HOUSTON – Former Houston police officer Gerald Goines, who was arrested last week on federal charges in connection with the botched Harding Street raid earlier this year, was granted $150,000 bond Tuesday morning, but federal prosecutors requested and received a stay on the bond, citing concerns that Goines could be a flight risk.
A Magistrate judge allowed the stay, and the government now gets to appeal the bond decision to a District Judge based on the claim that Goines is a flight risk.
“We continue to believe that he is appropriate for release on bond and believe that the District Court will have a good opportunity to review this record,” said Nicole Deborde, Goines’ attorney.
A date for that appeal hearing was not set by Tuesday evening. Goines will remain in custody at least until the appeal hearing.
"The timing of this is unfortunate because the appeal is going to be difficult to complete prior to the Thanksgiving weekend with the courthouse being closed,” Deborde said.
Federal prosecutors plan to file a request to revoke the bond ruling Wednesday, according to court documents.
If bond is upheld, conditions read during Tuesday’s bond hearing will remain.
Some of the bond conditions include:
- No violation of law
- Avoid contact with victims/witnesses
- Can’t possess a firearm
- House arrest is 24/7, except for medical and court appearances
- Must wear a GPS tracking device
- Not permitted to work as a security guard or law enforcement
- Goines’ wife and daughter agreed to be co-signers on the bond agreement.
Goines was arrested Wednesday on multiple federal charges for his part in the botched raid that resulted in the shooting deaths of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas. Several officers, Goines included, were injured.
In a statement to KPRC2, the attorney representing Rhogena Nicholas’ family called for Goines to remain in custody.
“Considering the terrible crimes of which Mr. Goines is accused, the Nicholas family believes the community is safer and the ongoing investigations better protected if he remains in jail pending trial,” wrote Mike Doyle.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Palermo listened to testimony last week during the arraignment and detention phase but she did not make a decision on bond until Monday.
Another former officer Steven Bryant and civilian Patricia Garcia are also facing federal charges in connection with the case.
Goines also faces two counts of felony murder on the state level. He was granted a $300,000 bond on those charges.
If convicted of his federal charges, Goines is facing up to life in prison.