With assistance from a Spanish interpreter, Jorge Dominguez, 34, pleaded not guilty to aggravated robbery, menacing and multiple drug offenses at an arraignment hearing earlier this month. The charges stem from multiple arrests in July and August. Because of the need for courtroom interpreters, a five-day jury trial was set for March 16, 2015.
Court records reveal that the defendant was initially arrested for allegedly possessing and using methamphetamines after a traffic stop on July 4. While out of custody on a $500 bond, Dominguez was arrested again, allegedly after robbing a teenager at knifepoint of $260 in cash on Aug. 10.
Police say that the defendant threatened to kill the victim before wrestling him to the ground and taking money from his pocket. Police said the assault continued as Dominguez repeatedly kicked the victim before throwing a cinder block through the victim’s automobile window as he tried to flee the scene.
Additional drug charges were filed against the defendant the following day, when police conducted a search warrant at the suspect’s motel room. Police seized a steak knife and several bags of meth.
The defendant is currently out of custody after posting a $3,000 bond.
Taco Bell fight leaves victim unconscious
An assault case connected to two Taco Bell employees who reportedly were involved in a rent dispute could proceed to a jury trial. The victim was left unconscious in a pool of his blood.
Court records reveal that Joshua Beverly, 25, of Cortez, was arrested and charged with felony and misdemeanor assault after allegedly hitting his co-worker and roommate in the Taco Bell parking lot on April 24. At an arraignment hearing this month, Beverly pleaded not guilty, and a three-day jury trial was set for March 2, 2015.
Records show the 25-year-old victim suffered a fractured skull and was airlifted to a Grand Junction hospital. After making a statement in open court on Oct. 15, a misdemeanor plea deal was rejected by the court.
Beverly, who remained in custody at his arraignment last week, told police he slapped the victim in self-defense after he was pushed during a verbal altercation on the night in question.
Mancos trespassing case headed to trial
A 69-year-old man accused of repeatedly trespassing on private land during a six-month span near Mancos could have his fate determined by a jury.
Laird Carlson, address unknown, pleaded not guilty to felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor trespassing charges on Oct. 23. A four-day jury trial was set for March 16, 2015.
The charges stem from unknown incidents that occurred from Sept. 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014. No other details of the alleged crimes were included in the case file.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com