Prostitution In OKC

[BBatesokc]

It does not matter what I think nor what you or the others think is important. All the matters to knowledgable folks is what the jury believed. You are just as much a non-lawyer as am I and most on this board. Your prostitution obsession makes you no better a judge of what a jury will do than anybody else. Admit your judgement was in complete error and the system worked.

So here is a news flash accept the verdict as it is and move on.

What kind of 'knowledgeable folk' believes it matters not what the public thinks when it comes to our courts? Actually, my 'obsession' with exposing 'Johns' wholeheartedly biased me against the defendant - so much so the articles I wrote leading up to his trial were pretty much one-sided against him. That is why I went to the trial - to see him convicted. It was only after sitting through the trial that it became apparent he was not guilty (or at the very least was not proven guilty). I'm imagining you're such a 'sheep' you couldn't even recite the facts of the case beyond what the media elected to publish. Yet, you'd stand so matter of fact behind the verdict.

I guess in the multitude of cases where people are later exonerated you'd say those juries got it right too? As previously pointed out, we have ADA's willing to withhold witnesses and play other tricks to try and convict at all costs.

I can't go into items that will most likely be used for appeal but the prosecutors relied solely on the statements of the two men (one the victim's pimp and the other his friend) that claim to have found Lopez having sex with the dead prostitute Lori Green. Problem is, the forensic and physical evidence proved the defendant had not had sex with the victim and his story never wavered and there was zero motive. The witnesses admitted to smoking crack for 15hrs straight before the event took place and to committing crimes all day long (theft and stolen checks mostly). They also admitted to stripping the defendant of his pants (and discarded them at a different location) and then beating him so badly he had to be hospitalized. Both witnesses are convicted felons and known for violence. The defendant was small in stature, had a job and no criminal record and no motive. The victim was beaten beyond recognition (41 crime scene photos) and had a very visible bruise on her face that was long and straight (like a broom handle). There was no weapon of any sort found in the defendant's car - but the witness pimp admitted to using a broom handle to break out the defendant's windows of the car. The defendant had no bruising on his knuckles and none of Lori's blood was found on him. Also, EMSA testified there was a large amount of fecal matter in the passenger seat and that none was found on Lopez. The two witnesses accounts of what happened were in general the same, but none of the details matched (who was where and did what).

I believe the evidence showed that Green, her pimp (Big Mike) and their friend Jimmy Palmer had been doing drugs all day. Later that night (around 2am) they were feening for drugs. Palmer took Green to a Hispanic bar at 34/Robinson to solicit patrons. Big Mike stayed at the dope house so he could wait for Green to bring him money for his next fix. When Green was picked up by Lopez she picked where they were to park (I've never seen a killer let the girl pick the parking spot). They parked behind the dope house where Big Mike was. Big Mike testified that he saw them pull up. The owner of the dope house, KC, said Big Mike became antsy and was pacing back and forth between a window and the back door wanting Green to hurry up. After several minutes Big Mike went out to the car to see what was taking her so long (I suspect because he was tweaking wanting more drugs). Big Mike testified that the whole time he could see Lopez having straight sex with Green through the window (no DNA or other evidence found to show they had sex). Big Mike testified he hit the window to get Lopez's attention and that Lopez turned and put up one finger - as to say, "Just a minute (I'm still having sex)." (not exactly what someone having sex with a corpse would do). Big Mike says at that point he noticed Green was bloody and unresponsive. Big Mike testified that Palmer had pulled up in his truck and Big Mike grabbed a broom out of the truck and began breaking out the back and rear side window of the car (not the front driver's side as you'd expect). Big mike then claims he somehow got the passenger side door open by reaching through the broken out rear driver's side window and reaching past Lopez and Green and unlocking the passenger side door (not the driver's side). Big Mike then testified that he reached into the passenger side, across Green, and grabbed Lopez and drug him out of the car (across Green's body) and only hit him one time (two other witnesses said multiple times) and Big Mike testified that he began to stomp Lopez with his feet and that Palmer joined in. When a neighbor yelled she was calling police, Big Mike fled the scene with Lopez's pants.

Lopez says he picked up Green and she told him where to park. He gave her $20 for oral sex and he motioned for her to take her pants down. Lopez testified that Lori had undone his pants and was manually stimulating him when Big Mike, Palmer and possibly other approached his car. They tried to open his doors and when they couldn't they began breaking out his windows. Lopez did not know why they were doing this. Lopez testified that Big mike opened the driver's side door (not passenger) and hit him in the face with the broom handle and also hit Lori (as seen in Green's bruising). Lopez also said he was not having straight sex with Green and that Green was leaning over into the driver's seat. Big Mike testified Lopez was on top of Green in the passenger seat and it was reclined. In the police photos the passenger seat is reclined, however, EMSA workers testified that when they arrived the passenger seat was straight up and down as Lopez said it was.

Lopez then testified that he was dragged from the car and that Green tried to grab his shirt as he was removed from the car. Lopez has no idea who killed Green or why - as he was naked and unconscious on the ground.

I suspect this was a combination of drug feening, a robbery gone wrong or jealous rage from Big Mike. I've known Big Mike for awhile and he is a very large and very violent man. When he gets high he gets jealous of his woman (Green) having sex with others. I think when Lopez put his finger up to him that Big Mike took it as disrespect and he exploded. Green most likely was telling him off over the attack (she was not shy to argue loudly with him) and he attacked her.

Makes far more sense than some small framed Hispanic who only had 4 beers and no criminal record picking up a hooker to kill her.

[FFLady]

Very, very interesting Brian......thanks for the behind the scenes narrative!

[Northwestsider]

This is a little bit of a spoiler alert, but the movie Shuttle is a terrifying, real life example of an "it could happen to you, your daughter, spouse or any young woman you know" look at human trafficking. It is worth a watch if you get the chance.

[kevinpate]

I look at posts 447 and 449 and I do shake my head. The poster seems to suggest that a jury of 12 everyday folk are as a whole above making an error. Perhaps I over-read, and if I do, my apologies to the poster.

But if not, and without taking a stance on this particular case, please realize that a jury verdict can at times be a result of something other than a defendant's version of the events being bested by the truth. That's not an assumption on my part, nor is it simple conjecture. It's a realization born out of many years of up close and personal observation and digging into the muck and getting one's hands dirty as it were.

It's an odd situation, but both the following statements are quite accurate.
A. Our system of justice permits serious errors, can be gamed, and it does not always correct mistakes.
B. Not withstanding A, our system of justice is the best available system in existence.

[Bill Robertson]

I look at posts 447 and 449 and I do shake my head. The poster seems to suggest that a jury of 12 everyday folk are as a whole above making an error. Perhaps I over-read, and if I do, my apologies to the poster.

But if not, and without taking a stance on this particular case, please realize that a jury verdict can at times be a result of something other than a defendant's version of the events being bested by the truth. That's not an assumption on my part, nor is it simple conjecture. It's a realization born out of many years of up close and personal observation and digging into the muck and getting one's hands dirty as it were.

It's an odd situation, but both the following statements are quite accurate.
A. Our system of justice permits serious errors, can be gamed, and it does not always correct mistakes.
B. Not withstanding A, our system of justice is the best available system in existence.

Both A and B are very true. I sat on a jury some years ago that found two defendants not guilty. After the fact we jurors found out that "rules of evidence" kept us from hearing what really happened. If we had heard the real story both defendants would have been put away. I'm sure it works both ways. For the prosecution at times and for the defense at other times. Sometimes, I like to think most times, our courts get it right. Sometimes not.

[BBatesokc]

I look at posts 447 and 449 and I do shake my head. The poster seems to suggest that a jury of 12 everyday folk are as a whole above making an error. Perhaps I over-read, and if I do, my apologies to the poster.

But if not, and without taking a stance on this particular case, please realize that a jury verdict can at times be a result of something other than a defendant's version of the events being bested by the truth. That's not an assumption on my part, nor is it simple conjecture. It's a realization born out of many years of up close and personal observation and digging into the muck and getting one's hands dirty as it were.

It's an odd situation, but both the following statements are quite accurate.
A. Our system of justice permits serious errors, can be gamed, and it does not always correct mistakes.
B. Not withstanding A, our system of justice is the best available system in existence.

I really wish more people would sit in on jury trials and watch the system they help put in place in action. It can be both inspiring and disheartening. I probably watch at least a dozen jury trials a year and read the files of dozens more. The things that go on in this city that never get reported is mind-boggling.

I'm reading up on one now where a young Hispanic male allegedly walked up on 4 Air-Force servicemen and a woman that were hanging out in a park after dark. The young Hispanic male pulled a gun on them, robbed them and then raped the female right there next to the 4 men - then he ran away.

