John Chiv: Local attorney arrested third time in 4 months, again for DUI, released on OR, DA hasn't filed charges for two previous arrests

Feb 11, 2024

Local attorney arrested third time in 4 months, again for DUI, released on OR, DA hasn't filed charges for two previous arrests

Local attorney Callie Rose Buck was arrested by Rio Dell Police Department yesterday for VC23152(a) DUI. She was released on O.R.

This is Buck's third arrest and the second time for a DUI in four months. She was arrested on domestic charges in November 2023 and posted bond. She was arrested again for DUI in December 2023 for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and released on O.R. The DA's office has yet to charge her in those two 2023 arrests and I most recently checked on any filings last Monday. Do white female local attorneys get treated differently than Latino attorneys Michael Acosta and Victor Campos?

How many different law enforcement agencies have to arrest Buck or does Buck have to hurt someone before the DA steps up and charges her?

On 12/21/2023 Michelle Smith filed a civil lawsuit against Buck. That was for an alleged incident took place in August 2023.

Maybe Deputy DA Andy Truitt needs to spend more time on looking at DUI arrests and filing charges than lending his name as an endorser to scandal ridden incumbent Judge Gregory Kreis. If charged, maybe Buck could hire Kreis' buddies and endorsers Janssen Malloy or resolve most cases with a plea without a preliminary hearing or trial Ben Okin and get the Humboldt Superior Court multiple DUI offender special like 5 times offender Rick Littlefield and Brett Watson or others like Victoria Copeland with DUI charges and high BAC got.

Pro law enforcement and public safety is charging and prosecuting multiple offenders regardless of their Humboldt status and plea deals and sentences according to the law regardless of who the defendant is and how much money they have. Actions speak louder than slick words on a website or anon comments.

Kreis and his enablers and those from the DA's office and law enforcement who endorse Kreis know it was Judge Kreis and his endorser Retired Judge Wilson and this current DA administration who negotiated a plea and sentenced Ray Christie at what was an intervention hearing which is held in a closed courtroom with no notice to the media and public. Depending on how you feel about Christie, your feelings about his resolution will differ. This 2018 case dragged out for years, tons of court time and resources and then a deal made so the DA, Deputy Public Defender Adrian Kamada, another Kreis buddy could save face. Christie was represented by a LA law firm and one of his attorneys knows Patrik Griego, Kreis' lawyer in the Rory Kalin lawsuit that settled. There are court documents you can check on Christie's sentences and how Kreis' rulings evolved over time when negotiations were going on which media and the public are not privy to for any case. There are many other examples besides the Christie case and my regular readers know because they pay attention.

Every single incumbent in the local elections whether for Judge or the Board of Supervisors, regardless of party affiliation is a good ole boy or gal supporting the two tiered system and selective justice and treatment in Humboldt. They and their cronies get rich for decades and get a slap on the wrist in court while any mistake the average person in Humboldt makes affects them for decades.

The other local media will not point out the connections and conflicts of interest because they are enablers or they have no clue sitting at their desks doing cut and paste writing whatever they get told.

All you have to do is look at the common names, the source of funds, information that is public records. You don't need me to tell you what you know or can verify yourself. And, I am not going to continue paying the consequences for doing my job and actual journalism in a small entrenched community with constant personal and financial risk to myself.

Time for the community to step up or continue being under this unfair two tiered system. The same skills I use for this blog can be used to do good in multiple other ways. So don't take me or this blog for granted. If you can't be bothered to invest and support independent, local journalism and the time and sacrifices I make after 10 years, dont waste my time contacting me with irrelevant tips, personal agendas or expect a minute of my time. If you don't work for free; don't expect me to and don't disrespect my time. I have given a lot to this community for 20 years and I know who has been there for me consistently.

Thank my advertisers because they are brave. They have stood by me even when I have done critical coverage, when they have been pressured and I am proud of my editorial independence.

Don't ever underestimate the loyalty I have in this community because of a few bullies and the same loud voices. If you want to live under their yoke for another few decades; that is your choice not mine.

Your future depends on your choices. Humboldt's future depends on who you chose, support, not just in this election but every single day. There are a lot of good people, businesses, lawyers and leaders in Humboldt. When you support good and decent people and leaders who care, change and positive differences in the community is the result.

4/19/24: CMC continued by Smith to 8/19; service not completed.