Posted by Jimmy BROWNSVILLE - A Tejano singer accused of statutory rape rejects a plea bargain and fires his attorney. Joe Lopez, former lead singer of "Grupo Mazz," was expected to plead out in his sexual assault trial Monday. Attorneys had worked out a deal. The Tejano star was supposed to plead guilty to injury to a child and get four months in county jail, along with a 10-year probation. But he passed on the deal and fired his attorney at his court appearance Monday morning. The trial judge put Lopez in jail on a $25,000 cash bond. The Tejano star is expected to post it. The judge will then set a new trial date, once the Lopez gets a new attorney. Charges against Lopez stem from an incident that reportedly happened at his Rancho Viejo home two years ago. He is accused of statutory rape and molesting an underage girl with a date rape drug. Prosecutors say they have DNA evidence, linking the Tejano star to the crime.
Link: http://www.krgv.com/2006/8/28/28037/Tejano-Star-Rejects-Plea-Bargain--
on 8/29/2006, 8:37 am
68.88.107.195
Lopez put in jail on $25,000 cash bond.
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