I am not buying the PD's delay tactics on SVP Richard Stobaugh's hearing and neither did Judge Cockrum

 

On May 7, there is a public hearing regarding placement of sexually violent predator Richard Stobaugh at a proposed residence in Humboldt County. That could change based on the discussion in court this morning and Judge Kaleb Cockrum's ruling tomorrow.

On April 15, Humboldt County Sheriff Sheriff Honsal sent out a press release stating his opposition to Stobaugh's placement in Humboldt. In my April 15 post, I added some court documents on Stobaugh's case. In that post, I also exclusively reported Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm is going to be appearing on this case for the People.

I checked on the court case. On 4/22, DA filed a document listed as comment to court re SVP. Today, there was a hearing on the motion for for subpoenaed documents by the DA from Coalinga State Hospital. No other media was in court and court minutes are not going to have the details of live coverage I am providing.

Today,  Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm appeared on the case for Ms. Timm who is expected to be back in the office tomorrow and in court for tomorrow's hearing. Deputy Public Defender Jason Sheets appeared on behalf of Stobaugh.

Mr. Sheets told Judge Cockrum that Stobaugh was not present because he had no notice and "we were not served a subpoena." Mr. Sheets said he had no idea what records were subpoenaed.

Since Ms. Timm is the assigned prosecutor, I am going to see what she has to say tomorrow about Mr. Sheet's claims. I checked e court on 4/22 and I knew what records were subpoenaed and the hearings scheduled. The Public Defender's office has more access than the media and public do to e court information and court case information. The court calendars attorneys receive also have information. 

I am not buying this delay tactic by the Public Defender's office and neither did Judge Cockrum.

"I don't think that is how it works Mr. Sheets," said Judge Cockrum. "The Court is in possession of two sealed documents. Both are subpoenaed by the DA. Both are from Coalinga State Hospital. One is in a box 8 1/2 × 11 and 8 inches thick and the other is a manila envelope with 20 to 30 documents."

Judge Cockrum said there were two options. "One Mr. Sheets agrees to stipulate to shared custody and the People make copies. Two, Mr. Sheets does not stipulate and the People decide..." As Mr. Timm suggested, Judge Cockrum continued arguments on the motion and his ruling to tomorrow.

"Had I been served, I would have filed a motion to quash," said Mr. Sheets. "Health records are confidential. We have a hearing on May 7. There are hundreds of documents. Most likely there will be a motion to continue."

"I need to hear why the documents are not relevant " said Judge Cockrum.

There is a pretrial hearing scheduled for 4/30 and if filed on time, the Public Defender's motion to quash. 

Mr. Sheets said he had stated his reasons already. Tomorrow, the only new information will be anything presented by the DA's office and Judge Cockrum's ruling. I will add information from tomorrow to this post.

Previous post:

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/04/sheriff-honsal-opposes-release-of.html?m=1

Orange County Judge previously admonished by CJP for violating Code of Ethics now suspended from office without pay after second degree murder conviction, the victim was his wife

On April 25, the Commission on Judicial Performance issued a press release and order regarding Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson. He was suspended from office without salary after being convicted of second degree murder of his wife. He faces 40 years to life.

The order is brief as well and there is no mention of Judge Ferguson's public admonishment finalized in 2017 when "The commission determined that Judge Ferguson violated the Code of Judicial Ethics by posting a statement about a candidate for judicial office on Facebook with knowing or reckless disregard for the truth of the statement and remained Facebook friends with attorneys appearing before him."

United Indian Health Services sued by former drug and alcohol counselor for wrongful termination

(Logo from UIHS Potawot website)

Jeff Lewis filed a lawsuit in 2022 against United Indian Health Services, Inc. That is a civil unlimited employment case alleging wrongful termination. Lewis worked as a drug and alcohol counselor for UIHS at the Potawot Health Clinic in Arcata.

Lewis is represented by Mr. Benjamin K. Karpilow, an attorney from Santa Rosa. UIHS, Inc. by Ms. Brittany S. Greenhill, an attorney with Gordon & Rees Scully Mansukhani which is a law firm in San Francisco.

The case was assigned to Judge Steven Steward. Time estimate is 8 to 10 weeks. I saw the attorneys and I think the plaintiff outside Courtroom 3 today but it was brief. After I verify, I will add a picture of Lewis.

