Richard Pomrehn and Stephen Kimberling testify in Kyra Kelly's criminal case; the civil lawsuits involving Pomrehn family, Big Oil and Tire and HCSO are scheduled for July

 

I did three posts on Kyra Kelly in April 2026. No one else has reported on her various lawsuits.

In addition to the screenshots, here are links to the three posts. They contain charges and details from the criminal case, court documents and details on related civil cases involving Brandon and Richard Pomrehn, Big Oil and Tire and Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/04/13-cases-pattern-of-loss-is-kyra-kelly.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/04/once-again-both-lawsuits-on-humboldt.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/04/what-do-slander-pra-ramey-warrants.html?m=1

On 5/29/26, Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward held Kelly to answer as charged. Thankfully, Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm is the prosecutor who handled the preliminary hearing for the People. My two other choices; Senior Deputy District Attorneys Whitney Timm and Roger Rees are in trial.

Deputy Public Defender Emery Welton is Kelly's attorney. Why is it that he is the deputy public defender for so many problematic, "cray cray" defendants; especially the women whose cases I cover? 

People's witnesses included Richard Pomrehn and Stephen Kimberling.

There is a Faretta hearing on 6/1. "A Faretta motion is a formal request by a criminal defendant to the judge, asking to waive their right to legal counsel and represent themselves at trial. Also known as going pro per or pro se, this right is grounded in the U.S. Constitution's Sixth Amendment--Google"

On 6/12, Kelly will be arraigned on information in the criminal case. Unless there is a significant development, those updates will be added here.

There are three different dates in July for the three civil lawsuits. Unless there is a significant development, those updates will be added here.

Possible conservatorship for Josalyn Spagel

 

I was the first to report on Josalyn Spagel's arrest and the only one to cover her case and every hearing. By now, even new readers know I add minor updates to certain posts and you have a complete and chronological timeline to follow.

On 5/28, after Dr.Mark  Lamer's report, Spagel was found not competent by Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson. There is a review hearing on 6/23/26 for receipt of public guardian report to see if Spagel is eligible for a Lanterman-Petris-Short Conservatorship.

Lanterman-Petris-Short Conservatorshipis a legal arrangement in California where a court appoints a conservator to make medical, residential, and treatment decisions for an adult with a severe mental illness or chronic alcoholism.

Deputy DA Andrew Truitt appeared on the case for the People. Weaverville attorney Ms. Kristiana Wright is Spagel's attorney.

Three more local businesses

Three more well known local businesses will be making the same announcements as City Cab and Humboldt Towing. At least, one of those businesses this summer.

Until the owners make it public, I cannot tell you who they are. When they make it official, I will remind you where you heard it first. Getting scoops and exclusives is discretion, respect and timing. The real story is that the complete failure of those who have been in charge of Humboldt to allow more loss of jobs. What we need is an environment where private industry and entrepreneurship flourishes on talent and hard work. It is the employees that are impacted the most and in a small County, we all know them.

Small claims case filed against former Deputy DA and current Humboldt Deputy Counsel dismissed

 

In March, I did a post on this lawsuit filed by a Sacramento couple. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/03/a-humboldt-small-claims-lawsuit-filed.html?m=1

The defendant is former Humboldt Deputy DA Victoria Reierstad who now works at Humboldt County Counsel handling juvenile cases.

A request to dismiss with prejudice was requested by Alyssa Wilson on 5/11 and granted on 5/13/26.

Two more lawsuits, County of Humboldt won't win

 

I did many exclusives on HCSO, County of Humboldt vs Humboldt Superior Court and in some instances, Humboldt Sheriff William Honsal did not respond to me.

In April 2024, I was the first one to report on a lawsuit filed by former court reporter Kay Gibbs. No one has covered that lawsuit. I did several posts on that case and my last post was on March 2025.

Regulars who read me daily and often have seen every post. You can search the blog for free. Or you can use one of the paid options for convenience.

