Actor Pascacio López could remain in preventive detention for up to two years if the trial for alleged sexual assault against actress Sarah Nichols is extended with appeals and reviews.
At a hearing in Jalisco, the initial precautionary measure was imposed for six months. However, due to the crime for which you are charged, it can be automatically renewed for up to two years, in accordance with the National Code of Criminal Procedures.
López was reported by Nichols for an alleged sexual assault that occurred at the end of 2020, during the recording of the series Neighborhood War for Netflix.
Linked to process
The actor was linked to proceedings in 2022 and detained, but he appealed and was freed. Nichols’ defense won an injunction, forcing a new connection. López contested and lost.
Miguel Ángel Suárez, Nichols’ lawyer, explained to EL UNIVERSAL:
“For now this precautionary measure is imposed for a period of six months and during that time it will be defined whether this preventive detention continues or is modified, but as it is an automatic prison for the crime, it can be renewed for up to two years… so it is obvious that it will continue for the entire time that the procedure lasts.”
More research
The process continues with a period of two months for complementary investigation. The judge will decide what evidence to admit. If everything progresses without setbacks, the trial and final resolution could occur between November and December of this year.
However, Suárez warns that there are multiple possible resources that would lengthen the case, but during that time López should remain in preventive detention.
There is, however, a possibility that he will face the process in freedom. The Inter-American Court has criticized automatic imprisonment, while the Mexican Supreme Court maintains its constitutional supremacy. López’s defense could appeal the precautionary measure through an amparo. If accepted, the process could lead to freedom, but the accusing party could also appeal.
Suárez clarifies that this does not stop the progress of the procedural stages. The final resolution is expected by the end of the year.




