A Norteno gangmember on probation for attacking the father he blamed for his mother's imprisonment on attempted murder charges pleaded no contest yesterday to attacking a man at a Redwood City taqueria because he was believed to be a Hispanic rival.
Jonathan Fuentes Ortiz, 22, also admitted the new crime violated his probation which reinstated a suspended five-year term imposed for attacking his father. The sentence will be served concurrent with the four years carried by the assault charge.
"Under the circumstances, it is a good settlement," said District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe who added there were some questions of proof in the case.
Ortiz is one of three men charged in the July 21, 2012 assault at Tacos El Grullenese on Woodside Road in Redwood City. The other two men, Juan Carlos Madero, 31, and Robert Gallegos, 29, will stand trial March 18 and April 8, respectively. The case is a potential second strike for Madero.
Prosecutors say the three defendants and other Norteno gangmembers taunted the man because he wore a blue shirt and they did not believe his claims of being Persian. Madero reportedly punched him in the face and the entire group then attacked the man with broken bottles and punches, according to the District Attorney's Office.
The man suffered several cuts to his face. Police reported the attack was caught on surveillance video and witnesses identified the defendants.
The case came less than a year after Ortiz was jailed for attacking his father who was poisoned by his mother. She is serving 13 years to life for feeding the older Ortiz a poisoned milkshake and kidnapping their 2-year-old Ortiz, taking him to Mexico for eight years.
Madero remains in custody in lieu of $225,000 bail. Gallegos is held on in lieu of $200,000 bail.
(650) 344-5200 ext. 102.
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