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Nov. 2, 2006, 11:36AM
Houston rape suspect says sex was consensual


By BRIAN ROGERS
Copryight 2006 Houston Chronicle

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An illegal immigrant accused in at least two sexual attacks on women and suspected in five others denied the rapes and said the encounters involved consensual sex, his attorney said this morning.

Jose Fernando Rivera-Sanchez, 28, who identified himself as Leopoldo Sanchez to his court appointed lawyer, Gilberto Villarreal, is charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault.

"He's denying he raped," Villarreal said. He said Rivera-Sanchez admitted to consensual sex in the cases, and asked Villarreal to hire investigators to look into the allegations and the backgrounds of the victims.

Police have said Rivera-Sanchez admitted he liked picking up prostitutes and smoking marijuana.

Prosecutor Sylvia Escobedo Newman said Houston police continue to investigate Rivera-Sanchez and said he may be implicated in five other assaults for a total of seven.

"The next step is letting HPD finish their investigations," Newman said.

She also said Rivera-Sanchez was in the country illegally. She said he had been convicted in December of theft, jailed several days and then deported to Mexico.

Villarreal said Rivera -Sanchez had at least two jobs waiting for him at Houston area foundation companies after he was deported, so it was easy to understand why he returned.

Rivera-Sanchez is not married and does not have any kids, Villareal said.

Police said the attacks occurred in east and southeast Houston between April and late October this year.

Rivera-Sanchez remains in jail without bond. If he had a bond and paid it, he would be placed immediately in federal custody by immigration, Newman said.

brian.rogers@chron.com