Former teacher gets more time to consider plea deal
The former math teacher at Gila Ridge High School accused of taking an underage female across state lines was given more time to consider a plea deal after a Superior Court judge granted a request by his attorney on Wednesday for a continuance.
Attorney Michael Donovan asked Superior Court Judge Brandon Kinsey to continue his client’s change of plea hearing a second time. It was previously continued two weeks ago, back on Aug. 23.
Donovan, who represents John Rodenburg, explained that while he has reviewed the plea bargain offered to his client with him, he has decided to have other counsel go over it as well, which will ultimately help him to decide whether to accept it, or to proceed to trial.
He said the other attorney has asked him to request a 30-day continuance from the court because he would also like time to discuss the plea agreement with Rodenburg once he finished reviewing it.
Rodenburg, who is out of custody after posting a $200,000 bond, has been charged with kidnapping, custodial interference and furnishing harmful items to a minor.
Donovan did not disclose the terms of the plea offer during the hearing.
Superior Court Judge David Haws, after hearing no objection from the prosecution, granted the request for a continuance, rescheduling it for 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 18. At that time Rodenburg will either enter a guilty plea or a trial date will be set in the case.
According to Yuma police, Rodenburg allegedly took an underage female, without the consent of her parents, across state lines to Utah on Nov. 11, 2016, for the purpose of having sex with her.
Yuma police did not release information as to whether the female was a student at the school where he taught.
According to the Gila Ridge High School website, Rodenburg was in his first season as the cross country coach. He had been at the school for six years and was also a math teacher.
Although his name no longer appears on the website, Rodenburg had also been listed as the assistant athletic director during the winter sports season.
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 5396854. Find him on Facebook at www. Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.