SALINAS, Calif.- The son of a Salinas city council woman. Police say he's also a criminal, and today he faced the judge.
Just two hours earlier, councilwoman Gloria de la Rosa spoke out about her son's arrest for trying to sell a gun on Facebook.
First, a prayer for strength among the dozens of supporters standing behind councilwoman Gloria de la Rosa Friday. Then, the only thing she would say on camera,
"As a mother I'm saddened and worried for my 23 year old son who was recently arrested. However, I have great confidence in the criminal justice system and the local courts to reach a just result in this matter as in all others."
A composed statement for a clearly emotional woman as family, friends, city and county leaders gathered around her.
"Just two hours later her son was in a jail jumpsuit facing a judge.
Friday, Gabriel Reyes pleaded not guilty to a laundry list of charges including intent to sell drugs, illegally trying to sell a gun on Facebook and actually having the gun when he went to meet the buyers, who were officers. All the charges carry gang enhancements his attorney questions that.
"Because I have some information that would indicate that he is not a gangmember," said defense attorney Eugene Martinez.
But prosecutors said the Monterey County Gang Task Force knows Reyes.
"We believe the crime was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or with the association of a criminal street gang, in this case the norteno street gang," said prosecutor Cristina Johnson.
His mother, the council woman, wasn't in court, she told me she had community meetings and her job to get to.
Reyes faces 8 to 9 years in prison if convicted. All of the charges would also put strikes on his record.
