This isn't the first arrest of convicted felon Javier Akeem Ruiz-Keyes by HCDTF and it is for the same charges

 

I have included some of my coverage of the 2022 case and based on that, why should I believe that this arrest will be handled differently by the Humboldt County DA?

The press release issued by HCDTF is included below.

Deputy DA Ian Harris returned to the office after months today

 

Humboldt Deputy District Attorney Ian Harris was out of the office for months. He returned to work today. Prior to his leave, cases for drug arrests were handled by him.

Here's hoping that case assignment is handled by him again freeing up his experienced colleagues like Deputy DA Trent Timm for other cases which actually have consequences for public safety.

After 12 plus years, mostly continuances, appeals and minor developments are not a reason for in person coverage and not every Humboldt case is going to get a new post

 

I was the first to report on the Court of Appeals ruling in Daryl Jones case. I did a post on August 19 and August 10. Today, at 1:30 p.m., I doubt anything significant will happen. I have covered this case in details for over a year, the preliminary hearing, the request for mental health diversion in detail and for months. 

After 12 plus years, mostly continuances, appeals and minor developments are not a reason for in person coverage and not every  Humboldt case is going to get a new post. 

Individual customized updates, live or at request and informing my advertisers and contributors first is what is working better for me and those who invest in me financially.

The screenshots are of the two previous August posts. I will add an update about today's hearing to the post on the blog.

Utah is an example of how courts should operate

 

This is the Utah courthouse. The inside is clean. I have covered the Tyler Robinson and other cases in Utah court. Cases are called and proceed as scheduled. Continuances are rare and for good cause and they are not multiple and for weeks and months. The jail has inmates ready to appear remotely. Utah court also does pleas and attorneys do sometimes have to talk to clients. All this is handled efficiently on the day and the court hearings conclude on the same day. Prosecutors and defense attorneys have their discussions prior to court.

Alleged victim in John and Tucker Donahue case is Jagdev Singh of Stop and Shop Market

 

I did this post on August 19 about the arrest of John and Tucker Donahue. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/08/john-and-tucker-donahue-booked-into.html?m=1

On 8/20/26, John Donahue Jr was arraigned on one felony count PC 211 for second degree robbery. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran appointed Conflict Counsel for John Donahue, Jr. Bail is $45,000. OR bail is on 8/24; preliminary hearing 8/28.

Tucker Donahue is also charged with PC 211 second degree robbery. Tucket Donahue has an additional felony charge of PC 245 (a) (1) assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm; a bottle and special allegation PC 12022. 7 (a) great bodily injury. The Public Defender's Office was appointed for Tucker Donahue. Bail is $75,000. OR bail is on 8/24; preliminary hearing 8/28.

Alleged victim is Jagdev Singh of Stop and Shop Market.

Deputy DA Frankie Olivares appeared on both cases for arraignment.

Phoenix Police officers arrested, fired today and face felony charges including kidnapping, assault, intimidation and tampering with evidence

 

Phoenix Police Department released this update an hour ago.  

Two former Phoenix Police Department officers, Luis Vasquez Jr. and Antonio Felix, were arrested and fired and today. They face felony charges, including aggravated assault, kidnapping, threatening and intimidating and tampering with evidence. The arrest is  related to an unreported, violent traffic stop of a man and woman in South Phoenix on August 5, 2026.

Former HCSO Lt. Sam Williams ex wife charged with 8 felonies in drug case but not arraigned yet

On Friday, as I was walking, I got a tip that former HCSO Lt .Sam Williams' ex wife was arrested. The problem is that I was not given this tip until months later and I have no way to verify previous jail online reports from months ago without a date. The person who gave me this tip is someone who used to work at the Courthouse and supported Sam Williams during his criminal case and even after his trial. That person told me"Danielle was arrested on drug and felony charges."

That is corroborated by a 2026 case filed by the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office. Why did it take the DA to file charges from 2024 in 2026? Danielle Williams was not arraigned because Humboldt Superior Court Commissioner referred the case to the DA for affadavit. 

That has been happening in quite a few cases.  

Independent investigation in Nylander family dispute concludes derivative action should be dismissed

 

Ray Christie is a majority shareholder in Redwood Meat Company. This is the most recent post I did. Ray Christie told me that he is not ready to make a statement until the business is close to opening. 

