Jury which included Supervisor Madrone and Deputy DA Trent Timm get justice with a felony convction for career criminal who assaulted a member of the homeless community

 

Google Jonathan StClair Nixon and you will see he is a frequently arrested criminal with a record going back for almost two decades. Previous convictions haven't deterred him. 21 cases come up in a search for him in Humboldt Superior Court system.

This Monday, a jury which included Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone, came back with a guilty verdict on two counts, one misdemeanor and one felony conviction for Nixon. The special allegation was dismissed after a mistrial since the jury was hopelessly deadlocked on the finding. Sentencing is on October 26.

The victim was homeless. One of the people's witnesses in the case was homeless and still managed to get himself to court for the preliminary hearing and the trial. 

I briefly spoke with Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm after the verdict. Instead of focusing on the conviction and a win against this repeat offender, Mr. Timm hoped that the verdict would send a message to the homeless community that they matter, they can be treated fairly and get justice in the criminal system.

Mr. Timm commended the witness and the victim for showing up to court despite all the challenges they face and gave them the credit.

I have known Mr. Timm since 2015. I have covered many cases, preliminary hearings and jury trials which Mr. Timm has succesfully prosecuted.  After my coverage of his first jury trial which he won, Ryan Hurley asked me, " Who is this new hot shot Deputy DA."  That became my nickname for him. Mr. Timm is a stand up guy professionally and personally.

Nixon was remanded into custody on October 2 after the verdict. Nixon is on a no bail status. The trial was 6 days which included jury selection.

For the jury trial, the charges were Count PC 240 assault which is a misdemeanor, PC 245(a)(4) assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury which is a felony, and special allegation for Count 2 PC 12022.7(a) great bodily injury.

10/26: Nixon was sentenced,placed on probation for 2 years, won't serve any more time in custody after credits are applied and  SWAP was approved.  Deputy DA Luke Bernthal appeared on the case for the People.