Kash Patel's tweet leaves out key detail that California's Brenda Lee Brown Armstrong aka "Anika" agreed to plead guilty to paying another person to register to vote.
I have included the press release from the Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs.
I always recognize a few jurors but today individual jurors were being questioned and I saw two potential jurors who are familiar to anyone at the Courthouse or who pays attention to local politics.
As much as I would like to tell you who they are; they have not been excused and still could be picked as jurors for this trial.
This is the last time I will provide links to previous coverage.
Dates were scheduled today in alleged molestor Feliciano Emiliano Valentin's case. Readiness Conference is on 7/13; jury trial on 8/10.
I reported on Valentin's arrest last January.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/01/felliciano-valentin-arrested-for-sexual.html?m=1#more
Charges, People's offer to resolve the case before preliminary hearing and all minor updates such as 11 continuances were added to that post.
Just used the Eureka Police Department online form for reporting. Easy to use, got instant confirmation and I did not have to bother the very busy EPD dispatchers.
San Jose's David Alvarez sentenced to five and a half years in federal prison for possession of child pornography.
Eureka Police Department just issued this press release on today's arrest of alleged molestor 48-year-old Edward Neagu. I checked and he was booked on no bail custody status. EPD did not list a middle name, the jail does not have one but a Facebook search shows only one Edward Michael Neagu. Most of you know where to find booking photos which media is not allowed to post until there is a conviction. You can compare it to Neagu's Facebook AI joke of a photo.
Neagu has four traffic cases in Humboldt Superior Court. Three convictions and one dismissal after proof of correction.
I have been the only one to report on the Redwood Oil lawsuit against the County of Humboldt. There is a lot happening and a lot of documents. Due to late entries in ecourt, the way Humboldt Superior Court search is which not always effective in displaying results and a very busy schedule; I finally found a related case.
It will take me time to go through and I may or may not add all the court documents. Those are of interest to specific people which includes my advertisers, subscribers and contributors.
The major news is that the County of Humboldt disqualified Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Timothy Canning.
County of Humboldt has an ego problem. The County of Humboldt definitely doesn't like when the County of Humboldt doesn't get to control someone. The County of Humboldt doubles down instead of admitting the County of Humboldt is wrong. The County of Humboldt is not a good steward of taxpayer money.
Janssen Malloy's Mr. Jeff Slack represents Redwood Oil. He filed an opposition to the disqualification. That hearing is scheduled this afternoon and requests that the disqualification be vacated or limited. Janssen Malloy, once again, is showing that this is a local law firm willing to use the law and take on the good ole Humboldt boys and gals.
There is an ex-parte hearing in the lawsuit I already covered on Redwood Oil and a TRO was granted.
Humboldt County Counsel is handling both Redwood Oil cases. To clarify, it was Liebert, Cassidy, Whitmore, the out of County law firm, that threatened me over my coverage of the County of Humboldt's actions against Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell.
The same people in Humboldt running unopposed year after year. Whose fault is that? Not mine. I speak up. I don't vote for ineffective leadership.
It is mostly the fault of every other good ole Humboldt boy and gal with money who stay silent and enable injustice and retaliation against decent individuals with integrity. The same Humboldt good ole boys and gals who will not fund my independent reporting because they know they don't control me. I don't do selective reporting. And, I will not stroke their egos, do PR and pretend that it is "news."
Humboldt County CAO Elishia Hayes can glare at me all she wants; First District Supervisor Rex Bohn can make his immature digs everytime I see him. It does not change the fact the County is being sued by Redwood Oil and AllPoints and has been sued by Mercer Fraser. All these people suing the County of Humboldt are the good ole boys and gals themselves.
The County of Humboldt, all the local Humboldt bullies and the local good ole "bigshots" are affecting other people with money and their livelihood. They have resources to sue.
All this money the County of Humboldt wastes on lawsuits. There are several they could avoid and use that money to fund more law enforcement and DA positions, fix roads, buy hand soap that does not burn your hands and cause fissures and the County can hire an extra janitor so one guy does not have to clean five floors, all the County offices, bathrooms and the jail.
