Castroville man found guilty of assaulting a deputy

Castroville was found guilty by jury of assaulting a peace officer and other related misdemeanors. This was announced on June 16, 2015 by Monterey County District Attorney Dean D. Flippo. Samuel Ceja

On January 8, 2015, the 20 year old and his mother were involved in a verbal dispute regarding Ceja’s eviction from her house. Ceja’s mother called 911 twice within 40 minutes. Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies responded to both calls.

Upon arriving at the home the second time, a deputy heard Ceja screaming at his mother about hitting her and ran towards her with a closed fist. The deputy was able to stop Ceja from hurting his mother, but he later ran from the deputy.

When Ceja reached the door, he turned around and tried to strike the deputy, prosecutors said. The deputy was able to avoid being hit and arrested Ceja.

A jury found Ceja guilty of assaulting the deputy and other misdemeanor charges. He will be sentenced on July 1 by Judge Hulsey. He faces a maximum punishment of up to a year in the Monterey County Jail.