Trinidad Rancheria invites community for a walkthrough of stormwater construction project

The Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria (Trinidad Rancheria) invites the community to join them on June 8th at 9:30 AM at Trinidad Harbor (meeting near the public restrooms) in celebration of World Ocean’s Day.

Another delay by defense in alleged molestor Kevin Dikes trial

 

Yesterday was trial confirmation for alleged molestor Kevin Dikes. Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell's motion to compel and motion to continue jury trial were both granted by Judge Kelly Neel. 

The alleged victim's are  John Doe 1 who was 9 years old at the time of the incident at Dikes' residence on I street in Arcata. John Doe 2 was 10 years old  when the allegations were disclosed and that incident took place in Crescent City.

After a mistrial last year, what will alleged molestor's fate be the second time?

On 11/10/22, a mistrial was declared by Judge Kelly Neel in the middle of jury selection in alleged molestor Sergio Reynoso-Lozano's jury trial. Lozano is charged with 9 felonies and faces 50 years to life, if convicted.

Yesterday, motions in limine were heard by Judge Kaleb Cockrum. With Lozano needing a Spanish interpreter, hearings on admissibility of certain evidence and jury selection yet to occur before trial starts, will the two week estimate be enough? Defense asked for a motion in limine to be sealed per Evidence Code 782.

Liobardo Sherman Lopez sentenced to 3 years in prison for rape

 

Liobardo Sherman Lopez was sentenced yesterday to a stipulated term of 3 years in prison for rape and taken into custody. He was originally charged with kidnapping to commit another crime and rape by use of an intoxicating substance. The kidnapping charge was dismissed as a part of the plea.

Lopez's attorney is Mr. Paul Gallegos. Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor for this case.

Convicted felon hauled out of court for allegedly marking court chair with his cuffs

 

Convicted felon Josiah Boulanger was in court today to be arraigned on information for his jury trial. On May 15, Boulanger was held to answer on the charge of felon in possession of ammunition.

Robert Ellis was arrested last August for domestic violence, this weekend for burglary, probation violation, drugs and resisting arrest

 

Last August, I did a post on Robert Ellis being arrested on a domestic violence charge involving strangulation or suffocation. Today, HCSO released information about a 5/27 arrest in Trinidad.

Wifi installed at the jail, laptops to be provided to inmates?

 

Someone claiming to be technicians from out of state said they were in the area in the last couple of weeks installing wifi at the Humboldt jail. They said they are returning this week or early next week with laptops for the inmates. 

EPD arrests one for indecent exposure, the other for criminal threats

Andrew O'Donnel was arrested by Eureka Police Department yesterday for two counts of PC 314 (1) indecent exposure and PC 594(b) (2) (a) vandalism. He was released on O.R.

O'Donnel has 13 cases in Humboldt Superior Court. Two are criminal and 11 are traffic/infraction cases. O'Donnel has two 2022 cases. Both are from one count of indecent exposure and he failed to appear so bench warrants were issued. Both alleged indecent exposure incidents occurred in April 2022.

Like a bad neighbor State Farm will no longer take new applications for homes in California

Effective today, "due to historic increases in construction costs outpacing inflation, rapidly growing catastrophe exposure, and a challenging reinsurance market" State Farm will no longer take new applications for home insurance. This includes all business and personal lines property and casualty insurance. This news made national headlines and is currently trending on Twitter.

Eddie Schrock found out Del Norte Judge won't put up with his nonsense

 

On 5/25, at trial setting in former court mediator Velda Gooden's civil harassment restraining order request against local attorney Eddie Schrock, Del Norte Superior Court Judge Darren McElfresh set the court trial for 6/23. There is a 4 hr time estimate.

Madrone in court today for some family law case

 

Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone does not have any open cases in Humboldt Superior Court so I was surprised to see him in Courtroom 1 this morning. It turns out he was there for some family law case which was scheduled but continued due to the unavailability of one of the attorneys. I do not know if Supervisor Madrone was there for a constituent, as a witness or has some connection to one of the parties.

Judge to issue written ruling in Kailan Meserve's writ of habeas corpus case

 

Closing arguments just concluded this morning in convicted rapist Kailan Meserve's habeas corpus case. Judge Kaleb Cockrum has taken the matter under submission and will issue a ruling on 8/4/23.

DA requests additional terms for Sean Allman's diversion

 

The DA filed a motion to modify/terminate order after hearing on 5/15 in Sean Allman's case. It is adding some additional terms such as no firearms. That motion was to be heard this morning. It was continued to June 1 so Mr. Benjamin Okin could meet with Allman. 

