Rodney Freeman "No Contest" Plea on Chesterman Assault Case

Butte County Superior Court, Oroville, CA

Friday August 16, Rodney Freeman (18) plead “No Contest” to Felony Assault with Great Bodily Injury” for the February 8th attack on Daniel Chesterman (19) in Chico, CA. Chesterman was visiting his sister, Christina Chesterman (21) who is attending CSU Chico. The plea can result in a maximum sentence of 4 years in State Prison.

Freeman was given the option by Judge Steven J. Howell to receive his sentence in the normal 4 weeks or to wait for Judge Howell himself to deliver the sentence on November 19. Freeman opted for November 19 which was not opposed by Butte County Lt. DA Jacqueline Devlin.

When Daniel Chesterman's Mother, Sandra Chesterman spoke with Lt. DA Devlin, she was told that normally guilty plea results in about half of the resulting sentence being served. However, due to the severity of the injuries sustained by Daniel, Freeman will have to serve at least 85% of the sentence.

David and Sandra Chesterman were sitting in the front row of the courtroom seating only a short time. Sandra observed that Freeman had cleaned himself up considerably, cut his hair and looked far better than he had on previous court appearances. She said that once Judge Howell called the case, Freeman's attorney, Michael Rooney, asked the judge and the prosecutor to come into conference after which he entered the new plea on behalf of his client.

Freeman will be on probation till the sentencing date, any violation of which will result in his being immediately sentenced to the full four years as prescribed by law.

“I am so glad this is over!” exclaimed Sandra as she spoke about the case. “It's just such a relief!”

Lt. DA Devlin, however, has requested victims impact statements from the Chestermans to be read in court on November 19th. “Jackie wants one from Dave, Me, Daniel, and Christina... you know she got there just as the ambulance was about to leave!”

Christina Chesterman, who Daniel was visiting at the time, had run some 15 blocks barefoot after she received word her brother was injured and arrived to find him being loaded into the ambulance.

This will be Rodney Freeman's first strike under California's Three Strikes Law and his first felony conviction as an adult.

Having plead “No Contest” instead of “Guilty” Freeman's plea may not be used in any civil suit seeking damages for Daniel's injuries. However, as Daniel's injuries were so extensive a civil case is being considered.

Following the court date, Mrs. Chesterman also visited the witness who called 911 and thanked her for having taken action.

The Chestermans also received a text message from Chico Police Chief Kirk Trostle telling them he was pleased with the verdict and would be following the sentencing.

Sandra Chesterman was also interviewed by KRCR TV on Friday, August 16. KRCR was instrumental in the case, having discovered an incriminating Twitter post made by Rodney Freeman.

Previous Stories in this case:

Granada Grad Brutally Assaulted in Chico

Butte County DA: Chesterman Assault Case is Solid!