US: Disgraced lawyer forced clients to have sex with him for legal services

Mark Benavides, 48, was found guilty on six counts of trafficking by the jury in San Antonio, Texas.

Prosecutors said the lawyer was only worried about himself when he forced six female clients to have sex with him in return for legal aid.

He used force, coerce and fraud to bring his clients to a motel where he recorded their sexual encounters.

They also said he purposely targeted prostitutes and drug addicts because such women were less likely to be believed if they reported him.

Mr Benavides’ wife, Linda, urged the jury to “please be fair” as she said she was staying with him.

“He cheated. He did. But he’s a good person. Please be fair. His kids love him so much,” she told the jury.

The disbarred lawyer was first arrested in November 2015, accused of coercing nine clients into prostitution.

He had been running as a candidate for state district judge at the time.