John Chiv: Judge Cockrum says SVP Richard Stobaugh not appropriate for condirional release, viscerates Dr. Murdoch and Dr. Cureton in written ruling read into record

Jul 9, 2025

Judge Cockrum says SVP Richard Stobaugh not appropriate for condirional release, viscerates Dr. Murdoch and Dr. Cureton in written ruling read into record

(Stobaugh at July 8 2025 court hearing, Photo John Chiv)

(Stobaugh, Photo John Chiv)

(Judge Cockrum reading ruling July 9, Photo John Chiv)

(Public Defender Luke Brownfield and Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm listen as Judge Cockrum reads his ruling)

Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum read his written ruling on record in court which I will post when available. I thought since Judge Cockrum was reading his ruling, it was going to be filed. This afternoon when I checked with Courtroom 1 clerk; no document was given to her to be filed. If that changes in the next day or so, I will add the ruling. I have added today's court minutes from the hearing. I have also added a 7/10 order from Judge Cockrum sealing Exhibits 3 and 4 which "contain harmful matter." Based on the Penal Code in the minute order, it must be pornographic material that was seized from Stobaugh.

Everything Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm said yesterday and observations I wrote in my second post yesterday about the two doctors evaluating sexually violent predator Richard Stobaugh was referenced this morning in the ruling by Judge Kaleb Cockrum.

Ms. Timm directed me to Humboldt DA Stacey Eads for comment. I asked Ms. Timm for a brief comment. She said, "The Court made the right decision." Ms. Eads responded that the DA is issuing a press release. The DA's office sent that out at 11:26 a.m. and I have added it to the post.

Judge Cockrum cited case law which included People vs Rasmussen while reading his ruling about the Court's discretion regarding credibility and opinion. Judge Cockrum said the People had requested he reassess/reconsider his December 2023 ruling to release Stobaugh on conditional release. "The State has the burden of proof by preponderance." Later in his ruling, Judge Cockrum states, "The People have met the burden of proof."

"The Court finds Stobaugh is in possession of child porn. The images are child porn. The Court relies on Officer Magpayo's testimony but also the Court's review of the images."

Judge Cockrum said that Stobaugh's timeline did not match. Other contraband such as the DVDs "suggest barter operation going on." Judge Cockrum said the letter that Stobaugh claimed was written by another Coalinga patient Robert Abelman was fabricated. Stobaugh was inconsistent when talking to law enforcement.

Judge Cockrum said that Stobaugh failed to disclose the pay/owe sheets and other contraband like the DVD players. Refrencing the treatment plan, Judge Cockrum said Stobaugh has not demonstrated full transparency."

Concealment of conduct and concerns about completeness and lack of integrity by Stobaugh was mentioned in Judge Cockrum's ruling. Again, Judge Cockrum mentioned that Stobaugh's credibility was "diminished" by inconsistency. Deception and manipulation was mentioned by Judge Cockrum which Ms. Timm repeatedly brought up in her direct examination of the witnesses; especially of Dr. Murdoch and Dr. Cureton.

Judge Cockrum mentioned Stobaugh's military discharge which was not integrated in Dr. Murdoch's report despite it being brought to Dr. Murdoch's attention. "The Court is further troubled" by Dr. Murdoch and Dr. Cureton's reaction to child pornography. "Professional hubris" are the words used by Judge Cockrum about Dr. Murdoch and Dr. Cureton's opinions on releasing Stobaugh.

Judge Cockrum said the experts did not reassess despite Stobaugh's concealment.

Judge Cockrum said he had signifucant concerns about Stobaugh's release; even under supervision.

"Mr. Stobaugh is not appropriate for conditional release." He cited three factors including the likelihood to re-offend.

"The Court has reconsidered the December 2023 ruling."

DA Press Release:

Humboldt County District Attorney Stacey Eads announced today that Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum vacated his December 2023 order that would have conditionally released sexually violent predator Richard Stobaugh into the community.

Following a full-day of evidence presented by Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm, with the assistance of Chief District Attorney Investigator Kyla Baxley, Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Cockrum ruled that Stobaugh is not an appropriate candidate for conditional release at this time. The presentation of evidence included Stobaugh’s possession of child pornography while placed at Coalinga State Hospital.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm argued Stobaugh continues to pose a serious danger to public safety. Timm emphasized that Stobaugh has not been forthright with his treatment providers, continues to engage in deceptive behavior, and cannot be trusted or adequately supervised outside of a secure facility.

“Our priority has always been protecting the safety and well-being of our community,” said District Attorney Stacey Eads. “We are grateful that the residents of Humboldt County—especially those in the Manila area—will not have to bear the burden of housing a sexually violent predator. This outcome is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to protect our community.”

Based on today’s ruling by Judge Cockrum, the community placement hearing previously scheduled for July 14, 2025, has been vacated and sexually violent predator Richard Stobaugh will remain at Coalinga State Hospital. By state law, Stobaugh may petition the court for release on an annual basis.

7/9/25 court minutes: