Oct 31, 2018

Murder suspect Ulisses Rodriguez to be arraigned on information for jury trial tomorrow


Ulisses Rodriguez is scheduled to be arraigned on information for jury trial tomorrow.

San Francisco prosecutor Andrew Ganz placed on probation by CA State Bar


As indicated at last hearing, defense files motion to continue Chad Smith's jury trial


Chad Smith's jury trial for the alleged molestation of his step daughter is scheduled for November 5.

"He killed my son", Peter Triantos' family exits courtroom, some sobbing


(Photo credit: Marissa Papanek KAEF)

Arcata stabbing suspect Brandon Watson charged with murder of Peter Triantos; special allegation is use of a knife.

Details of charges are in earlier post as well as links  explaining the penal code which makes it a serious felony.

Due to the special allegation,Watson's bail was increased in court to $1 million,50,000.

James Merrick jury trial continued over objection of DA, Humboldt County Public Works gets subpoena


Murder, hit and run and DUI suspect James Merrick's jury trial scheduled for November 5 was vacated yesterday after the defense motion to continue was granted, over the objection of the People. Trial setting is on November 15.

Arcata stabbing suspect Brandon Watson to be arraigned on one count of murder and special allegation this afternoon


Arcata stabbing suspect Brandon Watson is scheduled to be arraigned today at 1:29 p.m. in Courtroom 3.

Pine Hill arrests include Rhett August, known to some from the Bodhi tree case



Rhett August, one of the two men booked today  has quite a history with the Humboldt courts.

Suspect threatening 16 year old who lost her cell phone thinks he is getting paid, gets arrested instead


(Sonoma County Sheriff)

Yesterday, Sonoma Sheriff "deputies were dispatched to a report of a young lady (a 16 year old in high school) who lost her cell phone at a holiday party during the weekend. Whoever found it was messaging her online and making extortion threats, claiming she needed to pay them or bad things would happen.

Alleged molestor Michael Franco waives his right to a preliminary hearing


Preliminary hearing was scheduled for Alleged molestor Michael Franco waived his preliminary hearing this morning.

Oct 30, 2018

Patrick Holt who crashed a stolen semi into a tree at the Elks Lodge has his preliminary hearing and 6 other cases continued to next week



Patrick Holt had seven cases on calendar today, including his recent arrest for crashing a stolen semi into a tree at the Elks Lodge.

Help HCSO find this suspect who allegedly brandished a firearm at a Mckinleyville business



The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office needs the public’s help to identify the suspect of an attempted armed robbery at a McKinleyville business last week.

DA seeks public's assistance in finding Joshua Shane Oneal


The District Attorney’s Office seeks the public’s assistance with the apprehension of Joshua Shane Oneal (age 36) who has an outstanding warrant for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol/drugs.

Alleged molestor Patricio Segura's preliminary hearing for November 6 "remains set" as scheduled



Intervention was scheduled this afternoon for alleged molestor Patricio Pulido Segura on October 30. Preliminary hearing scheduled for November 6 "remains set."

Segura is charged with 7 counts involving a minor victim : forcible oral copulation, forcible rape, aggravated sexual assault of a child, forcible lewd act upon a child and continuous sexual abuse

One individual came into contact with the unknown substance at 421 I street



Based on results from yesterday’s field tests, the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services - Public Health concluded that the substance found on the ground floor court house door at 421 I Street in Eureka was not an identified chemical or biological agent. The substance was cleaned yesterday afternoon, and Humboldt County Risk Management has cleared the area for use by members of the public.

HCSO assists US Park service with a traffic stop, 3 detained


Three detained near Freshwater lagoon by US Park Service. HCSO assisted with traffic stop.

"No one was arrested," Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal told me. "Two vehicles were stopped for traffic violations and people were detained by US parks service for suspected marijuana investigation.  The occupants had just returned from working at a marijuana farm.  There was a strong odor of  marijuana in the vehicle. No marijuana was located in the vehicle. One person cited for being unlicensed driver the other was cited for no insurance.  "

California Men's Colony inmate working in a prison garage escapes, white prison van missing




Marcus Caldwell volunteered DNA saying it would clear him of forcible rape accusation, it resulted in his arrest

(2011 mugshot)

Marcus Caldwell was arrested in 2011 by the Willits police Department and booked on a battery charge.

https://www.californiamugshots.com/inmate/4359/marcus-levert-caldwell

On October 26, 2018, he was booked into the Mendocino County jail on one count of forcible rape.

Help the DA locate Sanford Vonladwig

(2015 photo)

The District Attorney’s Office seeks the public’s assistance with the apprehension of Sanford Vonladwig, who has multiple outstanding warrants for a variety of crimes including elder abuse, death threats, possession of burglary tools, possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, vehicle theft, and obstructing/resisting a police officer.

It is time for HCSO's 2nd No Shave November to raise funds for child advocacy programs


Last year they raised over $2,500.

