Lawyer says 1-year-old was not given beer
The defense for a man accused of giving a 1-year-old child beer at a local restaurant says the incident never happened and that the suspect is innocent.
The defendant, Rosalio Garcia, is charged with child neglect and purchasing alcoholic beverages for a child. He is free on bond and will face preliminary hearing before General Sessions Judge Larry Ross on May 20.
Garcia was arrested recently after a former deputy said he saw the suspect give a child some beer while they were dining at Fiesta Ranchera. The deputy called authorities who came to the restaurant and arrested Garcia.
It is illegal for any adult to provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. It is alleged Garcia did not purchase the beer for the child, but instead purchased the beer for himself and gave the 18-month-old a drink.
In response to the charges, defense attorney Aubrey Harper says he will contend Garcia never gave any alcohol to the child. His client, who hails from Mexico and speaks little English, reportedly says he did not the commit the crime in which he is accused. In addition to maintaining his client’s innocence, Harper said lawmen may have simply “assumed the child belongs to Garcia.” Harper said he could not elaborate on whose child was involved in the alleged incident since it could jeopardize the defense when the hearing is held next month.
“When the hearing comes around, we’re going to maintain he did not give the child alcohol,” Harper said. “He entered a not guilty plea at arraignment and he is not guilty.”