According Barbara Yook, Calaveras County District Attorney, Richard Joseph Coelho, 53, was sentenced to 12 years in State prison for breaking into his ex-girlfriend's home in Valley Springs.
On November 2, 2011, Coelho sawed a hole in the side of the home and went inside. When the woman arrived home, he attacked and handcuffed her.
She calmed him down by talking to him, and talked him into leaving. Then she called 911. Coelho was arrested that evening at a storage facility in Modesto based on a tip.
Coelho pled guilty to first degree burglary, a felony, and admitted a prior "strike" conviction which doubled his possible sentence.
During the sentencing hearing, the defense attorney argued that Coelho's prior "strike" should not be used against him. Deputy District Attorney Milt Matchak argued that Coelho deserved the extra punishment in this case due to the seriousness of this crime and his past record.
Calaveras County Superior Court Judge John E. Martin, agreed with DDA Matchak and sentenced Coelho to the maximum of 12 years in State prison on May 25, 2012.
Coelho will have to seve 85% of the sentence before being eligible for parole.
"This was a harrowing experience for the victim, but somehow she was able to keep her wits about her, said District Attorney Barbara Yook. "This was a a dangerous crime and when combined with Coelho's prior criminal history he deserved the twelve years." said DDA Matchak.
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