FRESNO, CA (KMJ ) – A convicted rapist working as a security guard at a Fresno rape counseling center enters pleas to criminal charges.
The Fresno County DA’s office says 40 year old Damon Rodgers is taking advantage of a settlement with the judge to get a reduced sentence.
Rodgers was contracted by an outside security company, and working as a security guard at Rape Counseling Services near Downtown Fresno when he was arrested July 27th for carrying a loaded gun, a concealed knife , a baton, and pepper spray – violations due to his prior sexual assault convictions.
He had already served 16 years in state prison, convicted of three “strikes” a decade ago in Madera County and is a registered sex offender.
The Fresno County DA’s office says in one prior case, Rodgers held a gun against a 15 year-old victims head and threatened to kill her if she “said a word or screamed.”
Rodgers would have faced up to life if he was convicted of the current charges but is taking advantage of a settlement with Judge Wayne Ellison to get a reduced sentence of six years in state prison.
On Wednesday September 20th, the District Attorney’s Office objected to the judge’s settlement offer.
Rogers is currently in custody at the Fresno County Jail.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 24th at the Fresno County Superior Court.
Click to listen to a report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
