16-Year-Old Accused of Sexually Abusing, Beating His Teacher Pleads Not Guilty

A 16-Year-Old Accused of Sexually Abusing and Beating His Teacher in April Pleaded Not Guilty

Author: Nevada Globe Staff

LAS VEGAS – Jonathan Martinez Garcia was indicted this month on charges of kidnapping causing serious bodily harm, two counts of battery by strangulation with the intent to commit sexual assault, battery with the intent to commit sexual assault causing serious bodily harm, two counts of attempted murder with a deadly weapon, attempted murder, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, and robbery.

After a second mental health evaluation in July, the teen was declared able to stand charges in the April 7 Eldorado High School attack. Court records say he pleaded not guilty on Wednesday.

Judge Kathleen Delaney ordered Martinez Garcia to court on Sept. 7.

Las Vegas police say the teen attacked his teacher after going to review his grades. According to his police report, he choked the teacher with a “rope or string,” knocked her unconscious by smashing her head against a table, and sat on her shelf.

The teen told authorities he blacked out and didn’t recall the attack, but he subsequently acknowledged he choked the teacher. He said he raped her, too.

Paul Adras, Martinez Garcia’s defense attorney, did not comment.

Credits: Review Journal