Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 02/10/06

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Larry Scoufos Deputy District Attorney: Marianna Lehr

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

DEFENDANT SENTENCED TO MAXIMUM TERM FOR
KIDNAPPING AND ASSAULTING HIS SPOUSE

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that Superior Court Judge Rene’ Chouteau sentenced David Michael Johnson to eleven years in state prison, the maximum term allowed, for the kidnap and assault of his wife.

On January 12, 2006, after a four day trial, a jury found Johnson guilty of kidnap, assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats, and inflicting great bodily injury against his wife in Santa Rosa on August 19, 2005. At the time, Johnson and his wife were married, but separated. On the date of their anniversary, he asked her to meet to discuss their relationship. She agreed and picked him up in her car.

While she was driving an argument occurred. He directed her to various locations and would not allow her to go where she wanted. Soon thereafter Johnson became enraged and repeatedly struck his wife in the head with his fist. As a result, she suffered a significant hearing loss. Johnson also held a knife to her chin and threatened to kill her. She was eventually able to seek help from authorities.

Mr. Johnson has an extensive criminal record, including six prior felony convictions and a history of domestic violence. District Attorney Passalacqua stated, "I am hopeful this conviction and sentence will send a strong message to those who commit domestic violence".

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Marianna Lehr who was assisted by DA Investigator Les Vanderpool.