Josue Ortega Pleaded Not Guilty to Assault Charge
Delaware state representative Josue Ortega entered a not guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of offensive touching.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Sex Crimes
State Representative Josue Ortega has entered a not guilty plea regarding an offensive touching charge related to a May incident in Wilmington. The charges arose after an investigation into an encounter at the Boxwood Shopping Center.
Why it matters
The case follows a recent political loss for Ortega in the Democratic primary after an investigation by the House Ethics Committee. The legal proceedings highlight the ongoing scrutiny regarding his conduct and the resulting criminal charges.
The court has officially scheduled a trial for December following the entry of the plea on September 22. Ortega was previously charged in August after police investigated claims of physical assault and theft at the Boxwood Shopping Center.
The players
Josue Ortega
He is a Delaware state representative whose district includes the city of Wilmington.
House Ethics Committee
This legislative body conducted a formal investigation into the claims made against Ortega.
The details
Police were dispatched to the Boxwood Shopping Center at 8:30 p.m. on May 21 following reports that Ortega punched a woman and took her cell phone. An officer observed visible swelling and discoloration on the victim, and both parties subsequently filed protection from abuse applications against one another.
Timeline
May 21, 2026: Police were dispatched to the Boxwood Shopping Center at 8:30 p.m.
June 2026: The victim filed an application for a protection from abuse order.
August 2026: Ortega was officially charged with offensive touching.
September 22, 2026: Ortega entered a not guilty plea through court records.
December 2026: A trial date for the domestic violence case has been set.
Legal Context
The case follows the standard procedural path established by Delaware domestic violence protection from abuse statutes, which allow for mutual applications when multiple parties are involved in an altercation. This reflects broader legal trends in the state regarding the documentation of domestic disputes within the criminal justice system.
The proceedings will likely result in increased attention toward the conduct of elected officials in Wilmington and the legal processing of such disputes. Residents can monitor court schedules for public updates regarding the December trial date.
The takeaway
This case underscores the legal complexities that arise when mutual protection orders are filed between individuals involved in domestic disputes. The upcoming trial will serve as the formal venue for resolving the factual allegations regarding the May incident.
What happens next
A trial is scheduled to take place in December 2026 to resolve the pending criminal charges.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings, visit the Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News Journal.
