KEALAKEKUA — A Holualoa man on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to sex assault and incest charges in Kona Circuit Court.
KEALAKEKUA — A Holualoa man on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to sex assault and incest charges in Kona Circuit Court.
On July 11, a grand jury indicted Jose Henriquez, 26, for first-degree sexual assault and incest. A bench warrant was ordered the next day.
Henriquez was taken into custody Tuesday and bail was set at $10,000.
On Wednesday, Henriquez appeared in custody before Judge Henry T. Nakamoto. His attorney, Ann Datta, requested his bail be reduced to $1,000.
Deputy Prosecutor Kate Deleon said it was the state’s position that $10,000 bail was appropriate. The judge maintained the bail amount.
The charges stem from incidents that occurred on or between March 1, 2015, and Nov. 1, 2015. According to court documents, Heriquez knowingly engaged in sexual penetration with a minor who was at least 14 years old, but less than 16 years old.
Charging documents indicate he intentionally committed incest with the same victim.
Trial is scheduled for Feb. 20.
According to the Hawaii Police Department, Immigration Customs Enforcement also put a detainer on Henriquez.