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 are what is made hours of sitting in a courtroom worth my time.

Jose Granados' case was on for setting of preliminary hearing. Defense motion to terminate protective order was denied. Again, worth reading for Judge Steward's ruling and remarks.

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.

Former PG & E gate crasher Katherine Zacevich arrested by EPD for robbery and domestic violence

 

Yesterday, former PG and E gate crasher Katherine Zacevich was arrested by Eureka Police Department and booked on two felony charges;  PC 211 robbery and PC 273.5 (a) domestic violence.

I regularly covered Zacevich since 2017. 

If you did not follow me since I started covering Humboldt Superior Court, you should read all my posts on Zacevich. 

Multiple warrants, failures to appear, bouncing into court laughing. This is from one of my earlier posts on Zacevich and refers to a Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge and former Deputy Conflict Counsel.

When Zacevich pulled one of her MIA for court, Deputy Conflict Counsel Hugh Gallagher told Judge Dale Reinholtsen,  "I have nothing to say your honor. She is not a morning person."

Another California repeat offender. Another mental health diversion failure. Another repeat offender who failed probation, got a plea and is back in custody. 

I have included more screenshots  posts I have done on Zacevich for new readers. This is not even all my coverage since 2017.

Shelter Cove Oceanfront owners sued; one defendant has previous conviction and was sentenced to prison

 

Nicole Childre is suing Kakkar Hotel Group LLC et al; Jasmital Kakkar, Neelam Kakkar and Sanjiv Kakkar.

Ms. Christine Adams is Childre's attorney. Adams Law has offices in Santa Barbara, San Diego and Eureka.

Local attorney Amelia Burroughs is representing Kakkar Hotel Group LCC.

There was a Case Management Conference on 2/2/26 which was continued by Childre to today. Civil court minutes usually take a few days and I had a very busy day today covering several criminal cases in the courtroom and following up on others so I will add an update from today's hearing.

"This is a case of extraordinary and wide-spread wage abuse." This is the first sentence of Childre's complaint which lists 11 allegations include labor code violations and unfair business practices.

Shelter Cove Oceanfront is one of the properties owned by Kakkar Hotel Group LLC. It is the location relevant to the Humboldt County Superior Court lawsuit. Kakkar Hotel Group LLC also own Emerald Bay Lodge in South Lake Tahoe. The business has a Saratoga mailing address and the defendants reside in Saratoga.

Kakkar Hotel LLC and the defendants filed the standard response I have seen in a few civil lawsuits denying the allegations.

I have included court documents from the lawsuit. I don't know either party. When I did a search for Kakkar Hotel Group LLC, I found lawsuits and convictions for Sanjiv Kakkar.

Former CDCR employee pleads guilty to possession of meth and intent to distribute meth to San Quentin prison inmates

 

(Image: CDCR)

"Former California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation employee, Keith Reindeer Randle, pleaded guilty in federal court today to possession with intent to distribute over 300 grams of methamphetamine to inmates at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, formerly known as San Quentin State Prison"--U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of California.

"In pleading guilty, Randle admitted to soliciting and accepting bribery payments in exchange for smuggling and distributing prison contraband, including methamphetamine, marijuana, and tobacco, to inmates at San Quentin.  The scheme went on for years, dating back to at least January 2019 and continuing through August 15, 2024."

Your choice to wait for live, exclusive coverage

Your choice to wait for live, exclusive and accurate coverage.

Readers who read my blog know so this mainly for all the new readers this week and those who only have Facebook.

I cover 20 to 40 local daily cases including civil, cases no one else does and I offer observations from decades of experience covering courts all over the country.

Today is another busy full day with last minute changes.

No other media was in court this morning for pre trial and motion to compel discovery Danielle Durand and Deunn Willis. Preliminary hearing remains as scheduled.

 Clayton Miller, a motion to continue in Briyan Marquardt's case which was added after my last update or several other cases this morning. While these and many other cases have minor updates, I have live coverage and notes from court important to those interested in particular cases.

Attorneys in Trinidad Gomez' case met privately with Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Feeney privately this morning around 10:10. They came back at 11 to go over juror questionnaires.

So if you are interested in these or many other cases and don't see a new post, check previous posts. I will be at the courthouse all day and some posts have been updated; others today or over the weekend.

These days Humboldt Superior Court has continuances and minor updates and it has been that way for months and will continue in the foreseeable future.

For a while now, I update my advertisers, subscribers and contributors in person. They are the ones who make it possible for the rest of you to get information. They pay my bills. I have requests from others covering local cases willing to use my work and pay for my time. I have not had a chance to respond.

