The afternoon docket of the 187th District Court, presided over by Judge Stephanie Boyd on September 16, 2025, focused on a significant request from the defense regarding the conditions of a defendant currently under full house arrest. The defense sought to modify these conditions to allow for partial house arrest, enabling the defendant to work.
The prosecution raised objections, citing concerns from the mother of the alleged victim regarding her child's safety. The mother expressed discomfort with changing the defendant's GPS monitoring conditions, given the serious nature of the charges against him.
During the proceedings, the defense called a witness, Matthew Soudiaga, who testified about his recent employment secured through a staffing agency. Soudiaga confirmed that he had found a warehouse job with a schedule from Sunday to Thursday, working overnight from 10 PM to 6 AM. He stated that he had not violated any GPS conditions and had no contact with the alleged victim since being placed under monitoring.
After hearing the testimony, Judge Boyd granted the request for partial GPS monitoring, allowing Soudiaga to work under specific conditions. He is permitted to leave his residence for employment only, maintaining the court's focus on safety while accommodating the defendant's need for employment.
This decision highlights the court's balancing act between the rights of the defendant and the safety concerns of the victim's family, reflecting ongoing challenges in the judicial process regarding cases involving serious allegations.