By Jake Donovan

To date, teenage prospect Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez has shown the makings of a future star in the ring but may have met his toughest opponent to date – the long arm of the law.

The 19-year East L.A. product is now facing court dates in early and late February stemming from two separate arrests just four days part in late January.

The most serious charge facing the unbeaten 140 lb. fighter is possession of narcotics, for which he has to appear in front of a Los Angeles judge and jury on February 1. The charge was introduced after Gomez (12-0, 9KO) was pulled over Tuesday evening, when he was issued a citation for a suspended driver’s license.

Bail for the felony charge was set at $30,000 along with the issuing of the February 1 court date.

This comes just four days after Gomez was arrested and booked on three separate misdemeanor charges on January 20 – two for outstanding warrants due to failure to appear in court for traffic violations, and a third for petty theft.

Gomez was released that same day after having his bail of $3,655 posted on his behalf. He is due to return to court for those charges on February 21, separate from the February 1 court case.

Further details of either of the arrests were not fully disclosed, nor were the maximum penalties Gomez faces made available if he is found guilty on any or all of the charges.

Nevertheless, the recent brushes with the wrong side of the law puts his career on hold.

Gomez, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, last fought on the non-televised portion of the December 3 Showtime-televised rematch between Abner Mares and Joseph Agbeko in Anaheim. He was scheduled to appear on a Shobox telecast earlier this month – also in his home state of California – but was pulled from the show.

Calls to Golden Boy Promotions and Gomez’ handlers seeking comment were not returned.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter at twitter.com/JakeNDaBox or submit questions/comments to JakeNDaBox@gmail.com