Rockiett to Serve at Least 15 Years

Jose Rockiett addresses 6th Judicial District Judge Fae Hoover-Grinde at his sentencing hearing for his part in the assault of Cedar Rapids Police Officer Tim Davis last March, at the Linn County District Court in Cedar Rapids on Friday, March 19, 2010. At far right is Maurice Harden, who was also sentenced Friday. (Liz Martin/The Gazette)

Tools

By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Mar 19, 2010 at 11:59 AM CST

Story Updated: Mar 20, 2010 at 2:17 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - Jose Rockiett, 18, who assaulted and seriously injured Cedar Rapids Police Officer Tim Davis last March, was sentenced today in Linn County District Court.

Rockiett was given 20 years for robbery charges, 10 years for willful injury and 5 years for interference with official acts.

According to the plea agreement, prison terms for the two robbery charges — 10 years each — will run concurrently, and the willful injury and interference charges, 15 years each, will run consecutively to the robbery charges, for a total of 25 years.

Rockiett will have to serve 15 years before he is eligible for parole.

Rockiett pleaded guilty last month to two counts of second-degree robbery and one count each of willful injury and interference with official acts. He robbed and assaulted David Scanlon, 20, and Austin Switalski at A Avenue and 16th Street NE on March 29. Scanlon suffered bruises and cuts and Switalski suffered minor injuries.

Rockiett also knocked Tim Davis unconscious when the officer responded to the robbery. Davis’ skull was fractured and he spent several weeks in the hospital as a result of the assault.

Maurice Harden, 15, of Cedar Rapids, also pleaded guilty in the robbery and was sentenced for first-degree robbery and interference with official acts causing serious injury against Scanlon. He is placed on youthful offender's status and will be transferred to juvenile court. He will remain in a juvenile detention center and have a hearing before his 18th birthday.

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.


read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.

More Good Stuff

What's On KCRG