El Cajon
An orthopedic surgeon accused of soliciting his wife’s murder pleaded guilty Thursday to a lesser charge.
Dr. Ashok Gidwani, 40, who has offices in El Cajon and La Mesa, pleaded guilty to solicitation to commit an assault.
Municipal Judge Frank Brown set sentencing for March 29. Gidwani’s attorney, Peter Hughes, said prosecutors have agreed to recommend no more than one year in jail. Gidwani could be sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The intended victim, Lata Gidwani, 39, is still supporting her husband and is living with him, Hughes said. Dr. Gidwani is free on $25,000 bail on condition that he remain in counseling.
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