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Ecuadoran From Hackensack Rejects Plea Deal In Teen Sex Assault Case

HACKENSACK, N.J. -- The lawyer for an Ecuadorian national living in Hackensack said he sees "no opportunity for a plea" to charges that his client sexually assaulting a 15-year old girl repeatedly over three years.

Walter Rodriguez

Walter Rodriguez

Photo Credit: Mary K. Miraglia

Walter Rodriguez, 36, is charged with 11 counts of criminal sexual conduct.

Five are first-degree charges -- meaning that if Rodriguez is convicted at a trial he could serve 50 to 100 years in state prison on those counts alone.

Attorney H.D. Simmons entered a “not guilty” plea on his behalf Monday in Hackensack.

Rodriguez was then returned to the Bergen County Jail, where he remained held on $500,000 bail since his April 20 arrest.

Authorities have charged him with raping the girl when she was less than 13, and having sexual intercourse, oral and anal sex with her when she was between 13 and 16.

He’s also charged with child endangerment by sexual conduct and child abuse.

Assistant Bergen County Prosecutor Natalie Candela told Superior Judge Margaret M. Foti that she'd offered Simmons 16 years in state prison for his client in exchange for a guilty plea.

Standard sex offender provisions would apply, including lifetime Megan’s registry and parole supervision.

Simmons, in turn, said he would continue filing motions on behalf of his client, because "there appears to be no opportunity for a plea.”

Candela replied that she'd increase the number of years in the plea offer if she has to respond to motions.

Foti set the next court date for Jan. 4, 2016.

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