He took everything from the servicemen - including a simply Sharpie pen. As fate would have it, as police walked the neighborhood, one spotted a Sharpie pen right outside a home nearby. He knocked and asked if any Hispanic youth lived there. He detained the one that did and asked the parents if he could search the house. They said 'sure' - and what do you know, all the rest of the stolen items were in his room. According to court records, this young man wants a trial.

[BoulderSooner]

I really wish more people would sit in on jury trials and watch the system they help put in place in action. It can be both inspiring and disheartening. I probably watch at least a dozen jury trials a year and read the files of dozens more. The things that go on in this city that never get reported is mind-boggling.

I'm reading up on one now where a young Hispanic male allegedly walked up on 4 Air-Force servicemen and a woman that were hanging out in a park after dark. The young Hispanic male pulled a gun on them, robbed them and then raped the female right there next to the 4 men - then he ran away.

He took everything from the servicemen - including a simply Sharpie pen. As fate would have it, as police walked the neighborhood, one spotted a Sharpie pen right outside a home nearby. He knocked and asked if any Hispanic youth lived there. He detained the one that did and asked the parents if he could search the house. They said 'sure' - and what do you know, all the rest of the stolen items were in his room. According to court records, this young man wants a trial.

link?

[BBatesokc]

Have to get it when I'm at home. Its an Oklahoma County case, so you're not going to be able to read anything unless you go down to the court house and pull the file or sit in court (as I did).

[Roadhawg]

I really wish more people would sit in on jury trials and watch the system they help put in place in action. It can be both inspiring and disheartening. I probably watch at least a dozen jury trials a year and read the files of dozens more. The things that go on in this city that never get reported is mind-boggling.

I'm reading up on one now where a young Hispanic male allegedly walked up on 4 Air-Force servicemen and a woman that were hanging out in a park after dark. The young Hispanic male pulled a gun on them, robbed them and then raped the female right there next to the 4 men - then he ran away.

He took everything from the servicemen - including a simply Sharpie pen. As fate would have it, as police walked the neighborhood, one spotted a Sharpie pen right outside a home nearby. He knocked and asked if any Hispanic youth lived there. He detained the one that did and asked the parents if he could search the house. They said 'sure' - and what do you know, all the rest of the stolen items were in his room. According to court records, this young man wants a trial.

Not everybody has the time during the day to do that (jobs)

[pw405]

Not everybody has the time during the day to do that (jobs)

Ya... How do you fund all the work you do during the day? I have a hard time finding enough time in a week day to get my oil changed or go to the doctor, let alone sit in on court cases, etc etc...

[BBatesokc]

Not everybody has the time during the day to do that (jobs)

Didn't say 'everybody' did I? Last time I checked many people on this board are retired, self-employed or are students. Additionally, if someone was so inclined, they could take some time off to sit in on at least an afternoon of a trial. Many trials only last a single day. But, many people rely on excuses to avoid doing all kinds of things.

My wife works 40+ hours a week (traditional day hours) and even she has taken time off to sit in on a trial or two she found interesting.

Also, not sure what you were implying with your comment about 'jobs' but if you're implying I don't have one you'd be sadly mistaken.

[Roadhawg]

Didn't say 'everybody' did I? Last time I checked many people on this board are retired, self-employed or are students. Additionally, if someone was so inclined, they could take some time off to sit in on at least an afternoon of a trial. Many trials only last a single day. But, many people rely on excuses to avoid doing all kinds of things.

My wife works 40+ hours a week (traditional day hours) and even she has taken time off to sit in on a trial or two she found interesting.

Also, not sure what you were implying with your comment about 'jobs' but if you're implying I don't have one you'd be sadly mistaken.

Not many have the time to sit in court all day because they have jobs. I wasn't implying anything, I just mentioned not a lot of people have the time to sit around in court all day because they are working. Now if my significant other worked a full time job I may have the time to do it but unfortunately I don't.

[BBatesokc]

Not many have the time to sit in court all day because they have jobs. I wasn't implying anything, I just mentioned not a lot of people have the time to sit around in court all day because they are working. Now if my significant other worked a full time job I may have the time to do it but unfortunately I don't.

And, like I said, many here do have time because the are either retired, students, self-employed or could choose to use some of their vacation/sick/comp/etc. time to attend part of a trial. Don't really know what a significant other working would have to do with it - you either have the time or can take the time or you don't. Regardless, it doesn't change the fact that more citizens should attend trials and see the system at work.

I'm fortunate enough that my job allows me to be able to attend trials. But, even before I worked for myself fulltime, I was salary at most of my previous positions and could come and go as I choose, as long as my job was done or I'd use comp-time.

