Prosecutor Says Migrant Fears Police

One of three illegal migrants who was allegedly kidnaped and robbed by two San Diego policemen has been repeatedly stopped by police and fears that some officers are “out to get him,” a prosecutor said in court Monday.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Craig Rooten made that assertion during a Municipal Court hearing in which attorneys for Officers Lloyd J. Hoff Jr. and Richard P. Schaaf asked for a postponement of the preliminary hearing in their case, scheduled Wednesday morning.

The defense attorneys requested the delay because they have not interviewed Rolando Carrera-Reyes, one of the illegal migrants allegedly kidnaped and robbed by the policemen in two incidents last August.

But Rooten said that Carrera-Reyes had told prosecutors that he absolutely refuses to be interviewed by attorneys representing the officers. Rooten said Carrera-Reyes also is concerned about his own safety, fearing that some policemen may try to harm him because he is pressing charges against Hoff and Schaaf.

“He is afraid his whereabouts will get out,” Rooten said. “He is afraid of San Diego police officers. He has been contacted by San Diego police officers with a growing frequency lately, and he believes they’re out to get him.”

But defense attorney Everett Bobbitt said Carrera-Reyes is being stopped by police officers because he has been under suspicion of selling illegal drugs downtown. He added that Carrera-Reyes is using his role in the criminal case to avoid arrest.

“He’s been stopped by police because he’s been out there selling dope,” Bobbitt said after the hearing. “And every time, he waves a subpoena around in their face. He’s using his new victim status for all he can get.”

Bobbitt and fellow defense attorney James Gattey said they have interviewed a second undocumented worker, who is now in County Jail downtown, in the case. They said they have been unable to find the third alleged victim.

Municipal Judge William H. Woodward denied their request to postpone the preliminary hearing.