Motion to increase Ray Christie's bail denied but his Humboldt properties subject to search and seizure

The District Attorney's motion to increase Ray Christie's bail by $155,000 was denied by Judge Dale Reinholtsen. He also denied the DA's request that Christie not own or possess any animals until court proceedings concluded.

Motion to consolidate cases was granted. Defense had no objection. Judge Reinholtsen did modify one bail requirement. Christie has to submit to search and seizure of his properties in Humboldt to appropriate authorities.

There was passionate argument against increase in bail by Christie's attorney, Mr. Ken Bareilles, to which Deputy District Attorney A.J. Kamada said, "I wasn't prepared for opening and closing statements today."

"He buys sup par animals because no one else wants them. He tries to nurse them back to health; sometimes he can " said Mr. Bareilles.

"When animals die, they are dead, that doesn't mean they are abused " said Mr. Bareilles.

Mr. Bareilles said that he has represented Christie before and that Christie has not missed any court appearances.

County Ag Commissioner Jeff Dolf was prepared to testify on Christie's behalf. Judge Reinholtsen said that today's hearing was not an evidentiary hearing.

"There is a real problem with this case," said Mr. Bareilles. He went into specifics about the size of the properties and number of cattle Christie owns and how burial practices for cattle had changed.

Mr. Bareiiles talked about the charges, one involving a goat which a tenant was supposed to take care of; another charge involving a pig that belongs to Christie's child and his estranged wife.

Mr. Bareilles said, " a lot of this comes from (previous HCSO employee Todd Fulton) and now livestock deputy Todd Mendes and claimed they were targeting Christie.

Mr. Bareilles said that Deputy Mendes goes to the Fortuna auction, watches what animals Christie buys and then goes to Christie's ranch.



Judge Reinholtsen said that the primary purpose of bail was to ensure court appearance. He added that in no way was he undermining animal cruelty but public safety concerns were intimidating witnesses etc. The District Attorney's office can file a motion for evidentiary hearing, if they wished.



Earlier post:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2018/06/da-files-motion-to-consolidate-ray.html?m=1