[Roadhawg]

Yes you are fortunate you have all that free time to attend trials and I know it's interesting. I don't plan on using any vacation days to sit down at the courthouse and not sure how many others would want to do that either. Fortunately we have you to keep us posted on the daily happenings in the crime world in OKC.

[boscorama]

In the 80's, I once used a day off from work to sit in on the trial of Donna Bechtel. I had no special interest in the case. Just saying, one can do whatever one chooses on a free day.

While it can be boring as all get-out, watching court can be interesting, to say the least.

[FFLady]

I concur! Would be cool if Oklahoma could stream some of their cases. Back in 07, I was researching place in TN to visit, and came across one of the most horrific crimes ever that happened in Knoxville. Not sure why it grabbed me like it did, but I ended up streaming all 4 defendant trials. At the end of the day, they were all convicted, and 6 months later it was proven that the Judge was addicted to pills and used during the trials....now there may be a re-trial. Not sure if I'll stream all over again, but it was very interesting to watch the first go round.....

[Roadhawg]

In the 80's, I once used a day off from work to sit in on the trial of Donna Bechtel. I had no special interest in the case. Just saying, one can do whatever one chooses on a free day.

While it can be boring as all get-out, watching court can be interesting, to say the least.

I agree... it can be very interesting and I wish I had the chance to do it more often but between work and days off plans I don't.

[BBatesokc]

I really wish Oklahoma County had a CourtTV type channel or Internet presence where they'd stream both criminal and civil cases and even provide commentary in between. Could be a profitable (to a degree) online venture and even possible to a degree without the in court cameras if someone did it as a private venture.

Wish I had the time, I'd love to develop it.

[Roadhawg]

I'm surprised they don't have it already.

[FFLady]

Me too Hawg -

[BBatesokc]

Last night my wife and I assisted with No Boundaries International and their Hope House open house on S. Robinson Ave.

The house is finally pretty much done. Myers Roofing even donated a brand new free roof (all the way down to new decking) that they even installed earlier that morning.

Over 140 people attended the open house. My wife was manning handing out hot dogs and chips, there were clowns painting kids faces and making balloon animals, lots of lawn games being played, my wife and I provided free ice cream to all who attended through Roxy's Ice Cream Social, a tree was planted in honor of a young mother of 3 who was a victim of the streets of Robinson who was recently killed (her family placed her ashes at the base of the tree) and an overall sense of community was felt in an area that rarely experiences such positive things.

[Roadhawg]

Good job NBI

[bluewhitesun]

-----exactly...........but arent most "johns" married anyway?? lol....

[bluewhitesun]

Lol!

[BBatesokc]

Just Updating things (from my perspective) of the prostitution topic in OKC.

1.) Visible prostitution along S. Robinson Ave. and the other areas formally recognized by the Okla CO DA's Office as places of persistent prostitution have seen a very noticeable decline in activity (as also noted by police and business owners). The only exception would be the I-40/Meridian area.
2.) This may in part because Okla CO judges/ADA's are once again making a geographic restriction a part of sentencing.
3.) No Boundaries International did their second tree dedication ceremony at their Hope House. This time for a woman who was a victim of the Germaine Coulter & Mario Diaz human trafficking ring. Her parents drove from Texas to attend.
4.) I organized an OKC effort to do a large scale flier distribution for missing teen JaRay Wilson from Weatherford. Investigators claim they have reason to believe she is a victim of human trafficking (I'm not convinced yet, but regardless she is a missing and endangered teen). This effort was done with the cooperation of No Boundaries and started at the Hope House.
5.) Last night No Boundaries held their 2nd annual fundraising dinner at Oak Tree Country Club to raise funds for their efforts, create bridges with city leaders and raise awareness. DA David Prater, Chief Citty, other higher ups with OCPD, members of Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Salvation Army leaders and about 220 people from all kinds of organizations and the general public attended. Even met two people from OKCtalk. There was great food (buffet with prime rib, salmon, chicken and other excellent items), a silent and live auction (luxury suite tickets with parking and dinner for one of the Thunder/Lakers games, OCPD Air1 ridealong, and lots more), a great video regarding OKC prostitution and No Boundaries, a guest speaker whose sister was murdered by a man with ties to Oklahoma that was also a serial killer and the entire event was emceed by KFOR's Ali Meyer. Events like this are critical to opening doors and creating working relationships with other organizations in NBI's efforts to positively impact prostitution and human trafficking.