Ricky Martin face 50 years in prison
TAMPA, Fla.The person who accused Ricky Martin of domestic violence and filed for a restraining order against him is his nephew. Now, the Puerto Rican singer could face a charge of up to 50 years behind bars, according to the laws in Puerto Rico.
Spanish newspaper MARCA on Thursday identified the complainant of the restraining order against the pop star as Dennis Yadiel Sánchez, Martin's 21-year-old nephew, who will also file incest charges in his case in Puerto Rico.
The singer's brother, Eric Martin, allegedly identified the alleged victim, according to another report in the Puerto Rican newspaper El Vocero. Ricky Martin is scheduled to appear in court on July 21.
Under Puerto Rican law, there are harsher penalties for certain crimes when the alleged victim is a relative of the accused, but it is unclear exactly what charges the singer faces.
Police announced Saturday that a judge had issued a warrant against Martin, but authorities trying to hand over the document were unable to locate the singer in the Puerto Rican town of Dorado, where he lives. The order was issued under Puerto Rico's domestic violence law, and police spokesman Axel Valencia said he was unable to provide further details.
Martin said on Twitter that the order "is based on totally false allegations" and that he will face the process "with the responsibility that characterizes me."
He noted that he would not comment further as it is an ongoing legal matter.
