Sergio Madrone was arrested for sodomy with a minor and defense wants a pre plea diversion?

In September, 35 year old Sergio Madrone was arrested by Eureka Police Department for PC 286(b)(1) sodomy with a minor. Madrone's preliminary hearing was originally scheduled for yesterday. It was continued to 1/22/25 by defense for setting of prelim and receipt of PC1001.20 report.

Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer appeared on the case for the People yesterday. Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo is Madrone's attorney.

First, Judge Kaleb Cockrum reduced Sergio Madrone's bail. Then, Judge Cockrum granted Sergio Madrone supervised release.Sergio Madrone's mother Amber Madrone was at the OR bail hearing.

Penal Code § 1001.20 aka Cognitive Development Disability Diversion is a pre-plea diversion program for those charged with any crime and with a documented intellectual disability. This can apply in cases where a defendant is charged with a felony or misdemeanor.

This is deja vu of the Ewa Misztal case with Schaffer vs Russo and the same strategy Mr. Russo is using in the Ashley Pearce-Pifferini case. Is their any crime or alleged crime where Mr. Russo will not use the diversion tactic?

Court minutes for Madrone were not in the system and there is a motion to continue in Pearce-Pifferini's case. Those minutes were also noy in the system when I checked. An update on Pearce-Pifferini will be added to the previous post since it is a motion to continue. A lot of cases are being continued which is why you haven't seen many new court posts and why I am in no rush to do those updates.

Man who was previously arrested for being a fugitive from justice identified as decedent at Blue Lake power plant

 

In 2021, Jason Quinton Miller who had a warrant from Oklahoma was arrested by HCSO for being fugitive from justice.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/11/another-criminal-who-came-to-humboldt.html?m=1#more

This morning HCSO identified Miller as the man who died in Blue Lake at a power plant.

Took a jury two hours to find convicted felon Morgan Dunn guilty of 9 counts in his latest case

 

Today, at 2:10 p.m., the jury in convicted felon Morgan Dunn's 2023 case started deliberations. At 4:14 p.m., they had a verdict. I just happened to hear about it while checking and working on other cases. 

Dunn was found guilty on all 9 counts. Four convictions for PC 29800 (a) (1) felon in possession of a firearm and five for PC 30305 (a) (1) felon in possession of ammunition. 

I did not cover the trial and have not covered any of Dunn's cases. He had four cases on calendar today CR1505473, CR1803326, CR1505239 and CR2300341. 42 year old Dunn has been in custody since September 4 when he was booked on a bench warrant.

Alleged sex trafficker and molestor Darin Ward held to answer to all 14 counts and special allegations

 

Alleged sex trafficker Darin Ward's preliminary hearing finally concluded today. He was held to answer on all 14 counts and special allegations.Judge Timothy Canning denied the defense 17 (b) motions. Arraignment on information is on 12/4.

Deputy Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor for the case. Mr. Ken Bareilles is Ward's attorney.

If you followed my coverage of the case including the detailed posts on the preliminary hearing, the only ones surprised by today's ruling and probably still in denial are Ward, his family and Mr. Bareilles. I am pretty sure the information will have additional charges.

Another juvenile suspect arrested by EPD after investigation at Eureka High School

Eureka Police Department issued a press release at 3:09 p.m. today about a juvenile suspect arrest today for criminal threats resulting from a report and investigation at Eureka High School on Monday.

Matthew Adams arrested by MCSO for two counts of continuous sexual abuse of a minor

On 11-17-2024 at approximately 4:01 P.M., Deputies from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to contact an adult female, regarding a possible sexual assault committed against her two daughters.

Humboldt County Job Market closed for remainder of today

11/22 update: Humboldt Job Market still closed.

"Judge Flaum has given more than half of his life to the judiciary. He has served the justice system with a grace and collegiality that has earned him the unanimous respect and admiration of his colleagues, and he is altogether deserving of the highest honor bestowed upon an Article III federal judge."

