In a memo to all Department of Justice employees, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced today the establishment of a single National Coordinator to lead the fight against child exploitation and human trafficking, with the goal of preventing, prosecuting, and ending human trafficking and child exploitation in America.
Live coverage of James Atkins trial. As I reported, jury started deliberations on 6/15 at 10:30. Today,
jury returned to deliberations at 3:10. Sent a note at 3:20 p.m. At 3:31, bailiff went to get jurors. 6 men, 6 women. Jury "hopelessly deadlocked" on Count 2 attempted murder of Erica Vancurarose.
There is another attempted murder Count 1, victim Matthew Lyle Dilley.
Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward asked if further deliberations would help. Jurors said, no.
They took "3 or 4" ballots as to Count 2. Last ballot was 8 guilty 4 not guilty.
Judge Steward declared a mistrial as to Count 2. When jurors were discharged, one male juror shook his head and looked frustrated. Several jurors took Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees business card and 6 jurors stayed to speak with both Mr. Rees and Mr. Anthony Tall.
Atkins had finally waived his right to a jury trial on bifurcated issues since my last update. Mr. Rees told Judge Steward, "We do intend to retry. People have made an offer on Count 2. It is a 5-7-9 triad. If Mr. Atkins agrees to upper term of 9 years and waives his apellate rights."
Mr. Tall will discuss with his client and attorneys will meet with Judge Steward tomorrow to see if the case will resolve.
I have covered this trial regularly. If you do not read me daily, you can search the blog for previous posts for free or for convenience and individual updates, there are paid options.
No other media was here. Court minutes were not up at the end of the day and not everything said in court gets put in court minutes.
I also got exclusive information from Mr. Tall about the significance of the verdict. I am not including all of it in this post except for this one quote. "The fact that the jury deadlocked on Count 2 and found no wilful conduct on behalf of my client in Count 1 is immediate cause for appeal."
If I see this information which only I have from live, court, in person coverage repeated in other local media which has happened before and without credit to me, I will call them out this time and explore other options with a lawyer about copyrighted material and my original work.
Colusa Superior Court Presiding Judge Jeffrey Thompson is in Courtroom 6 today which is Humboldt Superior Court Judge April Van Dyke's assigned courtroom.
Trevor ScoutCoffman Parker arrested by HCSO yesterday for PC 664/211 attempted robbery and PC 244 assault with caustic chemicals.
HCSO issued a press release at 2:55 p.m.
Lost Coast Outpost, is too late as usual.
**I reported on the blanket disqualification in 2023.**
On an extremely busy morning, with multiple cases on in different courtrooms, I chose to cover the Daryl Jones hearing first. Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel made a dislosure. It is my choice not to name Judge Neel's daughter even though she stated the first name on record. She is a child and as a judge's daughter, extra caution is necessary.
People explained why 170.1 wasn't filed and said they are exercising 170.6. Defense challenged it. Now we are waiting for Humboldt Superior Court Judge Timothy Canning to hear the challenge and whether it gets sent back to Judge Neel or not. Defense asked for time to get documentation from court about DA's blanket disqualification of Judge Neel. I wrote about this in 2023. There was a lot said including defense bringing up recent Supreme Court ruling on 170.6.
"In J.O. v. Superior Court (2026) 80 Cal.App.5th / ___ Cal.5th ___, the California Supreme Court ruled that courts can now look behind peremptory judicial disqualification motions (under CCP § 170.6) if there is a prima facie showing of bad-faith "blanket" challenges aimed at removing a specific judge.Prior to this unanimous decision, a § 170.6 challenge was virtually automatic; filing an affidavit or oral statement asserting prejudice meant the judge had to be reassigned without any inquiry. The new landmark ruling drastically changes how courts can handle repeat challenges." --summary on Google from Justia Law and Wilmer Law.
The California Supreme Court decision in J.O. vs Superior Court of San Joaquin County was unanimous.
If Judge Neel is disqualified, that would make her the 5th judge who cannot hear this case. Judge Steven Steward, Judge Lawrence Killoran, Judge Cockrum and Judge April Van Dyke have recused themselves.
I have included court minutes, detailed live coverage and the actual ruling.
Court minutes:
These are the two posts I did on Brian Harrison's misdemeanor trial. The June 10 post has details on Harrisons prior cases, convictions, attorneys and how Humboldt Superior Court Judge April Van Dyke ended up being assigned the trial.
On June 11, jurors were asked to come back at 10:30. Deliberations had not started for that day. At2:30 p.m. Verdict in Harrison case. Sentencing took place on June 12.
I have covered Jorden Sterling since 2018. This update is on Jorden and Melissa Sterling's 2026 cases.
These are the three posts I have done and all my readers know I add minor updates to post so you have a chronological timeline.
On 6/12, last Friday, the Sterlings had their preliminary hearing scheduled. Both posted bail and are out of custody.
Jorden Sterling is represented by Deputy Conflict Counsel Zachary Curtis. He told Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson that he wants to represent himself. Jorden Sterling was provided paperwork to file a Faretta motion.
