WOODLAND, Calif. — An accused man remained in custody Friday after Yolo County Superior Court Judge Sonia Cortés continued his preliminary hearing because two subpoenaed police officers were unavailable, despite defense arguments that residential addiction treatment could address substance use issues contributing to his supervision violations.
During proceedings in Department 8, the accused appeared in custody on multiple pending matters, including charges of unauthorized vehicle use, receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of tear gas and possession of a controlled substance, according to court records.
Deputy District Attorney Jesse Richardson requested a continuance after learning that two police officers needed as witnesses were unavailable because of illness.
“At least two of the officers didn’t get back because they are out sick today,” Richardson told the court, explaining that the officers had been subpoenaed but could not testify.
Deputy Public Defender Stephen Betz acknowledged the witnesses’ absence but urged the court to consider releasing the accused directly into residential addiction treatment rather than continuing his incarceration.
Probation recommended that the accused serve the remainder of his supervision term in custody, citing previous failures to comply with supervision requirements.
Betz challenged that recommendation, arguing that the accused’s difficulties complying with supervision could be connected to his ongoing substance use disorder.
“Perhaps the reason he hasn’t been compliant is because he’s struggling with issues of addiction,” Betz told the court.
The accused also addressed the court, stating that he had been “struggling with addiction since my teenage years.”
According to Betz, arrangements had previously been made for the accused to enter treatment following his release from custody, but those plans had not been completed.
The defense identified CityTeam in Oakland and Cache Creek Lodge as potential residential treatment placements.
Betz also pointed to the accused’s pending drug possession allegations as evidence of his continuing struggles with substance use.
“I do think that there certainly is a demonstrated history, an issue concerning substance use,” Betz told the court.
The defense requested that the accused be transported directly from jail to a residential treatment facility, rather than released without a confirmed placement, to reduce the likelihood of another unsuccessful attempt to enter treatment.
Betz also argued that postponing the preliminary hearing could further disadvantage the accused while he remained incarcerated, particularly because the delay could affect the application of custody credits to his newer pending cases.
Richardson offered no further argument regarding residential treatment, leaving the question of appropriate placement to the court.
Cortés found good cause to continue the preliminary hearing because the subpoenaed officers were unavailable due to illness.
The judge also considered the defense’s request for treatment and ordered the accused to undergo an American Society of Addiction Medicine assessment to determine the appropriate level of care.
According to the court’s minute order, Cortés directed that the accused remain in custody with bail set at $20,000.
The court also authorized transportation to a residential treatment program upon release on mandatory supervision, allowing a probation officer or treatment program representative to coordinate transportation once a bed becomes available.
The matter was continued to Nov. 5 at 9 a.m. in Department 8 for further proceedings concerning mandatory supervision.
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