 

(Judge Joel M. Flaum)

Chief Justice John Roberts, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, federal judges and his colleagues laud Judge Joel M. Flaum who is the 2024 recipient of the Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award.

DA investigating suicide attempt by inmate Michael Garcia

At 6:01 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, Michael Garcia, age 47, of Bakersfield, was found in his jail cell by correctional deputies following an apparent suicide attempt. Rescue efforts were initiated and performed by deputies until Emergency Medical Services arrived. Garcia was transported by paramedics to the hospital for treatment. Garcia is currently in critical condition.

Hardworking City of Eureka crew cleaning up damage from last night on 5th street

 

Took these photos an hour ago.

Humboldt County Counsel to lose yet another attorney and this departure is a big loss for the County, the courts and taxpayers

 

I have written about several Humboldt Deputy County Counsel leaving recently. Add one more to the list. This is someone who has saved the County money and been successful in representing the County.

In July, I wrote about former Deputy County Counsel Vince Uberti leaving. In September, another Deputy County Counsel left. The Department is short staffed and due to hiring freezes, the burden of the work increases on the few attorneys and legal staff. The Board of Supervisors keep hiring outside Counsel which costs taxpayer money. This is not to say all Supervisors are on board with that solution. 

Another continuance in Widmark brother trial, 827 petition filed for Jesse Widmark has been MIA since February

 

(Jesse Widmark)

(Brandon Widmark)

Today, Brandon and Jesse Widmark had trial confirmation scheduled in their cases for the jury trial scheduled on 12/6.. Ms. Andrea Sullivan represents Jesse Widmark. Ms. Rebecca Linkous is Brandon Widmark's attorney.

Ms. Sullivan filed a 827 petition in February which I reported on in my June post. There had been no communication from Humboldt Superior Court in June. Today, it seems the petition got lost in the clerks office and  she requested a continuance. 827 petition is a request for access to confidential information from a juvenile case. Judge Steven Steward asked Ms. Sullivan to file a written motion.

Readiness conference is scheduled for 12/5; jury trial on 12/16.

Floyd Squires sued by Eureka Capital Group LLC

 

There is an ex parte hearing scheduled this afternoon in a civil unlimited case under the real property category. Floyd Squires is being sued by Eureka Capital Group LLC. The way the online court calendar lists the case, it is unclear what role Community Loan Service LLC plays in this lawsuit.

Humboldt Bay Fire Station #3 gets first major renovation since the 1950s

Humboldt Bay Fire Station #3, located at 2905 Ocean Avenue in Eureka, is set to undergo a significant remodel of its living quarters, beginning today. During this renovation, the engine company typically stationed at Fire Station #3 will temporarily relocate to Humboldt Bay Fire Station #1, located at 533 C Street. 

No bail status for alleged molestor arrested again this month by DA Investigator Ryan Hill for even more serious sex crimes involving a minor

Joseph Raymond Shinn was arrested again by DA Investigator Ryan Hill yesterday afternoon on a Ramey warrant and booked for PC 288.7(a) oral copulation with a minor, PC 311.3 (a) sexual exploitation of a child, PC 311.11(c)(1) possession of child porn involving sadism or masochism, PC 311.4 (a) employment of a minor for pornography and PC266 (j) transport a minor for lewd purposes or child prostitution. He is on no bail status unless that is changed by the court.

I did a post on October 7 about 46 year old Shinn's arrest by DA Investigator Ryan Hill for PC 288.2(a)(1) sending harmful material to seduce a minor, PC 288.3(a) contacting a minor for sexual purposes and PC 288.4(b) arranging to meet a minor for lewd purposes.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/10/another-arrest-by-da-investigator-ryan.html?m=1

Shinn has an arraignment scheduled tomorrow for a 2024 case. I will update this post.

