LAKEPORT >> James Frederick Ledesma, 41, appeared in court for his jury trial, entering a plea of no contest to Counts of assault with a deadly weapon and burglary.
A charge of attempted murder was dismissed.
The charges relate back to an incident in November of 2015, when Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an assault reported just before noon at the 6000 block of Crump Avenue. When the deputies arrived, they discovered a man lying on the front porch bleeding from apparent stab wounds.
According to Lake County Sheriff’s Office reports, the victim insinuated that Ledesma was a thief, leading to an argument. During the altercation Ledesma stabbed the victim three times.
A surveillance system at the home recorded the incident, including images of a male stabbing the victim several times. Ledesma at one point appeared in view of the camera, where he appeared to pull a knife from his pocket.
Judge Andrew Blum presided over the trial, which is now set for a Sentencing Hearing due to Ledesma’s plea. Deputy District Attorney Sharon Lerman was present in court as well.
On the motion of the People, the Court ordered the attempted murder charge dismissed in the interest of justice and pursuant to the negotiated disposition.
The matter was referred to the Probation Department for the preparation of a sentencing report and recommendation.
A Sentencing Hearing is scheduled for Dec. 12, at 1:30 p.m. in Department 3. The Defendant is ordered to be present.
