PLACERVILLE, Calif. — A Placerville man has been sentenced to two years and eight months in local prison after a string of destructive and violent incidents that disrupted downtown and nearby neighborhoods, the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office announced.
District Attorney Vern Pierson said Michah Lewis Wagener, 35, entered guilty pleas to felony resisting an executive officer and felony vandalism, and admitted aggravating factors. The sentence was handed down Sept. 12.
The first incident occurred on Feb. 12, when Placerville police responded to reports of Wagener throwing chairs into Main Street. One chair struck a passing vehicle. Authorities said Wagener later told officers he was angry about a stolen backpack. Damage from the incident was estimated at $1,000.
Months later, on June 26, police confronted Wagener near the Hangtown Motel. He resisted arrest, allegedly pushing an officer down a hill before fleeing. He was later located but continued fighting arrest before being detained.
On Aug. 4, surveillance footage captured Wagener vandalizing a city water spigot by kicking and throwing rocks at it. The damage, officials said, cost about $1,500.
Wagener was taken into custody again on Aug. 12 with three outstanding warrants. Jail records show he faced charges including aggravated battery on a peace officer, resisting an officer, and vandalism. His bail was initially set at $117,000.
“Repeated acts of violence and vandalism against the community and law enforcement cannot be tolerated,”
Pierson said in a statement.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr. Wagener’s conduct and the need to protect public safety.”
Wagener remains in custody, serving his sentence in the El Dorado County jail system.
