SUNRISE, Fla. – Jonathan Benitez was back at the Broward County main jail in Fort Lauderdale. He was accused of continuing to show up with a loaded gun to the house of a woman who fears him — despite judges’ and police officers’ orders not to.
On Tuesday, Benitez, 35, who was out on bond, appeared before Broward Circuit Judge Chris Brown. The prosecution reported he had ignored orders by two judges in criminal and civil courts. The defense said he was unemployed and requested a $500 bond.
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Records show Officer Cleber Aulean reported Benitez had shown a “clear disregard for authority” while trespassing while armed with a gun on March 8 in Sunrise. Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies released him on a $1,000 bond on March 12.
Records show Benitez had a pending felony case when officers reported he returned armed to the house of the domestic violence victim on Monday in Sunrise, according to police.
On Tuesday, Brown joined the list of judges who ordered Benitez to stay away from the victim and her home. Brown also ordered him to stay away from firearms and ammunition and set his bond at $5,000.
Broward County Circuit Judge George Odom Jr. was presiding over the pending third-degree felony armed trespassing case.
Broward County Circuit Judge John D. Fry was set to preside over the new case of violation of an injunction for protection against domestic violence, a first-degree misdemeanor.