Felony burglary and bribery charges were filed against a 27-year-old Gardnerville man who reportedly beat up a man who refused to lie for the suspect's brother in a felony drunk driving offense.
Felipe Montes-Gonzalez was charged with burglary and intimidating a witness to influence testimony.
According to the alleged victim, the suspect entered his apartment and punched him repeatedly because he wouldn't say he was the driver in the felony DUI.
The victim showed up at the District Attorney's office Wednesday with a swollen right eye and forehead injury to file a complaint against Montes-Gonzalez.
East Fork Justice Jim EnEarl appointed attorney Derrick Lopez to represent Montes-Gonzalez.
Prosecutor Tom Gregory asked that his $10,000 bail to raised to $50,000 cash.
"The nature of the offense threatens to undermine the integrity of our judicial system," Gregory said. "He went into the victim's home to beat up a witness. When people are going to be witnesses for us, they need to know it will be safe to testify truthfully. There were injuries to this victim and the defendant indicated it might not be the end of it."
In increasing the bail, EnEarl said he didn't know if the allegation was true, but he agreed with Gregory's analysis.
The suspect's brother, Mario Montes-Gonzalez, 19, is in jail on $10,000 bail, charged with his third offense of driving under the influence. If convicted, he faces prison.
Felipe Montes-Gonzalez is set for a hearing Wednesday in justice court.
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