Walmart Hit and Run: 10 Years in Prison Over Spilled Milk

SAN ANGELO, TX -- The four men and eight women on the James Rosson jury sentenced the 62-year-old to ten years in prison for the hit-and-run at Walmart last December.  

The jury deliberated for just under an hour and a half.  The punishment phase of Rosson’s trial began at 9 a.m. Wednesday with prosecutors detailing his previous run ins with the law including a felony meth possession in 2002, which enhanced the aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge.  Rosson was facing five to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.  

Prosecutors put Ernest Ortiz back on the witness stand Wednesday,  Ortiz told jurors he is still in pain and is still paying on his ambulance ride and medical bills.  He told jurors he feels the pain of that incident everyday.  

After the state rested its case, Rosson took the stand in his defense.  He told jurors he was sorry for hitting Ortiz and wanted to apologize to him.

Defense attorney Thomas Williams then called forensic psychologist Dr. Jason Dunham to the stand.  Dunham testified that he had interviewed Rosson and Rosson has an anti-social behavioral disorder and had substance abuse issues.  Dunham said Rosson would receive treatment for that disorder in prison.  

The state and the defense then rested their cases.  After a break, Judge Ben Woodward read the charge to the jury.  The sentencing range was five to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.  The judge told jurors Rosson would have to serve half of any sentence they imposed before he would be eligible for parole.  

In closing arguments, Assistant District Attorney Richard Villarreal asked jurors to think about Mr. and Mrs. Ortiz and the citizens of Tom Green County when assessing punishment.  

Defense attorney Williams told the jury this is not a maximum sentence case and that Rosson is 62-years-old and disabled.  

Rosson will begin his prison sentence immediately and will be credited for time already served.  He will be eligible for parole in five years.