Sonora, CA – Tuolumne County District Attorney announced that on January 7, 2025, the Tuolumne County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Inmate Robert Lawerance Ransom Jr. related to his sexual assault of Correctional Officer Katie Jackson at Sierra Conservation Center on January 20, 2024.
Ransom is charged by complaint with 12 felony counts related to this incident. The charges are as follows:
In Count 1, Ransom is charged with assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury in violation of Penal Code section 245(a)(4)).
In Count 2, Ransom is charged with false imprisonment by violence in violation of Penal Code section 236.
In Count 3, Ransom is charged with criminal threats in violation of Penal Code section 422.
It is further alleged as to Counts 1, 2, and 3 that Ransom personally used and was armed with a firearm, specifically a Ruger Mini-14 Rifle, in violation of Penal Code sections 12022.5 and 12022(a)(1).
In Counts 4 and 8, Ransom is charged with kidnapping to commit a sex offense in violation of Penal Code section 209(b)(1).
In Count 5 and 9, Ransom is charged with kidnapping in violation of Penal Code section 207(a).
It is further alleged as to Counts 4 and 5 that Ransom personally used and was armed with a firearm during the commission of kidnapping and rape, specifically a Ruger Mini-14 Rifle, in violation of Penal Code sections 12022.53(b), 12022.5(a), and 12022(a)(1).
In Count 6, Ransom is charged with sexual penetration by use of force in violation of Penal Code section 289(a)(1)(A).
In Counts 7 and 10, Ransom is charged with forcible rape in violation of Penal Code section 261(a)(2).
It is further alleged as to Counts 6, 7, and 10, that several one strike sentencing factors apply including aggravated kidnapping, kidnapping, and personal use of the firearm subjecting Ransom to imprisonment for life. These factors are alleged pursuant to Penal Code section 667.61(d) and (e). Additionally, as to Counts 6, 7, and 10, it is alleged that Ransom personally used and was armed with a firearm during the commission of kidnapping and rape, specifically a Ruger Mini-14 Rifle, in violation of Penal Code sections 12022.53(b), 12022.5(a), and 12022(a)(1).
In Counts 11 and 12, Ransom is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of Penal Code sections 29800(a)(1) and 30305.
Additionally, it is alleged that Ransom suffered seven prior serious or violent felony convictions from Los Angeles County, including carjacking, assault with a firearm, first degree murder with a firearm, first degree attempted murder, and robbery. His prior convictions subject him to a variety of sentencing enhancements including three-strikes sentencing.
Moreover, a series of aggravating factors are alleged based on Ransom’s criminal history and conduct in this case.
Ransom remains incarcerated by CDCR for his prior convictions. His arraignment on these charges is currently set for February 10, 2025, in Department 4 at 130PM in Tuolumne County Superior Court.
The Tuolumne County District Attorney will not be providing any additional comments on this case. This case is being prosecuted by Tuolumne County District Attorney Cassandra Jenecke.