Convicted felon Nathan Ruptak already has 48 cases in Humboldt court system and just entered a plea last December

(2023 booking photo)

(HCSO 2025 arrest)

HCSO sent out a press release about convicted felon and parolee Nathan Ruptak's who was arrested yesterday this morning. He already has 48 cases come up in a search in the Humboldt Superior Court system. The last case in the local court system for Ruptak was filed on 12/23/24. He resolved that case before preliminary hearing by pleading guilty to the one count of PC 30305 (a) (1) on 12/27/24 which was reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor as part of the plea agreement. The last time I covered one of his cases was in 2023. 

Ronald Rieke arrested by HCSO for assault with a deadly weapon

 

44 year old Ronald Allen Rieke was arrested by HCSO yesterday evening for PC 245(a)(1) assault with a deadly weapon. He posted bond.

58 searches come up in Humboldt Superior Court for Ronald Rieke, Ronald Rieke Jr and Ronald Rieke III.

"The CA Coastal Commission is one of the most out-of-control agencies in the country."

 

This on X today.

This press release on March 5 on Kiley's website. He is the  U.S. representative for California's 3rd congressional district.

It took almost two months for some media to cover the State Bar of California 2025 exam debacle

 

The State Bar of California issued this press release on March 6. It took the media who reported on it a month and three weeks to cover this including the Daily Journal who should on top of this debacle.

Thank you to the LA tipster who alerted me to another failure from the State Bar of California.

On April 3, the State Bar of California issued another press release. "The State Bar Board of Trustees has approved exam software and testing locations for the in-person July 2025 California Bar Exam as it continues efforts to improve the test-taking experience and find appropriate remedies for those impacted by issues experienced during the February exam."

  

Retired Judge Ksenia Tsenin used to be the only one to hear cases involving Gregory Kreis, that seems to have changed recently

 

Once again, I was in a courtroom covering another case and Mr. Gregory Kreis was there for another defendant, Freddy Doolittle. I have seen Kreis on an average of two or three times a week at the courthouse. 

Until recently, it was only Retired Judge Ksenia Tsenin would hear any case Mr. Kreis was assigned to as an attorney. It seems things have changed and now the Humboldt bench is hearing cases involving Mr. Kreis. As you will see from court minutes from 4/24/25 which the day I was in Humboldt Presiding Judge Kelly Neel's courtroom that she made a disclosure. Since I was not in court on other days, I don't know if other judges made similar disclosures and they were not in court minutes or they did not make disclosures.

14 people arrested in second search by HCSO this year as a result of search warrant on Aaron Stott's property in Mckinleyville

(Evidence seized by HCSO in the January 25 arrest)

(Evidence seized by HCSO in the January 25 arrest)

All these people were arrested with Aaron Stott and booked at the same time on the jail log at 10:24 a.m. Anyone who pays attention to the jail log or local crime headlines will recognize some of the names. I only see 14 names on the jail log.  I contacted HCSO Lt. Jesse Taylor and he confirmed and clarified it was 14 arested; not 15.

Trucking company suing Ray Christie agrees to give him time to respond after requesting entry for default, on Friday, Ray Christie filed for divorce from Jennifer Christie

 

On March 25, I did a post on a Idaho trucking company suing Ray Christie claiming he owes them money.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/03/idaho-trucking-company-sues-ray.html?m=1

Prince Trucking represented by Mr Randall Cooling Nelson from Carr, Kennedy, Peterson and Frost which is a Redding law firm. Christie had no attorney listed. He still has no attorney listed but in the withdrawl for a request for entry for default filed on 4/14/25, Mr. Nelson said he was contacted by an attorney for Christie who said he would be representing Christie and Prince Trucking agreed for an extension of time so an answer to the complaint could be filed. The attorney was not named. Christie was served at his Jackson Ranch residence in Arcata. 

On 4/25, Mr. Ken Bareilles filed paperwork in a divorce case for Ray Christie from his wife Jennifer Christie. "Irreconcilable differences,",  date of marriage and how long they have been separated are all in court documents. I have not seen Ray for months but few years ago while his 2018 case was still open, he had a younger, significant other for years and children with her and a business. I have no idea nor am I interested if they are still together. Not sure why Ray waited so long to file for divorce from Jennifer Christie.

The 13 page FBI criminal complaint and affadavit against Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan is very specific and detailed

( Photo of Judge Dugan's arrest)

Judge Dugan's attorney released a statement which most "mainstream media" hasn't even included and those posting on X have parts of the statement with no attribution or name of her attorney.