Instead of CSAC policy reports, I want to know which Humboldt Supervisor went to the Zen Den and early yoga

 

Instead of being stuck in windy and rainy weather in Humboldt next week, local California State Association of Counties attendees will be in sunny Los Angeles County.

Fourth District Supervisor Natalie Arroyo and most of the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors will be in Pasadena all week at the CSAC conference. Several Couty staff will also attend for continuing education and certifications. 

Convicted felon Jackson Parrott is charged with home invasion, attempted murder, mayhem and carjacking in latest arrest

 

Convicted felon Jackson Parrott is no stranger to law enforcement. His name is familiar to readers and anyone who pays attention to the jail log or local crime news. Just this year he was arrested twice in the last 4 months; in August 2024 and most recently on November 13, 2024. A search for Parrott's name in Humboldt Superior Court system comes up with 25 related searches.

I was in courtroom 3 on 11/14 covering several cases and Parrott and three cases on calendar. He was arraigned on information in  in CR2403119C. Bail in that case is $1,500,000.

Former employee settles lawsuit against Fortuna Elementary District

 

In April 2023, I reported on a lawsuit filed by Vickie Victorine lawsuit against Fortuna Elementary District.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/04/fortuna-elementary-district-sued-for.html?m=1

The case settled in October 2024 and future dates scheduled for 11/1/24 and 11/4/24 were vacated. There is a dismissal hearing scheduled on 11/18. The settlemental is conditional. If the case is dismissed as agreed, this is my last update on the lawsuit.

After guilty verdict in convicted felon's case, jurors don't stick around to talk to either attorney

 

Jury started deliberations yesterday came back with a guilty verdict in convicted felon Jesus Loza Zamacona's CR2300870 case this afternoon but did not stick around to talk to either attorney. 

I have covered his case before. This wasa retrial. When Mr. Nims was Loza Zamacona's attorney, there was a mistrial. Judge Lawrence Killoran presided over both trials.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/04/deputy-public-defender-talks-to-witness.html?m=1

Ms. Rebecca Linkous took over the case from former Deputy Public Defender David Nims. Mr. Nims now works at Conflict Counsel. Deputy District Attorney Ian Harris is the prosecutor for the trial.

Judge April Van Dyke gets a tour of her new workplace from Presiding Judge Kelly Neel

 

You are not allowed to take photos on the second floor of Humboldt Superior Court but just a few minutes ago, Presiding Judge Kelly Neel was walking on the second floor with Humboldt's next Judge. Ms. April Van Dyke who will her enrobing ceremony in January 2025. 

Based on how previous court assignments have been handled and because Ms. Van Dyke previously worked at Conflict Counsel, I am sure she will be assigned to family law or juvenile dependency. Unless Assistant Presiding Judge wants a change from hearing civil cases.

Elderly St. Bernard parishioner's age and health mentioned in motion for preferential trial setting in her lawsuit against Redwood Acres

In March 2024, I reported on a lawsuit filed by St. Bernard parishioner Josephine Silva against Redwood Acres. My last update was in September 2024. At that time, the only date scheduled was a Case Management Conference and trial setting on 1/10/25. 

Silva is represented by the Zwerdling Law Firm. The defendant GMBE, LLC by Mr. Jeffrey Kramer.

I noticed the case was on calendar today. The hearing is on a motion filed by Mr. Nate Zwerdling on October 10 for preferential trial setting. He also filed a declaration in support of the motion. I have included both those court documents but not all the exhibits. I am not posting Silva's driver's license or the private investigator's memorandum but you can read the arrest, incident report and see photos of Silva's injuries.

Jack Wu wants to open a Hibachi restaurant at former Tres Chiles Picosos location

 

Jack Wu owns Jack's Seafood in Eureka, has a partner and owns Ginger in Eureka and is opening a restaurant in Arcata. Jack took over the former Mazotti's location which reopened as Venicia. In my coverage of the lawsuit filed by Wallace and Hinz against Joe Mazzotti, Jack was subpoenaed to testify in that lawsuit. You can google the posts on the Wallace and Hinz lawsuits.

