The man accused of multiple sexual crimes against minors will remain in jail after a Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge on Thursday ordered him held without bail.
Carlos Gomez Velasco, 39, has been charged with several felonies, including assault with intent to rape, sexual battery, contacting a minor with the intent to commit a felony, oral copulation with a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was not in court Thursday.
Prosecutors say there are at least four victims, and that all the assaults took place at Erik’s Deli in Aptos, where he is employed.
Assistant District Attorney Kristal Salcido argued that, due to the serious nature of his allegations, he is a “substantial risk” to any minor with whom he comes in contact, including his 7-year-old daughter.
Additionally, Velasco was in charge of hiring at the deli, where possible victims are still working, Salcido said.
“He used his position of power to predate upon these girls,” Salcido said. “The fact is that he attacked these minors the second he was alone with him.”
Judge Syda Cogliati agreed. In addition to ordering the no-bail hold, she continued Velasco’s arraignment to Feb. 10. He has not yet entered a plea.
Defense Attorney Geoffrey Rawlings said that he plans to appeal, saying that Humphrey rules—which among other things hold that courts must consider non-custody alternatives for certain defendants—are clear in this case. This includes stay-away orders and a GPS monitor.
“There is no indication that public safety will be jeopardized with these restrictions,” Rawlings said.
