FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Jessica Mishali was back in court Thursday trying to convince a judge to grant her client bond so that he can be released from jail -- the same place where she is accused of having sex with him during a meeting last month.
Mishali, whose married name is Jessica David, and her client, Ysreal Granda, 26, of Opa-locka, were "engaged in what appeared to be sexual intercourse" when a deputy at the main Broward County jail walked in on them Jan. 27, according to a Broward Sheriff's Office incident report.
The 35-year-old attorney argued in court that Granda was being targeted by guards after he became a confidential informant in a contraband investigation involving BSO deputies.
"He was documented as a confidential informant by the Broward Sheriff's Office," Mishali told Broward County Judge Ilona Holmes.
Mishali claimed that Granda, who faces an attempted murder charge, was no longer safe in the jail and therefore should be granted bond.
Assistant state attorney Yael Gamm argued that Granda was a violent criminal who would be a danger to the community if released.
"I would ask your honor to take everything Mr. Granda has to say with a grain of salt," she said. "He is extraordinarily manipulative."
Mishali objected, calling Gamm's comment "completely inappropriate."
Before Holmes ruled, she gave Mishali a surprise apology for the BSO's treatment of her, which included posting her picture in its jails and banning her from them.
"Posting your photo, saying you were banned from all the jails, that was knee jerk, and it should not have happened," Holmes said. "And if the sheriff's office hasn't apologized to you, I will. But I don't work for (the sheriff). I'm not a part of that."
Then Holmes announced her decision.
"It would be an abuse of my discretion to put Mr. Granda on the street, so your motion to set bond is denied," Holmes said.
Mishali is allowed to visit Granda in jail, but only from behind a window.