John Chiv: Former insurance agent John Ford scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon for violation of probation

Sep 23, 2025

Former insurance agent John Ford scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon for violation of probation

Former insurance John Ford was sentenced on September 24, 2020. He pleaded guilty to one count of PC 503, embezzlement.

Originally he was charged with 14 counts. As a part of his plea, he agreed to full restitution for all victims. Ford agreed not to practice insurance sales in California for the period of probation. He forfeited his license. I covered his case in 2019 from start to conclusion.

Today, Ford's 2019 case is on calendar for arraignment for violation of probation. A petition was filed by probation on 9/8. There are no details in e court which is typical of petitions filed by Probation.

Humboldt Superior Court Retired Judge Chris Wilson is filling in Courtroom Two this week. Humboldt Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm appeared on the case for the People. Humboldt Deputy Public Defender Wade Orbelian for his office. Court minutes state

Demurrer and setting of VOP hearing scheduled for 10/16/25. According to court minutes, Mr. Orbelian made an oral motion to dismiss; Mr. Timm objected. "Court reserved right to demurrer." Thomas Mulder, one of Ford's victims addressed the Court. A request was made, court minutes do not state who made that request, to set the October 16 hearing in front of Judge Wilson, if he is available. Judge Wilson said Ford may appear via a Zoom on that date. Courtroom Two arraignment and OR calendar was running slower than molasses, as usual. I looked in a couple of times, did not see Ford. He may have appeared via Zoom. After 12 years, I am no longer sitting in Humboldt Superior Court for hours for reasons locals know and have been told many times.

Instead of commenting on my FB news page, perhaps Ford should focus on following the terms of his probation.

10/16/25: Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum told Deputy Public Defender Ben McLaughlin probation violation cannot be "demurred." Defense can file a motion to dismiss. DA gets to respond. Continued to 11/14 determination of ending probation.