Convicted sex offender Jacob Roberts arrested two years later and once again for possession of child pornography

 

Fortuna Police Department just issued this press release. I covered Jacob Roberts before and he was arrested again by FPD for the same charge.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/12/jacob-roberts-arrested-for-possession.html?m=1

"Just FYI the named arrest for the zoo vandalism is Christina Higgins son… "

 

After my post on the Sequoia Park Zoo arrest of 19 year old Andres Deon Escareno-Higgins, I received a tip on March 7. 

"Just FYI the named arrest for the zoo vandalism is Christina Higgins son… "

I verified the Christina Higgins connection via court records today. If you read my blog regularly or even recently, you need no introduction to Christina Higgins.

No charges have been filed yet against Andres Escareno-Higgins for the Zoo arrest. Unlike his mother, two cases come up in Humboldt Superior Court for Andres; one is a guardianship case; the other is a 2019 civil harassment case filed by Andres against Daniel Egger. Temporary orders remained in effect. There was no other court hearing after that or any record that the TRO was made permanent.

In 2022, I did this post.

Dhillon Law Group sends letter regarding defamation to Janssen Malloy, did Hillsdale plaintiffs mislead the public and their attorneys?

(Hillsdale apartments)

(Hillsdale apartments photo John Chiv)

(3/10 court minutes)

Since my post on the 2/24 hearing in the lawsuit filed by two tenants against Dwivedi Tower LLC, a Case Management Conference was scheduled for 8/18/25. Mr. Anil Dwivedi filed an opposition to the preliminary injunction and a declaration on 3/6. The opposition is not in ecourt. The declaration is in e court. Mr. Jeff Slack and Ms. Meagan Yarnall filed a response this morning. That is not be in e court either. 

I just learned that the The Dhillon Law Group has sent a letter to Janssen Malloy law firm regarding defamation. If you do not recognize the law firm, you should recognize the name Ms. Harmeet Dhillon. I have reached out to Mr. Dwivedi, Mr. Slack and Ms. Yarnall regarding the letter.

I have added the declaration later and some of the exhibits with the declaration to the post. The first page of Mr. Dwivedi's declaration is about him about growing up in extreme poverty in India and how he came to America 12 years ago, worked odd jobs including driving Uber and how he came to invest in properties in Eureka. There is some information from the declaration that Mr. Dwivedi included in his statement. I will add my notes from the hearing when I have time.

There are letters to Legal Services of Northern California and letters to 16 tenants that you can read for yourself. There are 39 apartments in that building if you go by apartment numbers. Only two plaintiffs. 

Don Swall and Vanessa Vachon are the two plaintiffs represented by Mr. Slack and Ms Yarnall. Mr. Dwivedi's attorney is Mr. Randall Davis. Retired Judge John Feeney presided over the 2/24/25 hearing. Today, it was Judge Timothy Canning who is the judge regularly assigned to civil cases.

When I did the first two posts on this lawsuit, it was from court records, legal research, talking to tenants and reaching out to Mr. Dwivedi. This third post is also based on court records, court testimony but there is other information not reported elsewhere which will give you a more complete picture, the dynamics and context. 

I have been very forthcoming about my struggles to find housing in the last four years. I ended up renting at Hillsdale apartments unexpectedly and have been at that building since the beginning of March. I am disclosing this for transparency. My readers and the community know me well and trust me. I almost did not cover today's hearing but then decided to at the last minute.

Janssen Malloy and Humboldt DHHS advertise with Lost Coast Outpost. That is a relevant fact because both have a vested interest in this lawsuit. Adult Protective Services is under DHHS.

I am sharing my own experience at Hillsdale, Mr. Dwivedi and Swall to add context and because for years I share my knowledge, my experiences with my readers. This case is not different. Even if people set my individual experience aside,  there is court testimony, court records that people can read. Swall,Vachon and their lawyers have "some 'splaining to do." 

My experience with Mr. Dwivedi and his manager, so far has been professional and responsive. They are not lawyers or experts at California Tenant Protection Law.  I pointed out to them that unit numbers in the letters would have been helpful. Service issues were brought up today.  I have seen some notices posted on doors but obviously I did not take a closer look at them. Unlike Swall, I do not invade other tenants privacy.

I have never met Swall or Vachon. Have never spoken with them. They had an option to reach out to me. Why didn't they? Maybe because they did not want someone asking them tough questions ? Just someone's word and claims are not enough in a court of law. What record do we have of any verbal communications between Swall, Vachon and Dwivedi management?