I still update live, even with minor updates when I can, for free. 

My loyal readers will wait. 

Their patience will pay off because this afternoon, again, I was the only one in court for certain cases and I have other new coverage.

If you don't check or read me daily; that is a choice. Those who do have exclusive information first, scoops, news and court cases not reported elsewhere. My regular readers check the blog or Facebook or both daily and regularly; some multiple times.

For anyone else in a rush, you can pay for convenience including customized updates or you can go read inaccurate or misinformation which I correct and call out. You can read random reporting hours, days and weeks later or when I report it first. I have done this for free for 12 plus years with a lot of extras such as court minutes and documents that you have to pay for or go look up yourself . Just because other local media is lazy to come up with any original ideas or niche content and trying to suddenly do random court coverage does not change what I do. 

I know my value. Either you do or you don't.

Homicide, child endangerment and welfare fraud suspect Nicole Thorpe pending extradition to Humboldt County

 

Nicole Thorpe booking photo and arrest courtesy Redkey Police Department.

Nathan LaCount arrested by HCSO for false imprisonment, assault and battery

 

I have covered Nathan LaCount since 2016.

LaCount was arrested by HCSO early a.m. for 

PC 236 false imprisonment, PC 242 battery, PC 240 assault, PC 245(a)(1) assault with a deadly weapon.

Links to previous coverage have been provided.

Hillary Haskins held to answer in 2025 case, four 2024 cases trailing

 

Hillary Haskins had a preliminary hearing yesterday in her 2025 case. She also has four 2024 cases trailing.

Haskins was charged with Count 1 PC 245 (a)(4)  assault likely to produce great bodily injury as a felony; PC 273.6 (a) Count 2 violating a protective order. Alleged victim in Count 1 is Natalie Irene Harpe. 

Mr. Patrik Griego is Harpe's attorney. 

She was held to answer as charged by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran. Arraignment on information is on 5/28.

Court minutes have more details.

Allpoints hires Sacramento law firm and sues County of Humboldt for violation of Outdoor Advertising Act

 

I had contacted Mr. Jeff Slack and Geoff Wills when I did this post. I did not expect to hear from Wills and I did not but that happens too often in Humboldt from a certain crowd. Whether it is an elected official or a business person or even certain local tribes; money or Humboldt "status" is irrelevant if you are unprofessional and incapable of basic decency and communication.

I saw Mr. Slack briefly today for a minute and asked about AllPoints and Mr. Slack said that he does not comment on ongoing or potential litigation. 

I did several posts on another lawsuit against the County of Humboldt. Janssen Malloy's Jeff Slack and Frank Martin already won against the County in that lawsuit.

I had checked on May 9 and there was no writ filed by AllPoints. When I checked today, there was a writ of mandate filed by Allpoints Outdoor Inc vs County of Humboldt et al. It alleges violation of the Outdoor Advertising Act.

Allpoints Outdoor Inc Is represented by Mr. Daniel Cucchi and Mr. Jeffrey Crosswhite, both are with Sacramento law firm Avdis and Cucchi, LLP. There is no date scheduled yet.hours 

Why have they ignored these two lawsuits? If these lawsuits show up on other local media sites after this post; case closed.

Katrina Earley bursts into tears as guilty verdict for first degree murder was read shortly after 4:11 today

Less than 24 hours to reach another guilty verdict. Jake Combs convicted, again, for killing Trevor Earley.

Minutes after their last note with clarifications on jury instructions about the special allegation. and just after 4 p.m.,  there was a verdict in the Jake Combs case. At 4:11 jurors entered the courtroom.

Katrina Earley burst into tears as the guilty verdict was read for first degree murder. The jurors also found the special allegation true that Combs personally and intentionally discharged a firearm during the comission of the crime.

The foreperson was a female juror. 10 men and two women were on the jury. 

At 4:23 jurors asked to step outside. On record, there was discussion about aggravated factors and two "bifurcated issues." Trevor Earley's age; he was 25 and whether the crime was vicious and cruel.

Combs waived his right to a court trial and bench trial on two issues of bifurcation. Judge Cockrum asked Combs about the waiver and confirmed," There will be no jury trial or Court trial about aggravating factors set by statute. "

Of course, outside the presence of the jurors, Combs mouthed off on the criminal justice system, "I want to waive the whole fucking thing. Your honor realistically, I just want this over."

Combs chose to go through this and put Trevor's family through this; again. He chose to go through a retrial and reject the People's offer. Combs was held accountable by a jury for the second time for murder and the second allegation. Combs can waive his right to appeal  if he is really "sorry." 

