CA AG Bonta warns public of fake court notice scam

California AG Bonta just sent out a statement about a court notice scam which alleges you owe money for a traffic or toll ticket and demand immediate payment.

Anthony Horst arrested for criminal threats; Donovan Larimore arrested for false imprisonment and domestic violence

Anthony Milo Horst was arrested yesterday by HCSO for PC 422 (a) criminal threats. Donovan Lee Larimore arrested by Arcata Police Department yesterday for PC 236 false imprisonment and PC 273.5(a) domestic violence.

Tuesday is yet another County and Court holiday

 

Finally finished all my updates from last week. If you want the current information and exclusive information on Georgi Tonev, Josalyn Spagel, Andrew Tuttle, Daniel Fidler, Tavin Evans, Analia Martinez and others check the previous posts. Betwen the repeat offenders, new arrests, cases being continued four, five, six times in a week and all these attorney conflicts; not every case gets a new post. 

Few cases from Friday were continued to Monday.

First Humboldt crime Truth Social style post was funnier; hard to be witty when you spend your weekend updating SSDD

 

What I wrote on 7/21/2025:

What is going on with you "boys" and in some cases, "gals?" Those of you at the too clean Humboldt Hilton with three hots and a cot you losers don't deserve. You are really putting a damper on the Humboldt fog. Law enforcement, attorneys, correctional deputies, court staff and law abiding public and I are on one team. Make Eureka Safe Again. Crescent City, San Francisco, Oregon are really not sending us their best. It is summertime.  We are tired of seeing your mugshot, fed up of seeing you out on the street, not interested in your sob story for the 10th time about how you will change. Put on some "big boy" and "big girl" pants, enough of this arson, robbery, vandalism DEI.  We need a break from your crime. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

If only Humboldt law enforcement, attorneys, correctional deputies, court staff and law abiding public could address Humboldt criminals "Truth Social" style. Since they can't or won't, I will as the local reporter and blogger regularly covering court and crime.

I was going to do one for the family law litigants but they have no sense of humor.

I have earned the right after what reporting truth, especially about courts, has cost me personally, financially and done to my health.

The post I did on July 21, 2025 still applies today, except things have gotten worse.

What is going on with you Humboldt repeat offenders? Those of you with constant visits to the Humboldt Hilton. Conflicts of interests, multiple continuances in a week have overloaded the Humboldt court system. There are no beds for the new Humboldt man buns and gals with shaved heads. Slap on the wrist plea deals for four or five cases?! Even San Francisco's mayor, a moderate Democrat is trying hard! Fix your crime issue or expect a visit from Tom Homan. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

I admit, the first one was funnier. I am also exhausted and ready now to start my staycation. 

Child pornography suspect Alias Hensel faces federal charges; Humboldt case will be dismissed

 

I have been adding updates to child pornography suspect Alias Hensel's 2025 case to the November 2025 post. It includes the 8 felonies he is charged with in the Humboldt case and all developments until this new post.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/11/alias-hensel-arrested-for-sending.html?m=1#more

On 3/26/26, setting of preliminary hearing/change of plea was continued by the Humboldt County DA to 4/17/26. After Hensel is arraigned on the federal indictment; the Humboldt case will be dismissed.

Future updates until the dismissal of the Humboldt Superior Court case will be added to this post.

After several warnings and issuing a citywide tactical alert for Los Angeles, there were several arrests today by LAPD and more are expected

 

A candidate from the local left who is already being selective about access and treating all fairly

Victor Garcia chose who he sent his press release to; Victor you are a month behind my reporting that you planned to run. Does not bode well that as a potential candidate, you do not treat all local media sources fairly. Those who support you are aware who I am.

Victor still has not filed any paperwork with the City of Eureka so his campaign announcement is meaningless.

Victor, we already have enough activists on Eureka City Council. What we need is people who know how to run a business, can budget and increase opportunities for private industry.

