Modesto man sentenced to 180 years to life for attempted murder of officer
(FOX40.COM) — A Modesto man has been sentenced to prison for the premeditated attempted murder of a police officer.
According to Stanislaus County District Attorney Jeff Laugero, Jesse Brooks, 45, from Modesto, was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Robert Westbrook to 180 years to life in prison.
The sentence follows Brooks' conviction by jury on Feb. 5 of three counts of premeditated attempted murder of a police officer, three counts of assault with a firearm and felon in possession of a gun and ammunition, said SCDA. He also had several related allegations, including a gun enhancement that alleged Brooks discharged a firearm that caused serious injury to a police officer.
SCDA said this sentencing is related to crimes that were committed by Brooks on August 14, 2021, in Modesto. On this date, police officers executed a search warrant at a home on Orangeburg Road and discovered Brooks to be inside the home.
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SCDA said that Brooks stated that he would not go back to prison and would shoot it out with the police. When the officers were able to get into the home, Brooks armed himself with a firearm, barricaded himself in a room, and fired 12 rounds at the officers.
During the gun battle, Modesto Police Officer Michael Rokaitis was shot in the abdomen and the upper part of his bulletproof vest, said SDCA. MPD officers then returned fire and struck Brooks several times.
SDCA said both the officer and the suspect were transported to a local hospital to be treated for their wounds.
On Friday, during the hearing, SDCA stated in a press release that Officer Rokaitis gave a powerful victim impact statement and spoke directly to the suspect about how he almost lost his life and how the experience has affected him and his family.
SCDA said that during the statement, Rokaitis forgave Brooks.
Officials stated that Rokaitis nearly died from his gunshot wound and faced years of surgery and rehabilitation to recover. He received the law enforcement Medal of Honor for his actions in this incident.
D.A. Laugero, who attended the sentencing hearing, stated, 'The sentencing of Brooks for nearly killing Officer Rokaitis is a powerful affirmation that we will not tolerate violence against our front-line protectors and our justice system stands firmly behind those who risk their lives to keep our community safe. While no sentence can completely heal the deep physical and emotional scars inflicted by such a violent encounter, this conviction and prison sentence serve as an important reminder that our community values and defends its law enforcement officers.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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