John Chiv: Will my hunch about Aunna Bollman's preliminary hearing prove to be correct ?

Jul 17, 2025

Will my hunch about Aunna Bollman's preliminary hearing prove to be correct ?

Aunna Bollman's 12 criminal cases were on calendar and scheduled for preliminary hearing on 7/17. She has three civil restraining orders against her requested granted by the City of Fortuna, County of Humboldt and DANCO.

Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor. Mr. Gregory Kreis is Bollman's attorney.

The preliminary hearing calendar is being called in Courtroom 1 this morning. Judge Kaleb Cockrum recused himself. Before proceeding with the case, he made the disclosure and checked with attorneys if they were okay with him calling the case for the preliminary hearing calendar.

The only other judge available for preliminary hearings today is Visiting Judge Marjorie Carter. Given scheduling, three preliminary hearings could be heard today.

This is just some of the exclusive information you get from a reporter familiar with courts, the system and the people involved in and with the courts; someone who covers the courts regularly and has developed professional connections built over 11 years. I scooped my competition in Philadelphia and Atlanta with the same work ethic in a time where there were no computers or cell phones. In those cities, the other newspapers publicly acknowledged the consistent scoops and gave me credit. It was friendly and professional. When I first moved here, I got so many requests from businesses, elected officials and readers to come back to Philly.

There is a good chance Bollman maybe rescheduled due to courtroom unavailabilty or the attorneys could make an oral motion to continue or if there is a miracle, there could be plea. No motion to continue has been filed. Bollman has already been to the State Hospital and sent back so the mental health shtick has been used already. Bollman could also waive the preliminary hearing.

I have done several detailed posts on Bollman, including the most recent ones on July 10, July 9 and July 5. I am not summarizing or typing all the details and background again.

No other local media has covered Bollman's court case since Aug 3 2023 when they ran the press release of her arrest and the same submitted photos someone sent them.

10:10 a.m: One of the alleged victims, City of Eureka Assistant Manager Pam Powell was in court with City of Eureka Paralegal, Ms. Christine Lopez. Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees, another alleged victim is currently going through jury selection in a trial. I don't know what Bollman's neighbor looks like but I don't think she was there for this court hearing either.

10:17: Mr. Kreis asked to speak with Ms. Schaffer privately and outside the courtroom.

10:22: Mr. Kreis requested a two week continuance for the preliminary hearing scheduled today in Bollman's 12th case . Mentioned something about Dr. White, couldn't hear part of the reason. Said he was going to see County Counsel today. Mentioned one of Bollman's 11 previous cases, CR2402329 to be set for a diversion hearing and then to proceed with the preliminary hearing in the latest and 12th case CR2501364. Both those cases were scheduled for August 1.

Ms. Schaffer said that Mr. Kreis spoke to her about concerns about the number of witnesses and submitted to the Court for a ruling.

8/1/25: I had a hunch. It proved correct. Continued to 8/27 at defense request. Court started late today and was "running behind" was also one of the reasons for the continuance. Deputy DA Ian Harris appeared on the case for the People.