This post is for the survivors, the families, the lawyers and law enforcement

 

Christopher Diven's father in law thanked me again for the updates on the case. Two other local media covered the preliminary hearing. So did I while covering 20 to 30 defendants with multiple cases daily. He contacted me twice because  

He is not local and I have covered Diven regularly and for years. Many people contact me whether other media covers a random hearing or any case because I have been there for years and continue to be the one to inform and help. You don't hear about all the people I help at the courthouse, even on a busy day or respond to, in addition to the content I provide. As exhausted as I am, what makes it worthwhile is the survivors, the families who rely on my consistent, detailed coverage. Lawyers, law enforcement, others at the courthouse follow me to see what is going on. These are the people who never demand anything for me and appreciate me. The people who support me personally, financially or both; even those who give what they can once could contact me but they are the ones who give me space and ask for nothing.

After I finish another weekend of updates and new posts, I am taking some time for me next week. When and how long, no one besides the people mentioned above need to know. Whatever and whenever that time is, I may or may not do minimal posts, you may not see a difference in my daily content.

If I don't respond to tips, if you have to wait for some update, that is just how it will be. Taking an entire day off has not happened in 22 years. I am going to try. I may even make it two or three days. It won't be enough because I will be taking care of everything I have not been able to but it will be a break from the toxic den of evil at 825 5th street and around that building.

For all those who aren't loyal, take me for granted; don't worry. The time I take off will still have sloppy local error filled clickbait from other local media. Pigs might fly and the other local media may even apologize for their error. Link for related reference.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/03/getting-arrested-for-dui-near-epd.html?m=1

A Humboldt small claims lawsuit filed by Sacramento couple mentions habitability issues; $6,806, Complete Property Management and a defendant with the same name as a Humboldt Deputy DA

 

I noticed a small claims hearing on calendar this morning with the name exactly the same as Humbolt Deputy DA Victoria Reierstad. I was not in the courtroom today so I cannot confirm if this case involves Ms . Reierstad. I did not see her on the second floor at all today. It is not a common name.

Michael Taney is an attorney at Humboldt Superior Court. He is listed on this case as pro tem judge. Humboldt Commissioner Sarah Kaber usually hears small claims cases.

"A pro tem judge (pro tempore) is a temporary judge—often a qualified attorney or retired judge—appointed to act in place of a regular judge who is absent, disqualified, or when a court vacancy exists. They handle cases, such as small claims, with the same authority as a regular judge. " Legal Information Institute

The case was filed on December 5, 2025. There was one hearing on 3/13/26. The parties did not stipulate to Mr. Taney hearing the matter. It was continued to today. E court lists that at the request of Ms. Reierstad, the small claims hearing was continued to 4/24/26.

I have included court documents which include the claim filed by plaintiffs and the 3/13 court minutes. Between the 3/13/26 court minutes which do not list Complete Property Management properly with other parties; the omission of Complete Property Management in e court under parties and no idea if Alyssa and Samuel Wilson filed out the small claims form properly; I will have to wait, clarify and update, if neccessary the role of parties.

The dispute is about $6,806, a Humboldt property rental and habitability issues which the Sacramento couple claimed was sustained by "Humboldt County Building Department."

If the Wilsons provided any evidence, it was not in e court. I do not know this Sacramento couple but just based on the filing, I can sense drama from them and I am not buying the " poor me victim" routine. I have only had one interaction with Ms. Munger and she is very professional. If this is Deputy DA Reierstad, I have had interactions with her. She is professional and kind. 

Another judicial appointment release from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Humboldt Department 6 MIA; again

 

Another judicial appointment release from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Humboldt Department 6 MIA; again

I have been reporting on Zephyr lawsuit, Nicole Fryer, owner of Humboldt Bay Social Club for months

 

As usual Lost Coast Outpost is a day late and a dollar short. I have been reporting on the Zephyr lawsuit, Nicole Fryer, Humboldt Social Club for months. There are regular updates in my posts. The 2/20/26 update in the February 11, 2026 post has the judgement and court minutes.

LOCO recently apologized for one error with their RCEA debacle . I pointed out other errors by LOCO recently. If you want court documents and accuracy and haven't read my posts on Zephyr, check out the three posts I have done.

