Court: Brothers Face Felonies in Gang Assault, Drunk Man Explains Dumpling Diatribe

Two Port Chester brothers will return to court next month to face felony assault charges for allegedly sending another man to the hospital after a severe beating.

Family and friends packed part of the courtroom as Billy and Benny Espina, both 21, appeared in village court Monday for a preliminary hearing. The Espina brothers each face a pair of felony charges -- second-degree gang assault and third-degree criminal mischief.

The brothers were arrested last month, after getting into a fight in front of La Marqueta supermarket at 16 Grace Church Street. They're accused of ganging up on their victim and punching him in the face, then turning their anger on the victim's car. Authorities say the beaten man's face required stitches after paramedics brought him to Greenwich Hospital.

Bail was set for $2,500 for both Espinas. The case is adjourned until August 16.

Man charged with criminal trespass pleads with judge

An outspoken homeless man pleaded with the court Monday, begging the judge for permission to read a letter of explanation for why he was squatting in an empty house.

James Montanez, 37, is charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass.

Montanez professed his innocence and wouldn't drop the issue during Monday's court session, interrupting the judge and refusing to heed advice to allow a lawyer to defend him.

Judge Jose Castaneda warned Montanez against interrupting the court, and said without adequate legal representation, Montanez faces a higher chance of conviction -- and could face up to a year in jail.

Montanez had been living in the house for months before the owners realized they had a squatter and contacted the police. He didn't go quietly -- police said he argued with officers and claimed he was legitimately living in the home with his girlfriend.

The case was adjourned until this morning.

Drunk Port Chester man charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest

A Port Chester man is due in court this morning -- and he'll have to explain why customers and a waitress at a Westchester Avenue restaurant called police on him.

Manuel Tejada, 36, of Port Chester was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after an outburst and alcohol-fueled theatrics at La Pupusa Loca. A waitress and fellow diners at the Salvadoran dumpling restaurant told police Tejada was drunk and unruly, harassing his server and customers who were sitting nearby.

Officers got the same treatment, fighting to keep the drunk man subdued as they cuffed him.

Tejada last appeared in court on Monday for a preliminary hearing.