Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 01/10/07

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine Cook

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEFENDANT SENTENCED TO PRISON

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced that 19-year-old Benjamin Michael Greenlee was sentenced yesterday by the Hon. Elliot Daum to serve five years at the California Department of Corrections for a domestic violence related incident that occurred in the early morning hours of February 12, 2006. Greenlee had previously pled no contest to assault and an enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury.

District Attorney Passalacqua said, “I hope this prison sentence serves as a reminder to those who might harm their partners that they will be held accountable.”

On February 12, 2006, while riding as a passenger in his girlfriend’s car, Greenlee grabbed the steering wheel and forced the vehicle off of the road. He then forced her from the car and repeatedly beat her head against the ground. At that moment another vehicle passed-by and stopped to offer assistance. The victim was able to get away and was taken to a local hospital where she was treated for significant injuries, including 20 staples to close a wound on her head.

Deputy District Attorney Brian A. Staebell was the prosecutor assigned to this case. DA Investigator Kris Allen and Victim Witness Advocate Miriam Gaon assisted him in the prosecution. Sonoma County Sheriff’s Sergeant Cecile Focha was the lead detective.