LOCO runs to City of Eureka manager Miles Slattery a lot and vice versa whenever LOCO wants to pretend they are publishing some big deal for the first time or the City of Eureka and Slattery need a distraction from the public pissed about something. All local media follow my blog and Facebook. This news is months old and I reported it because I actively research news and cases of public interest.

LOCO is cowardly. They report on this lawsuit months later because Fryer is not someone with resources or money and in a vulnerable position. Unlike them, I report on all lawsuits involving people in power and with money in a small county based on newsworthiness.

Instead of Slattery vs Fryer and he said, she said, you can check out all court documents I provide with my reporting.

Of course, the other local media never give credit to my reporting first. People who read more than one source know.

The good ole boys and gals who own most of the local media and their staff are petty, unprofessional. I work very hard without the money and resources they have and those of you who enable them by your silence also deserve to be called out.

Kai Jones who pleaded guilty in case for human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors sentenced to 8 years in prison

California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the sentencing of Kai Jones for the human trafficking and sexual exploitation of two minors. Operating out of Los Angeles, Alameda, Monterey, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties in 2022, Jones lured his underage victims with promises of protection and a bright future in exchange for the money they received from performing commercial sex acts. As a result of the investigative work and prosecution by the California Department of Justice (DOJ), Jones was charged with seven felonies, including human trafficking of a minor, pimping of a minor, and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. On February 13, 2026, he pleaded guilty and, today, he was sentenced to eight years in prison.

"Remove him"; Judge Killoran orders court staff to put guy smoking blunt on Zoom put in cyber jail and timeout

**The You Tube video is of a Tennesse man who was charged with possession of marijuana and decided to light up a joint in court.**

Typical Humboldt criminal. 

While covering the Destinee Rhamy case, Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran and attorney Ms. Andrea Sullivan noticed a guy dressed in a red shirt "smoking a blunt" on Zoom. Ms. Sullivan also said "he had an illegal weapon behind him."

Judge Killoran asked court staff to "Remove him." He was put in cyber jail for a time out so Judge Killoran could complete proceedings on the Rhamy case.

The guy in Humboldt was so stoned. He didn't even flinch as Judge Killoran addressed him.

Based on yesterday's arrests and who was on the Courtroom 5 calendar, I have at least two names to check out. 

Judicial intervention this morning in Destinee Rhamy case; retrial scheduled in June

Holland Elbik's mother, Kay Elbik, despite an admonition from Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran during the first trial was disrespectful to the court, other people in the courtroom 5 this morning and chose to talk with Victim Witness Rep before the Destinee Rhamy case, while other cases were called and while I was covering the Rhamy case. She was seated behind me. No other media was in court. Rhamy and her family were respectful. 

Ms. Andrea Sullivan said, "I discussed options with my client. She has elected to go forward with a new trial."

At request of defense, a judicial intervention is happening this morning. Trial dates were set. Readiness Conference on June 2; jury trial on June 15. Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for the case. The intervention did not result in a resolution today.

Depending on judicial intervention, there maybe changes.

The search feature on the blog provides access to all prior coverage. I have exclusive information on this case and if you have not read it before; you should for additional context to understand this post. The 3/12/26 post has links to trial and other coverage on the Rhamy case.

Lloyd Snyder arrested for intimidating a witness, continuous sexual abuse of a child and child endangerment

Lloyd Allen Snyder was arrested by HCSO yesterday for PC 136.1(a)(1) intimidating a witness, PC 288.5(a) continuous sexual abuse of a child and PC 273a(a) child endangerment.

There is very little information, no court documents in older cases and no middle name listed in four family law cases with the sane woman for a Lloyd Snyder in Humboldt Superior Court. One of the cases was dismissed.

Whether it is a message in 2014, 2019 or today, the messages I receive from survivors is what reporting is about and should be

 

Thank you for your work in Humboldt. It is so hard to get information and as a survivor of someone you have been covering, you were the only place to find information that allowed me and my daughter to feel safe. 

California let us down and we return to our lives of fear, but for that time he was in jail, your reporting kept us informed. I cannot believe they would allow a three strike felon to trade it for a misdemeanor, I wish they knew how many things this man has gotten away with in his life. 

Thank you for all that you do.

I miss Humboldt so much and life is so much harder when you have no family, but even thousands of miles away, that man scares me. 

Thank you again for your work, I truly appreciated being able to know what was happening and had over a year where I could sleep knowing he was behind bars where he belonged. 

This is part of an email I received today. There are those who say they believe in God and there are those who live it through their actions and their lives.

If you have followed my reporting in Humboldt from the beginning, the emails and messages I have received from the survivors over the year are the ones that matter. 

These are just two of them.

From my very first job as a journalist in Philadelphia right after college, even when I worked in traditional, mainstream media; my reporting included  news that helped gave survivors a voice. At that time, I had editors and publishers and there were weeks I had to convince them to cover those stories in meetings versus the fluff some advertiser wanted. I put in the extra time; if needed.

Now, I am my own boss. I don't have sales reps.  I don't have a steady paycheck every Friday. I still do the reporting. I am the sales rep.  I am very grateful to those who support my work in Humboldt.

Records subpoenaed from Building and Planning and St. Joe's in Humboldt human trafficking suspect case

 

(HCSO's arrest of Tonev)

Human trafficking suspect had two 2026 cases on calendar today on 3/26. CR2600915 is the case filed first and is scheduled for preliminary hearing. In this case, the Humboldt County DA has subpoenaed 4 manila envelopes from Humboldt Building and Planning yesterday. I already reported that on 3/18, DA subpoenaed records from St. Joseph's Hospital.

CR2601052 the second case is on for motion to examine bail. In that second case, preliminary hearing is scheduled for 4/3.

Deputy DA Carolyn Schaffer appeared on the case instead of Deputy DA Rebecca Buckley-Stein this week. Ms Andrea Sullivan is Tonev's attorney.

Whether the preliminary hearing in the first case proceeds or not is unknown until the case is called and certain other issues are addressed.

I am posting this preview before the hearing. 

10:56 a.m.: Tonev released on first file without having to pay $465,000 bail. DA choses to have contested hearing on $25,000 in second case which will be held this afternoon. If defense wins that as well, Tonev will be released from custody. Both preliminary hearings now on 4/3. Defense had two witnesses ready today. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum asked attorneys today to come back at 1:30.

If you followed my coverage on this case, you know the background. HCSO Deputy Justin Pryor was ordered to be here today by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward. Instead he is at the training in Illinois. There were no consequences for the deputy.

No other media in court. No other media has been at every hearing.

1:35: Waiting for Courtroom 3 to open.  Part of the hearing was completed today. Rest will be completed tomorrow. Ms. Schaffer has a homicide preliminary hearing tomorrow morning so schedule will be flexible. A referral was made to supervised release on the second case.

If you followed my coverage on this case, you know the background. 

The hearing on bail will conclude tomorrow. When I finish updating this post, there are details that were revealed in court like an undercover operation that led to Tonev's arrest. 

3/27/26: Judge Steward will issue his ruling on 3/30/26. Once again, with last minute notice; the DA will either advance or continue the preliminary hearing.

I was at the hearing and took detailed notes. HCSO conducted an undercover operation. Tonev is a U.S  citizen, he own property in L.A. Judge Steward found there was no evidence presented by the DA about alleged statements tgat Tonev would flee to Bulgaria.

I do have concerns about this CA bill charging for public records but I blame people like Kent Sawatzky

Assembly Bill 1821, authored by California Democrat Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco would allow public agencies to charge if government workers spend more than a certain amount of hours within a month looking for documents requested by the same person. 

I have mixed feelings about this and it is because of the next two paragraphs I highlighted in italics.

The proposal would apply to most people, with exemptions for journalists and educational or scientific institutions.

Californians have a constitutional right to government records but Pacheco says it aims to discourage filers who abuse.

For those familiar with Kent Sawatzky in Humboldt; I know the County PIOs and local media are; he is the kind of person who should pay. Unfortunately as many First Amendment experts have pointed out; this will affect others.

There is another possibility behind this bill that you won't see covered by the Democrat spin media. The timing of this is suspicious when California fraud is being uncovered.