Rick, there is nothing newsworthy about what you have sent but I published it because if the Provolts chose, specifically John Provolt, he could sue you for defamation

 

Rick Dowd sent me and 15 others a letter to the Yurok Tribal Council and a request for recusal of the judge in his family law case. There was no confidentiality requested.

I do not have access to Yurok Tribal Court records. Even if I did, just as any other family law case in any Superior Court, the allegations Mr. Dowd raises should be investigated by the proper authority. 

I do not know who the other 15 are because Rick Dowd's email keeps crashing. Rick Dowd are you related to Chelsey Readon-Dowd? Readers should google the John Provolt post I did with texts from Chelsey Readon Dowd. Rick, you have provided no evidence about allegations being dismissed against you. Please do not send me any future emails with unsubstantiated claims and I am not interested in family law drama.

Rick, there is nothing newsworthy about what you have sent but I published it because if the Provolts chose, specifically John Provolt, could sue you for defamation. I reported on John Provolt's arrest for alleged molestation but he has not been convicted; he has not even had a preliminary hearing in that case. If you read my blog, you should know this yet you tried to use me.

The #1 emails which are a waste of my time and a misuse of my email address are about family law cases. 

I have covered John Provolt court cases and I covered some allegations about Sherri Provolt on my blog. 

Contrary to Mr. Dowd's claims, John Provolt has not been convicted of what Rick Dowd claims. There is an open case in Humboldt Superior Court which has yet to have a preliminary hearing. Google or use the search feature on this blog.

Recusal sent to me by Rick Dowd:

Rick R. Dowd Jr.

PO Box 283

Klamath, CA 95548

Phone number redacted for blog

Date: 2/20/25

Yurok Tribal Court and Judge Bowers

Subject: Formal Request for Recusal of Judge Bowers and the Yurok Tribal Court in Case No. FL22-030

Dear Honorable Judge Bowers and the Yurok Tribal Court,

I respectfully submit this formal request for the recusal of Judge Bowers and the Yurok Tribal Court from presiding over Case No. FL22-030, in which I am the Petitioner. This request is made in the interest of ensuring a fair and impartial judicial process, as required by the principles of due process and the commitments of both the State of California and the Yurok Tribal Court to justice.

Basis for Recusal Request:

1. Lack of Progress in Court-Ordered Visitation:

o In the past 10 months, I have only been allowed one two-hour visit with my children on January 2, 2025, when Judge Bowers was present.

o All other scheduled visitations have been disregarded by Ms. Provolt, who has either refused, failed to appear, or not encouraged the children to participate.

o The continued lack of enforcement regarding visitation has significantly impacted my relationship with my children.

2. Child Endangerment Concerns:

o A witness has seen John Provolt, a known child molester and predator, alone with Gerald Dowd at Pey Mey Convenience Store.

o Despite my prior requests to prevent Mr. Provolt from having access to my children, he has been allowed unsupervised contact, which poses a serious safety risk.

o The failure of the court to intervene in this matter raises concerns about the children's well-being.

3. Failure to Enforce Contempt of Court Orders Against Ms. Provolt:

o Ms. Provolt has repeatedly violated court orders over the past 10 months.

o Despite these violations, there have been no consequences or enforcement measures taken against her for contempt of court.

o The court’s inability or unwillingness to hold Ms. Provolt accountable undermines the integrity of the judicial process.

4. Parental Alienation and Interference with My Parental Rights:

o Ms. Provolt has falsely informed the children’s schools that I am not allowed access to their educational records.

o As a result, I have been unable to obtain any information regarding their progress or attendance.

o Additionally, I have made multiple attempts to contact my children and schedule visits, yet Ms. Provolt has refused to respond despite acknowledging receipt of my messages (see attached Talking Parents records).

5. False and Defamatory Allegations:

o Ms. Provolt has made serious and false allegations against me, including accusations of rape and inappropriate behavior with my children.

o I personally addressed these accusations with the District Attorney, and they have been dismissed as unfounded and without merit (see attached documentation).

o These baseless accusations have severely damaged my reputation and my ability to maintain a relationship with my children.

6. Failure to Enforce California Family Law:

o Under California Family Law, both parents have equal physical and legal custody of their children.

o Despite this, my parental rights have not been upheld, and court orders have not been enforced.

Request for Recusal and Next Steps:

Given these circumstances, I strongly believe that the Yurok Tribal Court is unable or unwilling to ensure a fair and impartial legal process. I respectfully request that:

1. Judge Bowers and the Yurok Tribal Court recuse themselves from Case No. FL22-030.

2. This matter be reviewed promptly.

3. I be allowed to pursue legal proceedings in Del Norte County Family Court, which has the authority to enforce contempt of court, uphold California state law, and ensure that parental rights are protected.

Please inform me if any additional documentation is required to support this request. I appreciate your time and consideration in this matter and look forward to a timely response.

Sincerely,

Rick R. Dowd Jr.

Letter to Yurok Tribal Council:

June 1, 2025 RE: Custody Case – Rick Dowd Jr. vs. Rachel Dowd-Provolt 

Dear Yurok Tribe Council, I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the well-being of both myself, as a member of the Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People, and my children, who are Yurok Tribal Citizens. Over the past year, I have pursued a change in custody and visitation through the Yurok Tribal Court, striving to secure meaningful time with my children. Initially, the court granted me increased visitation; however, following this decision, Rachel Provolt alleged that I struggled with alcoholism, which resulted in a reduction of my visitation rights. Despite this setback, I proactively completed the Yurok Tribe’s wellness program, underwent weekly random alcohol and drug testing—all of which confirmed I do not have substance abuse issues—and successfully completed a fatherhood class. I adhered fully to Judge Bowers' stipulations, yet my visitation rights were never reinstated. Over the past year, Ms. Provolt has granted me only one hour-long visit with my children, continually disregarding court orders without consequence. Additionally, she made baseless allegations against me that were referred to the District Attorney. After I proactively engaged with the DA’s office to clear my name, the case was dismissed. Despite this resolution, my access to my children remains obstructed. Ms. Provolt has repeatedly cited various reasons—such as the children being ill or their grandmother being unavailable—as justifications for failing to comply with visitation arrangements. This situation contradicts the Yurok tradition, which values the bond between fathers and their children. The Yurok Tribal Court should strive to reunite families rather than perpetuate separation. Furthermore, I am deeply concerned about the safety of my children. Ms. Provolt’s brother, who has a documented history of inappropriate conduct, was found sleeping in the same room as my young daughter. Despite evidence supporting this claim—including reports from witnesses and law enforcement—there have been no repercussions for Ms. Provolt or interventions to safeguard my children. Allowing such a situation to persist puts my children at great risk, jeopardizing their well-being and future. Throughout this ordeal, I have remained committed to protecting my children and maintaining a respectful approach in all legal proceedings. I am not an aggressive father or partner; rather, I have demonstrated my ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment, as evidenced by my full custody of my two older children, who are thriving under my care. The Yurok Tribal Court’s continued failure to enforce visitation orders is unjust, allowing Ms. Provolt to retain unchecked control over this case despite her numerous false accusations.