Ryan James LaRue was sentenced to serve 28 to 72 months in prison for a category B felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon.
LaRue was arrested on May 2 and originally charged with four separate felony counts, all of which he pleaded not guilty in June.
The original filed charges included robbery with the use of a deadly weapon (category B felony), burglary with the use of a deadly weapon (category B felony), assault with a deadly weapon (category B felony) and habitual criminal (category A felony).
In October LaRue changed his plea to amended information filed by the Humboldt County District Attorney, charging him with one count of assault with a deadly weapon, for which he pleaded guilty to.
The potential penalties for the charge include one to six years in prison, a maximum $5,000 fine with the eligibility for probation.
In an arraignment hearing, 36-year-old LaRue admitted to putting a sword or knife against the chest or stomach of someone, causing them to be in immediate harm.
At his sentencing hearing, LaRue said he had taken and completed two classes for drugs and alcohol during his time in jail. The court also heard from Bill DeLong, who teaches bible study at the jail on Thursdays, of which LaRue had been a regular participant of.
DeLong said he had a lot of interaction with LaRue during the class and that during his interactions, he has seen LaRue transition to a less self-centered mentality than when he started attending.
LaRue’s attorney, Humboldt County Public Defender Matthew Stermitz said his client does well out in the community when not using drugs, and asked the court to allow LaRue to be placed on probation and participate in the Humboldt County Drug Court program rather than serve a prison sentence.
The department of parole and probation recommended that LaRue be ordered to serve 28 to 72 months in prison.
LaRue asked to be given a chance to participate in drug court rather than go to prison.
“I’m willing to do whatever it takes,” said LaRue. “I have been in and out of jail the last four years – I just want to change my life.”
Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Michael Montero ordered LaRue to serve a prison sentence of 28 to 72 months, with credit for time served of 223 days. LaRue was also ordered to pay a $3 DNA collection fee, $25 administrative assessment fee and $500 public defender fee.
“I think you have so much potential and hope that you will find it in you at some point to use the tools you have been given and the principles to overcome this addiction,” said Montero.