You can read the first two posts and see there was no reason for Swall's hostile behavior towards me. He made a choice to be an ass to me. I let that go once. Swall continued what I consider harassment and intimidating behavior and since I have never even seen him before I moved to Hillsdale, the only conclusion is that he is pissed that my reporting provides facts and information inconvenient to his lawsuit and anticipated payday. After seeing claims of storage space debunked in court, the evidence filed with Mr. Dwivedi's declaration, the harassment Mr. Dwivedi has faced and my own experience with Swall and his smirking in court; he has shown himself to be a petty, angry man with a motive. Vachon worked previously for the County. She knows how to work the system.

I have had my own experience with Swall outside 1140 E street and today before court where he told Vachon who I was and I heard the word "asshole." No one knew who I was when I first moved in to Hillsdale apartments. Swall saw me a couple of days after I moved in and it was near the front entrance and gave me a hateful look, and muttered another insult which I chose to ignore, I have had some tenants behave in ways after Swall has been pointing out who I am that has me concerned. I have had no issues with any tenants until Swall saw me at Hilsdale. My home is my safe space. Today, for the third time in a less than a week and twice today, Swall has targeted me. I came home at 5:39 p.m. Swall was outside the front entrance, talking to another tenant. He pointed at me and said, "right there, right there." I told him something to the effect about leaving me alone and talking about me. He responded, "What did he say?" I think I heard the other tenant say something and they followed me upstairs and were outside my door.There are cameras at the entrance and the interaction, hopefully was recorded. 

The courthouse is a public space but it is where I primarily work. Looks do not intimidate me and I could care less about Swall's opinion about me. Swall chose to reveal information about me to other tenants and Vachon which impacts my ability to use my home. I will record any future interaction with him or anyone else if it is necessary for my safety. I will also be documenting his harassment of me.

When I finish adding the rest of my notes from court, along with the court documents, people can chose to make their own determination about Swall and Vachon's motive in bringing this lawsuit. 

When I initially investigated claims in this lawsuit, I was told Swall and Vachon talked to other tenants at Hillsdale. As information is being revealed in court and legal filings, one has to wonder what the motivation was behind this lawsuit and how truthful the plaintiffs have been with their attorneys. When your attorney has to get up in the middle of court and come speak with you because claims regarding storage space are debunked; you lose credibility.

Mr. Dwivedi made some statements about the harassment and death threats he has received. He said he does not even feel safe leaving his home. Mr. Dwivedi also made statements that the "TRO was granted on false misleading information"; Swall's claim about his storage space was contradicted with information provided by Mr. Dwivedi. 

Mr. Dwivedi said "no one has paid a dollar, no one has been evicted and no one had to move." Ms. Yarnall said a couple of people moved.

Ms. Yarnall said she had spoken to a couple of tenants who had moved out but acknowledged she did not have declarations. These people have found other places to rent. So what harm has been done that Mr. Slack is claiming?

Ms. Yarnall apologized to Mr. Dwivedi on behalf of herself and the public about the threats. She is not the one who needs to apologize. 

The apology should come from the anonymous haters who jump to conclusions reading selective information or don't bother to read at all. And it should come from Swall and Vachon who have created a lot of drama which online trolls like because it gives them someone to hate; facts be damned. The same idiots who keep saying Hillsdale apartments are low housing because they are ignorant, don't bother to read or are confusing the building with Eureka Central Residence, another property owned by Mr. Dwivedi which is low income housing.

No one cares what a bunch of anons spout online. Put your name behind your words, testify in court under oath and if any of you are landlords, allow an unexpected visit from the County or City live in to inspect your property.

Judge Canning stated,"The Court does not condone hateful messages to the landlord. There is no indication that it was the attorneys and plaintiffs."

There is no way to prove that when anonymous comments are allowed on certain online sites and the Humboldt mob comes out with pitchforks selectively.

Judge Canning took the matter under submission and the TRO remains in effect until his ruling. Judge Canning said while he has 90 days; he realizes the urgency of the matter.

Landlords should follow the law. Mr. Dwivedi told me he bought the Hillsdale apartments in January 2024. Swall, Vachon running to media before trying to resolve matters is suspect and the class action lawsuit is a bit of overkill. Today, there was a different tone from Ms. Yarnall and Mr. Slack. It is never a good thing to get offguard in court because your client has not been forthcoming. Mistakes were made by both sides. Can they resolve it or will this drag on?