At 4:27 jurors came back in and were thanked and excused.

Preliminary hearing in the new case he picked up is May 27. Defense attorneys will reach out to Ms. Timm about a resolution.

Sentencing on this murder case is on July 31. A referral has been made to probation about the current sentence he is serving and the county.

When I shot him, I snapped." The moment Combs said this, I knew. When I watched Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm give her closing and then I looked at the jury,  I knew. 

I did not say anything until the verdict out of respect for the family.

Not all of the jurors waited around to speak with attorneys today. I understand why.

Exclusive: Six or seven jurors did stay but they were in a side room. Based on the questions and notes, obviously there was discussion about manslaughter and murder. People go in with one view but the important result is that they all eventually agreed on murder.

There was emotion in some of the jurors' eyes as they left the courtroom, I too was emotional and shaken. For days, Katrina Earley was stoic. Surrounded by loved ones she had to endure a retrial from a selfish, unrepentant murderer. To hear a mother sob again, in pain, was very difficult.

If you read my coverage on this retrial, I already said from the beginning that Combs would regret not taking the plea offer and that his public defenders were no match for Ms. Timm.

I reported on Combs' new case for possession of meth in jail and his prior felony conviction last August and was the first one to do so months ago.

There were three extra bailiffs in the courtroom, in addition to the Courtroom 1 bailiff.

Only Times Standard and I were in court for the verdict.

Since we were here until very close to 5 p.m. yesterday, the clerk did get the cover sheet done for court minutes which I have included. I am sure the detailed minutes will be added when she has a chance. She also has today's cases starting at 8:30. Maybe one of her supervisors could help out, hint! hint! Unless there is another reason and the minutes are waiting approval.

Letter writer calls out Supervisor Arroyo's remarks about HCSO agenda item at yesterday's meeting

 

I don't have a letter to editor section. I am making an exception and including this in a post.

This letter addressed to Fourth District Supervisor Natalie Arroyo was sent to me as well as other local media outlets at 1:27 p.m. The letter writer requested anonymity.

Let's see if other media publishes this letter. If they do, will they keep the letter writer's identity anonymous? This includes the first name which I chose not to publish.

"Supervisor Arroyo,

I am writing to express my concern and disappointment regarding your comments at yesterday’s Board of Supervisors meeting during discussion of Agenda Item 26-434, Consider the Establishment of an Independent Civilian-Led Oversight System for the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.

While I respect that differing viewpoints are part of a healthy discussion, the tone and delivery of several of your remarks were off-putting. Your statement that you were “…surprised it isn’t more embraced,” accompanied by laughter and flippant behavior throughout your statements, came across as dismissive of the perspectives and concerns shared by members of our department.  Please be reminded that you also said, “Some of you may disagree with me and that’s fine—that’s the beauty of democracy.” That principle is important, and it is one that applies to all of us, yourself included, when you feel we aren’t “embracing” this item.

Additionally, your comment that the presence of law enforcement in the chambers felt “intimidating” was concerning to many of us. The men and women you referenced—whether in uniform or business attire as both were present, were present to engage in the process, just as any other group would be. We have attended these meetings to represent our profession and to remain informed and involved in decisions that directly affect our work and the community.  I have yet to hear you be intimidated by any other group that has represented their office or organization.

While I can only assume the “intimidation” came from the six employees in uniform, please let me remind you of the significance of that uniform.  The uniform represents individuals who face difficult and often dangerous situations every day in the course of their duties. These are professionals who routinely encounter circumstances most people will never experience in their lifetime yet continue to serve with commitment and professionalism. Beyond their roles in law enforcement, they are also parents, spouses, coaches, volunteers, and active members of this community. When they take that uniform off, they go home to their families. They are the parents helping with homework after long shifts, the spouses holding their households together, the coaches on the field, and the volunteers showing up for their communities. They carry what they see and experience into those roles, often quietly, and continue to give of themselves.  I’m sorry that the “intimidation” didn’t allow you to see how genuine these humans are.

It was also discouraging to hear their presence characterized in a way that suggests unease or apprehension, when we have all consistently demonstrated respect for this process, even while listening to criticism and, at times, mischaracterizations of our work.

Supervisor Bushnell expressed that she is “…saddened that this has created a division in our community.” That concern is one we can all share. However, the words chosen by those in leadership, yourself included, and the way in which they are delivered, carry weight and can either help bridge that divide or deepen it.

We remain committed to serving this community with professionalism and integrity, and I ask that those entrusted with leadership approach these discussions with the same level of respect.

