A mix-up in court dates has been blamed for an arrest warrant being issued for Police Sergeant Dane Sorzano, who is accused of raping a 15-year-old girl. Sorzano, a former court prosecutor, surrendered at the San Fernando Police Station yesterday and was taken to the San Fernando Magistrates' Court before acting Deputy Chief Magistrate Rajendra Rambachan.
However, when he appeared his lawyer Keith Scotland informed the court that a warrant should not have been issued for his client because he did not miss his court date. On June 20, Senior Magistrate Indra Ramoo-Haynes issued a warrant for Sorzano of Hickling Street, Siparia. He was not in court when his name was called.
Sorzano, 45, was charged with allegedly having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl. Scotland said his client's matter was listed for July 20. However, on June 20 Sorzano's name appeared on Ramoo-Haynes' case sheet. It was confirmed in court that July 20 was in fact the correct date for Sorzano's appearance.
Ramoo-Haynes did not revoke Sorzano's bail when she issued the warrant. Rambachan recalled the warrant and Sorzano retained his $30,000 bail. The matter was adjourned to August 27.
