CRIME

Donkey sex suspect going to trial

Vishal Persaud Staff writer

In this file photo, alleged donkey lover Carlos Romero tries to ask a question of the state prosecutor only to be told that he cannot discuss the case in court. Romero appeared before Judge Steven Rogers Tuesday morning, October 9, 2012, for a pre-trial conference in Ocala, Fla. "I guess I'll try to get a pro bono (lawyer)," Romero said after the hearing. Romero rejected a plea deal with the state saying, "It was way to harsh. It would make me homeless and jobless. No contact with animals and the loss of my racing license would destroy me." The state offered a plea deal that included one year of probation and a $200 fine if Romero pleaded guilty to the charge. He would also have to undergo a psychosexual evaluation, HIV and STD testing, and not own any animals, among other conditions of the deal.

The man accused of sexual activity with a miniature donkey named Doodle will go to trial later this month.

Standing before Marion County Judge Steven Rogers on Wednesday, Carlos R. Romero exclaimed a brief “oh yeah” when Rogers asked him if he wanted to go to trial.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Dec. 17. Romero, 32, is charged with sexual activities involving animals, a first-degree misdemeanor, after a neighbor on a farm reported seeing him in a compromising position with the animal in September.

Romero previously rejected the state's plea bargain offer: a year of probation, a $200 fine, a psychosexual evaluation and possible treatment, STD testing, no contact with children in a school setting, no ownership or possession of any mammals, and revocation of his license to work in horse racing.

Romero proclaimed in previous interviews that he would become destitute if banned from working in horse racing.

The fate of Doodle is still up in the air. Romero is also petitioning to regain custody of the animal as is the county. A custody hearing is scheduled for Dec. 21.