If anyone knew the consequences for such a heinous line of
behavior, it was former San Benito County Sheriff’s Office Sgt.
Michael Rodrigues.
If anyone knew the consequences for such a heinous line of behavior, it was former San Benito County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Michael Rodrigues. With a sentence handed down Nov. 20 of 60 years to life in prison, the longtime deputy convicted of raping three women likely will spend the rest of his existence behind bars pondering an adult life marred by blatant immorality and the repeated abuse of his authority as a peace officer. The community entrusted him with the law for 25 years. In return, he used his position as a platform to stalk and ultimately violate women. It’s his own fault. He deserves his fate.
Considering the severity of the crimes, which appropriately leave open the possibility of life in prison for one conviction, any leniency would be an injustice to the victims and to the citizenry of San Benito County. Defense attorney Art Cantu pleaded with Judge Alan Hedegard to consider Rodrigues having no prior criminal record in weighing whether to allow for concurrent sentencing and parole eligibility after 15 years. Rodrigues, however, committed the criminal acts for which he was convicted between 1999 and 2006. Even years before then, he had been warned and reprimanded for his behavior time and time again.
Rodrigues knew the consequences and he knew the potential exposure. He went through with a trial and continued diverting blame toward the very women he terrorized, while understanding he likely would receive such a harsh penalty if convicted.
There is nothing minor about rape. The law in this case was right on, and Hedegard merely had to follow the sentencing guidelines in place.
For at least the next 60 years, Rodrigues will have plenty of time on his hands to consider his actions and how much pain he inflicted on others’ lives.