Joshua Neff gets sentenced to one year probation for misdemeanor battery

 

Retired Judge John Feeney sentenced Joshua Neff to 1 year unsupervised probation. He has 10 year restriction on owning firearms. Four day jail sentence was imposed but Neff was given credit for time served. Neff has to stay 20 yards away from Rio SavageClanton.

Deputy District Attorney Rebecca Buckley-Stein opposed the grant of probation.

In my previous post, I reported that on Tuesday, the jury found Neff guilty of misdemeanor battery on Rio SavageClanton. The jury verdict on criminal threats was not guilty.

Several people wrote letters and attended today's sentencing in support of Neff. Mr. Paul Gallegos is Neff's attorney.

Sean Quincey and Tom Mattson leaving County jobs? And is it because of budget woes?

 

In the last year, I have been the only one to report about exits from the County, whether it be County Counsel's office or other departments. I hinted at more people leaving.

Humboldt County budget woes are no secret. I just learned through the grapevine that Deputy County Administrative Sean Quincey and Public Works Director Tom Mattson are leaving or thinking of leaving. 

I have reached out to both for comment. They may or may not respond and they may deny for many reasons. One of the reasons I am doing this post now is because I do not want them to go to other media before answering me. Another reason is that if this is untrue, then better to shut down the rumor mill right away.

Got an automatic response that Sean is out of the office today. Tom Mattson responded at 11:05 , "No plans to leave anytime soon. "

Sean did send me a lengthy response at 12:32 p.m. Summary is that he says he is not leaving. After you read his response, my next sentence will make sense.

Sean, as the next in line after CAO Elishia Hayes, of course your present and future career plans are newsworthy.

Convicted felon Hector Godoy Standley arrested again after a plea 5 months ago

 

Convicted felon Hector Godoy Standley who was one of the Manila five arrested again by Eureka Police Department yesterday and booked for PC 22810(a) felon in possession of tear gas, VC 2800 disobeying a peace officer, VC 5200(a) failure to display license plates,  PC 1203.2(a) probation violation. He was released from custody on a program on 4/25, according to the jail log. 

I did a post about his November arrest, plea and sentence. Here he is back in custody 5 months later.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/11/one-of-manila-5-picks-up-new-2024-case.html?m=1

Godoy Standley has been working at Grocery Outlet in Eureka. Another repeat offender whose mother keeps making excuses for instead of some tough talk with her son about the choices he makes that keep getting him in custody.

Man in custody for domestic violence later identified as the same suspect who assaulted local attorney

On March 26, I reported on an assault on local attorney, Mr. Delman Smith.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/03/epd-investigating-assault-on-local.html?m=1

I just learned this afternoon that a suspect who was arrested for domestic violence was later identified as the same suspect in the assault on Mr. Smith. It was a man who hung around Mr. Smith's law office.

Thank you to EPD Chief Brian Stephens and EPD PIO for confirming Steven Miller was the suspect arrested. I received this information on 4/29 and am going to check what is filed in e court.

Doubt declared by defense for Daryl Jones; he will be evaluated to see if he is competent to stand trial

 

Terrostic and criminal threat suspect Daryl Ray Jones' preliminary hearing was scheduled for April 24. He is charged with 19 felonies.

The case was originally on calendar in Courtroom 3. Judge Steven Steward recused himself pursuant to PC 170.1 (a) (6) (c). Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm appeared on the case in Courtroom 3 for the sole purpose of that recusal and for the case to be sent to Courtroom 7.

Lear Asset Management makes headlines for security at GOP town hall meeting in Idaho

 

I am covering local court cases right now and there has already been coverage regionally and by LA Times. 

This article is one of the rare ones that has some details. So far, the coverage has been one sided but Lear Management hasn't released even a brief statement. Whether that is Lear's decision or on advice of an attorney, who knows? None of the coverage so far included any court documents.

https://cdapress.com/news/2025/mar/08/details-emerge-in-security-companys-license-revocation/

 

I covered rapist Valentin VargazDiaz's case, verdict, court minutes have more and complete details from the sentencing

 

I covered the Valentin VargazDiaz verdict and case and added his 6 year prison and sentence and court minutes to my March post. 

Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm is the prosecutor for the case. Ms. Andrea Sullivan is VargazDiaz' s attorney. 

The DA just sent out a press release which was prepared on April 21. The DA issued this clarification at 3:30 p.m.