Meara Hattan being the new Humboldt Court CEO is not a surprise

 

(Photo from Facebook)

I had already reported a few times that Meara Hattan was acting CEO while former CEO Kim Bartleson was on leave. When Bartleson suddenly resigned, it was a no brainer who would be the new CEO. The press release issued a few minutes ago was inevitable and hardly a surprise.

Kerri Keenan knew, Kim Bartleson knew, the Administrative Office of the Courts knew and they allowed Joe Hale to stay despite so many complaints

 

Today, I had someone else reach out to me after my most recent post on former Humboldt Court Mediator Joe Hale. What this person told me was, " I had filed a complaint about Joe Hale and his unprofessionalism 10 years ago. I escalated it to the AOC and they pushed it back to Kerri Keenan who is fully responsible for hiring him. He did not have the required qualifications to even have the job."

Matt Tomlin claimed Acosta's partner wanted to work with him as an informant and did not want Acosta to know

 

Just last Friday, I did the post pictured above. If you haven't already, read that for background and context for this post.

This Monday, local attorney Michael Acosta filed a supplemental motion to dismiss in his 2020 case for alleged drug charges. Acosta is pro per which means he is representing himself. The 995 motion was continued to 6/23 to allow Deputy District Attorney Ian Harris to file a response. Acosta also filed a motion to compel discovery and a request for judicial notice. You can read the Judicial.notice and compare it with my coverage from court records on the other people who were arrested with Acosta and his co-defendant, Sarah Carroll by the HCDTF.

Kiera Foley's remains located on the outskirts of Eureka

 

On May 2, I reported that voluntary manslaughter suspect Jason Miller resolved his case for a stipulated term of 25 years. There were conditions to that plea. Miller spoke with DA Investigators and Kiera Foley's remains were recovered on the outskirts of Eureka.

Criminal proceedings reinstated for man arrested 4 times in 5 months who has a gun violence restraining order against him

 

EPD applied for and was granted a two year gun violence restraining order against James Albert Leach. Criminal proceedings had  been suspended in two of Leach's cases after defense declared doubt, one from HCSO and the other from EPD. Alleged victims include local attorney Allison Jackson in the HCSO case and local dentist Jeff Holland. in the EPD case. Leach was also involved in a standoff with EPD on 5th street.

William Scott Peugh arrested for lewd act with a minor

William Scott Peugh was arrested by HCSO yesterday for PC 288(c) (1) lewd or lascivious Acts with a minor. He has one conviction in a 2023 traffic case in Humboldt Superior Court. Peugh posted bond and is out of custody. City of Eureka HR Director Will Folger confirmed that William Scott Peugh is a City of Eureka employee.

Based on the booking photo and google search, there are several articles Peugh is featured on about being a foster parent. However based on their Facebook profiles, it is unclear whether Peugh and his featured on the articles are still together. In the articles, he is listed as Scott Peugh.

Austin Medeiros is going to prison for life

 

Homicide suspect Austin Medeiros found guilty of all charges and all special allegations were found true. Jury deliberated less than a day. Sentencing took place this morning.

Medeiros is going to prison for life. The courtroom was not as full of victims and supporters as the trial had been and there was some testimony via Zoom. 

Kudos HCSO, let's see how PG & E responds

 

Everyone who presents at a Humboldt government meeting should take lessons from Sofia Pereira and her team

 

The presentation on the proposed tobacco retail licensing is organized, succinct and informative. Before presenting, Ms. Sofia Pereira told the Board of Supervisors that "tobacco has sacred use in indigenous communities so this will only focus on commercial products."

Rescued Black Bear Cubs at Sequoia Park Zoo

(Oak)

(Tule)

Arroyo sick with COVID, Madrone starts BOS meeting cheerful and upbeat

 

On May 20, I reported on sustained finding of violation of the Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct against Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone. That is an item on today's agenda for the Board of Supervisors' meeting. I have added live updates from that discussion in and agenda item. That update includes that at 3:32 there was no censure of Supervisor Madrone.

Both Victor Campos and Michael Acosta have consumer alerts on the State Bar website

 

Both Victor Campos and Michael Acosta have consumer alerts on the State Bar website. Andrew Stunich finally has his conviction on the State Bar website but I do not recall any consumer alert. I have covered and am still covering cases involving Campos and Acosta.

All three still have clients. 

