A Miami prosecutor said that he intends to seek a jail sentence against a Venezuelan singer/actor charged with trespassing at the island home of Gloria and Emilio Estefan. The Estefans have obtained a civil restraining order to keep Juan Carlos Diaz away from them, and a similar order was widened Friday as part of his bail on the criminal trespass charge.
Diaz, 33, must stay away from the famous music couple, their homes on exclusive Star Island, and three of the Estefans' best-known businesses: their studio, office, and a restaurant. The Estefans claim Diaz has harassed them at their home and gym. Those claims were made after Diaz accused Emilio Estefan of making unwelcome sexual advances toward him at the gym where all three worked out.
Emilio Estefan has denied Diaz's allegations and has filed a civil suit accusing him of defamation for making them. The couple has also denied Diaz's claims that he became their friend and they gave him advice on his career and invited him to parties.
Diaz was arrested Jan. 7 after he entered the Estefan estate through a remote controlled gate when an electrician was leaving.
Judge Luise Krieger-Martin allowed the defense to question Gloria Estefan, the cook, and another employee at the house at the time. In expanding the conditions of bail, the judge emphasized that Diaz wasn't allowed to try to contact the Estefans in any way. Diaz, who listened to the proceedings through a Spanish interpreter, answered in English, "I understand."
Police had issued earlier trespass warnings to Diaz at the Estefans' mansion and their gym. A conviction carries a possible one-year jail term, and Florida Assistant State Attorney Steven Talpin told the judge that the state would want to see Diaz sent to jail if he's convicted. Talpin didn't specify how long of a sentence would be sought.
Diaz is the subject of a temporary restraining order obtained by the Estefans to keep him 150 yards away from them. A hearing on a permanent order is set March 28. Defense attorney David Abrams said Diaz won't challenge it.
Copyright 2002 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Diaz, 33, must stay away from the famous music couple, their homes on exclusive Star Island, and three of the Estefans' best-known businesses: their studio, office, and a restaurant. The Estefans claim Diaz has harassed them at their home and gym. Those claims were made after Diaz accused Emilio Estefan of making unwelcome sexual advances toward him at the gym where all three worked out.
Emilio Estefan has denied Diaz's allegations and has filed a civil suit accusing him of defamation for making them. The couple has also denied Diaz's claims that he became their friend and they gave him advice on his career and invited him to parties.
Diaz was arrested Jan. 7 after he entered the Estefan estate through a remote controlled gate when an electrician was leaving.
Judge Luise Krieger-Martin allowed the defense to question Gloria Estefan, the cook, and another employee at the house at the time. In expanding the conditions of bail, the judge emphasized that Diaz wasn't allowed to try to contact the Estefans in any way. Diaz, who listened to the proceedings through a Spanish interpreter, answered in English, "I understand."
Police had issued earlier trespass warnings to Diaz at the Estefans' mansion and their gym. A conviction carries a possible one-year jail term, and Florida Assistant State Attorney Steven Talpin told the judge that the state would want to see Diaz sent to jail if he's convicted. Talpin didn't specify how long of a sentence would be sought.
Diaz is the subject of a temporary restraining order obtained by the Estefans to keep him 150 yards away from them. A hearing on a permanent order is set March 28. Defense attorney David Abrams said Diaz won't challenge it.
Copyright 2002 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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