Why is Security National or Rob Arkley interested in Ray Christie's land in Arcata?

 

I was the first to report on Security National's community and housing development and the last to provide an update.

Have not heard from Security National since 2024 about my inquiry. So, they are not going to be contacted by me again.

I recently learned that Land X realtor Nathan Baxley, who is also a Battalion Chief with Humboldt Bay Fire, inquired about purchasing land belonging to Ray Christie in Arcata for Rob Arkley.  Nathan Baxley is a realtor doing a job and I am not going to put him in the position for answering for SN/Rob Arkley.

I did reach out to Ray Christie and he confirmed he was contacted by Land X about his property and he said Rob Arkley.

It could be someone from SN who contacted Land X but my source told me Rob Arkley. Same difference. Last I heard Ray Christie had not sold his land to Rob Arkley or Security National. 

The land belonging to Ray Christie that is of interest to SN/Rob Arkley is near this housing project. SN has not updated their website about this project.

Knowing the family that owns the business, knowing the employees and only using them when I needed a cab, this makes me sad

 

Knowing the family that owns the business, knowing the employees and hearing only positive from them; this makes me sad. I only used them when I needed a cab. Humboldt needs more local businesses like City Cab. I reached out to Catherine.

Josue Diego Aguilar Garcia resolves case, pleads guilty to assault, attempted murder charge dismissed

 

No one else reported and followed this court case. As you can see from the screenshot, I added updates until today's plea. HCSO press release is in that post.

Today, Josue Diego Aguilar Garcia entered a plea to Count 2 assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury on Lee Kelly Long and special allegation that he personally inflicted great bodily injury upon Long. Count 1 was dismissed by the People.

Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum took the plea. Deputy DA Candace Myers is the prosecutor. Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo is Garcia's attorney. Sentencing is on 6/3.

Of all days for Humboldt court to have "communication" issues, Friday is the worst

On a Friday, with several criminal and civil cases I am following, there have been tech issues. Looks like e court is fixed for staff but public computers were still iffy all afternoon. Computer freezes, won't shut down and the screen just spins with a black screen.

Court Tech  is aware. County of Humboldt IT issues happen on Fridays, the weekends and Monday. This is rare for courts which are on a separate system.

I still managed to check most of the cases from today but had to be at the Courthouse until they closed. I have posted on some cases. Others will be updated over the weekend. Minor updates such as continuances are added to the previous post I did on the case.

Rosalyn Klock sentenced in two criminal cases today

 

Today, Rosalyn Klock was sentenced today to in two cases by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward.

In CR2601648 to 93 days in jail which are covered by custody credits, probation was denied, Klock had entered a guilty plea to Count 1, possession of meth.

In CR2600624B, also to 93 days in jail which are covered by custody credits and two years probation. She had entered a guilty plea to Count 2 maintaining a place for selling or using meth and fentanyl. There is a review hearing on 7/9/26 about determination if Klock is eligible for treatment program. 

Deputy District Attorney Brandon Boozari is the prosecutor for both cases. Gregory Kreis is Klock's attorney.

I have covered Klock since 2021. You can look up the previous posts via screenshots provided.

Bigfoot Motel TRO granted against "ex employee" Tiffany Hinning

(Humboldt Superior Court search results for all the lawsuits when I typed in the name Moriah Wilson)

On 5/4/26, Humboldt Superior Court Commissioner Sarah Kaber granted a temporary workplace restraining order requested by Bigfoot Motel against  "ex employee" Tiffany Hinning. The request was made by "Manager 2" Moriah Wilson. 

A hearing on this restraining order was scheduled on 5/22. It was continued to this morning by Commissioner Kaber. See court minutes for 5/22 which have been provided.

Moriah Wilson is a protected party in another case I covered about restraining order. No one else has covered this arrest or court case.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/08/adam-walter-arrested-by-apd-for-lewd-or.html?m=1#more

Commissioner Kaber took the matter under submission and will issue a written ruling so there is no urgency.

