Rodrigues was investigated for rape, other felony
allegations
HOLLISTER
A grand jury indicted former San Benito County sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Rodrigues, and a warrant was issued today for his arrest, District Attorney Candice Hooper confirmed Thursday afternoon.
Shortly before 3:30 p.m. today Rodrigues’ whereabouts remained unknown.
County dispatchers at about noon announced a felony warrant was issued for Rodrigues.
Bail for the arrest warrant was set at $300,000, according to a source close to the case who asked to remain unnamed.
Hooper said California law prevented her from discussing details of the indictment. Hooper impaneled a criminal grand jury Monday, and proceedings were held through Wednesday.
“There is an indictment, and there is an arrest warrant to assist in the apprehension of him,” Hooper said.
Rodrigues was under investigation for two rape allegations, violations of a court order to prevent domestic violence, stalking and intimidating a victim or witness, authorities have said.
One of Rodrigues’ attorneys, Mike Pekin, declined to comment Thursday afternoon.
At about noon today, San Benito County dispatchers issued a “be on the lookout” for Rodrigues, described his possible vehicles and told law enforcement to “approach with caution.” Dispatchers also said Rodrigues was to meet deputies at 11 a.m. Thursday at the San Benito County Jail, but failed to show.
Rodrigues is the same deputy who shot a drugged, unarmed man in June. Israel Guerrero, 29, later died from excited delirium – with the gunshot wound, shocks from a Taser gun, baton strike and struggle with law enforcement contributing to the death. Rodrigues’ 11-year-old daughter was in his patrol car at the time of the shooting.
NOTE: This story will be updated as details emerge today. Check Friday’s edition of the Free Lance for full coverage.