"Good afternoon,

Please note that the email below with the accompanying press release was meant for issuance on 4/21/25, and was delayed in distribution to all intended recipients due to a technical error. Some recipients may have previously received the same press release whereas others may have not received the April 21st press release until today’s date.

I would like to clarify that Mr. VargasDiaz was sentenced on April 21st, 2025, not on today’s date.

Thank you for your understanding."

A coalition of 40 bipartisan AGS wants Congress to fund civil legal aid for low income Americans

 

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and a bipartisan coalition of 39 other attorney generals submitted letters to Congress to fund civil legal assistance for low income Americans.

I agree there is a need but not without monitoring and ensuring who is receiving these services and how the money is spent. The intention is nice but the reality is that who gets help, often in rural areas, is based on selective criteria and if it makes headlines. I doubt that Congress will do anything. They should start by making PACER free, at least for some basics.

Jesse Hanson well known to local law enforcement arrested by Fortuna PD for burglary, vandalism and grand theft

Today, Jesse Hanson was taken into custody by HCSO deputies and Fortuna Police Department. He had a felony warrant for his arrest after being identified as a suspect in several burglaries in Fortuna.

Ms. Andrea Sullivan relocating her Northern CAoffices is Humboldt's loss

There are days that it is difficult to do this blog and they are Humboldt specific problems. Today, I am sad for a different reason.

Ms. Andrea Sullivan is relocating south and is closing her Northern California offices. Even before she advertised with me, I covered many of her cases. Humboldt courts and defendants are very lucky to have her. I wish Ms. Sullivan the best. I know where she is going and very happy for her.

I continue to do this blog because the readers I have built over 11 years are not just from Humboldt or California and it gives me the opportunity to highlight the talented local attorneys, our local law enforcement and local businesses. The local judges, attorneys, the law enforcement I have known for years make it worth covering local courts; even on difficult days.

4/25: Ms. Sullivan has been so busy but I briefly saw her today. Thankfully, she will still be around for another month because she still has cases. Like any other attorney, she can always travel to Humboldt and appear on a case.

Juror in Joshua Neff case excused after conversation with neighbor about the trial

 

In my last post on Joshua Neff's jury trial for battery and criminal threats, there are court minutes and I reported that jury deliberations started on 4/18/25.

The 4/18 court minutes were not available until this morning. Before closing arguments, Retired Judge John Feeney informed Deputy District Attorney Rebecca Buckley-Stein and Mr. Paul Gallegos that a juror may have had outside  contact or a conversation about the trial. After questioning the juror which involved conversation and statements by a neighbor; that juror was excused. Today, jurors requested readback.

4/21: in the afternoon, jurors said they had reached a verdict on Count 1 but were hopelessly deadlocked on Count 2. After some clarification, the jurors are deliberating until only 10:30 a.m. today. 

4/22: Verdict. Guilty Count 1. Not Guilty Count 2. Sentencing on 4/25.

CHP, Humboldt County bomb squad and SWAT team, CALFire all involved in two arrestsfor possession of destructive devices and being prohibited persons in possessions of a firearm

 

CHP Garberville Officer Christian Zepeda released two reports and the following information about the arrests of Andivere Hill and Andizere Hill for possession of destructive devices and being prohibited persons in possessions of a firearm.

People dismiss 2022 case against Gary Landergen

 

After a hung jury on all counts, Gary Landergen's case was scheduled for retrial but today it was dismissed by the People.

I am updating the post now. This just happened a couple minutes ago. 

I spoke with Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm after court. "He lost his job and the girls had their day in court," said Ms. Timm. "Most of the witnesses have moved out of the area and it was dismissed due to issues with proof."

They won't make the news but these people were not looking for publicity; just making a difference in one life with one act of kindness.

I found out after the fact that Cal Poly Humboldt and students from Sonoma who spent time this weekend helping Betty.  I observed many other acts of kindness this weekend done quietly, privately and randomly. They won't make the news but these people were not looking for publicity; just making a difference in one life with one act of kindness.

Convicted molestor Steve Boudreaux's phone was sent to another agency, talks about a possible resolution are premature

 

Trial setting for a third jury trial for convicted molestor Steve Boudreaux is scheduled for 5/7. 