Moriah Wilson stated in court there are criminal charges pending for an incident at the Bigfoot Motel. Commissioner Kaber advised Wilson of her rights against self incrimination.

There are no criminal cases filed recently against Moriah Wilson or Tiffany Henning.

Compared to Moriah Wilson, Tiffany Henning has three cases in Humboldt Superior Court. Two are petitions for civil harassment restraining orders. One against Moriah Wilson and one against Felipe Rivas.

Tiffany Henning also had her TRO granted against Moriah Wilson by Commissioner Kaber.  Felipe Rivas is an ex-co worker. There are people in common in all three cases. There is a hearing on both cases filed by Tiffany Henning on 6/5/26. 

More Humboldt drama making its way to Humboldt courts.

The reason for quotation marks will be obvious  when you read the court documents.

"For too long, judges have been forced to set aside their common sense and experience when determining whether a defendant poses a danger to the community. Judges frequently say their ‘hands were tied’ in these decisions. Tragically, in multiple cases across the state, individuals granted diversion despite clear risks have gone on to commit homicides—outcomes that underscore the urgent need for reform.”

 

The California District Attorneys Association issued this statement today. I have reported on this legislation and will add links in a couple of minutes.

CDAA statement:

Two measures supported by the California District Attorneys Association (CDAA)—AB 46 (Nguyen) and SB 1373 (Grove)—have passed out of the Senate this week, advancing efforts to strengthen and clarify California’s mental health diversion law.

CDAA thanks Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen and Senator Sharon Grove for their leadership in authoring these bills, and Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho for sponsoring AB 46.

AB 46 (Nguyen) passed the Senate on May 27 with unanimous support and now returns to the Assembly for concurrence. The bill restores judicial discretion, allowing judges to rely on their experience and judgment when evaluating a defendant’s dangerousness, and brings a common-sense approach back to mental health diversion decisions.

SB 1373 (Grove) passed the Senate on May 28 and now moves to the Assembly for consideration. The legislation strengthens public safety safeguards by requiring recent, documented clinical evidence and clarifies the public safety standard.

Mental health diversion plays an important role in California’s criminal justice system by promoting treatment, reducing recidivism, and connecting individuals to critical services. However, implementation of Penal Code section 1001.36 has exposed structural gaps, allowing diversion to be applied beyond its intended scope—including in cases involving serious violence, repeat felony offenders, and diagnoses that are outdated or insufficiently related to the charged conduct.

CDAA Chief Executive Officer Greg Totten stated: “For too long, judges have been forced to set aside their common sense and experience when determining whether a defendant poses a danger to the community. Judges frequently say their ‘hands were tied’ in these decisions. Tragically, in multiple cases across the state, individuals granted diversion despite clear risks have gone on to commit homicides—outcomes that underscore the urgent need for reform.”

Caltrans confirms David Orluck works at the Eureka District Office

 

Today, Steve Nelson who is Chief, Public Information and Legislative Affairs for Caltrans District 3 confirmed my reporting that David Orluck works for Caltrans in Eureka.

"Hi John. Yes, David Orluck is a Caltrans environmental scientist out of the District 1 office in Eureka. District 1 is part of the Caltrans North Region that includes District 2 (Redding) and District 3 (Marysville)."

People want jurors to hear from expert witness on Child Abuse Accomodation Syndrome and barriers to disclosure in Trinidad Gomez jury trial

At 10:40 a.m. today, I went to Courtroom 2 to see what was happening in alleged molestor Trinidad Gomez' jury trial. I was only there for a few minutes but long enough to hear key details of Ms. Timm's argument and get this exclusive which is crucial to this case.

There were no jurors in the courtroom. No one in the audience. Just the court bailiff, court clerk, court reporter, Humboldt Superior Court Retired Judge John Feeney, Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm, Deputy Conflict Counsel Owen Tipps and Gomez.

