SANTA ANA, Calif.—A 31-year-old Orange County jail inmate pleaded not guilty Jan. 18 for his alleged role in the beating of a drunken-driving suspect, in an attack that allegedly involved 13 assailants and left the victim comatose.
Jonathan Arley Gonzalez-Sanchez pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, attempted murder, torture, kidnapping, and participation in gang activity, all felonies, and denied sentencing enhancements for gang activity and causing great bodily injury.
Twelve other defendants in the case pleaded not guilty on Tuesday.
- Luis Carrera, 40
- Jesus Jurado, 29
- Sean Stanford, 31
- Xavier Rangel, 29
- Brandon Hernandez, 27
- Hector Rodriguez, 27
- Mario Allen, 21
- Jesus Merino Carrera, 29
- Jesus Mendoza Voguel, 32
- Evelio Justiz, 50
- Marco Decastilla, 26
- Henry Portillo, 20
The victim was jailed for allegedly driving drunk in Anaheim on Jan. 7, according to court records. He was arrested by the California Highway Patrol, and, according to the criminal complaint, he has three prior DUIs in San Bernardino County. Rosalesoseguera is accused of driving with a 0.20 blood-alcohol content.
The victim was charged with DUI on Jan. 10 when he pleaded not guilty. He was next due in court Thursday for a pretrial hearing.
A source close to the case said the beating took place over 45 minutes in the jail.
Orange County sheriff’s officials referred calls for information to prosecutors, who declined to comment and referred a reporter to sheriff’s officials.
