San Diego

A Border Patrol officer who escaped after being arrested on an alien-smuggling charge pleaded innocent at his arraignment Monday.

Martin Adam Nava, 27, of Chula Vista, who had worked for the Border Patrol for 16 months, surrendered last Friday.

U.S. Magistrate Irma Gonzalez set bail at $50,000, saying Nava is “a flight risk” because of his June 25 escape hours after his arrest. Assistant U.S. Atty. Thomas Ferraro had suggested the $50,000 figure.

“He demonstrated his ability to flee,” said Ferraro.

A spectator, who identified himself as Nava’s landlord, was ejected from court by Gonzalez after he challenged the prosecutor’s statements.

“Mr. Nava did turn himself in,” said Nava’s attorney, Cindy Aaron. “He knows the consequences. Mr. Ferraro says he demonstrated his ability to flee, and I say he has demonstrated the ability to face the music” by surrendering.

Gonzalez set July 29 for further proceedings in the case.