I just received a tip minutes ago from someone in the restaurant business that Jack is interested will be opening a Hibachi restaurant at the location of former Tres Chiles Picosos in Eureka. I spoke with Jack and he confirmed the news.

Michael Acosta lost his appeal, VOP hearing scheduled but judge encourages DA and Acosta to discuss a possible resolution

 

In October 8, 2024, I reported that Michael Acosta lost his appeal in his 2020 case. In my September post, I have more details about Acosta' s requests beibg denied by California's First Apellate District.

Today, Acosta's 2020 case was on for setting & status of remittitur. Visiting Judge Leonard LaCasse encouraged Deputy District Attorney Ian Harris and Acosta to discuss a possible resolution before the pre trial for  Acosta's alleged Violation of Probation scheduled for 12/23. The VOP revocation hearing is scheduled for 1/10/25.

Hotel Ivanhoe sold to former court reporter Jackie Musselman's brother and is expected to re-open in mid January

Hotel Ivanhoe in Ferndale was sold to former court reporter Jackie Musselman's brother, Geoffrey Musselman. The historic hotel, saloon and restaurant is expected to re-open in mid January.    

I spoke with Fernade City Clerk Kris at the Ferndale City Manager office on 11/18/24 to see if a business license had been filed by the new owner and she has not received anything yet.

On 11/18, the news was confirmed by the realtor on this Facebook post.

Will Ashley Pearce-Pifferini's case have the same outcome as Ewa Misztal?

Depending on how long you have read my blog, you may remember my extensive coverage of the Ewa Misztal case. I covered that case for years, going to hearing after hearing. The rest of the local media covers a random case here and there, goes for the initial views and then loses interest. Every case is different and meaningful to those involved. 

Guy with half a pound of meth on his front seat was dumb enough to damage the sidewalk on 4th street near the jail, fortunately the Sheriff's sign remained unscathed

 

(Photo: John Chiv)

(Photo: John Chiv)

(Photo: John Chiv)

It is an extremely busy day and week for me as well as the HCSO PIO and everyone working at the courthouse so I am not wasting the PIOs time with a media request. This would be Eureka Police Department jurisdiction and I am not wasting EPD PIOs time either.

Here is what I have pieced together from different people at the courthouse "in the know." Sometime between 5 p.m. yesterday and 7 a.m. this morning when some HCSO, County and court employees came to work this morning, they saw this cone covering a hole in the sidewalk and tire marks leading up to the Sheriff's sign by the 4th street entrance. I was told that around 2 a.m. deputies heard the noise and went out to discovered a guy with half a pound of meth on the front seat of his vehicle decided to give the sidewalk a makeover. If I find out more details, I will update the post.

Plea deal reached in murder suspect Anthony Hamilton's case

After sitting in court for hours this morning, once again with no other local media present, I watched the members of Jennika Suazo's family and their reaction to the fifth continuance  granted in murder suspect Anthony Hamilton's case today. Two women who have been at every hearing, polite and waiting eight years for justice. At least, this time it was somewhat justified. I have no idea why the paperwork was not completed; am guessing Deputy Conflict Counsel R.J. Leohner and small Conflict Counsel staff has been swamped with work. 

I found out that a plea had been finally negotiated during a court break this morning.

One of Suazo's family members asked Deputy District Attorney about Hamilton already serving another life sentence. He responded, "yes."

Then the two ladies asked Mr. Rees, "So he won't get out and kill anyone else." Even while they deal with their own pain, Suazo's family is thinking of others.

"This is California. Nothing is for sure," said Mr. Rees.

Further setting and change of plea is scheduled for 11/22 to allow Mr. Leohner to fill out the plea form and get the case number. After discussing with both attorneys, Judge Steven Steward granted the short continuance to next week due to the court's impacted schedule this week. The attorneys were willing to come back later this afternoon or tomorrow

"Journalism is not a job; it is a public trust."