Since my last post on the Nylander family lawsuit, a hearing on the motion for summary judgement has been scheduled for 9/11/26.

Mr. Dustin Owens represents represents Redwood Meat Co. filed a request for judicial notice in support of the opposition to plaintiff's motion for summary judgement on 8/21.

Ms. Heather Burke represents John and Ryan Nylander. She filed several documents on 8/21/26. 

In June at the last hearing, Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge granted Ms. Burke's motion for trial priority. Trial assignment on 10/26/26; jury trial on 10/28/26.

Ms. Shelley Addision is representing Marleen Nylander. Ms. Cyndy Day-Wilson represents Stephanie, Rachel and Russel Nylander. 

I have included Mr. Owens 8/21/26 filing. Just that one document will get those of you who prefer cliff notes get caught up on what I have dubbed Humboldt's temu version of Yellowstone.

Ocean Del Castillo arrested by HCSO on a warrant issued for vehicular manslaughter

 

**The above is from Humboldt Superior Court records**

Ocean Alexander Del Castillo aka Kevin Magnatta was arrested by HCSO yesterday in an arrest warrant issued in a 2026 case for PC 192(c)(1) vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and VC 21651(c) driving on the wrong side of the highway that results in bodily injury or death.

The Humboldt County District Attorney filed a complaint on 8/7/26. There is no arraignment date scheduled or showing in the Humboldt court sytem.

The City of Rio Dell is very fortunate to have Rio Dell Police Chief Joshua Phinney and Rio Dell Fire Department Chief Ryan Heussler

 

The City of Rio Dell is very fortunate to have Rio Dell Police Chief Joshua Phinney and Rio Dell Fire Department Chief Ryan Heussler. Both provided me prompt, transparent and well written responses to the arrest of Jeremy Beauchaine which I added to the post I did earlier this morning.

It is going to be a busy evening for EPD

3:58 p.m. The guy in the beige shorts and white shirt just walked up to me on 5th street near Burger King, would not move, kept blocking me as I tried to keep walking, took a swing, I had to step off the sidewalk while there was cars driving by to avoid a punch. Wouldn't listen, just move, just kept demanding stuff from me including a "smoke" and was not fazed when I mentioned calling Eureka Police.

5:42 Saw this guy again on 4th and K near jail parking lot yelling, said something violent and racist to me after I had crossed the street to avoid him.

"You are going to get the police called on you," I yelled back. He scampered away on 4th street and was out of sight.

I did not call EPD. They are busy as usual.

He isn't the only zombie or crazy on 101. Another guy white shorts, black and white shirt near the gas station on 4th and L screaming his lungs as he does every morning, afternoon and night.

Never seen these guys before. Nor the several campers with various out of state license plates. The City of Eureka and County of Humboldt elected officials just ignore this, they go home where they don't get bothered. 

After endless delays, Logan Brewer Hearst finally sentenced to 11 years in prison in drug and firearm case

 

After endless delays, Logan Brewer Hearst finally sentenced to 11 years in prison in drug and firearm case. More details, court minutes including Humboldt Superior Court Judge April Van Dyke's ruling on the Romero motion will be added later this evening.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor. Deputy Conflict Counsel RJ Leohner is Brewer-Hearst's attorney.

Details are in court minutes which I have included.

The screenshots are just three recent posts on this case which no one has followed or regularly. Most posts I do on court cases also have minor updates so readers have a chronological timeline.

Will City of Eureka delay another restaurant opening?

 

Smart of Heiwa Izakaya Inc and Lily Tan applied for a liquor license. Even if they receive it by the time construction is complete, will the City of Eureka delay another restaurant and business opening? I am still waiting for Bella Italia to open. California and Humboldt make it onerous to do business.

Of course, in Humboldt, what gets approved and how fast all depends on who you know and stroking egos.

Jeremy Beauchaine arrested for embezzlement by Rio Dell Police

Received this tip at 8:02 a.m.

"there was a guy jeremy beauchaine that was in the booking logs today for embezzlement. I think he was embezzling from the rio dell fire department. His brother is a police officer for RDPD."

I asked the person for confirmation of the alleged claims about the Rio Dell Fire Department and the Rio Dell Police Department connection.