2:15 p.m. Mr. Slack and Janssen Malloy's Mr. Martin just left Courtroom 4. From the look on their faces and the smile, stay tuned. There were other attorneys in the courtroom who heard the argument.
I am waiting on court minutes.
Post will be updated...
Last week, Orange County Superior Court announced the e filing for which would allow to file certain documents in criminal cases. California Superior Courts compared to other states all have different levels of access and their own rules. California should be more efficient with technology.
I cover Utah courts. Their online remote access is flawless. Media has their own account for notification and it is not Facebook but X. Utah court filings are online and accessible to media as soon as they are e filed. When you cover a court hearing, you have the same information as the judge, prosecutor and defense attorney.
Utah judges often set their own court dates, even in high profile cases such as the Tyler Robinson case. Attorneys get options right in court even during a livestream with the nation watching.
I cover other jurisdictions. California Superior Courts are the most cumbersome and least user friendly.
No one who wants to get out live information and fast uses Facebook which is mostly drama and the search feature is cumbersome. Most regional and national media use X. I use and prefer X but for Humboldt news, I use Facebook because that is what local readers prefer. I wou
Every other city and state law enforcement uses X. Humboldt law enforcement are stuck on Facebook except HCSO.
I have done many posts on Humboldt Superior Court going online, the likelihood and at this point, the attorneys and anyone like me who is at the Humboldt Courthouse daily happens.
We know Humboldt courts are short staffed. E filing and more e options would free up the clerks, maybe expand the I street hours and allow attorneys flexibility. Out of area attorneys would not have to wait for documents to be sent online. Humboldt could easily allow certain filings in criminal cases such as motions to continue, substitution of attorney, disqualifications to be e filed. Civil case cover sheets could be e filed. E filing one, two or even four pages is doable.
I have noticed Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel look up e court to see what has been filed and this is whether she is covering civil, criminal or family. Judge Neel is very organized and does her best to streamline court cases. In Humboldt courts, a judge has to corral parties because it is like the Wild West every day.
30 year old Elizabeth Claire Tsarnas was arrested by Fortuna Police Department yesterday and booked for PC 240 assault and PC 242 battery. She was released on O.R.
I contacted Fortuna PD on 5/18.
Locals know Elizabeth Tsarnas is Faith Tsarnas' sister. In 2021, I reported on Jeff Tsarnas 201 case where he fled from the secene and was found guilty by a jury of hit and run causing serious, permanent injury. Readers who followed me from the beginning are aware of my extensive coverage of the Marci Kitchen case which resulted in me being contacted by national media.
Elizabeth Tsarnas has a prior conviction in a 2024 CHP case for two misdemeanor DUI counts and special allegation with blood alcohol extremely high .15 percent or more and that is almost twice above the legal limit. She entered a plea on 9/10/24 before Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum. Former Deputy DA Stuart Williams was the prosecutor. Deputy Public Defender Emery Welton represented her. One DUI count dismissed as part of plea.
On 5/15/26, in the afternoon, Daniel Epperson preliminary hearing in his 2025 case proceeded as scheduled.
Epperson looks nothing like his previous booking photo. He is skinnier, with long hair to his shoulders and less on his face.
He looked at me in court, saw me outside court but said nothing. I was busy and not around him except for a few seconds.
I was the only one in the courtroom besides the court bailiff, court staff, Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward, Deputy Public Defender Wade Orbelian and Deputy District Attorney Jessica Watson.
Epperson is out of custody and was dressed in a black suit. Epperson is charged in his 2025 case with Count 1 PC 69; alleged victims Matthew Pecsok and Efrain Sanchez. Count 2 PC 243 (b) battery on a peace officer; alleged victim Pecsok.
After testimony from Arcata Police Department and videos, Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward cited CALCRIM code 2645 and 945 and held Epperson to answer on both charged. Judge Steward denied defense 17 (b) motion to reduce Count 1 to a misdemeanor.
"While Mr. Epperson has limited criminal history, he was on probation for a DUI at the time of this offense and he may have been under the influence," said Judge Steward. "He was on probation and is supposed to obey the law."
"Ms. Watson referred to the charges for which he is on pre trial mental health diversion as a hate crime. Now, Mr. Epperson has a case of resisting an officer. The number of cases Mr. Epperson has in front of the Court, I am going to deny the 17 (b) motion."
