On Wednesday (Jan 24), a Seminole County Jury found Rocky RUDOLPH JR (42), guilty of Attempted Manslaughter (F3), Aggravated Battery Upon a Law Enforcement Officer (F1), Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon (F2), Resisting an Officer Without Violence (M1), Fleeing Attempting to Elude (F3), Attempting to Deprive Officer of Protection Communication (F3), and Possession of Cannabis (M1), after he fled from a traffic stop injuring a Seminole County Deputy Sheriff on June 29, 2019.

 

Circuit Judge Melanie Chase presided over the three (3) day trial with evidence presented by Assistant State Attorneys Gino Feliciani and Jason Miller. RUDOLPH testified that he had been in fear of the deputy when he fled, resulting in the deputy hanging onto the SUV, eventually falling to the ground. The jury however agreed with prosecutors who presented evidence that RUDOLPH fled to avoid being arrested for possession of cannabis and a firearm by convicted felon at the time of the traffic stop.

 

After approximately four (4) hours of deliberation, the jury returned with the guilty verdicts.

 

Judge Chase adjudicated RUDOLPH guilty, ordered him held in custody, and set sentencing for February 14, 2024, at 9:00 am. As a felon with multiple convictions, RUDOLPH faces a potential maximum sentence of life in prison.

 

In a statement after the verdict State Attorney Phil Archer said, "I want to commend this jury for recognizing that attempting to avoid arrest by using violence toward an officer is always a crime. Too often these incidents turn deadly and I'm thankful this one didn't." He added, "Hopefully this conviction sends a clear message that you won't avoid jail, you'll get more time in it. A lot more if someone gets hurt"