WATSONVILLE — A judge again postponed the sentencing of former farm manager Virgilio “Hilo” Yepez, who was convicted of child molestation by a jury in February.
Yepez, 51, faces 23 years to life in prison for molesting the daughter of a woman with whom Yepez had a relationship. The girl, who testified during the trial, was 4 when Yepez sexually abused her in September 2007.
The sentencing hearing had been scheduled for Friday morning, but was postponed to Monday afternoon by Judge John Salazar.
After Yepez, who is being held in County Jail, was brought into the courtroom Monday, Salazar moved the sentencing to next month because Yepez’s attorney, Miguel Hernandez, filed a last-minute motion to reduce the prison term his client faces.
Hernandez said the lengthy sentence, part of which is dictated by state law, exceeds the conduct being punished.
“I am asking the court to use its discretion… so he doesn’t get over-sentenced or over-punished,” Hernandez said outside the courtroom.
Yepez returns to court April 17.
“I’m expecting counsel to be ready to go,” Salazar said as he dismissed court Monday.
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1 response so far ↓
IV Hadenof // Mar 23, 2009 at 5:35 pm
There is no penalty which could be “over-punishment” for this cowardly molester of a 4-year-old. The repeated delays are unnecessary and cruel to the victim and her family. Let his jail term end when he is no longer remembered.
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