 

Never forgot who was there for you, the rest don't matter

 

Many of you who follow this blog and read it regularly don't even need to read the the rest of this to know why I wrote this post. We talk, you know. Most of my readers know me and have met me. I appreciate those unexpected chats and your feedback about how much you like the blog at the courthouse and other places when we unexpectedly see each other. That support was very helpful, especially last week and this week. 

These images are also for you because we all have a lot going on that people don't know.

I have been very open on the blog about the challenges I face in Humboldt, especially in the last four years. It has not been easy to do this blog; ever. The last two weeks, there have been additional challenges. Some you know about; some you don't. The ones who were there for me last week and this week, you know who you are. Thank you.

Those who care. Those who bothered to ask. Those who understood why there are typos; the grammar in some of my posts that get fixed later in most cases after posting live and covering more daily, original content by myself than any other local media. Those who know of the daily challenges and onerous conditions I go through to do this blog every day because they cared enough to ask and listen. Those who see and know the daily survival and hardships I have endured including not being able to take care of myself and my health because of the retaliation from toxic, narcissistic, incompetent, abusive local bufoons whose think they are the House of Cards cast when the reality is that they are propped up by weak, miserable, petty losers just like them. Those who did what they could to be kind without judging me in the last 10 years knowing what I have to do every single day to pick myself without the basics of survival because of repeated, hateful anonymous attacks and unwarranted threats by miserable losers who cannot look in the mirror or take responsibility for the harm they do . To all of the decent,compassionate people. Thank you.

To those, especially the crestfallen faces since the end of August, last week and this week who expected me to fold and cower. To those who cannot even look me in the eye in the last couple of months and since last week. To those who said, "I got your back" and then were MIA when it mattered. Pick any image below that applies. Or all of them. I don't give a damn what you think or do.

Well deserved shout out to Humboldt jury staff, judge and Humboldt admin

 

When I checked this yesterday, all the comments were positive. I mentioned this to the staff at jury duty and a few court staff members earlier today.  Of course, when I checked it later tonight, there had to be the typical Humboldt negative troll who just had to sully the positive thread. You can read the rest of the comments.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Humboldt/comments/1gq1g41/jury_duty_shout_out/?rdt=52416

Yurok Tribe, Del Norte County Superior Court and Del Norte District Attorney’s Office agreement allows Yurok citizens to enroll in Wellness Court and defer prosecution

(Photo provided by Yurok Tribe)

The Yurok Tribe and Del Norte County Superior Court and Del Norte District Attorney’s Office recently signed an agreement that will allow adult Yurok citizens facing certain criminal charges an opportunity to defer prosecution and instead enroll in the Yurok Wellness Court’s comprehensive, culturally centered Wellness Diversion program.

Case dismissed against former Security National employee, former Humboldt Planning Commission member and former County Assessment Appeals Board member Brian Mitchell

 

(After today's ruling, I decided to share a photo of the Brian many of us know and remember) 

Today is the first time I saw former Security National employee, former Humboldt Planning Commission member and former County Assessment Appeals Board member Brian Mitchell since I reported on his arrest for domestic violence in September.

After Eureka Housing for All appeal was dismissed, today a remittitur was issued

 

I last  reported on this appeal filed by Eureka Housing for All on 9/12/24.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/09/eureka-housing-for-all-appeal-dismissed.html?m=1

Three suspects identified, one arrested in robbery and homicide investigation

On April 13, 2024, deputies from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to a reported robbery and attempted homicide in the 3500 block of Newberg Rd. in Fortuna. The victim was robbed at gunpoint, shot in the shoulder, and severely assaulted, sustaining serious injuries to his head and face.

Former KRCR reporter resolves her DUI case, no longer working for Sinclair and is employed in Alaska

 

Since my last post on former KRCR reporter Adelmi Ysita in August, a change of plea date was added for 9/18/24. I checked her case today as she had trial confirmation scheduled next week. That date and her jury trial date have been vacated as she has resolved her case.

