Codefendants in Ferrer case get 3 years summary probation and 50 hours of community service

Nicholas Stoiber represented by Jennifer Dixon from the Public Defender;s office and Sophie Rocheleau represented by private attorney Benjamin Okin each plead guilty to PC 242 and were each given the same sentence: three years of summary probation, 50 hours of community service, alcohol and drug assessment and monetary fines and fees.

"I realize that a person died, " said Judge Reinholtsen, after he sentenced Rocheleau and Stoiber who were out of custody and stood by their attorneys. Their loved ones and friends as well as Juan Ferrer's family, who is the one charged with the stabbing that resulted in the death of Douglas Anderson-Jordet and is in custody, silently listened as Judge Reinholtsen pronounced the sentence after hearing from victim witness who read letters from the victim's family and after DA Paul Gallegos and the attorneys made brief statements.

Before he sentenced them, the Judge read the definition and penalties that could be imposed on them and advised them of the rights they were giving up by not going to trial.

California Penal Code 242 PC simple battery is a misdemeanor in California law.

The penalties for California battery in most cases include a fine of up to two thousand dollars ($2,000) and/or up to six (6) months in county jail.

Judge Reinholtsen said he had read the preliminary transcripts, the attorney's written submissions and letters on behalf of Stoiber and Rocheleau and after he heard the victim impact statements, which were read by victim witness, since his family is from out of state.

Judge Reinholtsen said that the pleas and sentence was justified by the evidence presented at the preliminary hearing. Judge Reinholtsen said he did not see any evidence implicating Stoiber or Rocheleau of great bodily injury or being aware that he was dead.

DA Paul Gallegos asked that Mr. Okin's statement on behalf of Rocheleau be sealed because of information it about the victim, which Mr. Gallegos said was Mr. Okin's opinion. That claim was refuted by Mr. Okin because he said the information was from the police report but out of deference to the victim's family, he agreed that it be sealed.

Mr. Gallegos said that the family "understands the disposition", referring to Stoiber's and Rocheleau's pleas, and "they hope the court would impose appropriate probation."

Ms. Dixon did not comment and referred to the preliminary hearing transcript and said that the Judge knew the circumstances of the plea. She also referred to the letters submitted in support of Stoiber.

Mr. Okin said that he had submitted documents "outlining Ms. Rocheleau's role" and asked the sentence be based on what she knew at the time she acted."

"The hard part of this case is every one involved is a good person," said Mr. Okin. He said sometimes that are small events and circumstances that when combined you get a "catastrophic combination and something as tragic as this occurs."

"Of course, Ms. Rocheleau feels bad for Mr. Jordet's family and that Mr. Jordet died.," said Mr. Okin. Again, he asked that the court focus on Rocheleau's actions and what she knew. "I don't agree that alcohol played a role and there is no evidence of drugs."


Previous post with background and other links:


johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/11/arcata-chef-stabbing-case-back-in-court.html