FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The man linked to the disappearance of a Fort Myers child pleaded not guilty to unrelated federal charges, Monday.
Twenty-eight-year-old Jorge Guerrero-Torres appeared in federal court in Fort Myers Monday afternoon, where he pleaded not guilty to one count of possessing child pornography, and one count of producing child pornography. The victims in those photos have not been identified.
Guerrero is linked with the disappearance of 9-year-old Diana Alvarez. She disappeared on May 29, and her family believes Guerrero kidnapped her. He was named a person of interest in Diana's disappearance on June 2.
During police's investigation, they tracked Guerrero's phone to Diana's residence during the time she disappeared. Holding back tears, Rita Hernandez, Diana's mother, said she believes Guerrero is involved. "I feel like he has something to do with this because he wouldn't look me in the face," she said.
Guerrero was previously represented by a public defender. However, he showed up to federal court Monday with a new private attorney. The lawyer, Roger Azcona, would not comment on who contacted him about the case or how his services were being paid for.
In the eyes of Diana's family, no attorney can defend a man they already believe is guilty. "Why didn't he speak with cops the first day, why didn't he want to speak with us the first day when we called him," said Uribe Jimenez, Diana's stepfather.
Thomas Busatta, the family's attorney, accompanied Diana's family to court for the arraignment. There is a possibility for more charges against Guerrero and other, he said. "There may be more charges pending, whether it be one party or parties involved, whether someone is covering up the disappearance of Diana.
Details on those charges/people cannot be revealed at this time due to the active investigation. Police continue to move forward with the case, following leads and possible location where Diana may be.
Where ever little Diana is, her family wants her to know they miss her. "No matter where she is, we miss her and we hope one day she's back with us," said Jimenez.
If Guerrero is convicted of those child pornography charges, he could face up to 30 years in prison without parole. The family is pleading for anyone with any information concerning Diana's whereabouts to come forward.
