Teen pleads guilty in Cedar Rapids officer assault

Stephanie Davis said so many things were going through her mind as the 18-year-old who beat her husband Police Officer Tim Davis last year pleaded guilty today in Linn County District Court.

Stephanie Davis said in a statement during a press conference this afternoon that she and Tim were satisfied with the plea agreement for Jose Rockiett, of Cedar Rapids, in which he faces up to 25 years in prison.

Davis wanted to thank her family, friends and the Cedar Rapids Police department for their prayers and encouragement as her husband continues to recover. She also thanked the Linn County Attorney's Office for their work in reaching the plea agreement.

Earlier today, Jose Rockiett, of Cedar Rapids, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree robbery and one count each of willful injury and interference with official acts. Rockiett robbed and assaulted David Scanlon, 20, and Austin Switalski on A Avenue and 16th Street NE on March 29, 2009. Scanlon received bruises and cuts and Switalski received only minor injuries.

Rockiett then beat Tim Davis unconscious when he responded to the robbery. The officer suffered serious head trauma and remained in the hospital for weeks as a result of the assault.

During the pleading, Rockiett politely answered the judge but didn't make any statements.

Joezetta Fowler, Rockiett's mother, attended his hearing but refused to speak to the media afterwards.

Stephanie Davis only made a brief statement during the press conference but indicated she would talk with media at the time of sentencing 2 p.m. March 19.

Police Chief Greg Graham said he wanted to thank the community for their “overwhelming” support during this time and thanked Stephanie Davis for giving her support to Tim. Graham said he thought the plea agreement was appropriate.

Tim Davis continues to work part-time at the department doing investigative desk work and continues his rehabilitation, Graham said. He wouldn't give any further details on the officer's condition.

First Assistant Jerry Vander Sanden said there will also be fines and restitution to be determined at time of sentencing.

Vander Sanden said he consulted with the Davis' and the other victims on the agreement before talking with the defense.

According to the plea agreement, the two robbery charges, 10 years each, will run concurrently and the willful injury and interference charges, 15 years, will run consecutively to the robbery charges for a total of 25 years.

Vander Sanden speculated Rockiett could possibly serve 15 years or more before being eligible for parole.

Two other 15-year-olds, Robert Watkins III and Maurice Harden, both of Cedar Rapids, involved in the robbery and assaults also have pleaded guilty in this case. Watkins has been sentenced and Harden will be sentenced at the same time as Rockiett.

Stephanie Davis said so many things were going through her mind as the 18-year-old who beat her husband Police Officer Tim Davis last year pleaded guilty today in Linn County District Court.

Stephanie Davis said in a statement during a press conference this afternoon that she and Tim were satisfied with the plea agreement for Jose Rockiett, of Cedar Rapids, in which he faces up to 25 years in prison.

Davis wanted to thank her family, friends and the Cedar Rapids Police department for their prayers and encouragement as her husband continues to recover. She also thanked the Linn County Attorney's Office for their work in reaching the plea agreement.

Earlier today, Jose Rockiett, of Cedar Rapids, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree robbery and one count each of willful injury and interference with official acts. Rockiett robbed and assaulted David Scanlon, 20, and Austin Switalski on A Avenue and 16th Street NE on March 29, 2009. Scanlon received bruises and cuts and Switalski received only minor injuries.

Rockiett then beat Tim Davis unconscious when he responded to the robbery. The officer suffered serious head trauma and remained in the hospital for weeks as a result of the assault.

During the pleading, Rockiett politely answered the judge but didn't make any statements.

Joezetta Fowler, Rockiett's mother, attended his hearing but refused to speak to the media afterwards.

Stephanie Davis only made a brief statement during the press conference but indicated she would talk with media at the time of sentencing 2 p.m. March 19.

Police Chief Greg Graham said he wanted to thank the community for their “overwhelming” support during this time and thanked Stephanie Davis for giving her support to Tim. Graham said he thought the plea agreement was appropriate.

Tim Davis continues to work part-time at the department doing investigative desk work and continues his rehabilitation, Graham said. He wouldn't give any further details on the officer's condition.

First Assistant Jerry Vander Sanden said there will also be fines and restitution to be determined at time of sentencing.

Vander Sanden said he consulted with the Davis' and the other victims on the agreement before talking with the defense.

According to the plea agreement, the two robbery charges, 10 years each, will run concurrently and the willful injury and interference charges, 15 years, will run consecutively to the robbery charges for a total of 25 years.

Vander Sanden speculated Rockiett could possibly serve 15 years or more before being eligible for parole.

Two other 15-year-olds, Robert Watkins III and Maurice Harden, both of Cedar Rapids, involved in the robbery and assaults also have pleaded guilty in this case. Watkins has been sentenced and Harden will be sentenced at the same time as Rockiett.