Ms. Timm was telling Judge Feeney why she wanted to call an expert witness. If you have followed me from the beginning or even read some of coverage on molestation and sex abuse cases, you know Dr. Anthony Urquiza. He has testified in several  cases about Child Abuse Accomodation Syndrome and barriers to disclosure. I checked his Linkedin page and while his titles vary, he is still at UC Davis.

Ms. Timm spoke about grooming and coercion which she said are issues in this case. She spoke about Jane Doe's credibility and that based on defense's cross examination of Jane Doe, it is important for jurors to understand why after the molestation Jane Doe had contact with Gomez. How Gomez did "nice things" for Jane Doe and gave her gifts. Ms. Timm said defense is going to argue these inconsistencies and tje People have the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Dr. Urquiza was not available so the trial has been continued until tomorrow.

I have seen Dr. Urqiza testify many times. While his testimony will be tailored to the specifics of this trial; there are some basics that will be covered in his testimony.

Court minutes for yesterday aren't up, they were after this post as well as today's minutes.

Court minutes from yesterday have Jane Doe's mother's full name so starting at 1:41 p.m. on the second page when HJ was sworn in and started testimony has been cropped. There is nothing significant on the second page and the third page just has admonishments and when jurors were asked to return. Including the mother's first name does not identify Jane Doe.

By now who Jane Doe's mother is and her identity is known in the community. The pages with the first name are about text mesages between HJ and Gomez is referred to as "Daddy."

Court minutes from 5/28 have been added to the post.

More than one person has shared with me that Gomez was at Central Station. Another reader shared details with me about Gomez and HJ. For that person's protection and to keep the source confidential, I am not sharing those details. There are other reasons I am not going to mention at this time. I appreciate the respectful readers who value my coverage and whose helpful information corroborates my observations about this case, Gomez, HJ and others.

There is another exclusive about Gomez. Stay tuned. Information has been provided to the DA, I have not had a chance to check if the investigation is ongoing and who knows and I do not want to state the allegations until and if charges are filed.

Opening statements today in James Atkins attempted murder trial

 

Jury sworn yesterday in attempted murder James Atkins' trial. Opening statements today.

7th continuance or will convicted molestor Michael Conlee be sentenced today?

 

Convicted molestor Michael Conlee's sentencing has been continued six times. Today, it could be the 7th continuance or he could be sentenced by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum.

I have already covered the charges, the plea, the stipulation about the sentence. Court minutes added later will suffice. I don't want to sit in a courtroom and see a convicted molestor  get a slap on the wrist for what he did to Jane Doe who is seven years old.

Humboldt Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor on this case. Humboldt Deputy Conflict Counsel R.J. Leohner is Conlee's attorney.

After hearing update:

Continued to 6/25 by defense. See court minutes. If Conlee is in treatment, Judge Cockrum intends to grant probation.

Why is the defense wasting taxpayer dollars when Daryl Jones has already been evaluated by two doctors and criminal proceedings were reinstated?

 

This morning, there is trial setting and hearing on the defense's request for  mental health diversion in terroristic and criminal threat suspect  Daryl Jones' case.

Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell filed the requrst on 5/13. Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is currently in trial and has been very busy. Either no opposition was filed by the DA's office or it has not been entered in e court. I checked every day and yesterday at 11 a.m.; 1:57 p.m. and 2:37 p.m.

If the DA does not oppose the mental health diversion, the process will be faster; if the DA opposes mental health diversion, there are extra steps.

In my May 15 post, I wrote, "Ms. O'Connell said that Dr. Lamers indicated Jones had a cognitive disability and she "was not sure" why Dr. Lamers was not doing  a psychiatric evaluation himself. Ms. O' Connell asked for a referral to Redwood Regional Center to see if Jones is eligible for their services.

Judge Tsenin ordered that Dr. Lamers to evaluate Jones for competency as well as cognitive disability. A referral was also made to Redwood Regional Center. Receipt of reports on June 25."