How many Judges need to rule against RJ Leohner before he stops wasting court resources and taxpayer money

 

(Leohner)

In April I did a post on the Earl Castillo case. 

Domestic violence and gun restraining orders can now be filed online in Humboldt

 

Joe Hale is here and so are alleged victims for his arraignment

 

Former Humboldt Superior court mediator and former CWS employee Joe Hale was scheduled to be arraigned on May 22. It was continued for a second time by stipulation. Charges are being amended in Hale's case.

City of Eureka and Citizens for a Better Eureka will meet for a settlement conference this week

 

On 5/16, City of Eureka filed a notice of settlement conference for the first CEQA petition filed by Citizens for a Better Eureka against housing on low income parking lots. According to the City of Eureka filing, "the parties have already met and conferred briefly". This conference will take place on 5/25.

Marin attorney and Oakland police officer investigated allegations against Supervisor Steve Madrone

Yesterday, I was the first to report on a Humboldt Board of Supervisor's agenda item on a sustained finding of violation of the Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct against Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone.

The County hired a labor and employment attorney who lists being an Oakland police officer and deputy district attorney on his Linkedin profile.

Allan Dollison won a motion to compel against COSTCO and $5,175 in sanctions

 

Former Humboldt County attorney Allan Dollison who worked at the Humboldt DA's office as well as a private defense attorney and civil lawyer is now based in Southern California. Mr. Dollison is representing a  minor client in a lawsuit against COSTCO. Mr. Dollison filed an  extensive Motion to Compel based upon COSTCO's failure to produce the Incident Report and answer basic discovery questions. Mr. Dollison's Motion to Compel was granted by the Court and he was awarded $5,175 in sanctions for COSTCO's conduct.

Once again, convicted molestor Mark Dare is wasting taxpayer money, court resources and law enforcement time

 

I have been so busy so had to wait until today to post this update on convicted molestor Mark Dare's appeal. I covered the case, the trial and every hearing in detail. I am not linking all those posts from the 2018 case. Dare should serve his total 46 years to life in prison. I read the opinion, I looked at California Code 1170 (b). 

Sustained finding of violation of the Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct against Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone.

One of the agenda items on this Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting is sustained finding of violation of the Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct against Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone.

The investigation into alleged misconduct was initiated after a letter from the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria Tribal Council in December 2022 about Supervisor Madrone's conduct at a March 2022 meeting.

Second lawsuit against Shamus for alleged violations

 

A second lawsuit has been filed against Chris Barry and Shamus T Bones for alleged labor violations. This one is a 2023 case. Shamus and Barry are represented again by Janssen and Malloy but the attorney for this case is is Ms. Megan  Yarnall. Jose Omar Sarabia Sanchez, the plaintiff is represented by Jean Hopkins Power. In a response, defendants asked the complaint be dismissed and judgement be entered against the plaintiff.

Last August, I reported that Martha Gonzalez was suing Chris Barry and Shamus T Bones for alleged violations of the Labor Code. 

Humboldt Superior Court CEO retires effective today

 

(Photo by John Chiv)

I had predicted this and was the only one and the first one to report that  Humboldt Superior Court Kim Bartleson was on leave. Effective today, she announced her retirement. I previously reported that the Acting CEO is Meara Hattan.

Patrol car sitting near 5th and V for the past 15 minutes

 

Law enforcement patrol car with lights flashing parked next to the former Annie's Cambodian location for more than 10 minutes. An officer exited the blue building which was supposed to be the S.I.P  cafe around 1:28 and got into the car. Lights no longer flashing. 1:45 Patrol car gone.

I was just walking by on my way towards the Courthouse. Will see what I can find out from EPD. Checking to see if this is related to an unconfirmed scanner traffic about a 911 from cell phone around 6th and V around 12:50.

More than two years later, 736 days in jail, Rio Dell alleged molestor's case yet to go to trial

 

In May 2021, I reported on the arrest of Frederick Bernard Adams on several child molestation charges. His case is scheduled for trial confirmation on 5/31 and jury trial on 6/12. When I checked on his case today, he has been in custody for 736 days.

There are multiple alleged victims.

Missing pages, conflicting claims, Tomlin investigation just a snippet from Michael Acosta hearing on 995 motion

 

Today, a hearing was in local attorney Michael Acosta's case before Justice Stuart Pollak. Several revelations were made in court today and claims by Deputy District Ian Harris, Acosta's second court appointed attorney Ms. Rebecca Linkous and Acosta. No other media was in court.

