Legislation that came about after a Huron bar owner was arrested on rape charges will become law on July 1st….
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2012/03/fajardoslaw1.mp3|titles=fajardoslaw1]Senate Bill 99, sponsored by Senator Tom Hansen of Huron, places restrictions on the access to alcohol serving establishments by the businesses owner if they are accused of a crime. The Bill was the direct result of the arrest of Werner Fajardo, the 34-year-old Sioux Falls man who owned the El Cuervo Bar in Huron. Fajardo is charged with 15 counts including rape. Court documents accuse Fajardo of getting three young girl drunk and raping them. After Fajardo posted bond and was released. He was arrested the following weekend after minors where caught drinking alcohol in his bar and dance club. The City of Huron could only make a recommendation to the State Revenue Department to close the bar and could not take action on it’s own until nearly two months later. Senate Bill 99 lets that closure happen sooner. Hansen says the passage of S-B 99 is a good example of how well crafted legislation works…
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2012/03/fajardoslaw2.mp3|titles=fajardoslaw2]Hansen says the bill was a work in progress…
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2012/03/fajardoslaw3.mp3|titles=fajardoslaw3]Huron Mayor Dave McGirr testified on behalf of the City of Huron in favor of the bill. A new trial date of May 16th was set Tuesday morning on the sex crimes charges for Fajardo. The next motions hearing with new lawyer Carmen Means is set for April 24th.