Not guilty plea entered in assault, threat case

Lakeport man pleads not guilty by reason of insanity

LAKEPORT >> Morgan Matthew Jack, 45, of Lakeport, was arrested in May after Lake County Sheriff’s Office received reports he had threatened to kill his girlfriend.

Jack remains in custody and was present at the Lake County Superior Courthouse for the resetting of the jury trial and a plea entry.

The defendant entered a not guilty plea to all counts and entered an additional plea of not guilty by reason insanity as the Court advised the defendant of the maximum possible confinement time of life commitment with the entry of such a plea.

Attorney Steven Spiegelman, who is representing the defendant, stated he is in agreement with the plea.

The Court appointed Dr. Captane Thomson and Dr. Luigi Piciucco to examine the defendant.

The matter has been set for a doctors’ report hearing on Jan. 25, 2022 at 11 a.m. in Department 3.

Last month, Attorney Spiegelman, requested the matter be continued as he miscalendared this matter. Being there were no objections to the continuance, the Court granted the request.

The People will attempt to make appropriate contacts and provide an offer to Attorney Spiegelman.

It was stated during a hearing in October that the defendant’s mental competency would be evaluated by a private doctor, regarding his not guilty by reason of insanity plea.

During the felony preliminary hearing/bail review in June, the Court found Jack, the defendant, is held to answer to one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Other than a Firearm), two counts of Exhibiting Firearm/ Deadly Weapon — Resisting Arrest, two counts of Resisting an Executive Officer, two counts

of Threatening School Officer/Employee, Threaten to Commit a Crime, Discharge BB Device in Negligent Manner, two counts of Exhibiting Imitation Firearm and Assault on a Peace Officer.

Count 1 — Assault with a Deadly Weapon (other than a firearm) was dismissed.

The charges stem from an incident in May that occurred on Mission Rancheria Road, in Lakeport. The girlfriend was able to leave the home prior to Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies arriving.

When deputies attempted to make contact with Jack and place him under arrest, he refused to exit the home. Deputies entered the residence and attempted to contact Jack. While inside, the deputies heard metallic noises they recognized as a firearm being manipulated and believed Jack was armed.

Deputies saw Jack raise a rifle type firearm in the doorway at the front of the home and fire one shot in their direction. The deputies secured the area and requested additional units respond. Officers from Lakeport Police Department, Clearlake Police Department and California Highway Patrol responded to assist.

The Sheriff’s Office Crisis Response and SWAT Teams responded to the location. While trying to speak with Jack he challenged deputies several times telling them he was not coming out and they would have to kill him. After two hours, Jack exited his residence challenging one of the negotiators to approach him.

Jack was taken into custody with the assistance of a police K-9 unit from the Clearlake Police Department and SWAT Team members. Some of the officers as well as Jack received minor injuries during the arrest. Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit served a search warrant at Jack’s residence, locating a pellet rifle that reassembled an assault type rifle.

Jack was transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital for treatment and later booked at the Lake County Jail for charges of criminal threats, assault on a peace officer with an instrument not a firearm and obstruction. His bail was set at $50,000.

The Sheriff’s Office had prior contact with Jack in 2008 when he was arrested related to the death of Paul Womachka, a “Hey Taxi” driver whose body was found in a submerged taxi at the Big Valley Rancheria. Jack later plead no contest to voluntary manslaughter related to the killing.

During a settlement/trial readiness conference in October, Attorney Steven Spiegelman, requested a hearing for a not guilty by reason of insanity plea.

During a bail review hearing in September, three defense witnesses were sworn in and testified.

The Court took judicial notice of the court reporter’s transcript of the preliminary hearing held earlier this year. The issue of bail was argued and the following factors were considered: safety of the public and/or victims, criminal history/violence, ability to pay and record of past court appearances.

Bail remained set at no bail.