There is a pending investigation being done on Matt Tomlin and maybe pending Pitchess motion rulings

 

Remember my posts last year on Matt Tomlin resigning from HCSO and being investigated. HCSO and the County said records regarding Tomlin weren't disclosable. St. Bernards where Tomlin has been a coach and is currently working said they had no intention of asking Tomlin to resign and did not directly respond to the allegations and claiming someone was slandering Tomlin.

There was no media today at the 995 motion hearing for Michael Acosta and several revelations were dropped. Tomlin has been mentioned in Acosta's documents . I do know at least one or more Pitchess motions will be filed regarding Matt Tomlin. What I do not know is if that is the same motion Deputy District Attorney Ian Harris referred to this morning.

Mr.Harris said there is a pending investigation regarding Tomlin on an "unrelated matter" and suggested that there shouldbe a ruling pending a Pitchess motion. 

A Pitchess motion is a defendant’s request to the court to look at a law enforcement officer’s personnel file to see if there are any complaints or evidence of police misconduct. 

I  contacted HCSO. HCSO PIO Samantha Karges responded, "Hi John,There are no pending internal investigations related to Matt Tomlin. I’m not sure what the courts are referring to."

Maybe the investigation is being done by the DA's office or another agency?

Previous posts:

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/10/tomlins-last-day-with-hcso-is-november.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/10/another-tip-this-time-that-matt-tomlin.html?m=1#more

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/10/off-record-i-have-two-reliable-sources.html?m=1

 https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/08/is-matt-tomlin-being-investigated-for.html?m=1

Brandon Widmark finally booked into Humboldt jail

Attempted murder, hit and run and assault suspect Brandon Widmark, the other brother involved in the Harris and Dolbeer shooting was booked into Humboldt County jail yesterday. His 5/15 arraignment date by Zoom had been vacated. Brandon Widmark's arraignment was rescheduled to 5/22.

Second annual Redwood Kite Festival at Halvorsen Park this weekend

(Image from Redwood Coast Kite Festival)

Humboldt Kiters are hosting the second annual Redwood Kite Festival this Saturday May 20 and Sunday May 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Locals and visitors of all skill levels are invited to come down to Halvorsen Park to participate.

Citizen's for a Better Eureka is probably paying this out of town lawyer big bucks, they should not screw up a basic POS

 

On April 6,  32 petitioners from Citizens for a Better Eureka filed a lawsuit against the City of Eureka over the city’s activities related to affordable and low-income housing projects on downtown parking lots. On May 4, another CEQA petition against the City of Eureka 5th and D parking lot was filed.

CalPoly Humboldt student arrested for meth charges after undercover operation about alleged drug activity

According to the jail log, David Teller was arrested for HS 11379 (a) transportation and selling of meth and HS 11377 (a) possession of meth.

CalPoly HSU's newest patrol officer is a familiar face

 

Joe Conlin has served our country and since then he has been involved with law enforcement and public safety in every job. I first met Joe when he was with HCSO and a court bailiff. Joe left to take a job as a investigator at the Public Defender's office. Starting July 2, Joe will be working as a CalPoly HSU patrol officer.

Brandon Brocious' killer is back in Humboldt jail

 

(Craft)

Christopher Craft aka Christopher Sterling was returned from CDC to the local jail on 5/16. He was booked for his 2017 juvenile case. 

Those records are confidential. According to one of Brandon Brocious' family members, Craft was released for time served. Yesterday, there was a hearing, Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees appeared for the People. Craft has been released from local jail and his case status is closed.

Read my detailed 2021 post about Craft's sentence. Posted below is a small excerpt from my 2021 post.

Local attorney Eddie Schrock's response to former court mediator could open up a can of worms about Humboldt Superior Court

(Schrock)

Former court mediator and Velda Gooden filed a request for a civil harassment restraining order against local attorney Eddie Schrock. Both are pro per.

21 year old charged with 6 sex felonies involving two minors

 

21 year old alleged molestor and rapist Lucas Russell was arraigned on 5/15. The DA has charged him with 6 felonies and special allegations for Counts 1, 3, 4 and 6. Alleged victims are two Jane Does. 

Convicted felon booked for attempted murder also charged with possession of fentanyl and firearm enhancements

Convicted felon James Atkins was booked on two counts of attempted murder but additional charges were expected to be filed. The DA charged Atkins with 6 additional counts including firearm charges and possession of fentanyl. The two attempted murder charges have special allegations.