The jail log does list an arrest for a Jeremy Beauchaine yesterday by Rio Dell Police Department for PC 503 embezzlement. The arrest was by RDPD Police Chief Joshua Phinney. Jeremy Beauchaine posted bond. RDPD has a Sgt. John Beauchaine.

If the claim is correct, than kudos to RDPD for making the arrest.

I have contacted RDPD Chief Phinney.

His response, "John,

Thank you for reaching out. Jeremy Beauchaine was arrested for felony embezzlement, Penal Code § 503, following an investigation initiated after concerns were reported by Rio Dell Fire Chief Ryan Heussler.

The investigation identified numerous unauthorized Fire Department fuel transactions associated with Beauchaine and involving his personal vehicles, with the activity extending back several years. Fire Department staff identified the issue, promptly reported it, and have been fully cooperative and actively involved in ensuring the matter was appropriately investigated.

I can also confirm that Jeremy Beauchaine is the brother of Sergeant John Beauchaine of the Rio Dell Police Department. That relationship did not affect how this matter was investigated or handled.

I believe this case demonstrates the importance both the Rio Dell Police Department and Rio Dell Fire Department place on transparency, accountability, and applying the same standards regardless of who may be involved or who they may be related to.The matter remains an active criminal case, so I will be somewhat limited in providing additional details at this time. Respectfully,"

9:45 a.m:  I also received confirmation from another source that Jeremy Beauchaine is Sgt. John Beauchaine's brother. This other source told me that Jeremy Beauchaine's alleged embezzlement was using a credit card issued by the Rio Dell Fire Department for personal use.

I have contacted Rio Dell Fire Department Chief Ryan Heussler.

Chief Heussler responded, "Good Afternoon Mr. Chiv, 

Please see below statement in regards to the arrest of Mr. Beauchaine

From the Rio Dell Fire Protection District:

In a recent audit of bills a discrepancy was found triggering an internal investigation. At that time Mr. Beauchine was immediately placed on Administrative leave and removed from all district property. Upon review with the local Rio Dell Police Department, Mr. Beauchaine's administrated leave was extended and the case turned over to RDPD. As this is an ongoing investigation, we respect the process and have no further information at this time. "

I checked Humboldt Superior Court and Jeremy Beauchaine has a 2008 conviction in a CHP traffic case. 

I have already reported on what will be discussed at the Tselin Lincoln and William Warren hearing today including Warren possibly getting a new attorney, his current attorney's motion to file declaration under seal

 

I have already reported on what will be discussed at the hearing today for murder suspects Tselin Lincoln and William Warren including Warren possibly getting a new attorney, his current attorney's motion to file declaration under seal. The setting of preliminary hearing dates and motion to compel has been continued several times. The screenshots are three recent posts I have done with details on all the above. An update from today will be added to the post on the blog.

Update: Once again, continuance for motion to compel and setting of preliminary hearing continued to 8/26. There is also a request for an in cameta hearing which was taken under submidsion by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward. Warren's attorney, Ms. Rebecca Linkous' motion to seal her declaration was granted. Lincoln's attorney is Ms. Andrea Sullivan. Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for both cases.

Two more officers leave EPD, here are 8 names since Chief Brian Stephens took over

 

(EPD Chief Stephens)

I have done several posts on Eureka Police officers leaving since EPD Chief Brian Stephens took over. As long as Miles Slattery is Eureka City Manager, Chief Stephens' position is secure.

Read between the lines why that one line maybe relevant to the post. I am not going to publish everything I know or why because most of Humboldt does not invest in me or cover the risk I take to report information others will not and the other media has no clue because they are not trusted by anyone who isn't the good ole boy crowd or biased parties wanting one sided narratives. The cheapest and pettiest are the Humboldt 1% scrooges who will not control me nor will I stroke their incompetent egos. Humboldt, specifically Eureka, is in decline because these old farts and their incompetent progeny and their fragile egos keep it stagnant and the same boors remain in charge. None of these scrooges want Eureka to improve. They and their sycophants are self absorbed, selfish and weak. Eureka has potential and can thrive under the right leadership.

For me to say more would require people to go on record and they have not and will not which is standard for Humboldt. Whine anonymously, let someone else take the risk and do nothing is what Humboldt does.

EPD is full of excellent officers and personnel. EPD is the #1 positive for me in Eureka.

