Eric Lovett was found guilty of dissuading a witness and a gang enhancement
(Woodland, CA) – April 22, 2016 – Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig announced that on April 20, 2016 a Yolo County jury found 31-year-old West Sacramento man Eric Lovett guilty of dissuading a witness. Lovett, known as “Maniac,” was also found guilty of committing a felony for the benefit of the Norteño Criminal Street Gang. The jury could not reach a decision on an additional charge of Accessory to Commit Attempted Murder.
On February 19, 2015 Lovett, a validated Broderick Boy Criminal Street gang member, was in court for his preliminary hearing on charges of Accessory to Attempted Murder for the November 18, 2014 shooting by Michael Reyes. Reyes is also a validated Broderick Boy. While the victim of the shooting was testifying about the events surrounding being shot several times in the back, Lovett made a slicing motions with his finger across his throat. Law enforcement officers present in the courtroom observed the threat and it was also captured on court surveillance video. Reyes was later convicted and is currently serving a life sentence for the underlying shooting.
The Honorable Daniel Maguire presided over the jury trial. Lovett is a “3 striker” as he has been convicted of committing two prior strike offenses. In 2004 Lovett was convicted of Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Yolo County and in 2010 he was convicted of Criminal Street Gang Activity in San Joaquin County. He also has served five prior prison sentences. A hearing is scheduled for April 29, 2016 at which time Judge Maguire will hear evidence on the prior strikes and prison prior offense. If convicted of these additional case enhancements, Lovett will face up to 45 years-to-life in state prison.
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