Redmond domestic abuser gets 3-year prison term

A Redmond domestic abuser was sentenced Tuesday to three years in prison for two “vicious assaults” on his wife in the past year, according to Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel, who called it “a good day for public safety” in the county.

“Prison is not always the answer, but some people earn the right to be there,” Hummel said. “Jimmy Herrera is one of those people.”

Herrera was sentenced by Circuit Judge Wells Ashby for the assaults that occurred last November and in April of this year, the result of guilty pleas that occurred on the eve of trial.

In the November incident, Herrera’s wife called 911 from the family’s home after Herrera assaulted her, Hummel said..

“On the 911 call recording you can hear her crying and dry heaving. The fight started over money issues,” Hummel said in a news release on the case. “Herrera hit his wife in the face, causing swelling to her eye and a split lip. At the time of the assault, three young children were present.” In that case, Herrera ws convicted of fourth-degree assault.

In the April incident, “Herrera was upset at his wife because he thought she made a face at him,” Hummel wrote. “Because of this, Herrera screamed at her. She then left their bedroom, but Herrera ran after her, grabbed ahold of her, and dragged her back inside the bedroom, causing injuries.

“She told him multiple times she wanted to leave, but he refused to let her go. He then pushed her down and cocked his fist like he was going to hit her. She managed to get away and again escaped the bedroom.

“Herrera ran after her to bring her back to the bedroom, but fortunately at that point. a third party arrived at the house and Herrera fled,” the DA said.

During that incident, a young child was in the house and heard the fight, Hummel said. Herrera was convicted of a felony charge of four-degree assault witnessed by a child, as well as coercion.

Hummel noted that Herrera has 17 convictions over the last 15 years. They include charges of assault, menacing, stalking, harassment, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, according to online court records

“For the last 15 years, Jimmy Herrera has been a menace to our community,” Hummel said. “These recent assaults on his wife were the final straw. When Mr. Herrera is released from prison, I and my deputies stand ready willing and able to bring the full force of justice upon him if he yet again breaks the law. Enough is enough!”

Hummel said Herrera’s prosecution was a “team effort” of his office and local law enforcement.

The Redmond Police Department investigated, Deputy District Attorneys Matt Nelson, Van McIver and Drew Moore prepared the case for trial; trial assistants and IT staff ably handled the administrative aspects of the cases; and Victims’ Advocates supported Mr. Herrera’s wife throughout.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Hummel encourages anyone who is experiencing domestic or sexual assault to call 911 or Saving Grace’s 24-Hour hotline at: 541-389-7021