Ms. Andrea Sullivan, Melissa Sterling's attorney was not present. She practices primarily in Southern California. I reached out to her just this evening.
Pre trial in both cases is scheduled on 6/16 with confirmation of counsel in Jorden Sterling's case. Preliminary hearing is scheduled for 6/18.
If Jorden wants to represent himself and that request is granted; let's see if he is ready by 6/18.
6/16/26: Jordo and mama Sterling were in court. They kept looking at me in court and the Courthouse. After Judge Wilson asked Jordo some questions, he granted Jordo's request to represent himself. Jordo is representing himself in his family law case and also in a case he has in Shasta County. Jordo demanded discovery. Jordo has two cases trailing in Humboldt.
The best part of waiting in court for the other cases I was covering this morning was Judge Wilson's smackdown of Jordo who demanded discovery, a second after he was appointed. Judge Wilson in his deadpan manner said that Jordo was just appointed to represent himself and Conflict Counsel would give him discovery. Deputy Conflict Counsel Zack Curtis was standing there and would have done that if Jordo had waited two seconds before he tried to act like he knows what a lawyer does. Jordo confirmed for preliminary hearing. Judge Wilson asked him if he was sure since he had just received discovery and had two other cases.
Ms. Andrea Sullivan hurt her back and is unsure if she can travel next week. She confirmed for preliminary hearing but may have to file a motion to continue. Mama Sterling has been communicating with her via text and phone.
For those of you who are not Humboldt readers, you have to "experience" Humboldt to understand why some posts are written the way they are. Compare it to my coverage of other California counties and courts in other states.
I have done many posts from the four lawsuits filed against local landlord Anil Dwivedi. The May 11 post has links to all my prior coverage which includes exclusives and court documents.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/05/janssen-malloy-just-filed-contempt-of.html?m=1
On May 11, Janssen Malloy's Mr. Patrik Griego filed a contempt of court against Dwivedi. I was the only one to get a copy of that motion.
I have covered all four lawsuits against Dwivedi. Three of the lawsuits were never covered by any other media. Some of the other local media who initially covered just the original lawsuit have been MIA for months.
In my last post on April 24, 2026, I reported that the original lawsuit was close to a settlement and discussions were ongoing. Three lawsuits filed after that settled and dismissal hearings were scheduled. That was before this contempt of court was filed.
All the tenants in all four lawsuits are represented by Janssen Malloy's senior partner, Mr. Patrik Griego. The motion for contempt was filed in the original lawsuit Don Swall and Vanessa Vachon filed against Dwivedi Tower LLC and Anil Dwivedi. Rachel Nankervis was added as a plaintiff later to the first lawsuit.
Dwivedi LLC and Anil Dwivedi are represented by the Dhillon Law Group in San Francisco. Mr.Shawn Cowles is the attorney who has been appearing on behalf of Dwivedi LLC and Anil Dwivedi for months. Initially, it was Krista Baughman who has started her own law firm.
There were two hearings on 6/5 and 6/12. I have included court documents and courtroom coverage.
I could have just included Mr. Griego's May 28 reply in support for order to show cause regarding contempt and for enforcement of preliminary injunction and plaintiff's supplemental case management. An amended complaint was filed on 6/11 and it was not available in e court for me to add to this post.
On 6/5, Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Timothy Canning heard arguments from Mr. Griego and Mr. Cowles regatding contempt and took the matter under submission. He will issue a written ruling.
On 6/12, at the Case Management Conference, Mr.Griego told Judge Canning that "yesterday motion to amend complaint was filed. We are unable to settle." Mr. Griego mentioned the contempt and asked that the case be set for trial.
Mr. Coles said, "We have agreement to monetary terms; the only issue is injunction language. Courts get to make that determination. Parties can file 1 or 2 page briefs. I see no need for trial. We don't need amended complaint."
Mr Griego responded, "I disagree. Mr. Dwivedi violated Tenant Protection Act. "
Mr. Coles repeated the argument that is in court documents saying Dwivedi did this upon advice of Housing Authority employee. "If Court issues ruling, we will modify rent."
Judge Canning set matter for trial with a 10 day time estimate. Trial assignment is on September 17 and jury trial on Sept 20.
I call Dwivedi a local landlord because I know he owns the two Eureka properties listed on his Linkedin profile. Whether he still owns properties in Redway and LA that I found in my initial research is not something I have time to follow up again or relevant to the four lawsuits I am covering.
Will Judge Canning buy Dwivedi's "Oops I did it again" defense?
Over the weekend, Officers with the Eureka Police Department made multiple arrests for driving under the influence, removing impaired drivers from Eureka roadways and helping keep the community safe.
64 year old convicted sex offender James Michael Timmerman was booked into the Humboldt County jail on March 10 on a bench warrant for PC 290.013(a) failure to register as a sex offender.
On 6/12, instead of a preliminary hearing, Timmerman entered a plea and was sentenced by Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson. Timmerman pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of PC 290.013(a).
Judge Wilson found Timmerman indigent and waived court fine. Timmerman was placed on probation for 1 year and the 48 days jail time is covered by custody credits.
