Ronald "Ronnie" Ortiz-Magro has pleaded not guilty to an assault charge stemming from a September 2009 fight, which took place during the filming of Jersey Shore's first season.
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The Jersey Shore star was arraigned on the aggravated charge in New Jersey Superior Court in Toms River on Monday, The Associated Press reported. Ortiz-Magro faces up to five years in prison for the charge, which he was indicted for in December and is based on an incident in which he allegedly punched a man out in Seaside Heights, NJ.
In addition, the 25-year-old reality TV star may not be able to join the Jersey Shore cast for the show's fourth season that will film in Italy this spring, as the charge might jeopardize his ability to receive an Italian visa.
"Persons who are currently in the criminal process can not by issued a Visa," a spokesperson for the Italian Embassy told RadarOnline last month. "Any person applying for a Visa to Italy must have their case fully adjudicated."
The alleged victim, 26-year-old Stephen Izzo, has also reportedly filed a civil lawsuit against Ortiz-Magro, MTV and Jersey Shore's producers.
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The Superior Court Judge Stephanie Wauters scheduled a pre-trial meeting about the assault charge for March 7.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski