Former Humboldt Superior Court Clerk Matt Dobie now Humboldt Deputy DA passed the bar on his first try, won his first jury trial which I wrote about and just won his second jury trial yeserday against former Humboldt DA now defense attorney, Paul Gallegos who represents Tukatuk Many Trees Nelson aka Wyatt Morgan Mello aka Robert Curtis James Jr.
65 million for one county for 162 beds is why homeless exist in CA. I have similar stats for certain programs in Humboldt. If this money went directly to people, it helps them be self sufficient.
None of the other local media called out those local programs, the elected officials.
Thanks to Grok for the summary.
I have written several times about the Humboldt Deputy District Attorney Rebecca Buckley-Stein addition to the DA's office and hoping she would be taking on certain type of cases. I have suggested more than once she shadow Deputy DA Whitney Timm and Deputy DA Carolyn Schaffer and be a back up.
This successful prosecution and quick verdict in a DUI case is just one of the posts I reported on Ms. Buckley-Stein.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/01/congratulations-to-humboldt-deputy-da.html?m=1
If you read my court coverage; there is no shortage of pervs in Humboldt. It literally feels like a daily battle with local law enforcement and the DA's office inundated with arrests. Since I cover them; I know how exhausting and impossible it to keep up.
I am the only one cover a lot of local court cases; and with so many arrests and repeat offenders, my priority is always the molestation, rape and domestic violence cases. They are the worst and unremorseful criminals.
Ms. Buckley-Stein is going to be the prosecutor for certain misdemeanor sex abuse cases. She is now the prosecutor for domestic violence cases which used to be Deputy DA Candace Myers who is now assigned to general felonies.
There are several other new Deputy DAs who have adjusted well and although their cases do not get as much coverage yet; I have written about their hiring and mention their names in cases I follow. Deputy DA Frank Olivares; Deputy DA Dave Watson; Deputy DA Matt Dobie and Deputy DA Victoria Reierstad. Ms. Reierstad is another attorney to watch out for the prosecution of serious crimes.
All these attorneys have been mentored by more experienced, successful prosecutors such as Ms. Timm, Ms. Schaffer, Deputy DA Roger Rees and Deputy DA Trent Timm.
One of the DA's Investigators is leaving. I know Unfortunately, it is someone who I like here and when he was formerly at EPD. I know which local law enforcement agency he is going to but I promised him that I would not include that until he gave me the okay.
I had written about another investigator possibly leaving but that is just talk and wishful thinking from other agencies and selfishly I hope that it isn't the case.
You heard, read it here first. Richard Toledo details and court documents will be added throughout the day.
Yesterday's Humboldt jail log mostly has arrests for probation violations, drugs, DUI and drunk in public.
Since this is California and then you add in the Humboldt factor, the only two arrests that may see consequences are Jesse James Rodriguez and Richard Louis Toledo. There maybe a chance Toledo will be held accountable.
Rodriguez. who was arrested yesterday by Eureka Police Department for PC 207 kidnapping and PC 236 false imprisonment and PC PC273.5 domestic violence. Rodriguez posted bond. There is a conviction in a 2024 EPD traffic case.
I have not covered Rodriguez before but anyone who looks at the daily jail reports recognizes that name. A 2013 EPD case for identity theft was dismissed. Other Humboldt court listings do not list a middle name for some cases so I don't know if it is him.
Toledo was arrested by CalPoly Humboldt Police yesterday on a Ramey warrant for PC 236 false imprisonment; PC 182(a)(1) conspiracy, PC 240 assault and PC 242 battery.
CalPoly Humboldt has a civil petition for workplace violence lawsuit filed on 3/3/26 against Toledo. The California Attorney General's Office is representing CPH.
Toledo is a student who trespassed, allegedly assaulted CPH staff. CPH is planning to expel him. Toledo currently has an interim suspension. One of the declarations by the interim Dean of Students mentions Toledo has multiple convictions involving drugs and alcohol. There are no cases in Humboldt except this civil lawsuit.
I will add more details and all the court documents later and throughout the day so you can read all the information yourself. There is an hearing on 3/25/26 on Order to Show Cause and a temporary restraining order which was granted on 3/4/26 by Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel.
I have reached out to both CPH's Aileen Yoo and Supervising Deputy Attorney General Samuel Kim about Toledo.
Cal Poly Humboldt's Melissa L Hutsell responded to my inquiry regarding Richard Toledo. I asked, "Given Toledo's arrest for criminal charges this morning, what is the status of his expulsion?"
Ms. Hutsell responded, "Hi John, Thanks for reaching out. The University cannot discuss specific student conduct cases due to policy and protections provided through the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The University is following established processes consistent with CSU and Cal Poly Humboldt policies to address the situation as needed."
CalPoly Humboldt Police also arrested Adam Vinh Le yesterday for PC 626.2 which is trespass on campus. It is a misdemeanor charge for a student or employee, suspended or dismissed for disrupting an educational institution who willfully and knowingly re-enters that campus without authorization. It carries penalties of up to six months in jail and/or a $500 fine.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District Office of Northern California just issued a press release about 64 year old Haddow Mills of Napa who was indicted by a federal grand jury for threatening a federal government official. The indictment filed January 28, 2026 was unsealed today.
AB 1998 introduced on February 17, 2026is authored by California Assemblymember Leticia Castillo who represents the District 58 and is a Republican.
The proposed legislation would define sexin state law as biological and immutable — male or female — and require private facilities such as bathrooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms and showers to be separated accordingly in spaces where individuals typically undress or expect privacy from the opposite sex. Single-occupancy bathrooms will remain gender-neutral. This effort is being backed by the conservative California Family Council.
No other local media has reported on it but I am sure they will follow up on it now or run a cookie cutter California column.
Eureka Police Office just issued a press release about an investigation into deaths at a Eureka motel on the motel at the 4000 block of Broadway. People already know which motel it is from the location. I like to confirm myself and contacted EPD Assistant PIO and Analyst Rachel Sollom and it is the Lamplighter.
The crucial part of the press release is, "The property owner was contacted and at that time, City of Eureka’s Code Enforcement and the Chief Building official were requested to the scene. The Chief Building official, HBF Fire Chief and the Fire Marshall determined the motel should not be occupied until mechanical inspections of each room were completed and additional fire code violations are remedied. The City of Eureka Building Official served the business owner with a First and Final Notice requiring the location to be closed untilidentified violations are remedied and inspected."
Yesterday, I told my Facebook readers that I would be doing a new post on the Destinee Rhamy homicide trial since I was in the courtroom for some of her testimony yesterday. Unless something significant happens; all updates until the verdict will be added to this post.
The trial is started later than scheduled because Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran was calling the Courtroom 8 calendar. The courtroom opened at 9:36 a.m.
Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for this case. Ms. Andrea Sullivan is Rhamy's attorney. She is her third court appointed attorney because the Public Defender's Office declared a last minute conflict which caused a delay in this 2023 case.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/03/two-year-homicide-case-delayed-because.html?m=1
I was sitting on the side of the courtroom with Victim Witness Advocate MH, victim Holland Elbik's mother and another woman who maybe a family member or friend. Across the courtroom are the four Rhamy's family members and friends including a woman who I think is her grandmother based on the courtroom reaction to Rhamy's witness.
Judge Lawrence Killoran had to tell audience in the Destinee Rhamy trial "not to make audible responses to questions". This was from both the Rhany and Elbik side. It is very annoying and distracting for jurors, the judge, attorneys as well as me trying to listen and take notes.
There are always cases in Humboldt you can smell drama from the beginning and family members who think acting out in a court of law "helps" the victim or the defendant. Keep your Real Lives of Humboldt in your living room.
Elbik was Rhamy's 27 year old roomate. Rhamy was 20 years old in 2023 when she was arrested.
Zach Hood, a witness in the case, could not be in the courtroom. He hugged Rhamy before she went into court this morning.
I don't know Rhamy. I don't know Elbik. I have seen Rhamy with Ms. Sullivan at the courthouse. As I have said multiple times before, Rhamy is lucky to have Ms. Sullivan as an attorney.
Unlike the testy exchanges between Juan Ferrer and Mr. Rees in the Arcata chef Douglas Anderson-Jordet case which resulted in Ferrer conviction of voluntary manslaughter and also involved a stabbing; Rhamy did not snap at Mr. Rees. Maybe because she has a competent attorney who prepped her for testimony and cross examination and how to behave.
Mr. Rees asked Rhamy, "After seeing the body cam of Officer Cassidy and the 911 call, would you agree you are a liar?"
Ms. Sullivan objected. Mr. Rees said, "it goes to credibility."
Rhamy responded, "No."
Ms. Sullivan replayed a portion of People's Exhibit 48 and then questioned Rhamy.
Rhamy did not remember that phone call. She said, "I was heavily medicated in jail. I had PTSD, anxiety and depression."
Rhamy talked about "Holly" reaching out for help. She made a statement about Elbik's mom saying, "Her mom should be held accountable. She couldn't come get her fucking kids."
Rhamy testified that Elbik talked about the government having control of her mind and that Elbik tried to light a fire "10 or more times."
Rhamy said calls were made to EPD. She called once. Mr. Rees objected to Rhamy testifying about the calls made by her grandfather.
Rhamy testified she feared Elbik "may burn the house down." She was "afraid Zach was being killed."
She regrets not telling EPD Detective Raymond Nunez about the knife. While Rhamy did not remember text messages; she acknowledged sending those text messages.
Rhamy does not remember but agreed that Elbik was stabbed in the chest.
Rhamy was thinking of calling a family friend who has retired as an attorney but did not follow through.
Based on what I heard today, self defense is definitely going to be an argument Ms. Sullivan will make during closing.
Jurors excused early on 3/5/26. Attorneys met this afternoon with Judge Killoran to finalize jury instructions. Closing arguments are tomorrow on 3/6.
Since I posted, the jury make up has changed with one juror being excused for illness. A female alternate juror replaced that juror. Two male alternates remain.
District Attorney Stacey Eads was in the courtroom yesterday afternoon. I was there as she left which was after jurors left for the day.
Before my related post about the complaint filed against EPD Police Chief Brian Stephens and this post, Elbik's mother was a reader and positive about my coverage. If her opinion has changed, I don't know but I don't report based on what one side or the other or anyone thinks of me and unlike Victim Witness, the prosecution, the defense or any party or EPD; I report on testimony, facts and evidence available.
For those who are following my trial coverage, I have been including links for previous posts on the trial. There are updates in each post with court minutes.
I included links to all my coverage on the case in the very first post on the trial.
3/6/26: Jurors headed into deliberations at 1:51 p.m.
Humboldt County Sheriff deputies had a busy day yesterday, according to the jail log which has several repeat offenders and arrests for being drunk which is a typical Humboldt day.
Two arrested for the same charges by HCSO yesterday. I don't recall seeing either name before but that does not mean they do not have prior criminal records.
Patricio Martinez was arrested yesterday morning by HCSO for PC 243(d) aggravated battery, PC459/461(a) burglary, PC182(a)(1) conspiracy. Ayden Russell Johnson one 45 minutes later for the same charges.
This is the last post I did on convicted felon Joseph Larue who resolved his Humboldt cases and was ordered transported to Oregon. He had a fugitive from justice warrant from Oregon.
A reader sent me these images from the Josephine County early a.m. on 3/5/26. Larue was booked into Josephine County jail on 3/4/26.
While I appreciate the information as will my readers; Larue is Oregon's problem now.
This morning the preliminary hearing scheduled for alleged molestor Ryan Roberson was continued to this afternoon. It was continued from yesterday because defense was given some discovery.
I was in Courtroom 1 when Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum called the case and was ready to send it to Courtroom 7. Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo disqualified Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge John Feeney.
Did that disqualification have to do with Judge Feeney denying Robertson OR and supervised release? My readers are smart enough and familiar enough with how Humboldt works to answer that question themselves.
Judge Cockrum then tried to send the preliminary hearing to Courtroom 3 but due to another preliminary hearing scheduled that afternoon and Judge Steven Steward's morning calendar; it was determined this preliminary hearing may not conclude by noon. Judge Cockrum asked attorneys to return to Courtroom 1 this afternoon for the preliminary hearing.
There tends to be a lot of judge "shopping" in Humboldt and disqualifications; mostly by local Humboldt public defenders. Besides delaying hearings for hours or days; it is russian roulette for public safety.
The time estimate for the preliminary hearing was 45 minutes. Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm is the prosecutor. DA Investigator Ryan Hill was the People's only witness. The hearing took over 2 hours with a break for Judge Cockrum to look over exhibits before hearing arguments and making his ruling.
Robertson is charged with three felonies and one misdemeanor.
Judge Cockrum held Robertson to answer to all the charges and denied the defense 17 (b) motion to reduce the three felony charges to misdemeanors. His remarks included Ms. Timm's arguments.
At first, it seemed Judge Cockrum was going to grant bail reduction. After Ms. Timm's arguments; there was no bail reduction but a decision to put Robertson on supervised release which makes no sense. Judge Cockrum outlined some of the terms of release. There is an OR bail for 3/6/26 and arraignment on information is on 3/18/26.
I am going to do a detailed post on today's hearing but since there is a hearing on Friday, I may wait until the weekend. There was no other media in court. The only other people in the courtroom were Robertson's parents and another female family member or acquaintance. She was very distracting during the hearing with the shaking of the head and dramatic entrances. After the hearing, she left in a huff.
Unlike Judge Lawrence Killoran telling the audience in the Destinee Rhamy trial "not to make audible responses to questions"; Judge Cockrum did not admonish her behavior. There are always cases in Humboldt you can smell drama from the beginning and family members who think acting out in a court of law "helps" the victim or the defendant. Keep your Real Lives of Humboldt in your living room.
There are details from today's preliminary hearing that are not in the complaint. I made a choice to cover this in person because it is now harder and more time consuming to get access to certain court documents and information.
This case has some differences and some issues than other cases. There is another Jane Doe from 2024 who has left Humboldt County and refused to do a CAST interview. DNA from Jane Doe's clothing has been sent to the DOJ. Judge Cockrum did not consider the Jane Doe information while making his ruling. There was testimony allowed about and you will have to wait why until the detailed post.
Mr. Russo argued that his client had been catfished. Judge Cockrum used legal catfishing. Judge Cockrum said there is no victim in this 2026 case. Robertson was chatting and texting with "Emmy", a 13 year old who is actually Humboldt DA Investigator Ryan Hill with a fake Facebook account and an AI generated photo of Investigator Hill to appear female.
Ms. Timm cited case law, what the California legislature allows so law enforcement can keep the public safe and going over count by count, using Robertson's own text messages and words presented the case at preliminary hearing and why Robertson should be held to answer.
The preliminary hearing will give you an insight how social media, apps and law enforcement interact and arrest predators.
I don't know when and if this case will go to trial. I don't know when DOJ will have DNA results from Jane Doe's clothing. All that can impact the outcome of this case. If it goes to trial, can 12 jurors come to a decision? Some may agree with the DA; it only takes 1 or 2 to be persuaded by Mr. Russo's argument.
I agree with Ms. Timm.
The defense that he was catfished fails when you carry on a conversation with someone who has said they are minor for 5 days with explicit sexual photos and texts. Men who are not attracted to minors dont "test"; suspect someone of being a cop or a bot unless they are wary of being caught. They also dont need go on communicating for 5 days and then agree to have a clandestine meeting. Not only is Robertson an alleged predator but cheap. He wanted "Emmy" to take a bus from Eureka to Fortuna.
Last night, the Eureka Police Department (EPD) presented Operation Gateway 101 to City Council, highlighting a coordinated, proactive effort to improve traffic safety and quality of life along the U.S. Highway 101 Corridor.
Ranjit Marcu is a real Estate Broker and has legal document service that several lawyers had never heard off. The last time I walked by the 5th street location where this legal services office was, it seems Marcu has moved and I confirmed it with others who have dealt with her.
The google reviews for Marcu and Associates are dismal and reminded me of my interaction with Marcu years ago. Or you can just see the way Marcu filled the small claims form. I have seen Joe Schmo with no legal background do better. Writing by hand would make it easier to read or typing on a separate attachment.
Marcu filed a small claims lawsuit against the City of Eureka on 2/18/26 asking for $1,208.18. I did not see a proof of service yet. A hearing is scheduled on 4/24/26.
Marcu alleges that Marcu's dog "inhaled a foxtail through her nose while at the City of Eureka's Del Norte Dog Park." Overgrown weeds, grass and foxtails caused her dog's injuries requiring emergency surgery.
Most likely, Humboldt Superior Court Commissioner Sarah Kaber will hear arguments in this case. Could be another judge.
This lawsuit falls in the Delman Smith, Laila Khaleeli category of lawsuits and if you read me regularly; you know what I think.
Google overview will give you a basic idea of California law and Marcu's chances.
There is a declaration and claim form against the City of Eureka. Photos of vegetation with no time stamp or where it is; I have only added one. I am not including receipts with financial information or photos of the exhibit with a sign of the Del Norte Dog Park and a phone number to call with improvement ideas and photo of a no smoking sign. I am not sure what these signs has to do with her dog being injured. The photo of a sign about no unleashed dogs and dog park rules including one saying owners are legally responsible for the behavior of their dogs at all times does not help her. Text messages where she has the phone number of City of Eureka's Jeff Raimey saved and she asks who she is speaking with?