Arraignment on information is May 29.
His 2026 case and 2024 cases are trailing. His violation of probation in his 2023 case is trailing. This information and the 2025 preliminary hearing being held on Friday was reported in my previous post. Links have been provided to all previous coverage and include charges for all his cases.
I have covered Epperson regularly for years since he was arrested in 2024. I have provided links to previous coverage for new readers. Epperson was granted mental health diversion in the 2024 case and the alleged victims in that case are are Lee Ulansey and Joshua Ulansey. I was the first one to report that relevant fact. Until I did and even after I did; only some other local media did brief one time coverage on that case.
Ms. Watson did not request remand. She should have. A regular reader alerted me to Epperson's Facebook account. His friends include Brian Mitchell and Luna. Only I covered Mitchell's arrests and criminal cases and only I have covered Luna's arrest.
Forcible rape suspect and alleged molestor Briyan Marquardt case has two alleged victims. Jane Doe 1 was 7 years old at the time of the alleged incident. Marquardt is charged with PC 288 (b) (1) forcible lewd act on Jane Doe 1.
Jane Doe 2 was 17 years old at the time of the alleged incident. Marquardt is charged with PC 261 (a) (2) forcible rape.
He custody status was changed to no bail by Judge Lawrence Killoran who denied him OR and supervised release.
There was a hearing on motion to continue on 5/15 which was scheduled after my last update. I have been adding all hearing updates to the original post about Marquardt's arrest.
Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer requested a continuance because HCSO Detective Julian Aguilera who did "the bulk of the investigation" said he had "homicide school."
"I think he meant training," said Ms. Schaffer to Judge Steward. Det. Aguilera is unavailable for two weeks.
Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo brought up outstanding discovery, specifically interview of Jane Doe 1. Ms. Schaffer said that interview and a supplemental report from HCSO recently received will be provided to defense.
Preliminary hearing with a three hour estimate was rescheduled for June 4.
Since 3/12/25, there have been 14 continuances in alleged molestor and rapist Root Birimisa's case because defense wasted time getting him another mental health evaluation at taxpayer's expense which resulted in diddly. On 5/14, there was another continuance to to 5/19 for the Readiness Conference. That minor update was added like all others to the February 4 post.
There was a motion to continue in Briyan Marquardt's case, this hearing was added after last update. You can wait and read what Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward said because the motion itself is not newsworthy.
Clayton Miller's case; again a continuance requested but Judge Steward's remarks in this case and all morning and afternoon are what made hours of sitting in a courtroom worth my time. That update has been added to my previous post on Miller which I did on May 9.
Jose Granados' case was on for setting of preliminary hearing. Defense motion to modify protective order was denied by Judge Steward without prejudice. Preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 24.
Granados' brief update has been added to the August 24, 2025 post where all minor updates have been added since continuances are the only thing happening in that case. Recently, an offer to resolve the case was made by the DA and now this defense motion. Granados should focus on resolving the case instead of he and Deputy Public Defender bringing forth useless motions to the Court. They were in court. They know what was stated. I took notes but I am already working all weekend updating instead of taking time off I need and the details for this one will just be reserved for longtime, present subscribers, contributors and advertisers.
Lloyd Snyder, Travis Watson and Felix Arbaugh are all minor updates and will be added to previous posts.
These are all cases I extensively covered and every hearing. I will do a new post on Daniel Epperson's preliminary hearing for his latest case. I have not decided whether I will do a new post on Marquardt, Miller or Granados.
I was the only one in the courtroom. I took extensive notes. Epperson and Miller both have several cases.
Most of you will move on because you got the basics. For those who want details, you can wait for the new posts and go check previous posts for minor updates.
I have been the only one covering arson suspect Stephen Paiment's case and every hearing since he drove his car on the Courthouse lawn and lit it on fire. By now, all readers know I add minor updates to posts and you have a complete, accurate, chronological timeline of each case.
I also did some posts with exclusive coverage. Unlike other local media, who may give credit once and then use photos without attribution; the photos used in this post are courtesy Shannon Cortez who also provided me video. I gave her credit the day Paiment was arrested when she sent them to me.
