A jury this afternoon found former sheriff’s Sgt. Michael
Rodrigues guilty of raping three women. Jurors convicted Rodrigues,
48, on four counts of rape, while they came down with a not guilty
verdict on four charges related to one of the accuser’s
allegations. With the four rape convictions, Rodrigues faces a
possible sentence of 60 years to life in prison, while jurors also
came down with guilty verdicts on three special allegations that
could enhance the penalty.
BY COLIN MCCONVILLE AND KOLLIN KOSMICKI
HOLLISTER
A jury this afternoon found former sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Rodrigues guilty of raping three women.
Jurors convicted Rodrigues, 48, on four counts of rape, while they came down with not guilty verdicts on four charges related to one of the accuser’s allegations.
The jury convicted Rodrigues for raping the three women – one of them in 1999 and 2000, and the others both in 2006.
Overall, there were four guilty verdicts and four not guilty verdicts. The not guilty verdicts were related to a rape allegation and other accusations from a woman who contended he assaulted her several times in 2007.
With the four rape convictions, Rodrigues faces a possible sentence of 60 years to life in prison, while jurors also came down with guilty verdicts on three special allegations that could enhance the penalty.
During the verdicts’ reading, Rodrigues offered little reaction and, for the most part, stared ahead.
Rodrigues was arrested following the proceeding, forced to hand over some belongings such as his suit coat, and booked into the San Benito County Jail. Deputy District Attorney Patrick Palacios had requested the immediate remand, to which the defense objected before visiting Judge Alan Hedegard made a ruling in favor of the prosecution.
Jurors had started deliberations around noon Wednesday in the trial that started Sept. 9 and they held the private talks over the past three days, compiling a total of about 16 hours of discussions.
“We’re satisfied that the jury came back with what they thought were the right verdicts,” said Palacios, the prosecutor. “We hope that this helps the victims move on with what they’ve been dealing with over these last years.”
Rodrigues’ defense attorney, however, vowed that the convictions do not end the matter and he reiterated outside the courthouse he would pursue an appeal in the case.
Cantu already has filed for a mistrial in alleging the judge had showed bias in favor of the prosecution. Hedegard noted how he would try to have his documented response finished by today. If Cantu’s mistrial attempt does not succeed, he suggested an appeal to a higher court would be a certainty.
“Of course, we’re disappointed,” Cantu said. “This is a very tough mountain to climb. It’s not an over issue. We are going to be addressing some issues to request the court either issue a new trial or, if that does not succeed, an appeal.”
Regarding Rodrigues’ demeanor, Cantu noted how he was “unusually strong and unusually sober.”
“I was very impressed with him,” Cantu said. “He was very calm and brave, and he showed a very mature posture on the issue.”
Hedegard to end the court proceeding set Rodrigues’ sentence hearing for 10 a.m. Oct. 30.
Below, see video of the verdict and arrest Friday:
Here are some other stories on the trial you may have missed:
Cantu indicates appeal likely if Rodrigues found guilty
Deliberations loom with closing nearly done
Defense rests case without Rodrigues on the stand
Defense’s mistrial, conflict allegations denied
