Man gets 5 years in ag-related crimes
A man initially charged with 53 counts related to ag crimes was sentenced to five years in prison Tuesday.
Christopher Williams, 46, took a plea deal April 19, pleading no contest to 17 charges. As a result, 36 other allegations, including 19 counts that involved grand theft of copper, were dismissed.
The no-contest plea was to 14 charges of vandalism of $400 or more, a pair of possessing stolen vehicle charges and recklessly evading an officer.
Assistant District Attorney Joseph Kinzel wrote in an email that Williams’ sentence ensured he would serve five years in prison without a chance of probation, versus at a local jail, and that the victims would receive restitution.
Deputy Public Defender Sabrina Harowitz said Williams
took accountability by pleading no contest early in the criminal proceedings.
“Mr. Williams had fallen on hard times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and unfortunately did what he felt was necessary in order to survive,” Harowitz wrote in an email. “The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns took a great toll on many individuals’ livelihoods and mental health, as well as their decision-making abilities.”
The Kern County coroner’s office identified a man found dead Monday in the 1400 block of Chester Avenue.
Xavier Rodriguez Jr., 30, of Bakersfield, was found deceased around 2:40 a.m. near the railroad tracks by the intersection of Chester Avenue and Norris Road. He was found with an apparent gunshot wound.
The coroner’s report did not indicate Rodriguez’s time of death.
At this time, there is no suspect information available, but the KCSO is investigating.
Anyone with information can call the Kern County
Sheriff’s Office at 661-8613110 or Secret Witness at 661-322-4040.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to find a woman reported missing.
Donna Joan Fox, 79, was last seen Saturday, in the 300 block of Laurel Street in Wofford Heights, wearing a white sweater, black pants and black shoes.
She is a white woman, with white hair and blue eyes, 5 feet tall and 120 pounds.
If anyone has any information regarding her whereabouts, they can contact the KCSO at 661-861-3110.