CALIF. MAN JAILED AFTER HOUSING HOMELESS ON RANCH

A California rancher who houses homeless people on his property chose to serve 90 days in jail rather than accept probation after being convicted of misdemeanor safety violations. Dan de Vaul says the terms of probation offered Monday would prevent him from sheltering about 30 people who reside at his ranch and participate in a substance abuse recovery program.

The 66-year-old de Vaul says he is proud to go to jail for housing the homeless. About 30 supporters applauded as he was led out of court in handcuffs. Judge John Trice says officials have offered to help de Vaul bring his property up to code, but he would not accept assistance.

A jury in San Luis Obispo convicted him of two misdemeanors for violations of building and safety code.

[Thanks to Travis Holte]

UPDATE: Nick Badalament sent this:

JURIST BAILS DAN DE VAUL OUT OF JAIL

The Dan De Vaul story continued yesterday when Mary Partin, juror number five in his trial, put up $500 for his $5,000 bail.

On Monday, Judge Trice sentenced De Vaul to 90 days in jail after he refused terms of probation. Partin who voted guilty says she caved in to judicial pressure even though she thought De Vaul was innocent. Partin took the required $500 to a bondsman, and eight hours later De Vaul was released.

In October De Vaul’s attorney asked for a new trial because of Partin’s claims, but last week Judge Michael Duffy refused the request. Yesterday, De Vaul’s attorney filed a notice that he plans to appeal the judge’s ruling.