LAKEPORT, Calif. – A local businessman and Lake County Chamber of Commerce Board member pleaded on Friday to two counts related to the sexual battery of a former girlfriend last year.
Richard Alvin Hamilton, 60, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor counts of sexual battery and false imprisonment at an appearance in Lake County Superior Court on Friday, according to Senior Deputy District Attorney Ed Borg.
Messages left by Lake County News for Hamilton's attorney, J. David Markham, were not returned.
Hamilton was held over for trial following a July preliminary hearing, and was set to go to trial on Nov. 2.
In July 2015, during a visit to his ex-girlfriend's home in Lakeport, Hamilton jumped on the woman, held her down and tried to push up her clothes while removing his own. He did not stop despite the woman telling him to, and the incident only ended after the woman managed to kick him off of her.
The woman did not go to police immediately, but after she made a report in October 2015, Lakeport Police Det. Dale Stoebe launched an investigation that ended days later with Hamilton's arrest.
The District Attorney’s Office initially charged Hamilton with attempted rape, rape by force, assault with the intent to commit rape, sexual battery and false imprisonment.
Court records also revealed that Hamilton – who owns a local sign company, works as a Realtor and has remained a Lake County Chamber of Commerce Board member since his arrest – had been accused of raping a woman in Sacramento County in 2001. That case was dismissed after two mistrials.
Borg said that by Hamilton pleading to the sexual battery and false imprisonment charges, the remaining charges against him were dropped.
Hamilton was sentenced to 30 days in jail, three years' summary probation and 20 hours of work service, and must complete a 52-week batterer's treatment program, which is required by law because Hamilton and the victim had a prior dating relationship, Borg said.
Additionally, Borg said a restraining order preventing Hamilton from approaching his victim is in effect for 10 years.
The plea agreement also results in Hamilton being required to register as a sex offender, Borg said.
Sex offender registration requirements include registering with the law enforcement agency in whose jurisdiction the convicted offender lives; updating their information annually with law enforcement within five working days of their birthday; and notifying law enforcement of a change of address within five days of a move, according to the Megan's Law Web site, which includes an online registry of most registered sex offenders, except for those granted exclusions, based on their charges.
Borg said the case resolution was discussed with the victim prior to settling the case, and that she was OK with the outcome.
Additionally, District Attorney Don Anderson had no involvement in the case due to a distant acquaintance with Hamilton, Borg said.
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Businessman pleads in sexual battery case
- Elizabeth Larson
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