Sentencing for former therapist Edward Pena was scheduled this morning. He entered a plea on July 13 to a stipulated term of 5 years and 8 months. That was his final sentence.
Judge Kaleb Cockrum a few times had to warn Pena a few times about what was at stake.
First, Pena said," I don't know if it is legal cause or not" when the standard question was asked about proceeding to sentencing. To protect his rights, his attorney cautioned him not to say anything on record.
The sentencing was interrupted so Deputy Public Defender Wade Orbelian could call Pena.
Back on record, Mr. Orbelian said, "Under our agreement the Court is bound under the plea or can reject the plea."
Pena knew he could not get probation. Then the second time, when he was making his statement, Judge Cockrum had to stop him. Judge Cockrum said, "he is in danger of losing his plea." Again, Mr. Orbelian had to call Pena.
"This is not a time to attack the victim," explained Judge Cockrum. "You can address the specifics of the crime."
Mr. Orbelian commented," There were many statements made about him that are simply not true."
I am not going to print either the victims extremely lengthy statement or Pena's statement. I covered the preliminary hearing in detail. The hearing had statements made in court under oath.
Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for the case.
Details of the plea are in the post linked below.
Previous post:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/07/former-therapist-pleads-guilty-to.html?m=1#more
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