Criminal proceedings were suspended yesterday for Paiment. There is a 90 day review hearing on 8/13/26.
Besides court bailiff, court staff, the judge and attorneys; I was the only one in the courtroom yesterday afternoon. Paiment kept looking over at me throught out the hearing. If you read my prior coverage, Paiment, like many others knows who I am. He did not address me unlike some mouthy defendants who cannot even follow the rules and law in the courtroom cuffed in front of a judge.
Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward listened to arguments by Deputy District Attorney Brandon Boozari and Deputy Public Defender Wade Orbelian. This was to determine whether to restore Paiment to competency and where to send him for treatment.
Paiment interrupted Mr. Orbelian several times with outbursts and had to be admonished by Judge Steward multiple times to stop talking and allow Mr. Orbelian to advocate on his behalf.
Mr. Orbelian had just started his argument, "in the interest of justice" and to "consider circumstances" and downplayed the "harm" caused by his client.
Paiment interrupted, He isn't my attorney, he is a public defender."
After Judge Steward addressed Paiment, Mr. Orbelian continued and and said "Dr. Lamer's report" said Paiment has mental health issues and needs treatment.
Mr. Boozari's response was detailed and articulated to address every concern or question Judge Steward may have and from the result; score for DA and win for the law abiding citizens of Humboldt County.
He asked that Paiment be restored to competency. Mr. Boozari referred to "Dr. Rassti's " report which said "treatment with anti-psychotic meds is likely to restore defendant to competency." Mr. Boozari added the "likelihood was substantial."
Mr. Boozari requested Paiment be sent to the State Hospital. "This case causes People concerns about public safety. He protested about Eureka Police Department and nuclear energy. Many people protest on issues; it is the way Mr. Paiment protested. He drove his vehicle onto the Courthouse lawn and lit it on fire. There was a threat for people to be injured."
That last sentence was in response to Mr. Orbelian saying there was no harm.
Mr. Boozari referred to Paiment's rap sheet. The defendant has extensive criminal history going back to 1975 for burglary and robbery."
Paiment snorted, "They got the wrong guy. "
"I didn't do shit," said Paiment.
Judge Steward admonished Paiment not to make statements on the record and to let Mr. Orbelian speak on his behalf.
Judge Steward said he looked at PC 1370 about prior treatment. He asked the attorneys and both said there was no prior evidence of mental incompetency. Mr. Boozari added "no prior 5150 hold."
Judge Steward said that Paiment is charged with arson. He looked at Dr. Rassti's report and the CONREP report. "The defendant is adamant he does not have mental health issues and refuses to take meds."
Judge Steward denied defense request for outpatient treatment. He agreed with Mr. Boozari and ordered Paiment be sent to the State Hospital. Medical orders were already made and are in effect.
As he was led out of court, Paiment yelled, "I am going to trial! I am getting a lawyer instead of a damn public defender!"
When Paiment is restored to competency which will happen because the State Hospital will send him back; any of the Humboldt "bleeding hearts" flush with money and time are free to pay for his legal expenses and take him home.
Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel gave Paiment a chance, she released him. He screwed it up. Paiment is being given help and he is the obstacle. Something you would know if you read me regularly because I covered every hearing. Other local media was MIA as usual.
Paiment is refusing meds. Law abiding citizens being sacrificed and in danger because of failed California and Democrat policies. Taxpayer money being wasted on repeat offenders and those who refuse help just like Newsom's boondoggle hi-speed rail.
Yesterday, former PG and E gate crasher Katherine Zacevich was arrested by Eureka Police Department and booked on two felony charges; PC 211 robbery and PC 273.5 (a) domestic violence.
I regularly covered Zacevich since 2017.
If you did not follow me since I started covering Humboldt Superior Court, you should read all my posts on Zacevich.
Multiple warrants, failures to appear, bouncing into court laughing. This is from one of my earlier posts on Zacevich and refers to a Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge and former Deputy Conflict Counsel.
When Zacevich pulled one of her MIA for court, Deputy Conflict Counsel Hugh Gallagher told Judge Dale Reinholtsen, "I have nothing to say your honor. She is not a morning person."