Just like former Humboldt Superior Court judge Gregory Kreis, The Commission on Judicial Performance imposed a severe public censure on Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge Michael Carrozzo. Just like Kreis, he agreed to a deal, which includes going on leave, an irrevocable resignation from office and an agreement not to serve as a judicial officer in the State of California

 

(Carrozzo)

Just like former Humboldt Superior Court judge Gregory Kreis, The Commission on Judicial Performance imposed a severe public censure  on Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge Michael J. Carrozzo. Just like Kreis, he agreed to a deal. After Carrozo goes on leave, just like Kreis, the agreement includes an irrevocable resignation from office and an agreement not to serve as a judicial officer in the State of California.

Both Carrozzo and Kreis were appointed by former California Jerry Brown. The useless California Judicial Council and the joke that passes as the State Bar of California do exactly what ? If the JCC and State Bar of CA did their jobs properly and held people accountable;  things would not get to a point where the CJP needs to be involved. It takes a lot for the CJP to open an investigation.

Like Kreis, will Carrozo also be hanging his shingle as an attorney and in Santa Barbara? 

The CJP issued a press release about Carrozo on 4/17.

Elderly St. Bernard parishioner settles "Choo Choo Train" lawsuit against Redwood Acres

 

St. Bernard parishioner Josephine Silva has a conditional settlement in her lawsuit against Redwood Acres. Dismissal was filed on 4/4/25.

Silva is represented by the local Zwerdling Law Firm. On 4/20, I just happened to see Josephine and her son out in the community and glad to see she is looking well.

If you are a new reader,  you can read previous coverage about other parties and attorneys and more details.

"Anglosaxxon" you will never be a patriot; cowards and obsessive abusers are not worthy of that title

 

This was sent to me today. Another email on March 27, 2025 was sent directly to me.

Crescent City, Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and Cal Poly Humboldt all mentioned in Briannon Fraley's appointment by Governor Gavin Newsom

 

California Governor Gavin Newsom's office issued a press release just now on some appointments. Briannon Farley's appointment is of local interest for several reasons.

Daryl Jones to remain on no bail status thanks to Judge Killoran and Deputy DA Rees, has family in San Diego, one parent in Texas and one in Oklahoma

 

(Jones 2023 FB)

(Jones FB 2024)

Only North Coast News and I were at terrostic and criminal threat suspect Daryl Ray Jones OR bail hearing which ended a few minutes ago. He is still in a red jumpsuit which means he is still in admin segregation.

Besides court staff, court bailiffs, Victim Witness Advocate Judge Lawrence Killoran, Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees, Deputy Conflict Counsel David Nims and Ms. Joanne Carter, who represents the alleged victim in Count 1 and 2 and the us, no one was in the courtroom. Some of the alleged victims were present via Zoom.

"Their actions wreaked havoc all over Eureka and put everyone in danger"

 

No other media bothered to show up in court for Brandon and Jesse Widmark's sentencing. 

Sheriff William Honsal, DA Investigator Kyla Baxley, many HCSO deputies here including Deputy Luke Mathieson who was the court bailiff, Deputy Chad Crotty who was escorting inmates so he was in and out of the courtroom.

Other media did not even show up after my initial post during break. This is so disrespectful to law enforcement and the victims. I was here, every day for over a month and at every hearing mainly because of law enforcement but also because this case impacted Eureka where I live. Law enforcement keeps us safe and risks their lives everyday. I made a special effort to be there this morning even though I could not afford to be there for hours. I know some of the deputies better than others. I have known Deputy Raleigh Willoughby and his family for years. 

Today, the only victim impact statement in court was by Deputy Willoughby who was there via Zoom. DA Investigator Greg Hill read his statement and did a great job. 

Some of the victims were in court sitting behind me. Sheriff Honsal, DA Chief Investigator Kyla Baxley and HCSO deputies in the rows behind them. I know some investigators are currently with Deputy DAs in jury trials and more law enforcement would have been there but they are all working.

Several members of Jesse Widmark's family were there, including his aunt. There were two people who were related to Brandon Widmark. Those here for the Widmark brothers were on the other side of the courtroom.

Judge Steven Steward announced his tentative. He did some research  after attorney arguments and then made his final ruling and sentence after court resumed at 11 a.m. One of the criteria Judge Steward mentioned was that the sentence should be a deterrent to others.

Eva Denise Tsenin arrested for DUI and BAC over the legal limit

 

Eva Denise Tsenin was arrested this morning by CHP for VC 23152 DUI and VC23152 (b) blood alcohol level over the legal limit. She was released on O.R.