Assistant solgen to be tried by US judge, not jury
WASHINGTON – Assistant Solicitor General Derek Puertollano will be tried by a judge here in February for an alleged assault with intent to sexually abuse a child.
At an initial status hearing Friday, Judge William Jackson of the DC District Court of Appeals ordered a non-jury trial to begin on Feb. 1.
His verdict shall have the same force as that of a jury.
Puertollano was in Washington to attend a seminar on international arbitration when he was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy last month.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charge and is out on personal recognizance bond.
His passport has been confiscated and is also ordered to stay away from airports and not to leave or attempt to leave the US until a decision is handed down.
He is represented in court by public defender Charles Murdter.
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