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UPDATE: Judge Karen Herman denied two requests by Darren Sharper co-defendant Erik Nunez’s lawyer Friday. Jeffery Smith had asked Judge Karen Herman to recuse herself from the case. He also asked for a reduction in Nunez’s bond.

Nunez, former Saint Darren Sharper and former St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Licciardi all face rape charges.

Smith says his team and Nunez will be in court January 30. They will appeal the denial of both motions to a higher court.

Sharper and Licciardi are also set to be in court January 30.

 

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Erik Nunez and his lawyers are waiting for Judge Karen Herman to make a decision on two motions they filed. First, Nunez’s lawyer is asking the judge to recuse herself from this case and for Nunez’s bond to be reduced.

Jeffery Smith told us he wants Judge Herman to recuse herself from his client’s case because the current selection system for judges in Orleans Parish is flawed. He says it can be manipulated. Currently, a judge is selected dependent on the date of the alleged crime. Since Nunez’s case involves numerous dates, Smith suggests that the judge selection isn’t random.

Smith also wants the bond to be reduced from $2.5 million to $400,000. Smith says the bond was originally set at $400,000. But then Judge Herman agreed, when jurors decided to increase it.

Nunez faces rape charges, along with Former Saint Darren sharper and former Saint Bernard Parish Deputy Brandon Licciardi. Nunez’s lawyer says based on the bonds set for people facing similar crimes, Nunez’s bond has been set way too high. He says it was raised so dramatically because of all the media attention surrounding this case, due to Sharper and Licciardi’s involvement.

Smith says Sharper and Licciardi are the guilty ones here. And his client has erroneously gotten caught up in the middle of all this.

“The federal government has indicted the other two defendants on numerous charges in federal court. Since this all began, you haven’t heard any women come forward, saying ‘Oh, Erik has done this to me before.’ Never — he is a pawn, a pawn,” said Smith.

Smith told WGNO that if the judge denies both of these motions, he will appeal. They’re still in the courtroom right now, so we will bring you newest details once they become available.

Sharper and Licciardi are set to be arraigned January 30th.