Man who told forest ranger ‘You’re Dead’ gets 18 months in prison

A Hemet man was sentenced Monday to 18 months in federal prison for threatening the life of a U.S. Forest Service ranger when the lawman attempted to speak to him about illegal trash dumping.

Richard Douglas Latka, 57, was convicted last October of threatening to kill a federal officer, following a three-day trial in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.

“Threatening the lives of law enforcement officers will not be tolerated,” U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker said after the trial. “The officer in this case took many steps to de-escalate the situation and prevent it from
getting worse. If not for the officer’s professionalism and calm, the defendant’s conduct could have become more violent and dangerous.”

The forest ranger, whose identity was not disclosed in court documents, went to a residence just outside the boundaries of the San Bernardino National Forest on Oct. 12, 2014, as part of an investigation into illegal refuse dumping.

When the ranger approached the residence and asked to speak with Latka’s housemate, the defendant flew into a rage and charged him with closed fists, according to prosecutors. The lawman pulled out his stun gun, believing he was about to be assaulted, at which point Latka stopped short of making physical contact.

Prosecutors said that after the ranger got into his vehicle, Latka pounded on the window, ranting at him. As the lawman drove away from the property, Latka chased him in his own vehicle, yelling, “Next time, you’re
dead!,” according to court documents.

Witnesses also said Latka later told them he intended to harm the lawman. The ensuing investigation spanned more than four months before Latka was arrested.

According to Riverside County Superior Court documents, Latka has several minor traffic-related convictions. He also was successfully sued by the California Employment Development Department in the early 2000s, though the details of that action were not available.