Man gets 150 days in Modesto witness intimidation

MODESTO -- A judge has sentenced a man to 150 days in jail for staring down a witness who was testifying in a gang-related murder case.

Luis Javier Sanchez, 19, pleaded no contest on Sept. 18 to one count of attempting to dissuade a witness or victim along with an enhancement of committing the crime for the benefit of a criminal street gang, according to Deputy District Attorney Tom Brennan.

Once he is released, Sanchez will serve three years of probation.

Brennan said the conviction will be considered a strike in terms of the state's "three strikes" law, which should deter him from hanging around jury trials and court hearings.

Authorities say Sanchez is a member of the Norteño street gang and was trying to intimidate Claudia Medina, a key witness in the murder case.

Medina testified in the murder case's preliminary hearing in May, identifying the shooting suspects.