In 2018, former Humboldt Deputy DAs told former DA Maggie Fleming that HCSO Deputy Travis Mendes should be removed as a witness, expressed concern about Mendes credibility and suggested dismissing felony counts

 

These screenshots don't even cover all my reporting on Ray Christie's 2018 case and what was not reported by anyone else.

I have been the only one regularly reporting on rancher Ray Christie's federal lawsuit against County of Humboldt, former HCSO Deputy Travis Mendes, former Humboldt Deputy DA Adrian Kamada, Sheriff Honsal. I have had many exclusives regarding this lawsuit and reporting information first. 

Those of you who read me regularly know that my extensive coverage of Christie's 2018 crininal case contained information no one else reported. Christie's lawyer, Mr. Rick Richmond, of the Larson Law Firm has commended my balanced reporting and in court documents a few times. The 2018 case resulted in a plea, only reported by me. 

When you read this post, keep in mind what I have consistently reported in real time about former Deputy DA, now Deputy Public Defender Adrian Kamada. I was the only one to report on Kamada's abrupt exit from the Humboldt County DA's office. Remember what I said about why Christie got a plea deal. One that was negotiated quietly during a supposed intervention when media and public are not allowed in; I had attended every hearing.

I have called out former HCSO Deputy Travis Mendes during the 2018 case and after the plea who works at CALFire but still moonlights when HCSO needs him as a bailiff.

Mendes was removed as livestock deputy. He is no longer at HCSO except as extra help for Humboldt Superior Court as a bailiff when needed. His daddy Alan used to work for HCSO and is now is with Ferndale Police. 

I have the opposition filed by Mr. Richmond to the County's opposition to dismiss the First Amended Complaint, his declaration and exhibits. Mr. Richmond's declaration is well written and the exhibits are straightforward.

I have included court documents in previous posts. For this post, I am focusing on new information but I am not going to add all the documents I want to just now. 

I have explained why previously a few times. If you did not read why before; then you aren't going to now. I have linked previous coverage on the lawsuit a few times now including with this post so all readers should be familiar with what has happened from the filing of the lawsuit until now.

CA Senator Mike McGuire is the keynote speaker for GRTA ribbon cutting in Ukiah this Sunday

(Senator McGuire)

On Sunday, April 26th, 2026 Ukiah community members will gather to celebrate the grand opening of their fourth segment of the Great Redwood Trail, the country’s largest rail-trail project. When complete, the Great Redwood Trail will span San Francisco Bay to Humboldt Bay and beyond, offering non-motorized commuter and tourist experiences through some of Northern California’s most beautiful landscapes.

18 year old Chick-fil-A worker returns nearly $10,000 in cash to owner

 

Glad to see national outlets who were slow to pick up this positive news article give credit to WITN. Detailed, original reporting by a TV station and refreshing to see coverage about faith and a young man who is a role model.

Alleged sex trafficker Darin Ward is on his 5th attorney, three the taxpayers are footing the bill for, in addition to his three hots and a cot

 

Alleged sex trafficker has been through two private attorneys, the Public Defender had a conflict, then Conflict Counsel had a conflict so now he has a fifth court appointed private attorney.

Today, Ms. Andrea Sullivan was appointed. Trial setting was continued to 4/28. This is a 2024 case and Ward has been sitting in jail. Has his arrogance been tempered and is he ready to take responsibility and beg the DA for a plea? I don't think he deserves Ms. Sullivan so he better listen to her because he has wasted enough of everyone's time.

The March 2, 2026 post is the last post I did with updates. The other two posts are about his lengthy preliminary hearing I covered. For free, you can search all the prior coverage I did on Ward or you can subscribe, donate and advertise for links, other conveniences and benefits.

Another repeat offender, failed mental health diversion, keeps racking up arrests

 

I have covered Daniel Epperson for years. He is another failure in Humboldt of someone who should have never been granted mental health diversion.

On 4/9, in addition to his 2025, 2024 and 2023 cases which are on for various different hearings, the Humboldt County District Attorney filed a new case on 3/30/26 for knowingly violating protective order which was mentioned at the last hearing. The complaint has no details other than that this allegedly occurred "on or about March 3, 2026."

