Jesse Rugge, Jesse James Hollywood Accomplice, Eligible for Release

Jesse Rugge, an accomplice of Jesse James Hollywood in the high profile murder of 15-year-old Nicholas Markowitz at Lizard’s Mouth 13 years ago, will be eligible for release as early as next year. Convicted of kidnapping, Rugge had been sentenced to serve seven years to life for his role in the slaying stemming from a drug debt gone bad. According to prison records, Rugge — serving time in Chino — has been an exemplary prisoner. Markowitz was kidnapped from his San Fernando Valley home by friends of Hollywood because Markowitz’s older brother owed Hollywood money for drugs. Rugge served as one of Markowitz’s keepers while Hollywood’s crew kept him in Santa Barbara. Opposing Rugge’s eligibility for release were both of Markowitz’s parents and the Santa Barbara District Attorney.