On February 1, 2021 the Honorable Judge Kevin Seibert sentenced Sonora resident Gregory Dean High to 13 years 4 months in prison. High was convicted in December 2020, after a jury trial, of several felony counts of domestic violence and false imprisonment using force or violence. Acting District Attorney Eric Hovatter, who tried the case before the jury, indicated that the probation department recommended a sentence of 26 years 8 months in prison based on multiple factors, including High had a criminal history dating back to 2010 with several convictions for domestic violence (one against the same victim in this case), a prior strike conviction for First Degree Residential Burglary in 2016 for which he was on probation when he committed the offenses in this case, a history of past domestic violence that was never charged against him and a statement he gave to a probation officer after the convictions completely denying that he committed any of the offenses. An attorney for the victim spoke in court and delivered a statement from her indicating that she believed High had learned his lesson and had turned his life around. She asked that the court show mercy. That same attorney told the court that High’s family life was likely a significant contributor to his actions. Hovatter argued that the court should impose 20 years, 4 months in prison, in great part due to his prior DV history and his inability to accept responsibility for these actions, but also in recognition of the victim’s request for consideration. Mr. Hovatter also pointed out that when High completely denied being involved in any criminal activity in this case it was a clear sign he had not learned his lesson. Judge Seibert, in imposing sentence, pointed out High’s refusal to accept responsibility but indicated that the wishes of the victim should also be considered.
