Yuma mother believes son is innocent in sexual assault case

A mother from Yuma is sharing why she believes her son is innocent after accusations of having sexual conduct with a minor.

Thirty-six-year-old Daniel Christopher Rico III made another court appearance on Tuesday for his settlement conference hearing. Because prosecutors objected for the media to be in the courtroom, we do not have any footage or details in regards to his hearing.

13 on Your Side was able to speak with Rico’s mother, Dawn Rico, who believes her son is innocent and a victim of blackmail. She’s hoping by the end of the hearing, all eight charges including sexual conduct with a minor will be dismissed so he can see his children again.

“My son is a good person, a good father, and he got hooked up with the wrong person,” said Dawn. “She’s blackmailing him, and it’s sad to see this is happening to the family. He’s not a child molester and he’s not a bad person, anyone who knows him, knows he is a good person.”

According to the charges, Rico had pictures and videos of the victim who was fifteen during the time of the incident.

Due to legal reasons, Dawn Rico is not able to release the details in why she believes her son was blackmailed.

Rico is being held on a $200,000 bond.