The boyfriend wanted for questioning in the mysterious death of Sintia Mesa ? who was found in the truck of her car ? must remain in federal custody, a U.S. District Court judge ruled Thursday.
Jermarl Jones, 32, who turned himself into authorities on Feb. 1, is a flight risk for his pending trial on heroin charges, said Judge Catherine Blake.
“He clearly has the means, the ability and the willingness whenever necessary to avoid detection,” Blake said, adding that a fake driver?s license U.S. Marshals recovered from Jones in January is particularly suspect.
“Most of us don?t use our cousin?s name on our driver?s licenses,” the judge said.
Jones was wanted by U.S. Marshals on a charge of possessing 2 kilograms (about 4.8 pounds) of heroin worth about $200,000. Authorities say Jones has used four different Social Security numbers. A warrant for his arrest also stated that he was wanted for questioning in the death of his girlfriend, Mesa.
Mesa, 25, of Hyattsville, went missing in Baltimore County last month. Mesa had a nail appointment in Randallstown on Jan. 26 and failed to meet with a group that evening as expected, police said. Police found Mesa dead of asphyxiation in the trunk of her Toyota Solara three days later.
Jones? lawyer, Stanley Needleman, told the judge Jones had nothing to do with Mesa?s death.
“If this didn?t happen with Ms. Mesa, we wouldn?t be standing here ? and he had nothing to do with it,” Needleman told the judge.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Jackson said Jones has used “evasive tactics” to avoid arrest.
A budding rap producer, Jones was in New York on business when he heard of Mesa?s death, Needleman said.
“When Mr. Jones heard about this, he drove back all night,” Needleman said. ” … He showed up and completely wanted to cooperate.”
