Fortuna High School Teacher Gary Landergen was arraigned this afternoon. Landergen was here with a woman, a guy and a younger lady at 1:15. Another guy showed up later and spoke with Landergen briefly. Mr. Zach Curtis spoke with Landergen before court. The group was very respectful outside and inside court. Even when Landergen was cuffed and taken into custody and the bailiff handed the phone to one of the men; they were silent.
On May 20, I reported about the order striking the arrest warrant. The file had already been sent up to the Judge. There was no information in the e court system and even the court clerks did not have access to more information. I had reached out to the DA's office. District Attorney Fleming was covering court cases since some staff was away for training. Nothing was mentioned in court today.
The charges and the complaint were listed in detail in previous coverage. Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm has been handling the case. Deputy DA Carolyn Schaffer appeared on the case today for the People.
People asked for an increase in bail. We had to wait because protective orders were not prepared for the alleged victims. The case was recalled around 2:30. There was one woman in court talking with Ms. Schaffer. Two women were waiting outside court. Landergen was sitting outside until his case was recalled. I had to step out and saw he was holding his head in his hands.
Bail increased by $65,000 to $100,000. Judge Neel explained to Landergen that since he had already posted the $35,000 bond, she was increasing bail by $65,000 and not by $100,000.
Landergen was remanded by custody. The arraignment will be completed Friday. In court, the People said Landergen lives near the school. Landergen said it was about 100 yards from the school. Protective orders were served today in court. Landergen told Judge Neel he was aware of one alleged victim but not the other two.
Mr. Curtis made a special appearance today and requested a further date for confirmation of counsel.
Ms. Schaffer requested bail be raised according to schedule.
"Defendant was a coach," said Ms. Schaffer. "Survivors are students of the school and team members. The defendant lives across the street from school."
Judge Neel asked Ms. Schaffer to give a breakdown on how she arrived at the $100,000 amount. Judge Neel also asked Ms. Schaffer if Landergen had attempted to contact the victims.
Mr. Curtis told Judge Neel, "Mr. Landergen has been out on bail. He does live by the school. He is willimg to abide by any orders the Court deems appropriate."
Judge Neel said that Landergen had posted bond, he did appear in court and he had not been charged with any strike offenses.
After the protective orders were prepared and served, Ms. Schaffer told Judge Neel, the defendant abused a position of trust." The Jane Does "feel uncomfortable where they should feel safe."
Mr. Curtis said Landergen had been "cautious to stay away from young people. He understands the seriousness of the charges."
Judge Neel ordered Landergen be remanded. Judge Neel did not order a stay away and modified the People's request to 10 yards from the school. This was in case Landergen could post bail that he could return to his residence.
A referral was made to supervised release. OR/bail hearing, further arraignment and confirmation of counsel is scheduled for May 27.
Previous posts:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/05/order-striking-arrest-warrant-for-gary.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/05/gary-landergen-charged-with-8-counts-of.html?
m=1 https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/04/did-fpd-issue-temporary-protective.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/04/second-arrest-for-fortuna-high-school.html?m=1
Related post:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/05/matthew-nyberg-clearly-cant-read.html?m=1
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