A New York City Fire Department captain charged with lewd acts involving two boys in Hollywood pleaded not guilty Thursday to a half-dozen felony counts.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Renee Korn ordered Wilbert Riera, 51, to remain jailed in lieu of $2.6 million bail. The judge also issued a protective order barring Riera from having any contact with the two boys.
Riera is due back in court Nov. 13, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial on six counts of lewd act on a child under 14.
He faces up to life in prison if convicted of the crimes, which prosecutors allege occurred between Sept. 12 and Sept. 14.
According to New York media reports, Riera was suspended without pay for 30 days by the NYFD, where he is a Staten Island-based emergency medical technician and a decorated member of the department with 21 years on the job.
Neighbors told reporters that Riera is unmarried and lives with his mother and sister in suburban Long Island.
— City News Service