Dealing with lawsuits is time consuming. Selfish Swall and Vachon don't care. There are other tenants who live at Hillsdale and Eureka Central Residence. Tenants who pay their rent and don't stalk and harass other tenants.Tenants who have jobs and are just trying to get by and pay the bills.

None of the local lawyers take on local property owners or property management companies. I am for tenant rights and the law but not selective application based on whining from two people out of 34 tenants if you go by apartment numbers. Legal Services of Northern California and local civil lawyers have turned down locals where there was more egregious conduct and laws were broken. That is if you can even get through to LSNC  to get an intake appointment and get someone to help before your court hearing. So why this case? 

There is no place in Eureka where you can find a studio or one bedroom at the rents Swall and Vachon were paying. Even with the rent increases; it is a deal. With the new rent increase which is allowed by law, Swall is only paying $675. That is less than all other 15 tenants who received similar letters. People pay a couple hundred more or higher than that for shared living, shared kitchens, shared bathrooms and a tiny room. Let's go inspect all those properties to see if tenant law is being followed.

There are options for senior and low income housing; why isn't Swall using any of them? According to Mr. Dwivedi in court today, "No tenant has paid a single dollar than what was in the previous lease. No one has been evicted. No one has moved out." 

There has been no harm done. Swalland Vachon are still at Hillsdale apartments. Why are Swall, Vachon and Janssen Malloy persisting on wasting court time and resources instead of sitting down and talking?" There is more to this lawsuit and the motive behind it but will it be revealed?

The location is very convenient. It is an old building. It is not perfect but compared to the building many of the "locals" and "generationals" rent and the code violations that are overlooked in residential and commercial buildings depending on who you are and who you know in Humboldt; the online trolls with their misdirected hate towards just this lawsuit stand out as hypocritical. Let them offer Swalland Vachon a place to stay for less than $675 or they can just stfu. They are not living with drama queens interfering with other tenants to peacefully enjoy their home.

I am not Mr. Dwivedi's lawyer but if there is an evidentiary hearing in the future, I would ask Swall what improvements did the previous owner do to the building? Were there any complaints filed against the previous owner?Were there complaints against Rentor or Spinks who previously managed the building? Were vendors paid by previous management and owners? Were was Janssen Malloy when other local tenants had to sue Rentor and go find lawyers outside the area?

Since Mr. Slack said several times during today's hearing,"efforts are being made" by Mr. Dwivedi and they are willing to work with him and it is about compliance with the law; a proper investigation should be done into these questions. I would be less cynical about this sudden concern into tenant rights in Humboldt if it was not singling out one landlord and the only one to actually admit he made a mistake.

The fact that white Swall has run to other local media before a court hearing about notices sent by brown skinned landlord and a black manager and now has targeted a brown reporter who is questioning and putting out court records is a valid concern. I have only used race and  other references to my heritage once before when obvious slurs were hurled at me in Old Town. Swall has made me feel the same way. 

Humboldt does have a problem with "outsiders" and the fact that there is such a big to do about this tenant issue when other media has never covered tenant violations in other court cases  speaks volumes. Mr. Dwivedi's religion and ethnicity has been disparaged online but that kind of "trash talk" is from irrelevant people who have no effect on decisions or policy in Humboldt other than using their social media account to hate, troll, gossip regardless of facts or whether they know someone. That is a lot easier than for them to actually do something productive or take responsibility for the miserable losers they are who have never taken a risk or done anything to help this community in a positive way. I have reported on other court cases and taken on the good ole boys and gals in this town. Where was the coverage by other local media?

Who besides Swall, Vachon and Janssen and Malloy benefit from this class action lawsuit? 

I have checked several civil cases in Humboldt court. In all those cases, landlords prevailed;  regardless of the local judge. The only local judicial officer who gave tenants a fair shake was former Commissioner Fran Greenleaf and Rentor would disqualify her every time.

David Sprague's daughter breaks down in court as she reads her victim impact statement at Maria Cuevas' sentencing

 

I have been the only one to regularly cover 7th and I colision suspect Maria Cuevas' criminal court case as well as a related civil court case filed against Commerce Enterprises by Jessica Sprague, daughter of David Sprague, the victim who died in one of the collisons. 

As I had written earlier, I anticipated that Ms. Jennifer Dixon, the other victim, would also sue Commerce Enterprises and that Ms. Heidi Wells was her attorney. That complaint was filed on 3/7/25. There is a case management conference on 9/5/25. Documents have not been entered in e court yet. 

