Career Criminal Convicted of Residential Burglary

Late yesterday afternoon in Department 12 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Judge Walter Gorelick presiding, a jury convicted Jose Ignacio Rodriguez, Jr., age 36, of Exeter, of first-degree residential burglary and misdemeanor resisting arrest.

In 2004, Rodriguez was convicted and sentenced to state prison for felony possession of a dangerous weapon, stealing a vehicle, and evading. While in prison, Rodriguez assaulted another inmate and was convicted of a strike offense. Upon his release in 2010, Rodriguez committed numerous parole violations culminating in a 2012 felony conviction for domestic violence, and was sentenced to four years in state prison. Released in early 2015, Rodriguez again committed multiple parole violations and misdemeanors, and was convicted of grand theft in 2017. Rodriguez was on parole when he committed the current offense.

Around 2 am on March 6, 2019, Rodriguez broke into a Visalia residence. When the homeowner awoke, Rodriguez threatened her not to call the police. The homeowner retreated to a bathroom where she made a whispered 911 call. Police quickly arrived and arrested Rodriguez, who was still in the residence.

“The defendant invoked his right to a speedy trial and received one,” said District Attorney Tim Ward. “I commend the work of our prosecutors and law enforcement for getting this habitual offender off our streets.”

Sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2019, in Superior Court where Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in state prison.

The case was prosecuted Deputy District Attorney Stacy Plantier and investigated by the Visalia Police Department.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494