Navy Vet Sentenced to 5 Years Probation for Threatening College Administrator

TORRANCE, CA - A former El Camino College student and Navy veteran was sentenced to five years probation Friday and ordered to complete a substance abuse treatment program for threatening to kill a school administrator.

James Gustavo Lemus, 36, pleaded no contest to a felony count of criminal threats, and was immediately sentenced by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Dudley Gray.

According to police and prosecutors, Lemus threatening to kill Dr. Francisco Arce, the college's vice president of academic affairs, and other college administrators in 2014.

As part of his plea deal, Lemus was ordered to remain jailed until officials from the Veterans Administration can transfer him to a residential treatment program. Gray ordered Lemus to complete the program at the VA for at least six months, with follow-up outpatient treatment for 18 months, according to the District Attorney's Office.

He was also ordered to undergo mental health treatment and to stay at least 1,000 feet away from El Camino College and any current or former college workers.

If he violates any terms of his probation, he could face up to three years in prison.

—City News Service, photo via Shutterstock