Local attorney Arthur Cantu has agreed to represent embattled former sheriff's deputy Michael Rodrigues and said he is "100 percent confident" Rodrigues will be acquitted of all charges.
Cantu was appointed to represent Rodrigues after two previous attorneys had told a judge they could not fairly defend the former sheriff because of a conflict of interest.
'I believe I have a 100 percent ability to proceed," Cantu told Superior Court Judge Harry Tobias in court Wednesday. "I don't believe I have any conflict (of interest)."
After the hearing, Cantu vowed to aggressively defend Rodrigues although he would not reveal any courtroom strategies.
"I'm not prepared to discuss specifics of the case yet," he said. "But yes, I'm absolutely confident we'll receive an acquittal."
Rodrigues has been charged with three counts of forcible rape, two counts of unlawful sexual penetration and one count each of spousal rape, attempted rape and domestic violence.
Rodrigues had been represented by attorney Chris Miller in many of his early court proceedings but at a hearing on May 27, Rodrigues said he could no longer afford a private attorney and requested the services of a public defender.
Greg LaForge was appointed to represent Rodrigues but was removed June 10 after he told Tobias that his work in the San Benito County District Attorney's Office 20 years ago - in which he was involved with prosecuting Rodrigues for prior allegations - precluding from representing him fairly.
Tobias then assigned the case to the county's "conflict attorney" Harry Damkar. Damkar served as San Benito County District Attorney during the case LaForge had cited, so when he told Tobias that he too had a conflict of interest, Damkar was removed as well.
Cantu however, said he had no such conflict.
Rodrigues will be back in court July 23 at 3 p.m. for a pre-trial conference.
Curtis Cartier Curtis Cartier covers the City of Hollister and public safety for the Free Lance. Reach him at (831) 637-5566 or email him.
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