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Medina Lomeli eager to reunite with children
Jose Rafael Medina Lomeli, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of residential burglary and one count of firearm theft in Lincoln County Superior Court, Tuesday, March 25.
ALMIRA - A man charged in connection with the Almira burglary case pled guilty in Lincoln County Superior Court and was sentenced on Tuesday, March 25.
Jose Rafael Medina Lomeli, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of residential burglary and one count of firearm theft in court, accepting a plea agreement that includes a 12-month and one-day sentence.
Medina Lomeli, who initially faced multiple charges, including motor vehicle theft and multiple firearm theft counts, had his charges amended as part of the agreement.
Prosecutors based their sentencing recommendation on his lack of prior criminal history, noting that he showed a reoffender score of 1 for residential burglary.
His defense attorney emphasized that Medina Lomeli has been cooperative throughout his time in custody and has expressed remorse for his actions.
The attorney added that he has been clean for extended periods before and believes he can maintain sobriety again. Medina Lomeli stated he is eager to reunite with his four children, coach their soccer teams, and rebuild his life.
"I am here to stand up for what I did. I want to get back into my kids' lives. I am a bullfighter and rider. I want to continue to be a professional bull rider and coach soccer," Medina Lomeli said in court. "I did 13 months in rehab already. I can get sober for them and myself."
He also mentioned his previous pursuit of a commercial driver's license and his ability to return to work on his father's farm in Ephrata.
Judge Adam Walser accepted the sentencing recommendation, stating, "I do think you are very genuine. I hope you get clean."
Most fees were waived, except for a $25 monthly witness fee, totaling $500.
Recardo Rocha, 32, who was also indicted in the case, will resume court preceedings following his treatment in Spokane.
Rocha is in treatment for drug and alcohol sobriety and care.
His case was continued in court, with a trial date set for May 14 and the readiness planned for April 15.
Olivia Harnack is the award-winning managing editor/photographer/videographer/columnist at the Lincoln County Record-Times, with offices in both Davenport and Odessa, Wash. She is a University of Idaho graduate and a U.S. Army National Guardsman.
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