Preliminary Hearing Set For Michael Novak On Feb. 24 In District Court

BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com

A preliminary hearing has been set for Michael Novak for Feb. 24 in First Judicial District Court on 12 counts of criminal sexual penetration in the first degree – child under 13, 12 counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor – child under 13, 2 counts of battery and 1 count of intimidating a witness.

Novak, 61, of Los Alamos, was arrested January 21 by Los Alamos Police Department and charged in Los Alamos Magistrate Court. He was released on personal recognizance with pre-trial probation conditions.

On January 27, Assistant District Attorney Heather Smallwood filed a motion seeking pre-trial detention for Novak. That motion will not be heard by Judge Jason Lidyard until after the preliminary hearing. The case is now in District Court and Novak waived his first appearance. He is represented by attorneys Bill Snowden and Damian Horne. Novak remains free pending the Feb. 24 hearing.

See related stories:

https://losalamosreporter.com/2021/01/23/los-alamos-man-charged-with-crimes-against-child-under-13/

https://losalamosreporter.com/2021/01/25/district-court-records-reveal-some-details-of-michael-novaks-criminal-history/

https://losalamosreporter.com/2021/01/27/das-office-files-motion-for-pre-trial-detention-for-michael-novak/