WINNEMUCCA — For the third time Emmanuel Barrera-Gonzalez, 23, appeared in 6^th Judicial District Court for arraignment on the charge of sexual assault on a child under the age of 14.  And for the third time he was presented with a guilty-plea agreement, which he had twice before refused to sign.  This time, however, he was not only facing life in prison but also the possibility the Humboldt County DA's Office would file additional charges against him.  He took the deal.

The defendant was arrested on allegations from an 11-year-old girl who told authorities she had intercourse with the defendant.  Barrera-Gonzalez denied the allegations.  During the preliminary hearing, he acknowledged (through his attorney) to some inappropriate contact with the girl but denied they had intercourse. 

Both sexual assault on a child and lewdness with a child are category A felonies and both represent life in prison.  With sexual assault parole is not available until 25 years have been served; whereas the parole for lewdness with a child is available after ten years have been served.

In addition to the mandatory prison sentence, Barrera-Gonzalez faces deportation to Mexico once his sentence is served.

The defendant was in court on Monday, January 11 for the arraignment.  A sentencing hearing was set for 3 p.m. March 8.