Jurors are continuing to deliberate in the Michael Rodrigues
rape trial in talks that have lasted about 15 hours as of early
this afternoon. If there is a hung jury
– meaning the 12 jurors do not reach a consensus – it would be
up to the district attorney’s office whether to try the case
again.
Jurors are continuing to deliberate in the Michael Rodrigues rape trial in talks that have lasted about 15 hours as of early this afternoon.
Rodrigues, 48, is the former San Benito County Sheriff’s Office sergeant accused of raping four women between 1999 and 2007.
Jurors started deliberations around noon Wednesday in the trial that started more than two weeks ago.
The prosecution and defense wrapped up closing arguments Wednesday morning after hearing testimony from the trial’s witnesses, including the four women alleging rape.
If Rodrigues is convicted of one rape charge, he would face a sentence of three, six or eight years in prison. If convicted of more than one, he faces 15 years to life.
If there is a hung jury – meaning the 12 jurors do not reach a consensus – it would be up to the district attorney’s office whether to try the case again.
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
