Exclusives, details and regular coverage on convicted molestor Steve Boudreaux has been provided here since his arrest

 

I covered convicted molestor Steve Boudreaux's three jury trials, the verdicts and I covered his case since his arrest. Humboldt County Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm came through for the victims and the People every time. Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo and Steve Boudreaux dragged the inevitable for years. If you want complete and exclusive details, search my blog. After the verdicts, the jurors follow my blog. Ms. Timm is in trial, the defense could have another delay. Sentencing is scheduled tomorrow and if it does proceed, I will add minutes to today's post. Here is Boudreaux's booking photo which I put effort into obtaining years ago.

HDSO, Teamsters Local 137 or no organization, who will Humboldt DA Investigators chose in a secret ballot on June 2?

 

I have more interest in the results of this secret ballot than any race in California on June 2, 2026.

18 year old Landon Zachary arrested by EPD for reckless driving causing injury

Shout out to EPD Police Operations Analyst Rachel Sollom for getting out information to media right away and including the recording. Photos on the scene from EPD.

I gave Jody Honsal, the benefit of doubt once

 

I gave Jody Honsal, the benefit of doubt once.

Now, another comment on the Miranda's Rescue investigation by Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal's wife. If she wants to keep commenting on an investigation her husband's agency is overseeing, it isn't just inappropriate; it is arrogant. Jody Honsal is making a case for those who want the Civilian Oversight Board for HCSO. I am not in favor of a politically motivated committee of people who have no clue about what law enforcement goes through but I do have concerns about how HCSO administration handles complaints and discipline. Like every other power and authority in Humboldt; potential conflicts of interest and actual conflicts of interest are never mentioned.

There needs to be a mechanism in Humboldt County for more than just HCSO and that option has to be people not beholden and independent of the Humboldt County cabal.

I am very disappointed in Bryan Hall's comment as well. I have zero interest in what Bryan thinks on any topic anymore and I hope he is never on a jury. 

Dani Payne has the only sane and objective comment in that screenshot.

As I said before, I am waiting for HCSO's investigation and to see if any charges are filed. 

Unlike the Times Standard, Lost Coast Outpost and Redheaded Blackbelt, I am not interested in speculation, years of the same old allegations rehashed by a group of people and women who are dragging their personal issues with Shannon Miranda into what should be an objective law enforcement investigation.

Certain Humboldt "media" giving a platform to protestors and biased parties who can say anything they want without legal repercussions in an ongoing investigation is irresponsible. This is why many in Humboldt are confused about what is considered news because they are used to be given a pulpit and 15 seconds of fame for online and coffee klatch gossip.

There are those in Humboldt County who like gossip, speculation and drama. As I told the person who sent me the tip, I am not going to react every time Jenna Moore comments or anyone else in this drama. I am including one screenshot about Jenna Moore because it is relevant to the previous post.

How does Jenna Moore know that HCSO seems to think there is "no crime?" There has been nothing released to the media or public. I have heard whisperings about the investigation. Do you see me posting about "talk"?

If Jenna Moore is so confident about her evidence, she can put it in an official court document, swear under oath, under penalty of perjury. 

A Times Standard article is not an official law enforcement document and it is not a court document. Times Standard  interviewed Oakland Animal Services. Maybe the TS reporter should have used googlebefore quoting allegations from an agency involved in a lawsuit which includes allegations of animal abuse.

If any of the drama queens understood how evidence or the court process works; the first thing they would do is be quiet instead of allowing their words to be documented. In this country, there is a court process. Innocent until proven guilty, not guilty because of a bunch of gossips screech loudly on social media.

Justice does not always work perfectly, especially in a small rural County, but unlike the online, unmoderated smears and speculation; in court your "evidence" is vetted by legal standards.

Unlike Jenna Moore and everyone continuing this drama on both sides, I have bills to pay and actual news to cover and post. Whichever contingent you are in, pro or anti Shamnon Miranda; either wait for something official or feel free to contact another local "media" outlet.

Gregory Moon held to answer on all charges after preliminary hearing

Domestic violence suspect Gregory Moon held to answer as charged after his preliminary hearing by Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson. Moon's no bail custodial status remains unchanged.

Arraignment on information is on 6/2.

Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor. People's witnesses included Jane Doe and Blue Lake Tribal Officer Raven Moon. Deputy Conflict Counsel David Nims is Moon's attorney.

My previous post has arrest, charges and updates until today's hearing.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/05/gregory-moon-arrested-yesterday-for.html?m=1

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

 

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.

Individual jurors being questioned in alleged molestor Trinidad Gomez' trial

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.

Individual jurors will be questioned tomorrow. Jury selection for all jurors will probably start on 5/20.

This is the last time I will provide links to previous coverage.

Alleged molestor Feliciano Valentin's jury trial scheduled in August

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.

EPD online crime reporting tool gets a 👍🏻

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.

David Alvarez sentenced to five and a half years in federal prison for possession of child pornography

San Jose's David Alvarez sentenced to five and a half years in federal prison for possession of child pornography.

EPD and CSET arrested alleged molestor 48-year-old Edward Neagu this morning

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.

Petty County of Humboldt threatening me is expected; now they are acting out and disqualifying a Humboldt Superior Court Judge they cannot control

 

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 ineffective Humboldt Superior Court search which does not displays result and a very busy schedule; I finally found a related case.

Usually, I add all the court documents but for this post, I am only adding some relevant ones.

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 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 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. Theose people 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 from today.

Orange County Superior Court attorneys can e file some documents in criminal cases

 

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.

Elizabeth Tsarnas arrested by Fortuna PD for assault and battery

 

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.

If Daniel Epperson made the Friday FB post after Judge Steward's ruling the same day, the DA should investigate and court should address it at his next hearing, Deputy DA Watson should have requested remand

 

(previous booking photo)

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. 

 **I have included Epperson's Facebook photo which is not current. It has some vulgar language as does a post I have included from Friday which was the day of his preliminary hearing. Don't know when he posted on Friday but does not look like Epperson is fazed that he has four current open criminal cases. I took the screenshot on Saturday evening. The photo and quote are provided in context of his previous texts in the case involving the Ulanseys. I did not include all his recent FB posts because my job is not DA Investigator or law enforcement. **

I have forwarded my post to the DA. For information but for the safety of the public and for my protection. Deputy DA Watson failed to protect the public by not requesting remand.

If Epperson or any of his buddies retaliate or initiate unwanted contact, including via email or phone, I will contact the authorities and the DA. This has happened with others including a recent email but given Epperson is out of custody, has a 2026 case for violating a protective order and people he choses to associate with; my concerns are justified.

Another court continuance because HCSO Det. is at "homicide school" and HCSO supplemental report

 

(4th street entrance to Humboldt County Courthouse: John Chiv)

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.

Root Birimisa, Briyan Marquardt, Clayton Miller, Jose Granados, Daniel Epperson and other exclusives from Friday in person court coverage; the cliff notes version

 

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.

"He isn't my attorney, he is a public defender."

 

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.