Oct 29, 2018

Marine strike team is outside 421 I street all suited up


Arcata stabbing suspect Brandon Watson prior criminal history includes plea in assault and DUI cases

Guilty plea in his assault and DUI cases. One dismissal of petty theft and family support case. He has another family support case and two traffic/infraction cases.

The District Attorney's office has received the report from Arcata Police Department but no charges have been filed yet.


FBI has approved initial clean up of material at 421 I street


On scene this morning, the only two employees from court operations seen talking to HCSO Sgt. Blake Massaro were Brenda, the supervisor fot the clerks in the criminal division on 4th and I streets and Angel, one of the clerks.

1:15 p.m. No one at scene except Sgt. Massaro and a couple of work crew members. Scene is still secure with crime tape. Powdery substance still on door.

To file documents today, you can go to the 2nd floor of the Courthouse

Health and the fire department are on site to test the material.  In an abundance of caution and for public safety concerns, the Court is closing the public entrance today so the substance can be identified and removed.

Local resources could not identify substance at Courthouse, County has requested additional resources


No one is going to be allowed through the door yet at 421 I Street.

Investigation is ongoing. County PIO Sean Quincey and HCSO PIO Samantha Karges spoke briefly to the press.

Hazmat and Environmental health just went in to test suspicious substance on doors of Courthouse Clerk's office


Humboldt Bay Chief Kent Hulbert said they are going to identify a PIO  to speak to media shortly.

Hazmat team going through decontamination.


Employees discovered suspicious substance on the doors of the Humboldt County Clerk's office this morning


EPD's Sgt. Cory Crnich is on scene, HCSO Sgt. Blake Massaro and Lt. Kevin Miller, Humboldt Bay Fire, Dept of Public Health are all on scene.

EPD first on scene. Humboldt Bay Fire dispatched at 9:07 a.m.

State Route 36 weekend incident turned over to Criminal Investigations Division




HCSO PIO Samantha Karges told me this morning, "The case was turned over to our Criminal Investigations Division."

Oct 27, 2018

Gunshot wound to the head in Whitethorn


Shooting in Southern Humboldt. 1440 Chemise Mountain Road in Whitethorn .Gunshot wound to head. HCSO responding from Garberville.

A woman answered the phone when law enforcement called back; she says nothing happened. Medevac called off due to fog. This information was over the scanner.

Let's see if these details are confirmed when State Route 36 incident press release will be issued

I did a follow up just now on my morning request regarding last night's incident near Bridgeville. The day crew does not know anything about the incident; when HCSO night crew gets in, more information or a press release maybe issued.

I was trying to confirm if the person in the hospital shot the alleged boss of a Hmong grow operation.

Brandon Watson is in custody but not at the jail yet and has not been booked



I am at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility  and Watson has not been booked yet or brought into the jail yet. 3:20 p.m. still not booked. 4:18 p.m. update, jail has finished processing Watson. Bail is $1 million.

Gunshot to the face reported near Bridgeville, call in from Brandon



Last night HCSO responded to on State Route 36 around 12:30. Call was about a gunshot to the face. Location mile post 27.22 down a dirt road.

Reader tip: the man who called in said he was "Brandon" and that someone was trying to kill him and he was going to hide in the woods.

I have contacted HCSO.





Oct 26, 2018

First of seven defendants sentenced today for killing Jeffrey Quinn Settler


The first of those responsible for the marijuana robbery and killing of Jeffery Quinn Settler in November 2016 in the hills northwest of Laytonville was sentenced Friday morning in the Mendocino County Superior Court.

Brandon Matthew Watson suspect in Peter Samuel Triantos homicide


(Watson)

Link to Brandon Watson's Facebook profile

Peter Samuel Triantos was arrested in Alabama for distribution of controlled substances


(Triantos)
One arrest record comes up for Peter Samuel Triantos, the victim in yesterday's homicide near 9th and H in Arcata.

452 registered sex offenders in Humboldt County



Between Oct. 15-19, 2018, Humboldt County Sheriff’s detectives and representatives from the Fortuna Police Department, Arcata Police Department, US Marshals Service and FBI, conducted an annual sex offender registration compliance sweep throughout the County of Humboldt.

Alabama native Peter Samuel Triantos identified as victim in Arcata homicide


The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim of a homicide occurring in Arcata on Oct. 25, 2018 as that of 26-year-old Peter Samuel Triantos.

DOJ to hold press conference about male suspect in custody for suspicious pipe bomb packages


Oct 25, 2018

EPD CSET team cooked and served lunch at St. Vincent DePaul facility today




Defense's 995 motion denied in Kody Marcelli's alleged assault case but Judge Cockrum urges "counsel to resolve this case"


The defense's 995 motion to dismiss Count 1 and the special allegation in Kody Marcelli's alleged assault case was denied by Judge Kaleb Cockrum this morning. Judge Cockrum cited specific cases and case law explaining his ruling.

Homicide in downtown Arcata near the intersection of 9th and H streets


On 10/25/18 at approximately 1:40 a.m. Arcata Police Department officers were dispatched to a stabbing that had occurred in the 900 block of H Street. 

