LAKEPORT — A public defender said Friday he thinks there will be a settlement in a case against a Clearlake man on charges of lewd and lascivious acts with a child younger than 14 years old.
Attorney Doug Rhoades said he needed more time to speak with Manuel Vega Garcia through a Spanish interpreter.
“I think the stakes are sufficiently high here,” Rhoades said.
“Either there will be a complete resolution or none,” he said.
Garcia, 24, is charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor in 2004, with special allegations that the girl was younger than 14 years old, and two counts of unlawful intercourse with a minor. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
A warrant had been out for Garcia”s arrest since 2006 but he wasn”t arrested until March 31. Garcia pleaded not guilty April 2.
Deputy district attorney Ed Borg said in April that Garcia will have the chance to plead to one count of lewd and lascivious acts with a child until Borg calls his first witness in the preliminary hearing.
Rhoades, the prosecution and the judge agreed to confirm the preliminary hearing for 9 a.m. Friday, though Rhoades said he would ask for a continuance that day.
Garcia entered a general time waiver, as he has been released from custody.
Contact Katy Sweeny at kdsweeny@gmail.com or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