On January 16, Cuevas entered a plea for a 25 years, 8 months sentence. Details of that plea are in the 1/16/25 post. Ms. Andrea Sullivan is Cuevas' attorney in the criminal case. Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for the case.

Before court, I spoke briefly with Shari Sprague. That conversation is private and I will not share details.

Retired Judge Ksenia Tsenin took Cuevas' plea. She was sentenced this morning according to the stipulated plea agreement. 

There was discussion about whether Cuevas should serve her VOP violation concurrently or consecutively with the sentence in this criminal case. Judge Tsenin said it would be concurrent.

Sheriff Honsal, DA Eads, Deputy DAs, DA Investigators and HCSO deputies filled the courtroom for closing arguments in the Widmark jury trial

 

(Jesse Widmark)

(Brandon Widmark)

Yesterday, after sitting through 21 days of an intense jury trial, jurors in the Brandon and Jesse Widmark jury trial finally got to hear closing arguments. 

When Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees gave his closing argument, Courtroom 3 was packed. 

Few people including Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal stood in the back of the courtroom. Humboldt District Attorney Stacey Eads, Deputy DA Whitney Timm who has sat in every day of the trial when she could, several other Deputy DAs, DA Chief Investigator Kyla Baxley, most of the DA Investigators which include former EPD officers, HCSO Deputy Luke Mathieson and HCSO Deputy Chad Crotty who are two of the four deputies involved in the OIS and two of victims listed in the charges and other HCSO deputies sat silently as Mr. Rees gave his hour and half closing argument.

Mr. Rees said that he would play the same video narrated by Sheriff Honsal that he played during his opening statement. Mr. Rees then went through each count, elements of the crime and gave a very focused, powerful presentation highlighting the testimony and evidence.

Mr. Rees said Brittaney Nunes gave a first hand view of the day long crime spree by the Widmark brothers. "Every day after that was corroboration of three separate crime scenes." 25 USB drives are just some of the evidence that jurors will have access to during their deliberations. They can watch video from Bayshore Mall, Applebee's and Leon's Car Center. Mr. Rees said it was a choice to present victim testimony from "regular people" before law enforcement. "They don't sign up to shoot people but people like Jesse Widmark and Brandon Widmark put them in a position to shoot at them. There were many effective moments in Mr. Rees' closing and just one of them was when he mentioned one civilian witness. He said he asked her if a car had driven by and she took three minutes to answer a simple question about being so thankful to law enforcement for getting her out of harm's way.

Jesse and Brandon Widmark have to be the dumbest criminals and are in denial. During Mr. Rees' closing, they were whispering to their attorneys. Ms. Andrea Sullivan represents Jesse Widmark; Ms. Rebecca Linkous Brandon Widmark. Maybe when you are facing 18 felonies and several special allegations for certain counts and several counts which are life in prison; you should shut up and let your attorneys focus on their upcoming closing arguments.

Jury deliberations started at 4:08 p.m. 

Jurors resumed deliberations on 3/10. At 1:30 p.m., there were two notes from the jury asking for readback of testimony as well as "a mouse and coffee." Judge Steward lightened the mood clarifying they were asking for a computer mouse. There was another note around 2:29 p.m. about readback and clarification of charges. The last note on 3/10 was at 4:15 asking for readback of the testimony by the officers. Jurors left at 4:21 p.m. 

Deliberations continued on 3/11. At 9:43 jurors were still waiting for foreperson, at 9:45, court staff and bailiffs contacted the jury foreperson and she said she was running late. Jurors were in deliberation by 9:50, at 10:15 court reporter went in to do readback.

Frank Alves arrested on a Ramey warrant and booked for kidnapping, rape, forcible sexual penetration and lewd act on a dependent adult

 

61 year old Frank Emanuel Alves was arrested yesterday by HCSO  on a Ramey warrant and booked for PC 289(b) forcible sexual penetration with a foreign object, PC 288(b)(2) lewd act by a caretaker on a dependent adult, PC 209(b)(1) kidnapping and PC 261(a)(2) rape by force or fear. Bail is $750,000. 

3/11: DA filed charges today. Arraignment is this afternoon. Alves is charged with three felonies. 

EPD arrests two yesterday for Feb 16 incident at the Sequoia Park Zoo

Eureka Police Department issued a press release this afternoon about two arrests yesterday for felony vandalism, felony charge of conspiracy to commit a crime and entering an animal enclosure. One of the suspects, a minor was also arrested for petty theft.  This is from a February 16 incident at the Sequoia Park Zoo.