Two years,1 month later Dylan Wilson pleads guilty, 8 year prison sentence negotiated as part of the plea deal



As part if a negotiated plea deal, Dylan Wilson would have to register as a sex offender. He pleaded guilty to Count 1 in his alleged rape case. Count 1 was Forcible lewd act upon a child.

Count 2 Assault with intent to commit sex offense was dismissed.

Plea or preliminary for alleged rapist Dylan Wilson?


Intervention was scheduled for Dylan Wilson on October 23; it was continued to October 24.

The preliminary hearing is still scheduled for October 25 but yesterday, both attorneys expected the "matter to resolve" today.

Last time the plea almost went through until Wilson's family had an outburst in the courtroom.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2018/04/dylan-dont-do-it-man-screams-as-wilson.html?m=1

Wilson has already been to Napa State Hospital twice and sent back twice being deemed competent to stand trial.

Alleged sexual batterer Ralph Horn's preliminary scheduled for December 16


Setting of alleged sexual batterer Ralph Horn's preliminary hearing was scheduled yesterday. Intervention is scheduled for December 13. Preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 18.

Oct 24, 2018

Latest suspicious package found outside Republican Senator Thomas Murt's office in Hatboro, PA

                      (Photo: KTVU)

The latest suspicious package today was an unattended package found outside of State Representative Thomas Murt's office in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. He is a Republican.  The The Montgomery County Bomb Squad is on scene.

Andrew Hamer and his girlfriend Tiffany Laffoon walk out right behind me, David Dearinger and Jennifer Lynch

A normal person just chastised in court by Judge Kelly Neel and served with papers for a restraining order would avoid the other party.  At least, wait a few minutes to avoid potential contact.

Andrew Hamer and his girlfriend see me, David Dearinger and Jennifer Lynch outside on  4th street and continue walking towards us in the same direction. We walked away.


Listed below is David Dearinger's timeline and written account, in his own words, about the background and what happened on 9/23/18.

Judge Kelly Neel has to tell Andrew Hamer not to interfere in court, in a case involving his co-defendant

This afternoon, there was a hearing on a request for a protective order requested by David Dearinger against Andrew Hamer and Tiffany Lafayette.

Eric Kirk was in court today representing Andrew Hamer, son of Chris Hamer, Eric Kirk's law partner.

When the case David Dearinger vs Tiffany Lafayette was called, David Dearinger was present. The respondent was not. Dearinger showed a "document of refusal" to Judge Kelly Neel. Dearinger said Tiffany Lafayette was at home and refused service by HCSO .Judge Neel said that the respondent needed to be personally served. At that point, Dearinger pointed to a woman seated in court and asked if she could served in court.

As court bailiff John Burke was heading towards the woman identified as Tiffany Lafayette to serve her the papers Andrew Hamer turned around and addressed Tiffany Lafayette.

"Don't tell her to leave the courtroom.  Mr. Hamer don't interfere with what the court is trying to do," said Judge Neel.

Judge Kelly Neel asked Dearinger, "Is this the person you believe to be Ms. Lafayette?" Dearinger responded yes.

The bailiff checked the woman's identification before serving her.
The woman identified as Tiffany Lafayette by Dearinger refused to take the papers.

The woman identified as Tiffany Lafayette has a driver's license which states her name is Tiffany Laffoon. Bailiff Burke stated Tiffany Laffoon 's date of birth and driver's license on record. Since Lafoon was the name used by Judge Neel for the rest of the proceedings, I will use that for the rest of the post.

At  this point Eric Kirk said he would "specially appear" for Laffoon. Eric Kirk was in the courtroom when both cases were called. Hamer and Tiffany Laffoon.were together in court and they spoke with Eric Kirk outside court.

Eric Kirk told Judge Neel he maybe representing Lafoon as well.

John Vella found guilty of two felonies came to courthouse wearing a hat, "Am I high?"

John Vella was sitting with local attorney Michael Acosta in Courtroom 2 and the day I saw him, his hat had this caption: "Am I high?"

(HCSO booking photo)

Daniel Jamie Alonso wanted for forcible rape and unlawful sex with a minor



Warrant issued and Mendocino Sheriff is looking for DANIEL JAMIE ALONSO

* PC 261(A)(2) FORCIBLE RAPE
* PC 261.5(B) UNLAWFUL SEX WITH MINOR

Oct 23, 2018

Supervisors Sundberg and Bass get a visit from President Trump

"The President came and spoke to our delegation today at the White House. It was quite the experience. Supervisor Bass and I are representing the County, letting the administration know about our crumbling infrastructure, Cannabis issues, and our opioid crisis."--Supervisor Ryan Sundberg


Once again, it falls to one community member to get the word out to protect the most vulnerable from sexually violent predator Joshua Cooley




After today's hearing on sexually violent predator Joshua Cooley's hearing, I let Supervisor Mike Wilson know what transpired. He is going to follow up with DA Maggie Fleming. I also let Nicole Riggs know and she immediately took action.