Exclusive details from Stephen Paiment's OR bail hearing that just got done two minutes ago.
It was a close call. Judge Kelly Neel asked many questions, Deputy DA Ian Harris provided some details which included Paiment's prior criminal record.
Paiment spoke in court and I am not sure why Deputy Public Defender Ryan McClurg did not stop him. Paiment is obsessed with Eureka Police Department, specifically Officer Jayme Clark.
In May 2025, I reported that Officer Clark was leaving to go to work with the Cal Poly Humboldt Police Department. I heard she is or has already returned to EPD.
No other media was in court.
Judge Kelly Neel said that Paiment score was 4 for supervised release. He had no prior failures to appear and was not booked into the jail in the last two years. Judge Neel said that Paiment did have prior conviction for serious and violent crimes but she did not know the age of the cases.
Mr. Harris told Judge Neel most of Paiment's case are from the "1970s." He mentioned "211 with a firearm enhancement." PC 211 is robbery. That was in 1975. Mr. Harris said there was "at least one probation violation" and Paiment "was sentenced to prison in a 1981 case." In 2022, Paiment had a misdemeanor conviction.
Mr. Mclurg did not turn on his mic and was so soft spoken that it was impossible to hear anything he said. I heard a snippet about "protesting against law enforcement" and that Paiment chose to do what he did "near HCSO." The Humboldt County Sheriff has offices and deputies stationed at 825 Fifth Street which is the Humboldt Courthouse building.
"That is exactly my point, " said Mr. Harris. "He chose a visible high traffic place. It was handled expeditiously because it was near HCSO."
Referring to Paiment's recent arrest when Paiment allegedly lit in his own car on fire in front of the Humboldt County Courthouse, "There were number of civilians around the area," said Mr. Harris, " at the height of fire season in California. Things could have been a lot worse. Mr. Harris said Paiment "made statements to officers which were erratic, accusatory, conspiracy. If released, he would follow those directives.
Judge Neel asked if Mr. Harris could share some of those statements. Mr. Harris said Paiment told one of the officers about "nuclear waste, medical issues, frustration with County cover ups" and mentioned "cop killers."
People at the Courthouse had seen Paiment for days with a sign with some of what was mentioned in court and scrawled on a vehicle."
Judge Neel asked if Paiment had a residence. He responded Mckinleyville. Judge Neel asked if he had family in the area. "I have a grandson, sister, four boys, all live local," said Paiment.
No one was in court for Paiment.
"If I release you, will you be willing not to engage in protest," Judge Neel asked Paiment.
He said, "yes."
"Because majority of your criminal history is 50 years ago and no one was injured other than you; if I am to believe it was your car that you lit on fire; I am granting supervised release."
Judge Neel ordered Paiment to report to "Probation twice a month or as often as they tell you; you cannot leave the County; need to obey all laws, will be on electronic monitoring and an additional condition is you will not engage in any manner of protest."
Judge Neel told Paiment he will remain in custody until Tuesday, Sept 2 due to the holiday weekend and because it was too late today for someone to come get him. She gave him the preliminary date which is September 9, told him he had to be at the hearing and to keep in touch with his lawyer.
As Mr. McClurg was telling Paiment about contacting the Public Defender's office, all Paiment was focused on was, "assault by the cops."
So who wants to bet that at the next hearing, the Public Defender will declare doubt or suggest mental health diversion?
9/9/25: Preliminary hearing continued to 10/17.
Previous posts:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/08/humboldt-bay-fire-responds-to-fire-in.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/08/humboldt-bay-fire-responds-to-fire-in.html?m=1
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