San Jose Councilman Omar Torres denied bail in a sexual assault case

SAN JOSE, California. – Disgraced San Jose Councilman Omar Torres will remain behind bars pending trial on child abuse charges.

A judge denied Torres’ request for bail Thursday.

The District 3 councilman was arrested on election night and faces three counts of sodomy and oral copulation of a child stemming from alleged crimes that occurred more than a quarter century ago, authorities said.

An adult survivor recently came forward after seeing media reports about an ongoing investigation into Torres for alleged child sexual abuse. These separate allegations of child sexual abuse have not resulted in criminal charges.

The police report in the child abuse case describes a phone conversation between Torres, his victim and his victim’s wife. At one point Torres said, “He was an easy target… I hurt him in many ways (by raping him).” When asked how often the crimes occurred, Torres said, “I would say about 20 to 25 times…I only deal with my own…situations where I am abused and raped. This is as ugly as it is.” Sounds…I’m so sorry man, I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Investigators say the crimes began in 1990, when the victim was four and Torres was nine, and continued until the victim was thirteen and Torres was eighteen.

Experts say the statute of limitations does not apply in this case due to the nature of the alleged crimes.

Torres resigned from the city council after his arrest. However, his seat will not become available until November 27. City officials say he has been stripped of all official powers and assignments granted to council members.

Plans to find his replacement have taken shape, with former candidates for the seat showing renewed interest in serving the district, which includes downtown, Japantown and the Hensley neighborhood.

“I have been very active, especially in downtown and other parts of District 3, so my enthusiasm for improving San Jose has not waned,” said former council candidate Elizabeth Chien-Hale.

“We need someone who is 100% behind D3. Because there have been people in the past who have used D3 as a platform to get to the next job. And often D3 has been left behind,” added former council candidate Irene Smith. .

Smith has urged the City Council to hold a special election to fill Torres’ seat.

“The city charter gives us two options: a special election or an appointment. Personally, I prefer a special election. I think this is fundamental to our American democracy.” Mayor Matt Mahan said earlier.

The mayor said the council will discuss the issue at its Nov. 19 meeting. Both options require a majority of six votes from nine members.