Top stories of the week: Former sheriff’s deputy charged with fourth rape count and a community loses a giver

We take a look at some of the biggest stories of the week. This
week: Ex-sheriff’s deputy Mike Rodrigues is arrested for a fourth
count of rape and a traffic accident claims Cathy Carli, a local
with a passion for helping special-needs children.
1. Ex-deputy arrested today, suspected of fourth rape count

Deputies arrested former sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Rodrigues today on suspicion of a fourth rape charge, and a judge later released him on his own recognizance, according to authorities.

Rodrigues was set to be arraigned today on suspicion of three previous rape counts alleged by a grand jury. While walking toward the San Benito County Courthouse, authorities “peacefully” took him into custody, said Sheriff Curtis Hill.

The sheriff, for the second time since Rodrigues’ first arrest on rape charges in December, apologized to the community and also said he’s “not happy” with the visiting judge’s decision to release Rodrigues after authorities charged him with the additional rape count, along with two other felony counts alleging possession of firearms and ammunition while under a restraining order.

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b2. Carli’s sister: ‘She was such a giving, kind person’/b

Hollister residents have fond memories of Cathy Carli such as her many local interests and involvement with special-needs children in San Benito County.

Carli succumbed to injuries suffered in an automobile accident last Friday involving two vehicles on Union Road.

“She was such a giving, kind person,” said Carli’s sister, Marian Shaffner, “and this is such a difficult time for her grieving husband and for her twins with Down syndrome.”

Shaffner was referring to the couple’s daughters, Alessia and Catia Carli, and noted how she was “very involved” with Down syndrome research.

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