Bad behavior in jailhouse hearing for suspect with tuberculosis

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- An out-of-the-ordinary court hearing brought a judge, court staff, attorneys, and even a deputy bailiff to the Fresno County Jail Monday to deal with a defendant under quarantine.

Steven Gutierrez Reyes is a sexually violent predator who was committed to Coalinga State Hospital. He's suspected of having tuberculosis, but he's refusing testing.

It's not a common sight to see, but Judge Adolfo Corona walked up to the front door of the Fresno County Jail, held the door for his staff, then entered the building to bring court to an inmate who can't leave his cell.

Reyes is under quarantine because health officials suspect he has tuberculosis. His alleged crime is refusing to let doctors find out for sure.

"It's truly a unique situation," said John Savrnoch of the Fresno County District Attorney's Office. "The allegation in this case is simply that the patient is refusing to comply with an order of the public health officer."

Last week, Judge Corona tried to get Reyes to enter a plea by teleconference. When that didn't work, they brought court to him, despite the potential he's carrying a contagious disease.

Reyes is in one of two medical isolation cells on the second floor of the jail. We weren't allowed inside, but attorneys told us they protected themselves by staying on the other side of a glass window.

"We've been informed by the doctors that as long as there's some sort of barrier, there's zero risk of communication of the disease," said Reyes' public defender, Michael Wasserman.

Reyes is a 59-year-old convicted kidnapper and rapist. He's already served his time, but was diagnosed as a sexually violent predator and committed to Coalinga State Hospital. That's where doctors determined he might have TB, and where he refused a chest X-ray to make sure.

Court staff told Action News he was also belligerent during his jail court hearing and ended with a deputy taking him away. But everyone involved said there's no concern of spreading infection.

"His contact with the jail staff is by jail staff that has been specifically trained," said Savrnoch. "They're taking the precautions recommended by the department of health."

Reyes can only serve a year in jail if he's convicted on the charges, but prosecutors say they'll just file new charges if Reyes still refuses testing.