Another California repeat offender. Another mental health diversion failure. Another repeat offender who failed probation, got a plea and is back in custody.
I have included more screenshots posts I have done on Zacevich for new readers. This is not even all my coverage since 2017.
Nicole Childre is suing Kakkar Hotel Group LLC et al; Jasmital Kakkar, Neelam Kakkar and Sanjiv Kakkar.
Ms. Christine Adams is Childre's attorney. Adams Law has offices in Santa Barbara, San Diego and Eureka.
Local attorney Amelia Burroughs is representing Kakkar Hotel Group LCC.
There was a Case Management Conference on 2/2/26 which was continued by Childre to today. Civil court minutes usually take a few days and I had a very busy day today covering several criminal cases in the courtroom and following up on others so I will add an update from today's hearing.
"This is a case of extraordinary and wide-spread wage abuse." This is the first sentence of Childre's complaint which lists 11 allegations include labor code violations and unfair business practices.
Shelter Cove Oceanfront is one of the properties owned by Kakkar Hotel Group LLC. It is the location relevant to the Humboldt County Superior Court lawsuit. Kakkar Hotel Group LLC also own Emerald Bay Lodge in South Lake Tahoe. The business has a Saratoga mailing address and the defendants reside in Saratoga.
Kakkar Hotel LLC and the defendants filed the standard response I have seen in a few civil lawsuits denying the allegations.
I have included court documents from the lawsuit. I don't know either party. When I did a search for Kakkar Hotel Group LLC, I found lawsuits and convictions for Sanjiv Kakkar.
"Former California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation employee, Keith Reindeer Randle, pleaded guilty in federal court today to possession with intent to distribute over 300 grams of methamphetamine to inmates at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, formerly known as San Quentin State Prison"--U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of California.
"In pleading guilty, Randle admitted to soliciting and accepting bribery payments in exchange for smuggling and distributing prison contraband, including methamphetamine, marijuana, and tobacco, to inmates at San Quentin. The scheme went on for years, dating back to at least January 2019 and continuing through August 15, 2024."
Your choice to wait for live, exclusive and accurate coverage.
Readers who read my blog know so this mainly for all the new readers this week and those who only have Facebook.
I cover 20 to 40 local daily cases including civil, cases no one else does and I offer observations from decades of experience covering courts all over the country.
Today is another busy full day with last minute changes.
No other media was in court this morning for pre trial and motion to compel discovery Danielle Durand and Deunn Willis. Preliminary hearing remains as scheduled.
Clayton Miller, a motion to continue in Briyan Marquardt's case which was added after my last update or several other cases this morning. While these and many other cases have minor updates, I have live coverage and notes from court important to those interested in particular cases.
Attorneys in Trinidad Gomez' case met privately with Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Feeney privately this morning around 10:10. They came back at 11 to go over juror questionnaires.
So if you are interested in these or many other cases and don't see a new post, check previous posts. I will be at the courthouse all day and some posts have been updated; others today or over the weekend.
These days Humboldt Superior Court has continuances and minor updates and it has been that way for months and will continue in the foreseeable future.
For a while now, I update my advertisers, subscribers and contributors in person. They are the ones who make it possible for the rest of you to get information. They pay my bills. I have requests from others covering local cases willing to use my work and pay for my time. I have not had a chance to respond.
I still update live, even with minor updates when I can, for free.
My loyal readers will wait.
Their patience will pay off because this afternoon, again, I was the only one in court for certain cases and I have other new coverage.
If you don't check or read me daily; that is a choice. Those who do have exclusive information first, scoops, news and court cases not reported elsewhere. My regular readers check the blog or Facebook or both daily and regularly; some multiple times.
For anyone else in a rush, you can pay for convenience including customized updates or you can go read inaccurate or misinformation which I correct and call out. You can read random reporting hours, days and weeks later or when I report it first. I have done this for free for 12 plus years with a lot of extras such as court minutes and documents that you have to pay for or go look up yourself . Just because other local media is lazy to come up with any original ideas or niche content and trying to suddenly do random court coverage does not change what I do.
I know my value. Either you do or you don't.
Nicole Thorpe booking photo and arrest courtesy Redkey Police Department.