San Benito County Sheriff Curtis Hill confirmed Thursday that
the Hollister Police Department is investigating Sgt. Mike
Rodrigues on an allegation of rape in a separate probe from the one
revealed Monday.
Hollister – San Benito County Sheriff Curtis Hill confirmed Thursday that the Hollister Police Department is investigating Sgt. Mike Rodrigues on an allegation of rape in a separate probe from the one revealed Monday.
“Similar allegations, two separate women,” Hill said.
On Monday, Hill confirmed that the Sheriff’s Office was investigating an allegation of rape against the 25-year veteran. He also confirmed that the office was investigating two violations of a court order to prevent domestic violence and the intimidation of a witness or victim, all misdemeanors.
Hill has said that some of the allegations might have occurred while Rodrigues was on duty, but would not discuss details of the suspected crimes.
“It’s all ultimately going to end up over at the DA’s office,” Hill said.
District Attorney Candice Hooper said Thursday her office had received some of the reports and they’re being reviewed.
“There’s still further information we’re waiting on,” Hooper said.
Hollister Police Department officials declined to state Thursday what crime the agency is investigating, but police Capt. Richard Vasquez has said it is a possible felony.
“Things are still being investigated, and as soon as I have an answer I’ll be glad to talk about it,” Vasquez said Thursday.
Police are also investigating an Aug. 18 stalking report that lists Rodrigues as a suspect.
In late August, two women, one his wife, filed requests for restraining orders against Rodrigues, according to San Benito County Superior Court documents.
Both of those requests will be heard before San Benito County Superior Court Judge Steven Sanders on Sept. 28. Rodrigues has said the requests were “ex-wife driven.”
On June 10, Rodrigues shot an unarmed man who later died from a drug overdose, the gun shot wound, shocks from a Taser gun, struggles with law enforcement and pepper spray, a forensic report concluded. Hill said Rodrigues followed proper procedure, but violated office policy by having his 11-year-old daughter in the patrol car during the incident. Hooper said the shooting was legal.
