Lawyer says islander facing charges should be released

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Longtime Vashon landscaper Jesus Ruiz Hernandez, who faces federal immigrant-smuggling and forced-labor charges, should be released from jail and instead kept under house arrest while he awaits trial, his lawyer argues in a motion filed last week.

Ruiz Hernandez qualifies for house arrest with electronic monitoring because he is not a flight risk “given his strong community ties” to Vashon, attorney Gregory Hoover wrote.

What’s more, he said, Ruiz Hernandez has no criminal record, and there is no evidence he will engage in criminal acts, including witness intimidation, if released.

Hoover said the U.S. Attorney’s office in Seattle has told him it will oppose his motion. Government lawyers are scheduled to file a written reply by Aug. 8.

Ruiz Hernandez has been indicted by federal grand juries on 23 felony charges — the first three last November, seven more in March, and 13 more on July 18.

He pleaded not guilty to the most recent charges last week and had previously pleaded not guilty to the earlier counts.

Ruiz Hernandez has been held at the Federal Detention Center in SeaTac since March 30, when he was arrested after a dramatic, early-morning law-enforcement raid on his Maury Island home and a nearby residence.

The charges against him include forced labor — coercing two undocumented immigrants to work for his landscaping business, in one instance through “repeated sexual assaults.”

Other charges involve smuggling undocumented immigrants into the U.S. or harboring or transporting them within the country — all for financial gain — and illegally laundering the proceeds of those unlawful acts through his business and through purchases of his home and another Vashon property.

In support of his motion to release Ruiz Hernandez from detention, Hoover provided the court with six letters or emails from islanders — friends and customers — vouching for his client’s character.

“Jesus is the type of person that everyone needs as a neighbor,” wrote Cynthia Lingel and Robert V. O’Brien Jr., who live next door. “… We sincerely hope that he can soon be released.”

Others wrote of his volunteer service to his church, friends, and clients; his devotion to his family; and his involvement in the Vashon Latino community.

“We would like to see him back home,” wrote Kathy O’Loughlin.

“I know Jesus Ruiz as a gentle, caring man … “ Pat Massey wrote. “The charges against him are unbelievable … Hoping the charges will be cleared up soon and he can return to his home.”

Humberto Sahagun wrote that he had known Ruiz Hernandez for 25 years, and called him an asset to the community, his friends, and family.

“Our hopes for Jesus are that justice is made and that the judge is able to see the truth behind these terrible allegations against him,” he added.

Ruiz Hernandez’ trial is currently set for Oct. 10, but Hoover said in a filing last week that he plans to ask for an extension.

Hoover has not replied to phone and email requests for comment on the case.