Councilman Found Guilty of Misdemeanor Trespass
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LA PUENTE — A jury Tuesday found La Puente City Councilman Edward Rodarte guilty of misdemeanor trespass but acquitted him of felony burglary and deadlocked on charges he made terrorist threats against his former girlfriend.
Prosecutors alleged that Rodarte broke into the woman’s East Los Angeles home on Sept. 26, 1999, hid in a closet until she and her new boyfriend returned home, and then jumped out and threatened their lives.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Candace Foy Smith said Rodarte is “not completely off the hook,” and she will consult her bosses about whether to seek another trial on the felony count.
The judge set May 23 for Rodarte’s sentencing for the trespass conviction, which carries a maximum penalty of a $1,000 fine and six months in jail.
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