By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

Fernando Cantero, 20, Paraguay, who pleaded not guilty to suspicion of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated burglary in early December, was released on his own recognizance following a bond hearing Monday in the Ellis County District Court.

The release, however, came after provisions were made to keep the Fort Hays State University student under almost constant supervision and the surrendering of his passport.

The charges stem from a incident that occurred on the Fort Hays State University campus on Sept. 20.

Cantero will be under GPS monitoring while living with a Kansas City-area pastor and his wife. His mother will also be staying at the home.

While on bond Cantero is “basically on house arrest,” as described by District Court Judge Glenn Braun, during the hearing.

Other than remaining in the home provisions were made to allow Cantero to attend church services, visit a local gym and continue english as a second language classes, under supervision.

County Attorney Tom Drees raised an objection to the bond during the proceeding, but given the unusual circumstances surrounding the case and the language barrier, the court argued the release would give Cantero the opportunity to develop a defense as the case proceeds.

As is standard procedure, Cantero was given a no-contact order with the alleged victim and warned any contact would immediately revoke the bond, along with random drug and alcohol testing.

Cantero has been in the custody of the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department since his arrest in September and pled not-guilty during his Dec. 10 arraignment.