John Chiv: Humboldt CAO finding it hard for a private attorney to accept Kevin Dikes' case

Oct 25, 2023

Humboldt CAO finding it hard for a private attorney to accept Kevin Dikes' case

I was surprised to see alleged molestor Kevin Dikes two cases on calendar for 10/24. It was on 10/24 for appointment of counsel, continued to today and continued once more to 10/26.

According to my last update, the next court date was in December. Also when I checked his case, Conflict Counsel was representing him. Since then Dikes has had change in representation. Mr. Paul Gallegos was appointed on 9/29/23.

It seems that no private attorney wants to be appointed on this case. They may have a conflict but court records indicate that Dikes' refusal to waive time is an issue. Judge Joyce Hinrichs alluded to that today and said she may have to talk to Dikes. He was not brought into court today and the Humboldt CAO has not "identified anyone as counsel."

On 10/24, Mr. Paul Gallegos was relieved; Mr. Timothy Gray wouldnt accept appointment. Today, Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm brought up Ms. Rebecca Linkous' name. Judge Hinrichs said she had been contacted but had not yet accepted.

10/26: Ms. Rebecca Linkous tentatively accepts; will meet with Dikes. Pre trial an confirmation of counsel scheduled on 11/2 in 2021 case. Trial confirmation on 12/19; jury trial on 1/8/24. In 2023 case, trial confirmation and confirmation of counsel on 11/2; jury trial on 11/13.

11/2: Ms. Linkous confirms appointment.Trial confirmation & jury trial dates vacated in both cases. Trial setting on 1/8/24.

1/8/24: In CR2102505 pre trial on 4/8; pre trial on 4/22; trial confirmation on 6/11 and jury trial on 6/24. In CR2302908A, all the same dates scheduled as pre trial since this case is trailing.

4/8/24: In his 2021 case, 4/22 date vacated. Pre trial scheduled for 5/9 & 5/20. Trial confirmation and jury trial dates in June are the same. His 2023 case is trailing and all the same dates are set as pre trial.

5/9: Pre trial continued to 5/15; the 5/20 date for pre trial still scheduled. Trial confirmation and jury trial dates in June are the same.

5/15: 5/20 date vacated. Nothing is happening for the last several hearings so I will only update if there is a development or actual information to report.

6/11 In Dikes 2021 case, Ms. Linkous told Judge Steward that she "confirms at this time but anticipates a motion to continue due to ongoing investigation." Deputy District Attorney Jessica Watson appeared for Deputy DA Whitney Timm who is currently in trial for the Steve Boudreaux alleged molestation case. Ms. Watson gave a time estimate of 2 to 3 weeks and said same offer by the People would resolve the case. Trial assignment is on 6/21; jury trial on 6/24. Dikes 2023 co-defendant case with Lucas Russell is trailing.

6/21: People's motion to continue granted by Judge Kaleb Cockrum because assigned prosecutor in trial. Defense motion to continue will be heard on 6/27. Trial assignment 6/28, jury trial 7/1.

9/19: Dikes has his 2021 case and a 2023 case with co-defendant Lucas Russell and there has not been anything to report except continuances. Today's trial confirmation was continued by defense to 9/24.

9/24: Defense motion to continue granted. Jury trial for vacated: trial setting scheduled for that date.