LAKEPORT — A judge ruled Monday that three pending criminal cases against Andrew James Serrano would be merged into one.
The prosecution asked the court to consolidate the cases, all of which involve alleged acts against Serrano”s estranged wife, into one complaint. The defense did not oppose the request.
Judge Andrew S. Blum granted the motion to consolidate Monday morning at the Lake County Courthouse.
Serrano, 39, remains in custody at the Lake County Jail on $1 million bail and stands accused of a pattern of harassment against Lesa Serrano.
He faces seven felonies, including attempted murder, for a September incident in which authorities allege he beat his estranged wife and shot William Turner, who accompanied the woman as she retrieved personal items from a residence on Big Valley Road.
Authorities further claim Serrano committed felonies and misdemeanors during a July incident in which he allegedly followed the woman, rammed her vehicle and left the scene.
The prosecution argues he violated a court order to stay away from the woman during the July incident. The protective order originated because he faced two misdemeanors for allegedly making harassing phone calls to the woman in May.
Serrano previously pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied any special allegations in what had been three separate cases.
The prosecution is expected to file a consolidated complaint against Serrano before his next court date in early January. Blum scheduled the estimated five-day preliminary hearing to start Jan. 11.
Contact Jeremy Walsh at jwalsh@record-bee.com or call him at 263-5636, ext. 37.
