La Plata, MD – It took a while for Charles County Circuit Court Judge H. James West’s verdict to sink in for Dante Linzsay Ruffin, 31 of Suitland, Monday, April 18.

West had just given Ruffin the break of his life, a suspended sentence. After being incarcerated for 201 days on burglary and robbery charges, Ruffin was given a 10-year sentence with all but the 201 days suspended, making him a free man.

But Ruffin was concerned that without transportation, he wouldn’t be able to get to parole and probation to fulfill the obligations handed down by West for five years of supervised probation.

The judge tried to calm the defendant down.

“You will not be the first person to have transportation issues,” West said. “Try to work those things out with the agent.”

When Ruffin continued protesting, the judge laid it on the line to him.

“Here’s the fact of the matter,” West said. “You’ve agreed to this plea. You could be facing DOC [Maryland Department of Corrections] time. Do what you have to do. Let them know about your issues. Talk to Ms. [Elizabeth] Connell, [Charles County Assistant Public Defender]. She is in the courthouse every day. She can let me know if there’s a problem.”

According to Charles County Assistant State’s Attorney Constance Kopelman, Ruffin’s difficulties began Sept. 29, 2015 when he showed up at his girlfriend’s residence in Bryans Road and entered her home without permission.

“She had trouble with Mr. Ruffin previously when he had stolen her keys,” Kopelman said. “He barged in demanding, ‘where’s my daughter?’ and slapped the victim in the face. He then pulled out a knife and called the victim a bitch. He began ripping her clothing. She was able to get away from him and called 911. When officers arrived they found her outside wrapped in a blanket missing her shirt and bra.

“He is dangerous,” she added. “He is a threat.”

Ruffin was facing sentencing in two cases. On the first, West sentenced the defendant to 201 days for second-degree assault, giving him credit for the 201 days he has served. On count three, theft of less than $1,000, he gave the defendant the same sentence to run concurrently.

On the fourth-degree assault charge he gave the defendant three years, suspending all but 201 days, and added a 10-year sentence with all but 201 days suspended and five years of supervised probation.

He also ordered the defendant to undergo a batterer’s program for domestic violence.

“Stay out of trouble and leave the victim alone,” the judge said.

Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com