Sex assault cases heard; one dropped

CLOVIS — Two cases pertaining to felony sexual contact with a minor were heard Monday in the 9th Judicial District Court in Clovis, only one of which will proceed to trial next month.

Joshua Hutson, 36, is charged with inappropriate contact with a victim aged 12 years or younger, as well as second-degree kidnapping, both pertaining to events in July 2015.

In his docket call Monday morning, counsel confirmed they were on track for a jury trial April 28 with jury selection the day before.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Brian Stover and Hutson’s defense attorney, Mickie Patterson, are both waiting on an interview with the victim before the trial.

Stover said the interview was delayed after losing contact with the victim, but he hopes to be in touch again before the April 14 deadline set yesterday by Judge Fred Van Soelen.

Both attorneys say they have entertained plea discussions, but they do not believe resolution is likely before the trial.

Patterson said she has no additional comment on the case.

A second case dating back to September 2014 against Guadalupe Villalovos for charges of sexual contact with a minor under the age of 13 was dropped yesterday in court.

Stover said the victim has several conflicting accounts of the crime, and there was not enough evidence to proceed with prosecution.