John Chiv: "We are very close to a global resolution not only on pending charges but charges previously tried"

Oct 27, 2023

"We are very close to a global resolution not only on pending charges but charges previously tried"

Today's hearing was over quickly. No other media was in court. I almost did not go because no one cares about this case and the endless continuances.

Ray Christie joined via Zoom a few minutes late and just as today's hearing had concluded. He appeared on Zoom after Judge Gregory Kreis had just noted on record that he was not present.

Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is currently busy with a homicide trial; Deputy DA Luke Bernthal appeared on the case for the People. Today, the case was on for resetting of trial. Judge Kreis asked Christie's attorneys about the status of negotiations.

Present via Zoom for Christie were Mr. Rick Richmond, Mr. Stephen Larson and Ms. Caroline Glennie-Smith from Larson Law Firm in Los Angeles.

For most of the hearings so far, Mr. Rick Richmond has appeared on the case and for quite a few, Ms. Glennie-Smith has been there. Based on court records and my regular coverage of every hearing, today was Mr. Larson's first court appearance on this case. Mr. Richmond told Judge Kreis that Mr. Larson has been the one "in direct communication with Mr. Rees on several occasions."

"We are very close to a global resolution not only on pending charges but charges previously tried," said Mr. Larson. At defense request, future dates were scheduled.

Intervention is scheduled with Judge Kreis on December 1 to discuss details and specifics of the plea. Change of plea or resetting trial is scheduled for December 15.

I reported the negotiations and possible resolution in my last post.

I already wrote in previous coverage that Christie insisted several times he wouldnt take a plea. And yet we are here. I covered this in more detail in previous coverage.

There are risks for both sides. I hope the DA and more importantly, Judge Kreis does not let Christie off with a slap on the wrist. A resolution would do away with a public trial on Kreis' acquaintance, Deputy Public Defender and former Deputy DA Adrian Kamada testifying and issues with some of Christie's witnesses I have addressed in previous coverage. Kreis' attorney, Mr. Patrik Griego knows one of Christie's attorney, Mr. Rick Richmond well. Mr. Griego's law firm has filed paperwork with Humboldt courts.

If you have read previous coverage, including related posts on Christie's business associate, Mario Avelar, the relevance of these documents makes sense. How many businesses does Christie have? The Buckaroo business belongs to Christie's baby mama who has two kids with Christie. Connections to Christie are relevant not only as potential witnesses but people posting online defending Christie.