A former pastor at Valley Bible Fellowship in Bakersfield who fled to Ojai after strangling his wife with an electrical cord has been sentenced to 19 years in prison.

Joseph Raddatz admits he was on illegal steroids and alcohol during last year’s assault on Jewetta Avenue. Defense attorney Thomas Rogers was proud of his client for reading an apology letter to his wife in court Tuesday.

Raddatz had pleaded no contest to attempted murder last month. He must also pay restitution to his wife.

Kelli Forsch