This letter was initially signed. However, out of fear of retaliation, I have removed my name. What an unfortunate world we live in."

Jake Combs jurors request readback of full testimony of Jake Combs and one witness

 

(Combs)

Exclusive from courtroom.

11 a.m. There is a note from the jury in Jake Combs murder case. I saw Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm headed towards Courtroom 1, followed her on a hunch. Deputy Public Defender Ryan McClurg was there. No one else except DA Victim Witness Advocate. Deputy Public Defender Emery Welton arrived at 11:03.

Juror #8 was slightly late. The questions they asked were if they could get the Combs 'original interview from 2022 when he was arrested and Elias Antunez' first interview. If not, they wanted readback of full interview of Antunez and Combs.

The readback is what attorneys agreed to and so court reporter has to prep and then this will take hours.

I already reported earlier that jurors started deliberations yesterday at 3:48p.m. This morning they were supposed to start at 9:15.

I have the questions they asked since I was in the courtroom. 

Robert Schaulis from Times Standard came in after everything concluded. No other media here. 

3:55 p.m. : 3:55 another note from jurors in Jake Combs case. Question was about "verdict form" but it was a jury instruction. After discussions with attorneys, Judge Kaleb Cockrum sent response with specific jury instructions and what charges they correspond to; it looks like they are discussing first degree, second degree murder and manslaughter. 

The CALCRIM correct jury instructions they were provided were 3149 for page 2 pertaining to  special allegation first degree and second degree murder and 3146 pertaining to special allegation to manslaughter.

4:06 p.m. The family and all of Trevor's loved ones are on the second floor right now.

HCSO' loss; Humboldt County District Attorney's gain

HCSO' loss; Humboldt County District Attorney's gain. One of my and local favorite HCSO deputies and current Courtroom 3 bailiff Luke Mathieson is waiting on a background check and soon will be DA Investigator Mathieson. Cropped my photo of the Humboldt County DA's office because I did not want to post any employees. I will try and get another photo later.

Christopher Smith's arrest is what will happen repeatedly if CA elects another Democrat governor

I appreciate Eureka Police Department's press release about Christopher Smith and I almost did not post it because I have more than enough original content and drugs and probation violation are a daily occurrence and multiple times.

Meth, probation violation, burglary and more time wasted by Eureka Police Department thanks to California Governor Gavin Newsom and the anti law and order Democrat party.

Three years later and after endless continuances, alleged molestor Sebastion Hockett is going to enter a plea sometime today

 

Three years later and after endless continuances, alleged molestor Sebastion Hockett is going to enter a plea sometime today. First, it was at 1:30, then 10:15, now it may be sent to another department. First change was  due to requests by Deputy DA Carolyn Schaffer and Public Defender Luke Brownfield, then due to the availability of Jane Doe 2's mother which is only until 10 a.m. and she appeared by Zoom and other individuals present with DA Victim Witness Advocate. 

At attorneys' request, Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward sent the case to Judge Kaleb Cockrum so the plea could be taken while Jane Doe 2's mother was present.

Update: Hockett pleaded guilty to PC 288.7(b) Count 1 oral copulation with a minor 10 years or younger; victim Jane Doe 1 and Count 8 PC 288 (a) lewd and lascivious act upon a minor; victim Jane Doe 2. Court minutes have more details including counts dismissed, sex offender registration and potential sentence. Sentencing is on 6/26.

I just did a post yesterday and on May 7 which if you have not read, you can search and access on the blog or Google.

Thank you EPD Animal Control

 

Took this photo at 8:04 thid morning on my way to the Courthouse. If this is the car with the dog barking non stop for the last few days disturbing people blocks away, thank you Eureka Police Department.

Deputy DA Rees and Judge Killoran fix Retired Judge Wilson's mistake and alleged molestor Derek Barnett gets cuffed and booked into jail

 

I just did a post on May 9 which has details and charges and Retired Humboldt Superior Judge Christopher Wilson's bad decision not to remand Derek Barnett. Deputy District Attorney Jessica Watson appeared on the case that day.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm who is the prosecutor for this case has been busy for days and weeks with the Jake Combs homicide retrial.

Yesterday it took Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees and Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran to protect the public.

In CR2403934, motion for OR withdrawn, court minutes do not indicate why but defense would be obvious. Bail in this case is $35,00. Preliminary hearing is on 5/21.

In CR2601350, Mr. Rees requested remand and Judge Killoran granted the request. OR bail is withdrawn. Bail is $25,000. Pre trial on 5/21. This case is trailing.  Trial confirmation on 6/9; jury trial 6/12.