Jesse Brooks, a 45-year-old Modesto man, has been sentenced to 180 years to life in prison after being convicted of premeditated attempted murder of a police officer, among other charges. The sentence was handed down by Superior Court Judge Robert Westbrook following Brooks’ conviction on February 5, 2025, for three counts of premeditated attempted murder, three counts of assault with a firearm, and felony possession of a firearm and ammunition. Additional allegations included a gun enhancement, which involved Brooks discharging a firearm that resulted in serious injury to a police officer.
The incident dates back to August 14, 2021, when Modesto police executed a search warrant at a home on Orangeburg Road, where Brooks was discovered inside. Upon being confronted by officers, Brooks reportedly declared that he would not return to prison and threatened to “shoot it out” with the police. Armed with a firearm, he barricaded himself in a room and fired 12 rounds at the officers.
During the exchange of gunfire, Modesto Police Officer Michael Rokaitis was shot in the abdomen and the upper part of his bulletproof vest. Rokaitis was rushed to a local hospital, and despite the severity of his injuries, he survived after undergoing several surgeries and years of rehabilitation. Brooks was also injured in the exchange and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
At the sentencing hearing, Officer Rokaitis delivered an emotional victim impact statement, describing how the incident almost cost him his life and the long-lasting effects it had on him and his family. In a remarkable gesture, Rokaitis forgave Brooks for the shooting.
Rokaitis, who received the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor for his bravery, endured extensive recovery and rehabilitation. District Attorney Jeff Laugero, who attended the sentencing, emphasized the importance of holding those who attack law enforcement officers accountable, stating, “This conviction and prison sentence serve as an important reminder that our community values and defends its law enforcement officers.”
The sentence reflects a commitment to safeguarding officers who risk their lives to protect the public and demonstrates the justice system’s firm stance against violence directed at law enforcement.
