A New York fire captain accused of molesting two boys while visiting Hollywood appeared in an LA courtroom Thursday and pleaded not guilty to multiple counts.
Wilbert Riera, 51, a 21-year-veteran of the department, is charged with six felony counts of lewd acts on a child under the age of 14, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.
Bail was set at $2.6 million.
The incidents allegedly took place in Hollywood in mid-September. It is unclear how he knew the two victims.
Riera returned home after his September visit to Los Angeles, and was arrested Sept. 26 in New York. He waived his right to challenge and extradition request and was returned to Los Angeles.
LAPD is continuing to investigate and if convicted, Riera faces up to life in state prison.
An FDNY spokesman told the Associated Press Riera has been suspended for 30 days without pay, the maximum permitted under state law. Riera works as a paramedic with the department.
