Man Gets Probation in Detox Clinic Plea Bargain

One of four men accused of running an unlicensed North Hollywood detox clinic where authorities allege recovering alcoholics were tied up and force-fed alcohol, was sentenced to probation Friday for a death at the clinic.

Authorities initially said Jose Rodriguez was in charge of the filthy “mattress room” where patients were kept for days, in some cases against their will. But on the eve of trial, Deputy Dist. Atty. Craig Renetzky said that there was no proof Rodriguez ran the place and that his involvement with the May death of Enrique Bravo appeared to be minimal.

Rodriguez pleaded no contest to manslaughter charges in exchange for a sentence of three years’ probation.

Two other men have already served jail terms in the case, and the last defendant is scheduled to be sentenced next week.