Attempted murder suspect enters no plea By Anna Krejci News-Chronicle The man suspected of aiding in the sexual assault and attempted murder of a woman by setting her on fire in a rural area of Brown County in August 2003 remained silent in court during his arraignment when asked to enter a plea. Presiding Brown County Circuit Court Judge J.D. McKay entered a plea of not guilty for Gregorio M. Morales, who faces party to a crime charges of kidnapping, first-degree attempted homicide, and possibly three charges of sexual assault. He had faced only two charges of sexual assault in Brown County before Monday. Brown County District Attorney John Zakowski said there is more evidence to support the third charge of sexual assault occurred in Brown County, and so charges might be amended. Morales' defense attorney, Timothy Blank, requested the trial be tried in another county or that jurors from another county decide the case. When asked why he made the request, Blank said given the media attention of the case, it is likely jurors would have an opinion on the case based on what the media has presented. Zakowski said he was not taken off guard by Blank's request to move the trial. "I'm not saying that we won't oppose it, but it doesn't surprise us that such a motion would be filed," he said. The case is receiving national attention on "America's Most Wanted." Zakowski said the sheriff's department has received leads on the whereabouts of Juan Roberto Nieto, the other suspect in the case, but could not predict when he might be apprehended. Plea negotiations are ongoing. "If we can resolve it through a plea negotiation that's great, and then the victim won't have to testify," he said, but added whether or not the case goes to the trial, the same sentence would be sought if Morales is found guilty. Should the case result in a trial, it would begin Jan. 12.