Japanese Official Pleads Not Guilty to Domestic Violence Charges

The Japanese embassy official pleaded not guilty Monday to domestic violence charges.

Yoshiaki Nagaya, 32, the vice consul for Japan in the country's embassy in San Francisco, appeared in the San Mateo County courthouse in South San Francisco and pleaded not guilty to 14 counts of domestic violence for allegedly repeatedly beating his wife while they lived in San Francisco and San Bruno. He also pleaded not guilty to several counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

Nagaya was released on $350,000 bail. His bail was previously set at $25,000.

According to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office, Nagaya continually abused his wife during their marriage, which lasted 18 months. The accusations include stabbing his wife in the hand with a screwdriver, knocking out her tooth and stomping on her. In March, San Bruno police said Nagaya threw his wife out of their car in the parking garage of their apartment, leaving her with scrapes on her face and knees. 

Nagaya is expected to appear back in court on June 14 for a preliminary hearing. He faces 15 to 20 years in prison if convicted, the district attorney's office said.

Correction: An earlier story incorrectly stated that Yoshiaki Nagaya was ordered to be held in the county jail while his court proceedings continued. Nagaya was released from custody Monday on $350,000 bail.

For more news about Millbrae and surrounding areas, follow us on Twitter and "like" us on Facebook. Get Patched in daily - for free - by signing up for our newsletter. 

Want to blog for us? Simply click here.