SAN ANTONIO – While he was being interviewed by police after his arrest on sex charges, attorney Mark Benavides asked his brother to destroy sex tapes he had in his home. That is what he said in a recorded police interview that played during a pre-trial hearing.
With detectives out of the room, Benavides can be heard talking to his brother on the telephone.
“I have those (expletive deleted) DVDs in there,” Benavides said. “You know what I’m talking about. Those DVDs I told you to destroy whenever they come.”
While he was at police headquarters, authorities were searching Benavides’ home.
Benavides allegedly offered his legal services to women in exchange for sex and then recorded those encounters on video.
Benavides is facing charges of compelling prostitution and sexual assault of a child, since at least one of the victims was underage. He is also charged with possession of child pornography and sexual performance by a child.
Benavides’ attorney Monica Guerrero said that to try all of the cases together was “extremely prejudicial.”
All of the charges are part of a 27-count indictment he’ll face when his trial begins April 3.
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