Gerald Serrano enters the Guma Hustisia escorted by a Corrections officer on Tuesday.
GERALD Serrano, a barista at a local hotel, was arrested for allegedly strangling his wife with an extension cord after accusing her of cheating.
Serrano, 33, was charged with assault and battery, strangulation, domestic violence, and disturbing the peace.
The defendant appeared before Superior Court Judge Lillian Tenorio for a bail hearing Tuesday while in custody of the Department of Corrections.
Assistant Public Defender Karie Comstock was appointed to represent him, while Assistant Attorney General David Krach appeared for the government.
After the hearing, Serrano was remanded to the custody of Corrections and ordered to return for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 10 at 9 a.m. and arraignment on Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. He may be released upon posting 10% of the $20,000 cash bail, or $2,000.
According to the complaint, a female friend of the victim went to the Department of Public Safety on Aug. 31 seeking assistance on behalf of the victim. Police officers observed bruising on the victim’s left elbow, right side of her neck, chest, and a rash on her left outer thigh. A crime scene technician documented the injuries. The victim refused medical attention.
The victim told police that the incident began on the night of Aug. 30 at her mother’s house during a family celebration. She said she and Serrano left around 1:30 a.m., with Serrano driving. On the main road, she said he accused her of cheating and questioned why a certain number remained on her blocked contacts.
The victim said she attempted to open the passenger door, but Serrano grabbed her left arm to prevent her from getting out of the car. He then grabbed a fistful of her hair with his right hand, and when they arrived home, he dragged her out of the car and across the gravel to a grassy area, then up a small flight of steps into their apartment. He carried her through the living room to the bedroom and threw her onto the bed.
The complaint states Serrano sat on her stomach, held down her hands, and used a white extension cord to strangle her. She said she cried loudly for help, and eventually, Serrano stopped. The victim later left the house, contacted a friend, and reported the incident.
Serrano was arrested immediately after the police interview.