The only current Eureka Councilmember who stood up to Miles is not running for re-election this year. 

Two more veteran and experienced officers are leaving EPD. Officer Michael Shaw gave his two weeks notice. Officer Spencer Barrett applied to HCSO and nearing the end of the hiring process. 

I have previously mentioned Officers Tim Marsolan, Det Richard Bise, Sgt Greg Hill left and went to the Humboldt County DA's office; Officer Jonathan Eckert to HCSO. Officer Ryan Flowers left and went to Cal Poly Humboldt Police Department. Former EPD Sgt. and DA Investigator Hill is now with the Cal Poly Humboldt Police Department.

I did not write about former EPD Officer Andrew Endsley leaving because he did not go to another law enforcement agency. 

If you read my reporting, I have given Chief Stephens kudos when deserved, I have also criticized him. I do not like the changes he has made which affect me as a resident and media and I have said this publicly. 

I don't use anon names or gossip behind people's back. Experienced officers leaving EPD affects my daily life and yours. 

Melissa Sterling is also suing Humboldt County DA, HCSO and County of Humboldt

 

Most of my regular readers have read these two posts. If you have not or need a refresher, here are the links to those posts.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/08/deputy-da-jessica-watson-could-not-win.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/08/jorden-sterling-aka-jorden-place-and.html?m=1

I also reported about Jordo's Mama Sterling's case being dismissed.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/08/jorden-sterling-aka-jorden-place-and.html?m=1

Jordo, formerly Jorden Sterling aka Jorden Place after his name change petition was granted this year and his boo Courtney Zanone have several lawsuits in Humboldt Superior Court. They are pro per. Mama Sterling did not want to be left out. She is also pro per, has a fee waiver, her complaints are just as mind numbing. The difference is that Melissa Sterling has a better chance than Jordo with her lawsuits because as she points out the charges against her were reduced to misdemeanors and then the case was dismissed. Melissa, that was because you were represented by Ms. Andrea Sullivan. It had nothing to do with you or your legal skills. Your case was dismissed because of Ms. Sullivan and because the most incompetent Humboldt County Deputy DA Jessica Watson wanted you to testify for the People in one the cases involving your son. I already wrote what I think of that decision and Jessica Watson. Why she is still employed by the Humboldt County DA?

I do not feel sorry that you are suing the Humboldt County DA because that office bought this on themselves.  I do not feel sorry for the County of Humboldt because they are useless and will just sit back and do nothing. The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors should be asking Humboldt District Attorney Stacey Eads why Jessica Watson is still employed and why the County is exposed to three lawsuits because of Jessica Watson. I feel sorry for the taxpayers, HCSO and all the other people including me being sued because Jessica Watson is a lousy prosecutor who made poor choices and got owned by a pro per defendant.

I would like to remind Jordo, Courtney and Mama Sterling aka "SBunnyGirl" which is her email handle, these court documents are accessible to the media and public. I want to thank you for saving me the time and expense of requesting the arrest warrant and affadavits. I did not include all the exhibits and every page. 

Melissa, compared to Jorden and Courtney, your filings are coherent and I use that term loosely. You are also not as greedy as Jordo and Courtney. Melissa, you would not be in the position to file these lawsuits if it was not for Ms. Sullivan. So if you win, you should do right by her.

It is too bad that Jorden and Courtney cannot see that I agree that the DA's office, the County of Humboldt and some at HCSO and Humboldt Superior Court deserve their arrogance to be curbed and taken to task. Anyone who reads my reporting about Humboldt knows that my independence and pursuit of truth and justice makes me different than most media and definitely the only one in local media who has consistently taken on the entrenched systems at great personal and financial risk and faced retaliation. 

Three courtrooms had nothing on calendar today at Humboldt Superior Court

Three courtrooms were closed today at Humboldt Superior Court.

Courtroom 2 down which usually means no Visiting or Retired judge available. Humboldt Superior Court Retired Judges fill in a lot; mostly Retired Judge John Feeney and Retired Judge Christopher Wilson. Last month Judge Feeney was a Visiting Judge at San Diego Superior Court. I would also pick San Diego over Humboldt.

Courtroom 7 Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel & Courtroom had nothing on calendar. That could be due to training, vacation, schools back in session, a sick day. 

Courtrooms 7 and 8 were also closed on Friday.