SAN JOSE, California. – Disappointed San Jose Councilman Omar Torres will remain behind bars while awaiting trial on child sexual abuse charges.

A judge denied Torres’ bail request Thursday.

The Ward 3 councilor was arrested on election night and faces three counts of sodomy and oral copulation of a child stemming from the alleged crimes that took place more than a quarter of a century ago, authorities said.

An adult survivor recently came forward after seeing media coverage of an ongoing investigation into Torres’ alleged child sexual abuse. Separate allegations of child sexual abuse did not lead to criminal charges.

The police report in the child molestation case detailed a phone conversation between Torres, his victim and his victim’s wife. At one point, Torres said, “He was an easy target … I hurt him in many ways (by raping him).” When asked how many times the murders occurred, Torres said, “I would say 20 to 25 times. It sounds… I’m so sorry man, I didn’t mean to hurt you.

Investigators said the murders began in 1990, when the victim was four and Torres was nine, and continued until the victim was 13 and Torres was 18.

Experts said the statute of limitations in this case does not apply because of the nature of the alleged crimes.

Torres resigned from the city council after his arrest. However, his seat does not become vacant until November 27. City officials said he was stripped of all official powers and duties given to aldermen.

Plans to find his replacement have taken shape with former contenders for the seat showing renewed interest in serving the district, which includes downtown, Japantown and the Hensley neighborhood, among others.

“I’ve been very active, especially downtown and other parts of District 3. So my enthusiasm for improving San Jose hasn’t diminished,” said former council candidate Elizabeth Chien-Hale.

“We need someone who is 100% behind D3. Because in the past, there were people who used D3 as a platform to get to their next job. And many times D3 was left behind,” added former council candidate Irene Smith. .

Smith asked the city council to hold a special election to fill Torres’ seat.

“The city charter gives us two options, a special election or an appointment. I personally prefer special elections. I think they are fundamental to our American democracy,” Mayor Matt Mahan said before.

The mayor said the council will address the issue at its Nov. 19 meeting. A majority of six votes out of nine members is required to pass either option.