Closing arguments in the rape trial of former San Benito County
sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Rodrigues have been put off until Tuesday
due to a request made by defense attorney Art Cantu.
Closing arguments in the rape trial of former San Benito County sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Rodrigues have been put off until Tuesday due to a request made by defense attorney Art Cantu.
The court was set to hear closing arguments this morning, but Cantu asked visiting Judge Alan Hedegard to commence the arguments until Tuesday to further prepare his closing statement. In response to this request, Deputy District Attorney Patrick Palacios requested that no more time be wasted in the trial.
Hedegard granted the one-day continuance and excused the jury until 9 a.m. Tuesday and asked to see Palacios and Cantu at 10 a.m. without the jury present.
Rodrigues is accused of four counts of rape, along with charges unlawful sexual penetration and domestic violence. The first incident is said to have occurred in 1999.
Closing arguments are set to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the courthouse.