Epperson has arraignment scheduled in this case yesterday and on 6/1/26.

On 4/9, in CR2601223 Epperson was arraigned. The 6/1/26 date vacated. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward ordered Epperson to comply with court orders. Doubt Epperson will listen. When he picks up another case, my update will be, "I told you so." The 2026 case, Epperson's 2024 and 2023 violation of probation cases are trailing. All these cases will be on calendar on 5/15 when preliminary hearing is scheduled for CR2501208.

Epperson failed mental health diversion. He has been arrested numerous times and has a number of cases. Instead of dragging this out with more delay tactics, his Deputy Public Defender needs to put in the work and give Epperson a reality check.

The July 21, 2025 post has updates until the 4/9 hearing. As I have mentioned before, I have stopped providing links to previous posts and for some posts this week, this is the last time, I will provide links to all prior coverage.

CA DOJ secures 36 year state prison sentence in Kings County molestation case

 

California Department of Justice took over a molestation case after the Kings County District Attorney’s Office was recused. Eugene Anthony Souza was sentenced to the maximum possible sentence of 36 years in state prison after a judge found him guilty of all charges following a bench trial. Souza's victim was a family member who he abused on an almost weekly basis starting when she was 8 and continuing until she was 11. 

California District Attorneys Association supports bill to amend CA's Elderly Parole program

The California District Attorneys Association (CDAA) issued a press release stating  support for AB 2727, Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen’s Bill to amend California’s Elderly Parole program by limiting the eligibility of violent sex offenders who can be released.

"To be clear — CDAA believes it is never appropriate for serial sex offenders or child predators to be eligible for elder parole; however, this bill, as amended, significantly improves public safety and protects our most vulnerable victims.   "

“These are significant improvements to existing law and will strengthen public safety in California.”

Robert Slavens arrested by HCSO for kidnapping and probation violation

 

Robert Willis Slavens was arrested yesterday by HCSO for PC 207 (a) kidnapping and PC 1203.2(a)(5) probation violation.

Most of you do use Google and the internet so you can look up information on Slavens. No need for me spend and waste time on another California repeat offender and providing that convenience for free which has been taken for granted.

HCSO issued a press release at 9:05 a.m. which has more details. 

Will Deputy DA Matt Dobie's winning streak continue with a verdict in his third trial?

 

Former Humboldt Superior Court Clerk Matt Dobie now Humboldt Deputy DA has won both of his jury trials and he has been an attorney for less than a year.

He is currently in his third trial against Deputy Public Defender Emery Welton. It was a short trial. The defendant did not testify. Both People and defense rested their case yesterday. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward presided over the trial.

I saw Mr. Dobie giving his closing argument in Joshua Good's 2026 case in which he is charged with Count 1 HS11377 (a) possession of a controlled substance, meth and Count 2 HS11364 (a) possession of a smoking device.

Good has another 2026 case for parole revocation which is trailing.

I have included court minutes from yesterday which gives rulings on motions in limine, witnesses called by the People. Today's minutes include the defense request for mistrial which was denied. The defense reason was ridiculous. Good refused to come to court. Defense declares doubt. 

4/10/26: Court minutes were not up for 4/10 when I checked late afternoon so whatever the outcome is can wait until next week when I have time.

The hearing in Tyus Francis' family law case regarding restraining order is lengthy; already scheduled for Day 3

 

The Humboldt County DA has yet to file any criminal charges for Francis' February 2026 arrest. He posted bond so they have time to review the report and make a decision.

In Francis' family law case, there is a temporary restraining order. A hearing to request that TRO be permanent  and a move away order started on 4/6 before Humboldt Commissioner Sarah Kaber, continued to 4/7, and was continued again to 4/21. 

Tyus Francis is represented by Dawn Watkins in his family law case. Watkins was admitted to the California bar on 8/22/2025. She has been an attorney for less than a year and was with Eddie Schrock's law but now works with Kelly Walsh. A bit of added context for Humboldt readers. Kelly Walsh represents Gregory Kreis in his family law case. 

