Marysville robbery suspect deemed competent to stand trial

A Linda man accused of robbing a gas station hours after his release from state prison was deemed fit to stand trial on Friday after a four-month stint in a mental health rehabilitation ward.

Jesse N. Shoats, 29, has pleaded not guilty to robbery and battery charges in connection with a July 14 incident at a Marysville convenience store.

Judge Julia L. Scrogin reinstated criminal proceedings against Shoats on Friday morning in Yuba County Superior Court.

Shoats was placed in the care of Napa State Hospital in October after a doctor determined he was unable to understand the charges against him or aid his defense attorney during criminal proceedings. Shoats was released from state prison on July 13 and arrested less than 24 hours later.

Police said Shoats swiped money from a cash register at the AM/PM store at Seventh and E streets in Marysville. On his way out the door, officers said, Shoats slugged a 56-year-old woman in the face when she attempted to stop him from leaving.

Shoats was convicted in 2007 of animal cruelty after kicking a pit bull to death while walking along Grove Avenue in Linda. A California Highway Patrol officer witnessed Shoats pick the animal up over his head and drop kick it numerous times, according to Yuba County court records.

Shoats is due back in court March 6. A preliminary hearing is scheduled March 8.

He remains in custody at the Yuba County Jail on $50,000 bail.

CONTACT Rob Parsons at rparsons@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4785. Find him on Facebook at /ADcrimebeat or on Twitter at @ADcrimebeat.