A prosecutor said that he intends to seek a jail sentence against a Venezuelan singer-actor charged with trespassing at the island home of Gloria and Emilio Estefan. The Estefans have obtained a civil restraining order to keep Juan Carlos Diaz away from them, and a similar order was widened Friday as part of his bail on the criminal trespass charge.
Diaz, 33, must stay away from the famous music couple, their homes on exclusive Star Island and three of the Estefans’ best-known businesses: their studio, office and a restaurant.
The Estefans claim Diaz has harassed them at their home and gym. Those claims were made after Diaz accused Emilio Estefan of making unwelcome sexual advances toward him at the gym where all three worked out.
Emilio Estefan has denied Diaz’s allegations and has filed a civil suit accusing him of defamation for making them. The couple have also denied Diaz’s claims that he became their friend and they gave him advice on his career and invited him to parties.
Diaz was arrested after he entered the Estefan estate through a remote-controlled gate when an electrician was leaving Jan. 7.
Judge Luise Krieger-Martin allowed the defense to question Gloria Estefan, the cook and another employee at the house at the time.
In expanding the conditions of bail, the judge emphasized that Diaz wasn’t allowed to try to contact the Estefans in any way.
Diaz, who listened to the proceedings through a Spanish interpreter, answered in English, “I understand.”
Police had issued earlier trespass warnings to Diaz at the Estefans’ mansion and their gym. A conviction carries a possible one-year jail term, and Assistant State Attorney Steven Talpin told the judge that the state would want to see Diaz sent to jail if he’s convicted. Talpin didn’t specify how long of a sentence would be sought.
Diaz is the subject of a temporary restraining order obtained by the Estefans to keep him 150 yards away from them.
A hearing on a permanent order is set March 28. Defense attorney David Abrams said Diaz won’t