Hearing delayed for man accused of relationship with girl, 15

By Tiffany Gibson

Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010 | 5:06 p.m.

The preliminary hearing for a Las Vegas man accused of having an ongoing sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl has been delayed for the second time.

Gabriel Lopez, 40, was scheduled to appear before Justice of the Peace Stephen George on Wednesday in Henderson Justice Court. Lopez’ preliminary hearing was rescheduled for 9:30 a.m. Feb. 23. Defense attorney Bill Terry wouldn't comment on why the delay was requested.

Lopez is charged with 11 counts of statutory sexual seduction. He was arrested Oct. 21 after a Henderson police officer spotted Lopez’ black Chevrolet Tahoe parked in a dark area of the Arroyo Grande Sports Complex parking lot about 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 20, a police report said.

The report said the officer found a man and a girl inside the vehicle and the girl said she had had sexual relations with Lopez since June. He was booked into the Henderson Detention Center and posted bail of $22,000.

Police said the alleged sexual relationship is believed to be consensual, but the girl had not reached the age of consent, which is 16 under state law.

At a November hearing, George told Lopez to stay away from the alleged victim’s family and avoid sporting events where minors are present.