Settlement conference granted for man accused in sex misconduct case
The attorney representing the man charged in connection to multiple criminal sexual conduct charges involving a minor asked for a mitigation hearing on Wednesday in Yuma County Superior Court.
In providing the court with an update on the status of the case, attorney Jerry Hernandez, of the Yuma County Public Defender’s Office, explained that a plea offer has been extended to his client.
He then requested a settlement conference be held in the case, saying it may be beneficial in finalizing the terms that would be contained in the plea agreement.
Hernandez is representing Daniel Rico, who has been charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, three counts of aggravated assault — adult on minor and one count of sexual conduct with a minor, all of which are felonies.
Rico, 36, who was arrested by Yuma police on June 21 for allegedly having sexual contact with a juvenile female who was known to him, remains in custody on a $200,000 bond.
The victim was under the age of 15 at the time of the alleged incidents, which took place over a three-year period from 2013 to 2016.
Superior Court Judge Brandon Kinsey, who is presiding over the case, granted Hernandez’s request.
Kinsey also scheduled Rico’s next hearing for 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 5.
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 5396854. Find him on Facebook at www. Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.