More at the Court: One Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison, Another Ordered to Drug Treatment

SAN ANGELO, TX - Wednesday afternoon, in Judge Walther’s Courtroom, Javier Lorenzo Rodriguez and Michael Devon Wright Jr. learned their fates associated with their felony charges.

Rodriguez faced multiple charges, including the Assault of a Family Member, which occurred on June 21, 2016, and an Unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle that occurred June 22, 2015. While in custody, on January 20, 2016, Rodriguez also assaulted a public servant.

During the trial today, the State and Defense Attorney agreed to dismiss the charge for the Assault of a Family Member, and continued to charge Rodriguez with the Assault of a Public Servant.

The charge of the Assault of a Public Servant, a third degree felony, was changed to a second degree felony. With this charge, Rodriguez faced a minimum of two years in prison, but not to exceed 20 years.

The defendant agreed to waive his jury trial rights and accepted the plea bargain outlined by the State.

For the charges of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and Assault of a Public Servant, Rodriguez pleaded guilty on both charges.

For the charge of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, he received 365 days in a state jail. On the charge of Assault of a Public Servant, Rodriguez was has handed down seven years in a state institution.

Walther said, “These charges will run concurrently.”

As for Wright Jr., 20, he is an Angelo State University student facing a felony for the Possession of a Controlled Substance less than a gram. Wright was arrested on January 24, 2016.

During today’s Pre-Trial, Judge Walther asked Wright if he had saved any money for this case, or for his bond. The defendant has a $500 fee that he was instructed to pay.

Wright explained to Judge Walther that since January he has not saved the $500 to pay his fee.The defendant tried to explain that he has had to pay for school, which is why he hasn’t been able to save money.

In response, Walther said, “If you don’t pay for this, then there will be no reason to go to school.”

Walther continue to ask the defendant many questions about his spending and saving habits.

“If I tested you for drugs in your system right now, what would I find?” Walther also questioned.

Wright answered, “Probably marijuana.”

To this, Walther said, “If you have money to pay for marijuana, you can find money to pay for this case.”

Judge Walther then told Wright he would indeed undergo a drug test, and he was escorted downstairs to do so. As the results came back, the defendant’s attorney, Andrew Graves, was called to the stand. Walther said to Graves, “He needs to do drug treatment. He needs to not spend his pocket change on drugs.”

Another Pre-Trial Diversion has been scheduled for December 12, 2016 in this case.