Juror intimidation charged in Toste murder case

<p>The uncle of a Santa Rosa man on trial for murder pleaded not guilty Thursday to a charge of felony juror intimidation.</p><p>George Lopez, 36, the uncle of Joseph Lopez Jr. — charged in the 2006 slaying of Matthew Toste — is free on $60,000 bail for the incident that prosecutors said happened Feb.1.</p><p>Lopez appeared before Judge Rene Chouteau, entering not guilty pleas to charges of intimidation and a gang enhancement with a prior felony conviction.</p><p>At the request of prosecutors, Chouteau issued a protective ordering sealing details of the allegation. He set the next hearing for Tuesday before Judge Lawrence Antolini, who is handling the murder case.</p><p>Assistant District Attorney Diana Gomez wouldn't discuss the matter, citing the judge's gag order. Chouteau agreed the protective order should be in place “from the inception of the proceedings” against Lopez. </p><p>Lopez is the brother of former co-defendant Joseph Lopez Sr. and the uncle of Lopez Jr. His criminal history in Sonoma County includes a conviction for felony assault in 1997 and a felony drug conviction from 1999. He has been sentenced to prison twice.</p><p>On Thursday, Lopez requested a public defender. He told the judge he was unemployed and had no money. Chouteau asked him how he raised bail and he said: “I don't know. Somebody bailed me out.”</p>