John Chiv: With two cases dismissed, charges reduced in another, going from no bail to supervised release; Brian Mitchell literally owes Ms. O'Connell his freedom

Jul 10, 2025

With two cases dismissed, charges reduced in another, going from no bail to supervised release; Brian Mitchell literally owes Ms. O'Connell his freedom

(previous booking photo)

Former Security National employee, former Humboldt Planning Commission member and former County Assessment Appeals Board member Brian Mitchell has three 2025 cases.

Mitchell went from his custody status being changed to no bail by Judge Lawrence Killoran on 7/3 to having one 2025 case CR2501225B dismissed on 7/8/25 by Humboldt Deputy DA Jessica Watson. He was held to answer in CR2501224 to Count 1 after his preliminary hearing by Judge Steven Steward. Defense request to reduce to a misdemeanor was granted. Stay away from the location in Mckinleyville that he has a trespassing charge in his third case. Judge Steven Steward reinstated supervised release. Trial confirmation is on 7/22 ; jury trial on 7/28. CR2501322 has the same dates but is trailing. Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell is Mitchell's attorney.

Mitchell a 2024 domestic violence case was dismissed by Humboldt Deputy DA Brandon Boozari on the day of the preliminary hearing because the alleged victim, Anthony Sjoquist, did not show up and told Arcata Police and the DA's office he did not want to pursue charges. That case also happened to be calendared before Judge Steven Steward. Ms O'Connell also represented Mitchell in the 2024 case.

Humboldt judges don't get to chose every case on their calendar or what preliminary hearing is assigned to them.

7/9/25: A third case CR2501351 was filed on 7/9 for Mitchell. PC 496d (a) buying and receiving a stolen Kia from Mickey's Quality Cars.