By LAMECH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
AN American on his honeymoon left court in tears after being accused of committing a sexual offence.
Nathan Depoalo, 24, of MacArthur, New York, appeared before Chief Magistrate Roger Gomez facing a charge of indecent assault, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison.
It is alleged that on Friday July 6, he indecently assaulted a 27-year-old woman on Paradise Island.
The assault allegedly occurred at a spa during a massage session. It is claimed Depoalo touched the woman’s breast.
The New Yorker denied the allegation and pleaded not guilty to the charge. His trial date was set for December 13.
When the issue of bail arose, the prosecutor immediately reminded the chief magistrate that Depoalo is an American and claimed this increased the likelihood of his not returning in December for trial.
The prosecutor asked for stringent conditions to be attached, including a cash bond requirement.
Defending attorneys Murrio Ducille and Nathan Smith asked the chief magistrate not to impose an unreasonable cash bond that the client and his family – who were in court with their luggage – could not afford.
When the defence sought to address the facts surrounding the charge, the prosecutor interrupted and said such information could be disputed at another time and place.
However, Mr Ducille countered that the information was “pertinent” to his client’s request for bail.
The attorney claimed the accusation of indecent assault had been brought “out of spite”, because of the complainant’s relationship with the spa company.
He said an offence such as this should have been reported to the police immediately, not four days after it is alleged to have taken place.
Mr Ducille also said his client had no reason to avoid trial as he denied the charge and maintains his innocence.
Chief Magistrate Gomez considered the submissions and granted the New Yorker a $5,000 cash bond.
Depoalo’s left court in tears and was escorted into a holding cell as his family looked on.
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