Riverside County DA’s Office Addresses “Misinformation” Regarding Prior Case Against Jake Haro
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has issued a statement addressing what it calls “a significant amount of misinformation” circulating regarding its handling of a previous criminal case involving Jake Haro. Haro is currently facing charges related to the death of his infant son, Emmanuel. The DA’s statement aims to clarify the office’s actions and position in Haro’s prior case, which involved injuries inflicted upon his then-10-week-old daughter.
The DA’s office asserts that an internal review has confirmed prosecutors’ belief that the initial charges against Haro in the prior case could have been more severe, given the nature and extent of the victim’s injuries. Had the case proceeded to a preliminary hearing, the DA’s office contends that they likely would have sought to amend the charges to reflect the gravity of the situation. However, Haro pleaded guilty before the preliminary hearing stage, and the court accepted his plea agreement.
The DA’s office emphasizes its strong objection to the sentence Haro received: probation, encompassing 180 days in a work release program and a suspended prison sentence. Prosecutors underscore that their objection was formally voiced “in open court and on the record,” citing the seriousness and permanent nature of the injuries Haro inflicted upon his daughter. The statement highlights the court’s awareness of the “heinous and permanent nature” of the young victim’s injuries despite its decision to deviate from the prosecution’s recommendation of prison time.
While acknowledging the court’s discretionary power to grant probation, the DA’s office maintains that, in Haro’s case, granting probation constituted an “inappropriate use of that discretion.” This, they assert, forms the basis of their objection. The statement reiterates that the court’s decision to grant probation, despite the prosecution’s objections, was within its legal purview. However, the DA’s office maintains its stance that a prison sentence would have been a more appropriate outcome given the severity of the injuries inflicted on Haro’s daughter.
The DA’s office concludes its statement by emphasizing its commitment to seeking justice for Baby Emmanuel, Haro’s infant son who tragically lost his life. The office stresses the importance of maintaining focus on the individual responsible for Emmanuel’s death and directing efforts toward ensuring justice is served. This, they state, is their primary focus. The statement underscores the need to avoid distractions and prioritize the pursuit of justice in the ongoing case concerning Baby Emmanuel’s death.
The statement issued by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office aims to address public concerns and clarify its role in the prior case involving Jake Haro. The DA’s office maintains that it advocated for a more severe punishment for Haro in the previous case, but the court ultimately exercised its discretion to grant probation. Now, with Haro facing new charges in connection with the death of his infant son, the DA’s office reaffirms its commitment to seeking justice for Baby Emmanuel. The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings will determine the outcome of this tragic case. The DA’s office pledges to keep the public informed of any significant developments as they unfold.