ROCKWALL —
On Oct. 9, it took a Rockwall County jury less than two hours to convict Bryan Michael Baum of retaliation and harassment of a public servant.
Following the verdicts, the jury sentenced the previously-convicted felon to 20 years in prison, the maximum for each offense.
On Feb. 4, Rockwall Police Department Officer Benton Brumit Jr. responded to a call at the Harbor District for a car alarm sounding repeatedly. Brumit encountered Baum and after a brief investigation found him to be highly intoxicated. Baum was arrested for public intoxication. While being transported to the Rockwall County Detention Center, Baum made threats against Officer Brumit, including numerous threats to kill him.
Baum was so combative, according to the officers, that upon arriving at the Rockwall County Detention Center, he had to be placed in a restraint chair for his and the officers’ safety. While being wheeled back into the jail, Baum spit on two detention officers.
Both retaliation and harassment of a public servant are third-degree felonies.
However, based upon Baum’s criminal history, the offenses were enhanced to second-degree felonies, each carrying a range of punishment of two to 20 years imprisonment.
“The legislature made these offenses felonies to ensure that law enforcement would be able to safely carry out their duty to protect the public without threat of harm or retaliation,” lead prosecutor Damita Sangermano said.
Alex Imgrund, who assisted in the prosecution of the case, lauded the jury’s decision. “The jury’s verdict supports the law that threats and harassment are not part of an officer’s job description,” Imgrund said.
Local News
Rockwall jury convicts Baum to 20 years for retaliation and harassment
Decision reached in less than two hours
- Local News
-
-
Witham's annual Memorial Day event scheduled for Sunday
Activities at Mark Witham’s annual Memorial Weekend Open House scheduled for Sunday will include military vehicle rides, armored vehicle demonstrations, a living history weapons demonstration and a World War II skirmish.
-
County road projects see progress
One major road project in Rockwall County is ready to get underway, while others are seeing significant progress in the planning stages, according to Precinct 4 Commissioner David Magness.
-
Newly-elected board members take oath
The newly-elected members of the Rockwall Independent School District Board of Trustees were sworn in Monday and new officers were elected during the regular meeting.
-
Unemployment matches five-year low
The local employment numbers are reaching new highs according to the most recent numbers provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.
More than 200 people found jobs in Rockwall County last month, as the local unemployment rate matched the lowest total since 2008. -
Iraqi siblings at RHS paint lighter picture of home
There is place more than 7,000 miles away that most Americans only know from horrific scenes on the news. But two Rockwall High School students have lived there and know a different side of the story.
-
THE BIG DIG
Rockwall recently enjoyed a moment in the spotlight as geologists marveled at the town’s namesake. The actual rock wall once discovered by the founders of the city was excavated by local father-son duo Kevin and Daniel Richeson for an episode of the History Channel series “America Unearthed,” scheduled to air in November.
-
Former RPD crime analyst joins Royse City staff
Thomas Fry, crime analyst and computer technician for the Rockwall Police Department since 2005, joined the City of Royse City staff on May 6 as senior project manager.
-
Rockwall-based group providing hope for sick children
Hundreds of kids are diagnosed with cancer every week, and once that happens, the weeks and months to come are certain to be difficult as radiation and chemotherapy treatments become a routine.
The people with Baskets of Hope can’t cure cancer, but they can certainly provide a bit of relief, comfort and inspiration to cancer-ridden children across the nation. -
RISD security item tabled by court
After weeks of discussion on a huge issue presented to the court, the Rockwall County Commissioners Court did not make a motion to vote on the item during Tuesday’s regular meeting.
-
AT YOUR SERVICE
Life should get a bit easier for five disabled veterans, as each received their service dog last Friday during a graduation ceremony at Patriot PAWS in Rockwall.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Witham's annual Memorial Day event scheduled for Sunday
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
