Joshua Antonio Ruja was supposed to be sentenced today. His attorney is Deputy Public Defender Luke Brownfield who was not in court today. Deputy Public Defender Ben McLaughlin was present with Ruja.
Even before sentencing could start, the extra bailiffs and Ruja cuffed, shackled and in a red jail jumpsuit should have given me a clue. Red is for inmates in administrative segregation. What followed was a ploy and theatrics by someone familiar with the criminal justice system and it worked.
Ruja prepped the show he was going to put on by jumping up from his chair in the middle of another inmate's sentencing saying, "Excuse me Judge, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."
Inmates are not supposed to disrupt proceedings or move in the box unless a bailiff asks them to and this is for security.
When his case was called, Mr. McLaughlin mentioned the split sentence Ruja was going to receive. Deputy District Attorney Tobias Hasler said the People plan to argue against the split sentence of probation and jail.
Judge Feeney said his tentative decision was to sentence Ruja to the aggravated term of 3 years with one year in custody and two years of mandatory supervision.
Mr. Hasler said that probation cannot supervise someone who refused to meet with Probation and refused to talk to Probation. He referred Judge Feeney to an inter office memo by Dr. Christensen about Ruja's conduct in jail.
Mr. McLaughlin said while the memo "does detail some conduct in jail, it has not resulted in criminal sanctions. Some people don't take well to being in custody."
Ruja who had a Holy Bible tucked under his armpit, gave it to the bailiff, interrupted and started ranting on the record. "I've been here. I've a lot to say. Rather than sit here and listen to you guys talk about a lot of nonsense. I am here for vandalism charges, maximum 6 months, excuse me a year. "
Ruja said all this information about him was "a bunch of lies. I am not a criminal. I am bipolar. I don't need to be here. I need to go to a hospital." Then Ruja paused for theatric effect, looked around the courtroom. Besides me, it was only other attorneys. Four extra bailiffs were in the courtroom by now.
"I prefer NAPA State Hospital. I have been there before."
"Mr. Ruja, I appreciate your comments," said Judge Feeney. "My tentative decision is my final decision. You have some obligations in Shasta County."
Ruja acknowledged he had warrants in Shasta County. "I am not suicidal. I am not homicidal." Ruja said he had family members wanting to kill him and he "lit his pants on fire in Winco"
Then he asked Judge Feeney to send him to San Quentin prison.
After Ruja ranted some more, Judge Feeney asked Mr. McLaughlin about Ruja and PC 1368.
"I have some concerns regarding 1368," said Mr. McLaughlin, "but he said he understood the consequences." Judge Feeney agreed with Mr. McLsughlin, doubt regarding Rujs's competency was declared and criminal proceedings were suspended.
A hearing for receipt of Dr. Renouf's report is scheduled for September 5. Typically, these reports take a while. Ruja has to agree to meet with the doctor. A point that was mentioned to him by Mr. McLaughlin as Ruja was escorted back to jail by three bailiffs.
Charges:
Link to Redding coverage:
http://archive.redding.com/news/attacker-tries-to-take-deputys-gun-ep-375429872-354620591.html/
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.