Taguig Regional Trial Court has sentenced businessman Cedric Lee, model Deniece Cornejo, and their two companions, Ferdinand Guerrero and Simeon Palma Raz, to 40 years in prison following their conviction for serious illegal detention. Presiding Judge Mariam Bien found them guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the crime, a non-bailable offense, in connection with the case filed by actor-host Vhong Navarro in 2014.
“This court finds that the prosecution proved the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt,” stated the ruling. The defendants were also ordered to jointly and severally pay P300,000 in civil indemnity and moral and exemplary damages.
The trial court canceled their bail bond during the promulgation of the case, leading to their automatic arrest.
Navarro filed the case after being illegally detained and assaulted, following accusations from Cornejo. According to court records, he was severely beaten and threatened with firearms.
Lee attempted to dismiss the case but was denied by the Taguig court. His appeal to the Court of Appeals was also unsuccessful.
The ruling marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal battle that began with Navarro’s complaint in 2014.