Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
OGDEN — An Ogden man will serve at least six years in prison for trying to kidnap a man at gunpoint who was then shot in a struggle over the gun.
Juan Carlos Rodriguez, 25, was sentenced Monday to six years to life in prison for aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony. He was ordered to spend one to 15 years in prison in a separate case, involving aggravated assault and possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person that stemmed from a January incident.
Defense attorney Ted Godfrey said since he met Rodriguez, he's "really noticed a change in his attitude." Rodriguez realizes he made a mistake and needs to "repent," he said, using a word he's heard Rodriguez say.
Second District Judge Joseph Bean ordered the terms to run concurrently, and Rodriguez will receive 173 days credit for time already served. Immediately following his release, Rodriguez will be deported to his home country of El Salvador, as he is in this country illegally, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Following his time in prison, the judge also said Rodriguez will spend at least 15 years on probation, which Godfrey said is "excessive" under the circumstances and something that will "severely impact" Rodriguez when he's eventually paroled.
State prosecutor Matthew Earl said Rodriguez has taken responsibility for his actions rather than requiring the victim to relive his experiences in court, Earl said, though he noted that prison time of some length is required in this case.
Speaking through an interpreter, Rodriguez thanked the judge and his attorney for "giving me a chance." He also expressed appreciation to the county jail for the opportunity to work in the kitchen. He had no further comments.
Rodriguez was initially charged in June with nine counts of felony discharge of a firearm and threat or use of a dangerous weapon in a fight. He pleaded not guilty on all charges in August, but prosecutors later dropped six of the charges in exchange for guilty pleas on three counts.
