May 26, 2026

Jonathan Martin arrested by EPD for kidnapping, false imprisonment, domestic violence and aggravated battery

Jonathan Dean Martin was arrested by Eureka Police yesterday PC 273.5(a) domestic violence, PC 236 false imprisonment, PC 243(d) battery causing serious bodily injury, also known as aggravated battery. and PC 207(a) kidnapping.

12 cases in Humboldt Superior Court which include one 2024 criminal case in which Martin entered a plea to DUI and blood alcohol special allegation. Other cases include family law cases, small claims, family support and a 1997 case which lists no information other than it is civil unlimited, auto tort that Martin filed against a Patricia McCutcheon and it was dismissed on 9/30/1997.

More changes to Humboldt court coverage


Today, my priority is covering Trinidad Gomez's case. Motions in limine are scheduled for 9:30, jurors were asked to come in at 11. Opening instructions will be provided by Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge John Feeney and then opening statement by the Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm. The defense has a choice when to give an opening statement so whether and how much evidence will be presented today will depend on that decision.

Motions to continue in Danielle Durand and Deunn Willis, in Georgi Tonev's case can be added to previous posts later. With Durand and Willis, I am not doing multiple updates for Friday and today. 

I have covered all these cases from the beginning including Victor  Phetsomphou. I don't do inaccurate coverage, I don't do random coverage and today after a three day weekend, it is going to be a busy day. Regular readers do not need links provided to prior coverage and with all the court cases I have to cover, I am no longer doing that for every post. I don't know yet how the morning and today will go but Facebook readers get updated first.

I don't cover court cases and state incomplete information such as there is a motion without more details.. In Durand and Willis, there is a motion to continue by Durand's attorney today because thousands of files were provided and motion to compel discovery was withdrawn on Friday. Willis' attorney Kreis is not opposing the motion and he is not even in court today. Ms. Joanne Carter who represents Durand is appearing for him. Deputy DA Roger Rees opposed the motion to continue Friday citing victims' right to a speedy trial. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward granted the request to continue today, preliminary hearing rescheduled to 6/26.

Phetsomphou waived preliminary hearing in two cases on Friday and the third is trailing. That update has been added to the previous post. 

May 25, 2026

Reader provides more details about false imprisonment suspect David Orluck

 


When I posted on David Orluck's arrest on Friday, a google search listed him as a Senior Environmental Analyst working for the County in 2022. Transparent California isn't always current.

I just received a confidential tip giving more details. Since today is a holiday, I will contact CALTrans tomorrow.

"David Orluck is currently (newly) employed by the State of California, in the Caltrans Environmental division in Eureka CA."

I received a second message from a reader who confirmed he works at CalTrans and is still in the probationary period.

May 24, 2026

TMZ submitted PRA to HCSO for Gabriela Gonzalez

 



This was HCSO's response.

I have included the May 19 press release from the Los Angeles County DA's Office and the complaint filed May 19.

The individual Humboldt booking and release logs for each day don't list Gabriela Lauren Gonzalez in Humboldt but if you check Vinelink, you will see when she was booked in Humboldt County then transferred from Humboldt to be booked in LA.

Repeat offender Travis Evans held to answer to 4 out of 5 counts in 2026 case

 

In March, I did this post on Eureka Police Department's arrest of Travis Evans.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/03/what-is-with-eureka-repeat-offenders.html?m=1#more

It has been so busy and increasing every day in the last few months that I have not had a chance to do an update on Evan's case. Not every arrest is going to get an update with the amount of court cases I cover and other news no one else reports. Evans is not a case that has generated any interest.

The Humboldt County District Attorney's Office filed charges for the EPD arrest on 3/4/26. Evans was arraigned the same day. Public Defender's office was appointed and bail was set at $40,000 by Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Marilyn Miles.There was an OR bail hearing on 3/6 and OR and supervised release was denied by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward. After four continuances, finally Evan's preliminary hearing proceeded on 5/19.

Different Deputy DAs appeared on the case for the preliminary hearing, it was Deputy DA Frankie Olivares. Deputy Public Defender Wade Orbelian is Evan's attorney.

Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson held Evans to answer to Counts 1, 2, 3 and 4. He was not held to answer to Count 5. 

Arraignment on information is on 6/3.

Charges and court minutes from the preliminary hearing are included in this post.

Evans should stop wasting court resources and taxpayer dollars and make an offer to the DA to resolve the case. 

The DA's office is trying to protect the public, two different judges have so far prevented Kevin Astry from being released into the community; if he is the public can send their concerns to the Humboldt County Public Defender

 


I have been covering every hearing for indecent exposure Kevin Astry since his arrest. If you want those details and chronological context to the last hearing, I have provided links to my prior coverage.