On 9/18/24, Ysita accepted the DA's standard offer for an early resolution of her DUI case. Ysita pleaded guilty to Count 2 Driving with a blood alcohol level at or above the legal limit of .08%. Count 1 DUI was dismissed. 

"Mr.Dikes lives this deviant lifestyle" and "21 years is a fraction for a lifetime of the harm you have caused"

 

This is court coverage of a molestation case and information stated in court on record at sentencing and some of it is graphic language.

Convicted child molestor Kevin Dikes was sentenced by Judge Steven Steward this morning to the agreed disposition of 21 years. His remarks before sentencing Dikes were very powerful and I could see the impact in the audience. I was sitting behind the parents of one of the victims. The two John Does in this case were 9 and 10 years at the time the crimes occurred  

Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm read a list of porn sites Dikes frequented. Some of them are Women Cattle; Dragon Torture ; Scaley Tentacle and Hentai girl. Two criminal protective orders are filed in the case.

Before sentencing, Judge Steward said, "the defendant broke sacred trust" and the parents of the victims trusted him to watch their child.

Judge Steward said that Dikes "violated trust for his own gratification" and that statements in court "expose the profound betrayal and harm inflicted upon the victims. His behavior was destructive and harmful."

"The impact of his actions has been devastating on John Doe and his father," said Judge Steward. "21 years is a fraction for a lifetime of the harm you have caused. A victim left with lifetime of damage, confusion and distrust."

I was the only media in court covering Dikes' sentencing. Dikes' attorney is Ms. Rebecca Linkous. Court minutes from sentencing included and I will add the press release if the DA issues one.

One of the nicest, most hard working, experienced Humboldt Superior Court clerks Matt Dobie passed his bar exam on the first try

One of the nicest, most hard working, experienced Humboldt Superior Court clerks, Matt Dobie, passed his bar exam on the first try. There are a few more steps such as a moral character application which is a background application and fingerprinting but he is free now to pursue a career as a lawyer. While it may be a loss to Humboldt Superior Court, Matt would be an asset to anyone who hires him. Matt's court minutes are meticulous. He is professional, decent family man.

Man who threatened Supervisor Rex Bohn arrested by EPD on bench warrant in criminal case, there is already a 3 year workplace restraining order in the civil case with Bohn, County CAO and Clerk of the Board as protected parties

 

Frederick Breckenridge was arrested by Eureka Police Department yesterday on a bench warrant issued in his 2024 criminal case. Alleged victim is First District Supervisor Rex Bohn.

Breckenridge already has a three year Workplace Violence Restraining Order in a civil case filed against him. Supervisor Bohn is the victim in that case with additionalprotection for CAO Elishia Hayes and Clerk of the Board Tracy D'Amico. Breckenridge is allowed to attend Board of Supervisor meetings and enter the Courthouse for business. A request by College of the Redwoods for a restraining order against Breckenridge was dismissed. 

Acting out like bad boys in custody is going to have consequences at sentencing for Miguel Moreno and Ruben Ramirez

 

(Ramirez)

(Moreno)

There was a mixed verdict on charges for Miguel Moreno and Ruben Ramirez. I have covered the verdict, the case, the verdict, did various posts with court minutes. Those who did not follow the coverage or need a refresher can access all that information via links provided.

Moreno is represented by Mr. Ken Bareilles. Ramirez by Mr. David Celli. Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm is the prosecutor for these cases. 

On 11/8, sentencing was continued to 12/9/24. This was after Mr. Timm requested testimony from Humboldt County Correctional Sgt Michael Mendiburu about defendants' conduct while in custody. Retired Judge Christopher Wilson asked for supplemental report from probation for tentative terms and conditions which could result in a lengthier probation term.

I will not be doing a new post on sentencing. All future updates including any press release the DA may issue will be added to this post.