The way Watkins walks around the Courthouse, you would think she is some well known attorney for decades. She has the attitude but nothing else to back it up. 

I was covering another case in Courtroom 2 when I first saw Watkins who kept glaring at me. I had no clue who she was nor did I give a hoot. She tried to tell HCSO Deputy Max Soeth who was the bailiff that day that, "I am a family court attorney." Max in his chill style just calmly told her that court wasn't open. Secure, competent and top attorneys don't strut around the hallways. They make money and their confidence, decorum and silence speaks for their success.

Moriah Francis is represented by Joan Gallegos. Ms. Gallegos is one of the top family law attorneys in Humboldt. She doesn't need to make an entrance or demand attention; her record is sufficient.

I have included court minutes from 4/6 and 4/7. The post I did on 2/14 has more details to put the evidence and photos in context. Many people read the two previous posts; you already know what I think of Tyus Francis. 

If you didn't you can find them via the screenshots on Google or via the search feature on the blog.

6th continuance for convicted molestor's sentencing who won't even go to prison because in CA there is always some program excusing even the most heinous crimes

 

Today, convicted molestor Michael Conlee's sentencing was continued by defense again to 5/28. This is the 6th continuance.

I have been adding updates to my October 20, 2025 post. I have included today's court minutes so you can see how many more continuances will occur before Conlee is sentenced. By the time he is sentenced, like most cases; no one cares anymore or has forgotten. All these unnecessary continuances for years by judges clog up jail beds that could be used for new arrests and other violent, repeat offenders. 

All updates including the final sentence will be added to this post unless there is something significant requiring a new post.

In California, no matter how heinous the crime is there is some program so the criminal can avoid prison. 

Redwood Oil gets TRO against County of Humboldt defendants; hearing on preliminary injunction later this month

 

In my April 3 post on this lawsuit, I wrote, "Civil minutes can take a few days depending on the clerk. " I checked every day; they were added this afternoon.

Spoke to many regular readers and lawyers who read the 4/3 post. Anyone else can read the post, the court documents in that post that will provide context for the 4/3/26 court minutes I have provided in this post.

TRO granted as requested. On 4/20, there is a hearing on the preliminary injunction requested by Redwood Oil.

Janssen Malloy's Jeff Slack and Frank Martin are representing Redwood Oil. Humboldt Deputy County Counsel Destinee Valeska appeared for defendants.

Did Matthew Miller show up for court and get sentenced today? You will have to wait until tomorrow and why, read the post

 

I have been regularly covering Matthew Miller since his arrest. Was he sentenced today on two cases? Did he show up for court today?

You can look up the March 14, 2026 post and any other post with the screenshots I have provided or through the search feature on the blog if you do not follow me regularly. I just did a detailed post and summary last month and most people read me daily and regularly.

Court minutes are not up yet and I cannot tell from e court if he was sentenced. It seemed so but I know from recent experience that tabs and court minutes do not always match. 

I have already been to the Courthouse three times today and two trips were unnecessary. Every single day of the 20 to 40 cases I check, there are at least 10 continuances.

I did a related post today. Read it; don't read it but if you don't; starting today; don't ask me questions, message me, call me or comment. This does not apply to my advertisers, subscribers, contributors but the rest of Humboldt and anyone else who reads it and sees it applies to them.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/04/this-is-kind-of-unecessary-filing.html?m=1

4/10/26: Tried to check court minutes and could not check all today due to the usual chaos and Humboldt court issues mentioned numerous times. This can wait until next week.

This is the kind of unecessary filing, request for continuance that wastes the court's time, staff time, other attorney's time, my time and the only ones who can stop it are the Humboldt judges

 

Not only has convicted molestor Steve Boudreaux and Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo wasted time with three trials and no significant difference in the prison sentence Boudreaux faces; today was yet another unecessary hearing and request for continuance which wasted the court's time, staff time and Humboldt County Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm's time.

Mr. Russo filed a request to continue the sentencing scheduled for 5/1/26. Then withdrew his request in court and asked to extend  deadline to file his brief. After the DA gets to respond, the judge will have a day to read the latest court documents. 

