Accused Child Molester off the Hook for Now

Horacio Carlos Teran has avoided a prolonged jail sentence — at least for the time being.

Teran, 50, of Menlo Park, has been on trial for five counts of child molestation but the jury was not able to come to a verdict, resulting in a mistrial.

According to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office, Teran's son and two young neighbor boys often played a game of tag called "monster." On several occasions, Teran allegedly took the tagged boy to the "monster cave" in his back yard, told the boy to close his eyes count to 20. In those 20 seconds, DA's notes reveal that Teran would fondle the boy while having the victim touch him as well.

After a 12-day trial in March, the jury was split (eight guilty, two not guilty, two undecided). With Judge Lisa Novak declaring that the court could do nothing more to assist the jury, a mistrial was declared.

Judge Barbara Mallach is considering a motion Tuesday morning to continue the trial. The trial would begin again on Sept. 30.

Teran is out of custody on $50,000 bail.