Man Arrested After Early Release By Governor Newsom’s Policy, Taken Into Custody By FBI At Bail Hearing

CASE UPDATE: State Charges Dismissed Against Steven Rodriguez in Lieu of Federal Prosecution

San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced today that state charges against Steven Rodriguez, 57, have been dismissed in lieu of the defendant being referred for federal prosecution.

Rodriguez, who was released from state prison in November 2025 under California’s “compassionate release” program after being declared terminally ill, was re-arrested on May 7, 2026. During a vehicle stop, law enforcement located a loaded sawed-off shotgun, ammunition, and stolen license plates.

Despite court records claiming he was unable to walk or care for himself at the time of his early release, video evidence from his recent arrest showed Rodriguez moving without assistance. To ensure the most stringent possible penalties and to address the gravity of his repeat offenses, a judge has signed a federal complaint, and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office has coordinated with federal authorities for his prosecution.

District Attorney Ron Freitas commented on the development: “By moving this case to the federal level, we are ensuring that Rodriguez faces the strongest consequences for his actions. My office will continue to work in tandem with our federal partners to hold individuals accountable and keep San Joaquin County safe.”

Rodriguez was originally convicted and sentenced to 20 years for ambushing and shooting at Stockton police officers in 2017. Yet, he was released after only serving 8 years by Gavin Newsom’s Penal Code 1172.2 reserved for convicts with “serious or end-of-life medical conditions or permanent medical incapacitation.” Reportedly Rodriguez finessed the CDCR into thinking he couldn’t walk. It didn’t take Maury Povich or the arrest video to prove that was a lie.

Gavin Newsom signed the failed program (Assembly Bill 960 authored by Rob Bonta and Phil Ting of San Francisco) into law on 9/30/2022. It has since proven to be disastrous…as expected.

Both Sheriff Pat Withrow and Sherif Jim Cooper have openly condemned the failed policy. Both are registered Democrats.