Opinion ID: 1808114
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Rhodes' Behavior Toward Special Prosecutor

Text: In April or May 1987, Roth told Rhodes that he was considering reducing the false imprisonment charge against Speer to two Class I misdemeanors. Roth testified that Rhodes was not pleased and did not think it was a proper plea bargain. On May 21, 1987, Roth filed an amended information charging Speer with third degree assault. Pursuant to a plea agreement, Speer pled guilty to third degree assault, and the false imprisonment charge was dropped. After Speer entered his guilty plea, he prepared a typewritten statement regarding the incident. Beginning at page 4 of his statement, Speer discusses the gifts given to him by Rhodes, the Omaha trip, Rhodes' offers to pay Speer's college expenses, and the incident in Vancouver. Speer stated at page 6 that he was charged with kidnapping and false imprisonment because Rhodes was using this incident to gain revenge against me for turning down his advances towards me. Roth testified that after the plea agreement, his professional relationship with Rhodes became strained. Rhodes barely spoke to Roth after Speer's plea was accepted. For example, Rhodes began sending everyday correspondence to Roth by certified mail, made many objections to Roth's motions and discovery requests, would not give Roth access to police reports, and indicated there would be no more plea bargains on felony cases. The policy on plea bargaining extended to other attorneys besides Roth. Rhodes also began objecting to Roth's fees as a court-appointed attorney. Rhodes believed that Roth was charging the county excessive fees and was using work product which he was gaining as an attorney for the State and using it against the State. Rhodes remained frightened of Speer. One day in June 1987, Rhodes observed Speer at the cafe in a shaking rage. That evening, Rhodes wore a shoulder holster to the cafe and heard Speer yelling in the kitchen. Rhodes' food was late, so he put his feet up and read a newspaper. Speer appeared and told Rhodes to put his feet down. When Rhodes paid for his meal, he took his jacket off so Speer could see the holster. Rhodes testified, I thought if he realized I was armed, he would be less likely to go ahead with an attack. Speer called the police. An officer came and spoke to Speer, but not to Rhodes.