In small claims case, parties represent themselves.
Since their arrest in 2023, I have been the only regularly reporting on Sunshine Massage pimping and pandering suspects and Xiao Wang's cases.
There has been talk of resolution and yet the plea deal never happens. Today, since this morning, I saw both of them waiting on the second floor of the courthouse. Their attorney, Kevin Cole in discussions with Deputy District Attorney Ian Harris.
A Mandarin interpreter was present today. Wang. There was a plea. Details are in the court minutes. Sentencing on 4/8/26.
The preliminary hearing for Danielle Durand and Deunn Willis was scheduled this morning. Willis' attorney, Mr. Kreis had filed a motion to compel discovery. Durand's attorney is Ms. Joanne Carter.
It was put over to Courtroom 4 this afternoon and then continued to 3/10 for setting of preliminary hearing and the motion to compel discovery.
This is one of the cases full of drama and there are a lot of people at the courthouse today who have nothing better to do than focus on me instead of conducting themselves properly in a court of law and facing the reality why their family members or friends are in court.
I had to find a space to post the initial update, one of the family members in this case said, "you are that reporter guy." Fortunately, we were in court and he left me alone.
Another sex offender's parents are here. I have no idea why. His case is not on calendar.
Ms. Carter asked Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel to put certain remarks on record. I saw Ms. Carter this morning in the second floor and was confused why the court minutes from this morning said she was not present. She admitted she was not inside the courtroom and explained why. So, the court reporter was correct technically.
What is at issue is why Ms. Carter was not in the courtroom.Nothing was done that affected Durand's rights.
If Ms. Carter not said what she did on record, paper would have shown her as a no show. Court minutes are the final say but they are not always accurate.
Deputy District Attorney Matt Dobie was there this morning. This afternoon it was Deputy DA Trent Timm. Deputy DA Roger Rees, the prosecutor on this case, is currently busy with the Destinee Rhamy jury trial.
Mr. Kreis was present in court this morning. I took screenshots from this morning's court minutes.
Ms. Carter said she was waiting outside Courtroom 3 because of a jury proceeding. Ms. Carter said the case was called without her being notified. Also, I checked the bailiff did call all parties for the case but since the second floor was packed; maybe Ms. Carter did not hear?
Mr. Kreis was initially unavailable due to a jury trial. That case resolved and he was available.
By the time, Mr. Kreis' availability changed, Mr. Timm had "called off 7 witnesses; which included two civilians."
Part of this is because the the inmates are running the asylum in Humboldt Superior Court. Last minute plea deals and trial resolutions because inmates and their attorneys know how to work the system. If there is an offer and you are dragging it out for hours on the day of your preliminary hearing or jury trial and you are in custody or have not entered a time waiver; there needs to be a deadline or the time waiver pulled. Not all cases and othera sit around all day for mostly repeat offenders and defendants with molestation and sex abuse cases.
I cover Utah Courts and Utah judges don't allow criminals to dictate their time or courts. Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Neel is making some pro active changes including pre trial conferences with attorneys and even in the way she dealt with the Durand and Willis case.
This is just one example of the chaos and stress that is the working environment daily on the second floor. There is always a backlog. Every time it seems like you are caught up, the repeat offenders resurface and it is a direct result of the failed policies of the Democrats and California Governor Gavin Newsom's bad policies and decisions to close prisons and reducing crimes to misdemeanors and failed diversion programs.
Some family law hearings, the mental health calendar, Wellness court, drug court should all be over Zoom. And that would alleviate 90% of the drama, congestion and people who act out on the second floor of the Humboldt County Courthouse.
Yesterday, the People finished presenting their evidence in the Destinee Rhamy homicide trial. Forensic pathologist, Dr. Mark Super was one of the witnesses who testified for the People. It has been a while I have seen Dr. Super testify at a trial in Humboldt.
Rhamy took the stand yesterday. I have included court minutes from yesterday. If you are a new reader or someone who has not checked my blog in the last couple of days; you should read my related posts about this case involving the City of Eureka and Eureka Police Chief Brian Stephens.
Scott Price was arrested by Eureka Police Department yesterday for PC 290.011(a) failure to register as a sex offender, PC664/488 attempted petty theft and PC 666.1 petty theft with a prior.