ππ ππππππ ππππππ ππβπ ππ π πππ πππππππ π πππππ ππππππππππ πππ ππππππ ππππππππ
PLACERVILLE, CA β On August 22, 2025, James Richey pleaded guilty in El Dorado County Court to felony possession of ammunition by a felon. Richey also admitted a prior strike conviction and was sentenced to 32 months in state prison.
The defendant sought mental health diversion, but Deputy District Attorney Matthew Gallagher successfully opposed the request, and the Court denied the motion. Later, the defense filed a Romero motionβa request to dismiss a prior strike conviction, but the DA’s Office argued against the motion. The Court again sided with the prosecution, upholding Richeyβs strike.
The case originated from a March 5, 2024, incident, when El Dorado County Sheriffβs Detective Toney conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, Richey admitted his driverβs license was suspended due to a prior DUI conviction and acknowledged he was on probation for a child sex offense out of Sacramento County. He further admitted possessing ammunition, a BB gun in his vehicle, and recent drug use. Richey also told deputies he had recently been shooting a firearm despite being prohibited from doing so.
A subsequent vehicle search revealed:
1. Two boxes of .22 caliber ammunition (150 live rounds),
2. Several loose rounds,
3. A holster with 10 rounds, and
4. Fireworks.
This case underscores the continued partnership between the El Dorado County District Attorneyβs Office and the El Dorado County Sheriffβs Office in keeping our community safe.