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In a landmark move, Paz Law LLC and Pattis & Associates LLC, two of Connecticut's most esteemed criminal defense practitioners, have announced their merger. This strategic alliance unites Attorneys Brittany Paz and Norm Pattis, renowned for their formidable expertise in criminal defense.

STAMFORD — A 42-year-old Norwalk man accused of sexually assaulting two girls under the age of 12 would face at least 15 years in prison if he accepts a disposition agreement offered by the state in the case. As a part of the deal, Antonio Lazaro Torres-Rodriguez would plead guilty to two counts each of first-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor in exchange for a 25-year jail sentence, suspended after 15 years, Assistant State’s Attorney Michelle Manning said. The offer would also include 25 years of probation, she said during a hearing Monday in state Superior Court in Stamford. Brittany Paz, Torres-Rodriguez’s lawyer, said at that hearing that her client is also facing mandatory deportation if he accepts the offer.

STAMFORD — A 42-year-old Norwalk man accused of sexually assaulting two girls under the age of 12 pleaded guilty to the crimes despite a moment of hesitation before accepting responsibility in court on Tuesday. Antonio Lazaro Torres-Rodriguez appeared before Judge John Blawie in a remote hearing in state Superior Court in Stamford and pleaded guilty to two counts each of first-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor as a part of a plea agreement with the state stemming from long-running sexual abuse of his girlfriend’s two daughters. But before he entered his pleas, the deal nearly fell apart as Torres-Rodriguez appeared hesitant to admit his guilt in the case.

WATERBURY — A former paraprofessional at a middle school who sent female students sexual messages on social media has been spared prison time. Chad Ouellette was sentenced Tuesday to five years’ probation on three counts of risk of injury to a minor. Prosecutors say the 20-year-old Ouellette sent Snapchat messages to three girls under the age of 16 at Middlebury’s Memorial Middle School where he worked. The Republican American reports that one girl showed the principal an inappropriate video Ouellette sent to her last year. Two other girls came forward shortly after. Ouellette’s attorney, Brittany Paz, says her client has a difficult home life. Ouellette apologized for his “stupid” decision. He was also ordered to have no unsupervised contact with children younger than 16. Prosecutors sought at least a year in jail.

STAMFORD — Less than a week before she was due to appear in court on criminal charges, Michelle Troconis was granted a status hearing on short notice. Judge John Blawie granted defense attorney Andrew Bowman’s request for the hearing, which is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at state Superior Court in Stamford — just hours after co-defendant Fotis Dulos will appear for his own criminal proceedings. Troconis was originally due to appear in court on Oct. 10 on two counts of tampering with evidence and one count of hindering prosecution in connection with the May 24 disappearance of Jennifer Dulos.