Harry Goularte, the man Cain Velasquez allegedly targeted during a shooting that resulted in attempted murder charges against the former UFC heavyweight champ, has pleaded not guilty to a single felony charge of a lewd or lascivious act upon a child under age 14.
A Santa Clara County (Calif.) judge on Monday issued a no-contact order for Goularte, requiring him to stay 300 feet away from the alleged victim. He is due back in court on Sept. 20 for a preliminary hearing, a court spokesperson confirmed to MMA Fighting. Goularte was present via video teleconference at the hearing and gave short answers speaking to his attorney, according to an initial report from MMA Junkie.
Goularte, 43, was arrested on suspicion of repeatedly molesting a child, later identified as Velasquez’s 4-year-old son, at a childcare facility operated by his mother. He was granted bail, released on February 25,, allegedly against the wishes of the district attorney, and told to remain in his house, keep an ankle monitor bracelet and avoid children below 14.. The alleged shooting occurred as he was on his way to pick up the bracelet.
Velasquez has been accused of shooting a. 40-caliber handgun into a car carrying Goularte, Goularte’s father-in-law, and Goularte’s mother. The father-in-law, Paul Bender, was wounded twice by the gunfire during the shooting, which prosecutors say involved a high-speed chase through the Morgan Hill neighborhood of San Jose, Calif.
The former UFC champ faces a charge of attempted murder in addition to other gun charges. A judge has twice denied Velasquez bail, calling his alleged actions reckless. Velasquez was praised by his teammates in MMA and the MMA community for being a hero.
Veteran prosecutors say Velasquez faces several legal challenges to overcome to avoid serious jail time. On Friday, he is expected to return to court for the second delay in his plea hearing. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison. Mark Geragos his high-profile lawyer has attacked the courts for allowing Goularte’s release while his client sat in prison.
Goularte’s attorney has proclaimed his client innocent. He faces a sentence of up to eight years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine for the felony charge of a lewd or lascivious act upon a child under age 14.
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