John Chiv: County opposes release of Matt Tomlin's records

Jul 15, 2023

County opposes release of Matt Tomlin's records

(Former HCSO Deputy Tomlin,now St. Bernard's coach)

Michael Acosta's 995 motion was denied. After reading the State Attorney General's opinion and response to Acosta's motion to disqualify the DA, it is likely that motion will also be denied. That motion and Acosta's motion for change of venue is also scheduled for 7/17. Acosta filed a Pitchess motion for former HCSO Deputy Matt Tomlin which was rejected but can be refiled. County Counsel filed an opposition to the Pitchess motion and even if it is granted, the County wants the information restricted so the public won't know. County Counsel's response is included in this post. Other documents are in prior coverage. Post has been updated with rulings and court minutes. Acosta gets another motion denied.

Legal reasons aside; people's opinions about Acosta notwithstanding; what is happening is not limited to Acosta's case. Yes, evidence is needed but government, courts and good ole boys are in charge of what is released. Corruption and wealth buying justice is playing out on a national level. I don't think the California Attorney General is that naive or thinks the public is stupid to think in a small entrenched County there aren't political overtones and influence. When the people in charge of releasing information are all buddies in a small County or people fear retaliation, how do you get evidence?

When has the Attorney General gone against the County? There was more than enough evidence presented by Karen Paz Dominguez and what was the result? Paz Dominguez's lawsuit will be dismissed now that good ole boys got her out. State Attorney General did not pursue charges against the Coroner's office. State Attorney General entered into an agreement with Humboldt DHHS in the lawsuit they filed and that was about handling of child abuse reports. Nothing changed.

The Humboldt Civil Grand Jury's recent report,once again called out the short staffing which has always been an issue and for years at the County, particularly at CWS. It existed when Phil Crandall was in charge and is still exists now with Connie Beck. The Humboldt Board of Supervisors have done nothing and they don't ask the tough questions and continue to pay outrageous salaries to DHHS administration. Humboldt has always been rotten from the top and destroying anyone who stands in the way of the losers in charge is the "Humboldt way."

Humboldt County entrenched cabal stonewalling media and public right to know isn't new. Several local media sources, including myself, have had to resort to the courts to get information from HCSO and the County. I tried and requested information about Tomlin's departure.

Information about why Tomlin left should be released as well as more information about the drug bust that led to Acosta's arrest so people can decide for themselves and instead of speculations, Acosta's credibility can be evaluated as well as anyone else involved. Tomlin's record is of interest in more than Acosta's case to other defendants. Why have those other attorneys not filed their requests for Pitchess motions?

How many motions is Acosta going to file between now and the trial which has been rescheduled for September? Reading mostly the same information over and over again in these motions is tiring. There either needs to be new information and evidence in any future motion or people willing to speak up about alleged claims with proof. Anyone who has lived in Humboldt long enough and anyone familiar with the Humboldt knows that will not happen. People live in fear and will only talk anonymously. The few who dare to speak up are not supported and targeted.

Acosta needs to be upfront about plea offers. Will he agree to drug rehab to resolve his case and was Acosta already offered such a deal?

7/17: Motion to disqualify DA was denied.Motion to change venue deferred to 9/5. Motion hearing dismiss for denial of equal protection rescheduled for 9/5 Pitchess Motion to be heard 7/21/23 Acosta to refile.Possibility of court trial discussed

Lost Coast Outpost and North Coast Journal have gone after other law enforcement officers and their records. Even hired lawyers to obtain certain information. But they are leaving the guy who is buddies with Rex Bohn, Billy Honsal and protected by the St. Bernard good ole boy network alone?

Previous posts:

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/07/attorney-general-sides-with-humboldt-da.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/07/judge-files-minute-order-to-correct.html?m=1#more

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/07/acosta-plans-to-subpoena-rex-bohn-as.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/07/bags-and-scales-to-be-tested-acosta-to.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/06/michael-acosta-says-da-scream-team.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/06/da-finally-responds-to-acostas.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/06/michael-acosta-calls-out-rex-bohn-and.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/06/michael-sends-motion-to-ca-doj-to.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/06/i-think-mr-acosta-is-entitled-to-argue.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/05/matt-tomlin-claimed-acostas-partner.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/05/missing-pages-conflicting-claims-tomlin.html?m=1