The man charged with human trafficking and molesting children he met through the Boys and Girls Club in Scotts Valley asked a Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge if he could spend time over the holidays with his 4-year-old nephew.
But, according to a minute order for the Nov. 13 hearing, Judge Stephen Siegel denied the request put forward by defense lawyer James McMillin, on behalf of his client Ciriaco Johnson.
Johnson has been charged with eight felonies and three misdemeanors—including such counts as arranging to meet a minor child, molesting a victim under the age of 18 and human trafficking a minor. He pleaded not guilty to all charges on Aug. 18.
Johnson is out of jail on a $40,000 bond and has been ordered to have no minors in his home. He’s also been outfitted with a GPS tracker and isn’t allowed to use electronic devices.
Johnson’s next court date has been set for Dec. 12 at 8:15am.
In a court filing, the District Attorney’s office says a 14-year-old Jane Doe was trafficked for at least one sex act sometime between Jan 1, 2023, and Aug. 1 this year.
If convicted on just this count, Johnson would face up to 12 years in state prison and a $500,000 fine.