There is nothing new after three trials and it isn't as if Mr. Russo has to start from scratch. Everyone that has anything to do with Humboldt courts is busy with too much to do and not enough time.

The current Humboldt judges have been on the bench for quite a while. It is time for them to stop allowing the chaos and madness frustrating anyone who has to deal with Humboldt courts. The victims and the public are tossed aside for the convenience of a bunch of people being paid by the taxpayers. They get paid and they don't care if it affects others.

Many of the attorneys show no respect for the Humboldt judges, even the Retired Humboldt judges. It is too casual in the Humboldt courts. The judges are not your buds or former co-workers. It is a small County and many of you socialize with each other but there must be a separation, decorum and respect for the robe. The bailiffs who are HCSO deputies are the only ones who give the judges the proper respect. There are attorneys who are not from Humboldt or those locally who have practiced for decades and they are more old school and the difference shows in their behavior.

Boudreaux  other defendants and most defense attorneys further abuse this lenient policy of endless continuances and it is a choice. Good cause in Humboldt is attorneys taking a day off whenever they feel like it and coming back the next day. I no longer buy the discovery, more investigation and the lame excuses I have heard over 12 years because I know it is often a way to continue the problem to another date which then piles up to the mounting crap that worsens everyday.

I cover court cases in other California counties and other states. The Humboldt court way of doing business is inefficient. A defendant does not get to drag out the system indefinitely. 

Antone Aubrey placed on conditional release program for one year "before determining his restoration to sanity"

 

Once again, the other so called local media who claims to cover courts now more often, ignored this case. For months, I followed daily whether Antone Aubrey would be granted outpatient treatment. 

The court trial was before Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran. He took it under submission under submission on 2/27/26.  His ruling was filed 3/23/26. It was not in e court when I checked yesterday. It was today. The order has been filed but still not been entered into e court.

I do have the ruling which is well written and summarized the 2018 case for people who did not follow my extensive coverage. It is four pages. Judge Killoran, like Judge Steward, is doing his best to work under the current California law and yet protect the public. These are the kind of judges we need in Humboldt.

Ward 1 candidate Victor Garcia's campaign kickoff is this Saturday

 

First, I want to thank Ward 1 candidate Victor Garcia's manager for his professionalism and sending me a press release about Garcia's endorsements and campaign launch. I already knew Mario was endorsing him. Unfortunately, the email was in my spam folder. Too many from the Humboldt local left chose not to include me; their loss. The state reps have more brains and are professional.  

Found out we have a new deputy counsel through a PACER listing which has a typo

 

When I did my March 24 post on Ray Christie's federal lawsuit against the County of Humboldt, former HCSO Deputy Travis Mendes, former Humboldt Deputy DA Adrian Kamada, Sheriff Honsal. Humboldt Deputy County Counsel Joel Campbell-Blair was representing the defendants.

Three days later, a notice of appearance by Humboldt Deputy County Counsel Destinee Valeska. Didn't even know we had a new Deputy County Counsel because the only one I see appearing in court is Ms. Heather Cooper and I see Humboldt County Interim Counsel at the Courthouse.

See PACER makes occasional typos too; so do legacy, mainstream and other local media. Get over it grammar police. In today's world, where most readers have the attention span of a gnat,  most of us are overworked, underpaid and working under stressful conditions; typos happen. 

At least, I try and fix most of mine when I notice them later. Unlike other media, I am accurate. Misinformation and errors are worse than a typo. I will continue calling out the lamestream local media because the local "powers" certainly won't and don't. Selective reporting is what Humboldt status quo and "powers" apparently prefer and fund. Other media has enough staff and money where they can afford one person to spell check. 

Last night someone broke a window at Well Fargo Eureka branch

 

Last night, someone broke the window at Wells Fargo in Eureka. Eureka Police Department Police Operations Analyst Rachel Sollom confirmed, "Yes this is related to the incident in the press release I sent out this morning." That is the earlier post about Bruce Snow's arrest. This is the second time he has targeted Wells Fargo and I reported in 2025.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/04/epd-is-familiar-with-bruce-snow-so-am-i.html?m=1