LIHU‘E — A trial set to determine Leonard Alpeche Jr.’s part in the alleged sexual assault, kidnapping and extortion of a 24-year-old Kapa‘a woman was moved during a pre-trial hearing at the Kaua‘i County Courthouse. Although Alpeche is expected to
LIHU‘E — A trial set to determine Leonard Alpeche Jr.’s part in the alleged sexual assault, kidnapping and extortion of a 24-year-old Kapa‘a woman was moved during a pre-trial hearing at the Kaua‘i County Courthouse.
Although Alpeche is expected to appear in 5th Circuit Court before Judge Kathleen Watanabe on April 18 — the original trial date — First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jake Delaplane said at that time he will likely agree to a continuance. A new trial date will be set at that time.
During the pretrial Wednesday afternoon, Delaplane and Alpeche’s attorney, John Calma, approached the judge to discuss the matter. Following the quick conversation, Delaplane said no reasons were given for the continuance.
Alpeche, 27, faces 16 charges including three counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of fourth-degree sexual assault, one count of kidnapping and 11 counts of second-degree extortion. Kaua‘i police arrested him Jan. 5.
The woman contended that Alpeche used a fake identity to befriend her on Facebook in August. She said she was eventually forced to have sex with him.
A county press release published after his arrest alleged that Alpeche had used the Internet and aliases to develop relationships with potential victims ranging from 13 to 27 years old.
Alpeche is being held in lieu of $465,000 bail.
