Closing arguments are under way in the rape trial against former
San Benito County Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Rodrigues.
Closing arguments are under way in the rape trial against former San Benito County Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Rodrigues.
Deputy District Attorney Patrick Palacios is wrapping up his closing argument, while he has focused on recounting the testimony of the four women alleging Rodrigues, who spent 25 years in the sheriff’s office, raped them.
Defense attorney Art Cantu should be presenting his closing statement after the lunch hour. That means the jury might have the case for deliberations by this afternoon.
Rodrigues, 48, is accused of raping four women between 1999 and 2007, when a grand jury indicted him on three of the charges. Prosecutors added a fourth suspected victim in the fall of 2008. He also is charged with unlawful sexual penetration and domestic violence, and could spend life in prison if convicted.
Look back shortly for a more detailed story and video footage of today’s closing statements.