Deputy DA Jessica Watson appeared on the case for the People. Deputy Public Defender David Celli with Timmerman.
This is California law and Humboldt judges need to use their discretion to protect the public.
I just happened to talk to Ray Christie today. He saw my post about the ruling in the Nylander case this morning. He is the majority shareholder in Redwood Meat company.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/06/nylander-family-dispute-set-for-october.html?m=1
I asked him if there was any update on when Redwood Meat will be ready to open.
"John, thanks for being patient," said Ray Christie." You asked me when Redwood Meat was opening months ago. As I said, I am not ready to make a statement until it is close to opening. You have been the only one to consistently give me fair coverage. At this time, I or anyone else from Redwood Meat will not be making any further statements. When we are ready, you will be the first to know."
Both local Harland Law Firm's Ms. Heather Burke and local attorney Mr. Dustin Owens' motions are succinct and successful. Mr. Owens represents Redwood Meat Co. Ray Christie is the majority shareholder.
Exclusive about Redwood Meat.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/06/you-have-been-only-one-to-consistently.html?m=1
There was already a case management conference scheduled in the Nylander family soap opera 2024 lawsuit on 6/26.
I saw a hearing calendared for this morning in the case. It was for the motion for trial preference. Ms. Burke cited CCP 36 (a) and (e).
The Court granted Ms. Burke's motion for trial priority on behalf of defendants, Ryan and John Nylander, over the plaintiffs' objections. The trial is set on October 2026.
Ms. Shelley Addision is representing Marleen NylandeMs. Cyndy Day-Wilson represents Stephanie, Rachel and Russel Nylander.
I do not have time anymore, especially today, to add links to all my previous coverage. I have explained many times how to access prior posts for free or you can chose one of the paid options for convenience.
Here are two posts you can look up and read.
David Collenberg, failed Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor of California in the June 2, 2026 election is being sued by local attorney Cyndy Day-Wilson.
The lawsuit is for breach of contract. Ms. Day-Wilson's complaint states an unpaid balance of $75, 986.78 "to date" which was on December 8, 2025. The complaint wasn't file stamped until December 17, 2025. A request for entry of default was filed on June 8, 2026.
This morning was the first hearing, a Case Management Conference.
Court minutes not available. Court records provided.
Worked all weekend, still got 1 criminal case verdict which is a misdemeanor case and not of interest to most other than maybe the legal community and 7 civil cases I covered live which are of interest to most readers but time consuming to update with the many developments.
Thought Monday would be my day to catch up but due to the many Humboldt Superior Court reasons you have heard many times, this is another week of covering 20 to 30 cases a day. Add the cray cray plaintiffs who have nothing better to do than file paperwork and the Mirandas Rescue investigation; it is rinse and repeat.
Friday is a holiday which means three day weekend for government employees including court employees. For the rest of us, a normal Friday and working on a weekend because in Humboldt, most of us can't afford to take a day off.
For some reason his last name is always misspelled in the jail log. Former Security National employee, former Humboldt Planning Commission member and former County Assessment Appeals Board member consistently arrested for drugs. The Humboldt County District Attorney's Office needs to stop dismissing cases and giving plea deals to repeat drug offenders.
Brian Alan Mitchel aka Brian Mitchell was booked into the Humboldt County jail last night by HCSO for PC 1203.2(a) probation violation, HS 11377 (a) possession of methamphetamine, HS 11366 operating or maintaining a drug house, HS 11364(a) possession of drug paraphernalia and HS 11395(b)(1) possession of prescribed substances for sale.
Following drug arrests and cases in Humboldt is a bigger waste of time than the cray cray pro per civil lawsuits.
6/17/26: In CR2501402, CR2501322 and CR2501124, Mitchell had arraignment scheduled for violation of probation filed today by the Humboldt County DA. Conflict Counsel appointed. OR agreement signed. VOP revocation on 7/7/26.
I first reported on Creditors Adjustment Bureau Inc lawsuit against local attorney Ken Bareilles in a March 21 post which has the complete court document.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/03/this-has-been-rough-week-for-local.html?m=1
The 4/17/26 Case Management Conference was continued to 6/12 due to a power outage in the area which included the Courthouse.
I was in Courtroom 4 on 6/12. Mr. Mike Frischer appeared via Zoom for Creditors Adjustment Bureau.
I have known Ken for years before I started reporting on courts and am used to calling him by his first name.
Ken was in court and told Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Timothy Canning that he spoke with "another attorney Raphael, I didn't get his last name. He has this case. He agreed to settle for $12,400, said he would send settlement agreement today. I can't get a new worker's comp insurance until it is filed."
If you look at the original complaint, Ken just stated an amount which is close to what he owes. Add another $47 dollars and change to the $12,400 he mentioned in court
Mr. Fisher said that is accurate but outlined thev procedure and said the filing was not happening that day.
Ken sang his woes "about having a guy waiting to transport lumber" but Judge Canning said, "Mr. Bareilles there is a procedure that has to be followed."
Judge Canning scheduled another CMC on 6/22.