7-B. "The Circuit Court of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of the State of Florida, in and for Miami-Dade County is now in session, the Honorable Juan Vazquez proceeding."
Judge Vazquez, clad in a black robe, entered from a doorway in the rear of the courtroom and took his seat behind the bench.
"Be seated," Judge Vazquez said to the courtroom.
The judge sipped his water, clicked the pad on his computer, and began reading:
"The next case on the docket is the State of Florida vs. Rosa Quintana, case number 22-84289. Counsel, make your appearances for the record please."
A woman in a black suit rose from her seat at the prosecution table.
"Karen Johnson, on behalf of the State of Florida."
A man in a charcoal grey suit stood at the defense table.
"Jorge Casal for the Defendant, Rosa Quintana, your honor."
"Be seated."
"Is the State ready to proceed?"
"Yes, your honor."
"Is the Defense ready?"
"Yes, your honor. But first, we have a renewed motion to set aside the verdict. We have an affidavit from a witness who came forward after the trial."
"Let me see it."
Mr. Casal walked to the judge's bench and handed him a two page document."
"Has the State seen this?"
"Yes, your honor, I gave them a copy yesterday."
"Ms. Johnson?"
"That is correct, your honor. We received a copy at 6:00 last evening."
"Do you need time to respond?"
"No, your honor. It's legally insufficient."
"I agree. The motion is denied. Anything else?"
"In that case, we have a motion to continue this sentencing hearing."
"On what basis?"
"The Defendant's mother was hospitalized with Covid last night. Ms. Quintana is distraught. Her children need a caretaker."
"Who is with them now?"
"Her sister."
"Denied. Is that everything?"
"Yes, your honor."
"Prosecution?"
"We're set, your honor."
"Well alright, we're finally ready to proceed. Will the Defendant please rise?"
Mr. Casal and the woman sitting next to him both stood up. The woman was dressed in a navy blue suit with a white blouse beneath her fitted jacket. Her dark brown hair was tied in a ponytail that hung just past her shoulders. Mr. Casal took her hand and squeezed it. She looked up into his eyes and bit her lip. Mr. Casal looked straight ahead, waiting for the judge to speak.
"Ms. Quintana, the jury has found you guilty of two counts of wire fraud, one count of grand theft, and one count of forgery. I have read the pre-sentencing report, listened to the testimony of your victims, and reviewed the sentencing guidelines. In addition, I have reviewed your motion for leniency. I understand that you have two small children, and the oldest has a chronic medical condition. I accept the assertion that the motive for your crimes was to provide for their basic needs, and for the older child's necessary medical care.
"The sentencing guidelines provide for a minimum sentence of seven years, and a maximum sentence of twenty years. Taking everything into consideration, the Court sentences you to ninety months incarceration at Florida State Prison for Women, to be followed by thirty months of supervision following your release. You are to receive credit for time served prior to today. How long has she been held since her conviction?"
"Twenty-nine days, your honor," the prosecutor answered.
"Credit for twenty-nine days," the judge added.
Rosa immediately broke into tears.
"Your honor, the Defense moves for release pending appeal," Mr. Casal
"Denied. This proceeding is adjourned." The judge slammed his gavel.
"All rise," the bailiff commanded.
Judge Vazquez stood up and left the courtroom through the door behind the bench.
Two men and a woman wearing the green uniforms of the Florida Department of Corrections approached Rosa. They pulled her hands behind her back and placed cuffs on her wrists. She was led from the courtroom through the main doorway, through the hallway to an elevator with the words "LAW ENFORCEMENT ONLY" painted on the doors. The officers hustled her into the car and pushed the button marked "B."
Once in the basement Rosa was led to a small room with a heavy steel door. The cuffs were removed, and she was stripped down to her underwear. The female officer patted her down, felt inside her bra and panties, and then handed her an orange jumpsuit. Rosa stepped into the jumpsuit, pulled the front zipper all the way up to her neck, and held out her hands. The handcuffs were once again placed on her wrists. One of the officers placed cuffs on her ankles that were connected by a short length of chain.
"Have a seat," the female officer said. "We will be leaving shortly."
Rosa sat on the bench attached to the wall.
The female officer and one of the male officers left. The other male officer remained in the room.
"Officer--," Rosa started.
"Shut up," the officer barked. "No talking. At all. Understand?"
The officer unsnapped the harness securing his nightstick on his belt."
Rosa gulped and nodded her head. Then she put her head down and sobbed.
* * *
Three hours later there was a knock on the door. The officer opened the door, turned to Rosa and said, "Let's go."