Professional boxer Victor Ortiz pleads not guilty to charges of sexual assault

Professional boxer, Victor Ortiz appeared in a Ventura County courtroom this morning as he was arraigned on charges of sexual assault.

The 31-year-old former “Dancing with the Stars” contestant faces three counts of felony charges including rape, oral copulation, and forcible penetration.

Officials began an investigation after an Oxnard woman came forward and reported a rape on March 19th.

The case was handed over to the District Attorney’s Sexual Assault Family Protection Unit.

Brent Nibecker oversees the unit and was tight-lipped as he held back details of the case in hopes of protecting the victim and Ortiz’s right to a fair trial.

“They are difficult cases for everyone involved because a victim has to come into court and talk about the worst thing you could ever have to talk about in front of strangers,” said Nibecker. “It’s a terrible thing to have to do.”

In a statement, Ortiz’s lawyer, Mark Pachowicz says in part, “We are looking forward to reviewing the accusations they have made, conducting our own investigation and ultimately, our day in court.”

Ortiz posted a $100,000 bail and was released on September 25, 2018.

Both sides are set to return back to court on December 3, 2018. If convicted, Nibecker says Ortiz could face up to 24 years in state prison.