In my July 8 post, there was another report and this one from Dr. Loya This hearing had been scheduled on 6/25 and continued by defense. Criminal proceedings were reinstated on July 8.

Why is the defense wasting taxpayer dollars when Daryl Jones has already been evaluated by two doctors and criminal proceedings were reinstated?

The alleged victims in this case may not want a plea but it is better than mental health diversion. 

It is a complete failure and even if you just read my blog or Facebook page, there are enough examples.

I have not decided whether I will go to the hearing today. Most likely, I will check court minutes. There is nothing significant happening today. 

Mr. Rees has a dark day tomorrow in his current jury trial so he may request a continuance.

I have provided links to all 24 posts I have done on this case. This is number 25.

8:45 Everyone waiting on Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O Connell, Daryl Jones' attorney. 8:57 I was correct, the matter is being continued. I was also correct that Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees has been busy.

9:12 Just setting dates turned into more, both attorneys left the courtroom. Two Humboldt Superior Court judges; Judge Steven Steward and Judge Kaleb Cockrum have recused themselves. The People are filing paperwork to disqualify Judge Neel because she has a child attending one of the schools involved. Setting is on June 2.

A 5 minute hearing turned into 45 minutes. First, we waited for Ms. O'Conell. Mr. Rees is currently in a jury trial for James Atkins, Retired Judge John Feeney is currently presiding over the Trinidad Gomez trial, Ms. Joanne Carter who represents an alleged victim and had other court cases to go to has been there on time and for every hearing. Unlike other media, I cover at least 20 cases a day and with defendants who have 4 or 5 cases and follow up on civil cases and court minutes, it is 40 hours a day. That time is not compensated hourly, by a steady government paycheck or most of Humboldt. I cover other California counties and other states and if you have read my blog for 12 plus years or a few years; this is Humboldt specific.

When Ms. O'Connell arrived, Judge Feeney said that the request for mental health diversion had to be addressed before trial setting.

Mr. Rees asked that the matter be put over two weeks because he has been busy in trial and while the DA's office received the petition on May 14, a day after it was filed; there were other reasons such as the "doctor's availability."

Ms. O' Connell had scheduling requests. There was back and forth about the time estimate; alleged victims and community members may testify or address the Court.

Humboldt Superior Court Operations Manager Scott Anderson went to check on dates. Ms. O'Connell left to go address another case in Courtroom 3 and saying she would be back shortly turned into several minutes. Finally, she came back. Two potential dates were suggested and the case would be in front of Judge Neel on those days. Then Mr. Rees put hisstepped out for a few minutes, put his concerns about conflict of interest by Judge Neel and that the matter be continued for People to file paperwork. Even if dates are set on June 2, there is no guarantee because both attorneys indicated if doctors are not available, there will be a motion to continue. Like I said before the hearing, waste of time.

Repeat offender Henry Zaragoza has picked up new 2026 cases, booked on bench warrant for 2024 case

Henry Dylan Zaragoza is someone I have covered. The jail log lists being booked on an arrest warrant for a 2026 case and a bench warrant for one 2024 case.

The charges on the jail log are not a complete list of charges. The probation violation for the 2024 case is correct. Zaragoza has two 2026 cases. The arrest warrant is from one of the 2026 cases. Zaragoza was arraigned on two 2026 cases this afternoon. The VOP case is on for arraignment tomorrow.

These are just two screenshots of my coverage of Zaragoza. In my last post, I had checked and he had not been arrested on his warrant.

A violation of probation was filed by Probation on 5/19/26 in the 2024 case. Count 5 probation violation has been added to the 2024 case.

On 5/29, in CR2403324, Zaragoza was arraigned on VOP, hearing set. He signed an OR agreement and was released. VOP revocation on 6/9/26. Public Defender's Office appointed. In CR2601025 and CR2600558, trial setting is scheduled for 6/9.