I received a tip about 19 year old Andres Deon Escareno-Higgins which I am in the processof verifying and will update the post.

Former Marcelli's location to reopen as Smalls offering food and wine

 

(Photo: John Chiv)

(Photo: John Chiv)

The former Marcelli's location on 5th street in Eureka has been empty for years. Smalls, a new eatery, has applied for a wine license. From the sign and furniture inside, it looks like they are close to opening.

Defense motion to dismiss charge against Brandon Widmark denied; Jesse Widmark testifies and throws brother under the bus, evidence concludes in the Widmark brother trial

 

(Weapons recovered after Brandon and Jesse Widmark's arrest)

3/3/25 was a busy day in the Brandon and Jesse Widmark jury trial. The People had rested their case on Friday. 

Evidence has concluded in the trial this morning. Jesse Widmark's defense case proceeded before Brandon Widmark's case.

Judge Steven Steward is presiding over the trial in this lead case. Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for the trial. Ms. Andrea Sullivan is Jesse Widmark's attorney. Ms. Rebecca Linkous is Brandon Widmark's attorney.

On 3/3/25, Ms. Linkous' motion to dismiss the attempted murder charge against Jesse Widmark was denied. Brandon Widmark did not testify. Jesse Widmark chose to testify. Brandon Widmark did not look at Jesse Widmark while he testified.

Big mistake by Jesse and he has only himself to blame. Ms. Sullivan can only do so much. Like Demetrius Coleman, Jesse Widmark made a stupid choice. Let's see how that works for him. I know how I felt, I looked around the room to see how others, including the jurors responded to Jesse Widmark. 

Jesse and Brandon Widmark did not grow up together. Jesse Widmark was in foster care. They got to know each other as adults. After their father passed away, they got closer. Jesse was doing meth, fentanyl, was depressed. Ms. Sullivan said instead of being a big brother, Brandon Widmark led Jesse Widmark to make destructive choices. Jesse Widmark was using meth and fentanyl at the time of the incident.

Among the graffiti that the brothers left for each other on the wall were Brandon calling Jesse "fag" and "fat ass"; Jesse called Brandon "dipshit" and "down syndrome." Jesse also called Brandon a rapist and a "dropout" because Brandon used to belong to the 18th street gang. Jesse also made a dig at Brandon going from being in a Mexican gang referring to the 18th street gang to being a white supremacist because of a swastika symbol. All this is a part of court record that I covered and was in the courtroom when this information was stated.

Today, jurors were let go at 10:15 and asked to return on Thursday, March 6. The People are requesting to file a second amended information.  The defense attorneys asked for time to respond to the People's proposed second amended information. After arguments on that request and Judge Steward's ruling; jury instructions will be finalized.

One of the changes requested by the People is to amend the information to charge both defendants with attempted murder and also charge both defendants with the attempted murder of inmate and alleged victim Shawn Gallagher. Mr. Rees mentioned co-conspiracy and abetting. Mr. Rees told Judge Steward he has two drafts if the second amended information and one of them is without the Shawn Gallagher attempted murder charge. 

On 3/5/25, after arguments from all attorneys which were all persuasive and convincing with case law cited and Judge Steward asking important questions, the People's request for second  amended information was granted. Ms. Linkous's request to reopen Brandon Widmark's case was granted due to the second amended information. Jurors will now return on March 7 instead of March 6. Ms. Sullivan said Jesse Widmark will not be re-opening evidence.

3/6: Jury instructions are being finalized today. Tomorrow morning, Brittaney Nunes will appear via Zoom. She is being recalled by Ms. Linkous. She has already testified and been cross examined. Nothing she is going to say is going to make a difference because Brandon Widmark's goose is cooked.

I am not sure what the point is of wasting more time but that has been the pattern throughout this trial by Ms. Linkous. I agree with Mr. Rees that there is no need to delay the trial for another week. Judge Steward had a brief ex parte hearing with Ms. Linkous to ask for proof about the witnesses Ms. Linkous intends to recall. That transcript is sealed until further order of the court. Nunes was the only witness discussed this morning.

