NORTHAMPTON — An Easthampton man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Northampton District Court to two counts of child rape.
James Giordano-Lanaza, 30, allegedly performed oral sex on a 15-year-old boy between June 1 and Aug. 14, 2016 while at his Easthampton residence, according to court documents. Giordano-Lanza was 28 at the time of the alleged incidents.
When interviewed by police, Giordano-Lanza denied that he had ever inappropriately touched the boy, according to court documents.
Giordano-Lanza was originally scheduled to be arraigned in December but did not show up to court. A warrant for his arrest was issued and he appeared in court on Thursday. He was released on conditions that he stay away and have no contact with the alleged victim and witnesses and that he not have any contact with any child under 18 years old in any matter, according to court documents. He was also placed on GPS monitoring.
He is being represented by attorney Lisa S. Lippiello.
Emily Cutts can be reached at ecutst@gazettenet.com.