Compassionate Release Recipient Arraigned After Arrest for Alleged Possession of Sawed-Off Shotgun Months After Prison Release

A convicted violent offender who was granted compassionate release from state prison after claiming he was terminally ill has now been arrested again after allegedly being found driving with a sawed-off shotgun, ammunition, and stolen license plates.

Steven Rodriguez was previously convicted of assault on a peace officer, causing injury with a gang enhancement, and multiple gun-related charges. He was sentenced to 21 years in state prison after nearly killing two law enforcement officers.

In October 2025, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) petitioned the court for Rodriguez’s compassionate release, supported by medical documentation claiming he suffered from a terminal condition and was expected to die within four to five months. Court records indicated Rodriguez allegedly could not walk, feed himself, or perform basic daily tasks without assistance. His attorney appeared on his behalf, claiming Rodriguez was too ill to travel to court.

The People objected to his release and the court ultimately ruled that the law required Rodriguez’s release based on the medical findings presented by CDCR and medical professionals.

On May 7, 2026, Rodriguez was arrested again after law enforcement stopped him while he was allegedly driving a vehicle. During the stop, officers reportedly located a sawed-off shotgun, ammunition, and stolen license plates inside the vehicle. Investigators later searched a residence connected to the case.

Rodriguez’s daughter was also arrested and allegedly admitted the license plates attached to her vehicle had been stolen.

During Rodriguez’s arraignment on May 11, 2026, he appeared in court in a wheelchair.

The People argued that Rodriguez has five prior strike convictions and remains a significant danger to the community. The court ultimately declined to release Rodriguez pending further proceedings.

District Attorney Ron Freitas issued the following statement:

“While compassionate release is intended to address genuine humanitarian needs, this case demonstrates that it is anything but compassionate for the community when it allows dangerous individuals to return to our streets. The defendant was granted release after claiming he was too ill to even feed or move himself. Yet shortly after walking free, he was stopped driving with a sawed-off shotgun, stolen plates, and now appears in court in a wheelchair despite clear video evidence showing him walking normally. This is not compassion, it’s a dangerous loophole that puts law enforcement officers and the public at risk.”

Rodriguez currently faces new weapons-related charges and additional allegations. Prosecutors are also reviewing whether the compassionate release may impact the remainder of his original prison sentence.

His next court appearance is May 19, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Dept 8C.