Different Deputy DAs have appeared on the case and different Humboldt Superior Court judges have had the case calendared. Despite two different judges making it clear to the Public Defender's office representing Astry how they feel about declaring doubt and mental health diversion and Astry's failure to appear for court despite getting services; the Public Defender's Office persists as they do with complete disregard to public safety.

On 5/20, Astry's case was calendared for placement hearing and contested hearing on mental health diversion. The contested hearing was continued to 6/5. The placement hearing was deferred.

Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson made a finding in the interest of justice to restore the Astry to competency. 

Deputy Public Defender Adrian Kamada still requested PC 1001.36 mental diversion. Senior Deputy District District Attorney Roger Rees objected to diversion. 

I could have added this update to the previous post. I did not have to include court minutes. I did so because the students and residents near Pine Hill Elementary who were affected by Astry and what led to his arrest by HCSO need some peace of mind until 6/5.

If Astry is released into the community, they need to know why and who was responsible. They also need to know who spoke up to protect them. 

While Conflict Counsel and private attorneys also use mental health diversion; from my coverage; it is frequent with the Humboldt County Public Defender's Office and I personally have been impacted, harassed and threatened by their clients released into the community; some who have been repeatedly arrested and have several cases.

May 23, 2026

San Diego police officer charged with 5 counts of child sex abuse involving three minors

 


U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of California released details of an indictment  charging San Diego Police Officer Brandon McGibbon with child sexual abuse offenses involving three minors.

A federal grand jury indictment was unsealed in San Diego on May 22, 2026 charging McGibbon " with five counts of child sexual abuse offenses involving three minor victims."

"According to court records, between October 25 and November 6, 2025, McGibbon engaged in the attempted receipt and production of child pornography and the attempted enticement and coercion of the minors to engage in obscene matter and sexual conduct. "

"Special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the cooperation of the San Diego Police Department, led the investigation. This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit and was done with the collaboration of the San Diego District Attorney’s Office. Formed in April 2025, the SVU is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving sex trafficking and child exploitation, civil rights, and labor trafficking. "

"McGibbon is expected to make his initial appearance in federal court on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Brammell and Lyndzie M. Carter. "

Shots fired near White House

 



Information from official accounts only.



5:38 p.m. update.


5/24/26: Statement at 4:46 p.m. today.

David Greene arrested by HCSO for possession of child pornography


74 year old David Freeman Greene was arrested yesterday by HCSO for PC 311.11 (a) possession of child pornography. He posted bond.

When I tried to check the Cal Poly Humboldt page to see if this is the same David Greene, I get the page no longer exists error.

As usual, there are a lot of repeat Humboldt offenders I see on the jail log arrest from yesterday. Search Charles Albert Kesserling on my blog or Google.


Early morning and CHP pulls you over. Let's see if it makes tomorrow's jail log



Early morning and CHP pulls you over. Let's see if it makes tomorrow's jail log.

May 22, 2026

"I have been advised by counsel not to comment further at this time."

 



I already got a statement from Shannon Miranda and was the first one to do so. Both times HCSO was there, I reported first and live. I reported on this investigation into Miranda's rescue first and before other local media.

In my April 28 post, this is what Shannon told me,"I have not done anything wrong. At this time, I have no comment."

Times Standard's paywall is an obstacle and I did recently check a few other local media outlets. I did not see any comments from Shannon on local outlets. 

As this made regional news, two statements were posted on Miranda's Rescue Facebook page 24 hours ago. I didn't see them included in any local coverage, they were included in regional coverage but all these liberal, Northern California media outlets ignored HCSO Lt. Taylor's press release. 

From what I see, no one has spoken to Shannon directly except me. The coverage is mostly biased and one sided, locally and regionally.

"I have been advised by counsel not to comment further at this time" 

I get why Shannon posted on Facebook which anyone who has not been the target of the angry mob mentality, especially from Humboldt, does not understand but Shannon, facts don't matter to many in this small, jealous, petty county. 

The local sub Reddit which is the toilet bowl of anon online unmoderated forums is the worst and Facebook is next followed by the online comment sections of certain local media.

Unfortunately Shannon, you did post two statements on Miranda's Rescue Facebook. Now all the keyboard warriors who live for the drama and attention started speculation again.

HCSO Lt. Jesse Taylor tried to calm and descalate with the press release two days ago. 

What you posted on Facebook can be used against you, just as I said it would for the others involved who are online. 

I did reach out to Shannon, again. If he wishes to make a statement. 

I am not linking on the posts I have done on Miranda's rescue investigation and HCSO being at Shannon Miranda's property. They are accessible easily and for free via the search feature on the blog. 

Ramey warrant states Edward Neagu gave the minor meth, misled John Doe about being female and prevented him from leaving the residence; one day John Doe managed to escape

 



Regular readers and others already read two posts this week on alleged molestor Edward Neagu. Just like those posts, once again exclusive information and first here.

