First appearances in Miami — Badio in a wheelchair

The 18 appeared in Miami federal court before Magistrate Judge Lisette Reid, who assigned lawyers and set further dates. Badio was brought in in a wheelchair. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones announced “the next major phase” of the case: 30 indicted, 18 transported. The charges expose the group to life sentences — they are allegations, and every new defendant is presumed innocent.