Deaf inmate held to answer for assault against custodial officer

Timothy Rice, Jr. has two 2019 cases and five 2020 cases. In one of his 2020 cases, Judge Christopher Wilson held him to answer this morning on one count of PC 241.1, assault against a custodial officer.

Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees was the prosecutor for the preliminary hearing. Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo is Rice's attorney.

A sign language interpreter was present in the courtroom for Rice. He was cuffed and dressed in a red jumpsuit which means admin segregation.

Mr. Rees had testimony from witnesses, including testimony from correctional deputies who testified to the alleged incident and ongoing behavioral issues by Rice.

Before Judge Wilson's ruling, Mr. Russo said, "Mr. Rice is being held in a situation not accommodating his disability. " Mr. Russo said that Rice is "let out for 20 minutes a day" and without effective communication or his mental health needs is accused of "acting aggressive."

 "I certainly understand that comment, " said Judge Wilson. "Unfortunately what is seen to emerge is that" Rice has resorted to violence to express his frustration. Rice struck an officer in the face causing a laceration.