Neagu has a preliminary hearing scheduled on 6/2. The details you are about to read may or may not be shared at that hearing; assuming it may even proceed that day.

I have a court certified copy of the affadavit and arrest warrant for Neagu authored by Eureka Police Detective Donald Bailey.

I am not going to post the entire copy so the other media and anyone else can take my copyrighted content or profit from my work. Ramey warrants have to be specially requested, they are not available in e court and I had to pay for the copy. 

If other media or someone else wants to get a copy, they can hike and try get a copy before the clerk office closes at 2 p.m and pay for the paperwork.

I also have to make sure I don't share any sensitive information. There are parts of the Ramey warrant that have information about the school the minor victim attends and a guardian's name. There are phone numbers that need to be verified at a preliminary hearing. 

I am not going to rush to include certain information . If it comes out at preliminary hearing, that is a decision I cannot make because it may not be necessary to include it at that time either. 

The page with arrestee information has details about Neagu that have been shared by EPD or in court records but there is information about his vehicle not yet made public. I am not posting that page. 

Here is one excerpt.

This is coverage about alleged molestation. The law enforcement and court records include sensitive details. The one excerpt posted below does not have any graphic details but it will be difficult to read. It is your choice to read beyond this paragraph.

When Det. Bailey did a criminal background check, he found Neagu was a suspect in a 2025 case. There are details in the Ramey warrant about those juveniles and Neagu's pattern of behavior.

Ballots discovered earlier from the November special election will be counted

The Humboldt County Office of Elections just issued an update that the ballots discovered earlier this month inside a locked drop box from the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election will be counted.

The blog is sometimes and often the last platform I update. Other platforms are better for live reporting and updates.

If you did not read the May 6 post, you can access it for free via the search feature on the blog.

Sacramento man arrested by CA DOJ for targeting patrons at bar and casinos and defrauding investors through a fake cannabis investment scheme

 


California Attorney General Rob Bonta just released a statement about "the arrest of a Sacramento fraudster and the dismantling of a cannabis investment scheme. Between December 2017 and March 2026, the conman defrauded investors out of more than half a million dollars through a fake cannabis investment scheme."

David Orluck arrested by HCSO for false imprisonment, sex offenses and domestic violence



**There is no restriction from the Ninth Circuit ruling to post a photo from social media, in this case Instagram. Transparent California does not have current information but a google search lists Orluck working for the County as a Senior Environmental Analyst. Any of this information is available on google. Local internet sleuths post online booking photos on other sites without repercussions. They can also look up what I included which is allowed**

David Joseph Orluck arrested yesterday evening by HCSO for PC 236 false imprisonment PC 243.4(a) sexual battery, PC 289(a)(1) (a) forcible sexual penetration with a foreign object, PC 287(c)(2)(a) forcible oral copulation and  PC 273.5(a) domestic violence.

Orluck posted bond.


May 21, 2026

Two LA judges admonished by CJP for they way they treated small claim litigants and prospective jurors

 

(Judge Griego: Daily Journal)

(Judge Bryant-Deason: Daily Journal)

I have included the press release and a few pages from the public admonishment. The California Commission on Judicial Performance has the complete documents online.

All these admonishments do nothing. Even censure and removing a judge from the bench is ineffective. In addition, make them pay and dock their paycheck. Civil penalties are more effective.

This is a LA judge to prospective jurors.

"Why did you want to come here and live?" "You don't speak English." "You're not doing anything in our society."

18 year old robbery and criminal threats suspect Jack Nye jury trial scheduled for July

 




18 year old robbery and criminal threats suspect Jack Nye was arraigned today on information. Readiness Conference is on 7/2; jury trial on 7/13.

I just did a post on May 9 which has links to previous posts. The charges for jury trial are included below.

I covered Derek Barnett's case since his arrest, the Humboldt case is irrelevant since he is headed to federal custody, however Judge Cockrum released him from custody today

 






I covered Derek Barnett since his arrest. I reported in December 2025, the FBI taking over his case. 

Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm is the prosecutor for this case but since she has been in trials back to back, Deputy DA Roger Reees has appeared on the case and today, Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer.

Today, in CR2403934,  Barnett's preliminary  continued DA to 6/12 for setting + status of transport since Barnett is facing charges in federal court.

In CR2601350, Barnett entered a plea to disobeying a court order and was sentenced to 6 months probation, a stay away from Dow's Prairie Elementary School, sentenced to 20 days in jail with credit for time served and won't have to several fines by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum. He was released from custody on this case and is no longer in jail according to jail records.

Court minutes have more details.

Deputy Conflict Counsel RJ Leohner is Barnett's attorney.

5/22/26: Barnett was transferred to FBI custody and is in jail in San Francisco. When I did the post, the Humboldt jail records weren't available until this morning. I checked Vinelink.