It’s been reported that Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland was arrested. He’s facing one felony count of domestic battery with corporal injury and one felony count of false imprisonment by menace, violence, fraud, and/or deceit. The alleged victim is reportedly only known as “Jane Doe” at this time.
This information comes via NBC News. The charges are connected to an incident which is estimated to have occurred on or about January 19, 2020. The anonymous Jane Doe was dating Justin Roiland at the time.
This incident led to a criminal complaint filed in May 2020 by the Orange County District Attorney. However, Roiland pleaded not guilty in 2020. Roiland’s attorney, T. Edward Welbourn, wrote the following statement in defense of his client:
“We look forward to clearing Justin’s name and helping him move forward as swiftly as possible,” he stated.
In the time since Roiland pleaded not guilty in October 2020, the case is said to have “been the subject of more than a dozen court hearings, including pre-trial hearings.” It was also noted that “a trial date is not currently set.” They also revealed the following details:
“Many court records remained sealed but the available public documents seen by NBC News say Roiland was charged in May 2020. Roiland was arrested and released on a $50,000 bond in August 2020 and arraigned in October 2020.”
Furthermore, a protective order was filed in October 2020 which ordered Roiland “not to harass, threaten or surveil the person named in the protective order.” This also means that Roiland cannot come within 100 feet of the Jane Doe. Additionally, Roiland must turn in any firearms that are under his ownership or possession. It’s currently unknown who submitted the request for the order though it’s set to last until October 2023.
Other details are being withheld from the public. However, it appears that Roiland was given a plea offer – though other details are unavailable. Roiland is ordered to attend a follow-up brief hearing on April 27. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for additional updates as we have them.