Jesse Widmark's aunt has been at the trial every day. We had a brief respectful conversation. She basically confirmed a couple key facts from Ms. Sullivan's opening statement that Brandon and Jesse only shared a father. Jesse Widmark's mother is a member of a local tribe as was his foster family. She confirmed her sister was a drug addict and that Jesse Widmark had a rough childhood. She told me there were no issues with Jesse until high school and until.he started hanging around with Brandon Widmark. All this was covered in Ms. Sullivan's opening statement and Jesse Widmark's testimony in court. The aunt is not a witness. There were no jurors present. The aunt is a regular reader and follower of my blog. My readers know me and trust me and most familes are very respectful because they understand I am doing my job, appreciate the coverage. Still, I would like to thank Jesse's aunt for being so cordial because it isn't easy to read blunt facts and observations about family. 

Brandon's mother in Arizona and could not be here for the trial but she is following my coverage. Brandon's grandmother also wrote to me and I am not sharing most of the contents of her email as requested. I will pass her message on to law enforcement. There is one line at the end of Brandon's grandmother's email that isn't the first time someone has written to me. "Again thank you.  You have a tough job being around evil everyday."

Jesse's biological mother is the only one whining about my coverage and needs to look in the mirror. Many people have a rough childhood. They do not go around the County on a crime spree. Some parents hold themselves and their children accountable. And they can do so while supporting their children. Brandon's family is trying to do that under difficult circimstances. Jesse's aunt has been there for the trial. Where is Jesse's mother?

Others enable and make excuses for their own past behavior and their children. Facts maybe inconvenient to Jesse's mom who is misdirecting her hate and blaming others for situations she and her son and his brother created. Humboldt Superior Court cases are full of people who are unremorseful, in denial and have the audacity to vent anger at me for reporting the truth about the damage they and their children cause this community. The people who were injured  on April 18, 2023 and law enforcement who almost lost their lives  deserve justice. Law enforcement resources and time wasted because two punks decided they did not want to be held accountable for their violent and dangerous choices. 

It is obvious from their courtroom behavior and refusal to take a plea that Brandon and Jesse have no remorse and are selfish. I won't hold my breath for them to apologize to the victims which include law enforcement. If they had an ounce of decency, they would apologize to their families.

Fortuna Police pursuit of fleeing suspect resulted in collision with utility pole on O street

Fortuna Police Department issued the following press release a couple of minutes ago.

"I saw smoke and blue lights to my left, a lady was holding a baby and was scared. I saw a truck crashed at the intersection."

 

Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward is presiding over Brandon and Jesse Widmark's jury trial. Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for the trial. Ms. Andrea Sullivan represents Jesse Widmark. Ms. Rebecca Linkous is Brandon Widmark's attorney.

The People's witnesses in the last couple of days are the deputies who pursued the Widmark brothers as they fled all over Eureka on April 18, 2023 terrifying those in the truck with them which include a baby, damaging property and endangering the community.

HCSO Deputies Raleigh Willoughby, Chad Crotty, Luke Mathieson and HCSO Sgt. Conan Moore were all at Harris and Dolbeer when the suspects were finally apprehended. All officers involved were cleared of wrongdoing.

Today, Sgt. Moore testified. The  People rested their case.

If you read my blog, I have done a few posts on Moore about lawsuits, settlements, excessive force and being involved in other OIS. My personal opinion of Sgt. Moore is different than the two other deputies mentioned above. However, in this instance, Sgt. Moore's actions in any other incidents are irrelevant. 

Brandon and Jesse Widmark created a dangerous situation, pointed weapons at law enforcement, endangered civilians and it is time for them to show they have a pair, own up to what they did and take the consequences.

I cannot recall any interaction with Deputy Crotty before seeing him testify. He is a co-defendant with Sgt. Moore in one lawsuit. I have reported on that Greenleaf Nurseries lawsuit.

I know Deputies Mathieson and Willoughby from the courthouse and the field and think highly of them. They have been commended. 

Yesterday, Deputy Crotty testified. Ms. Linkous only had one question for him. Ms. Sullivan had none. After Deputy Crotty's testimony on 2/27, you could hear a pin drop in the courtroom. The jurors had no questions for him. 

You may have watched the video HCSO released but it isn't the same as sitting in a courtroom with the one of officers involved describing the scene and the man who got shot, Jesse Widmark, shaking his leg and body uncontrollably. 

Deputy Crotty testimony gave a rare insight into the anxiety and trauma officers experience when they have to shoot someone pointing a gun at them and in an area where innocent civilians are around. 

Deputy Crotty didn't look at Brandon and Jesse Widmark except for a brief second to identify Jesse Widmark. I have seen witnesses do this but never law enforcement. 

You had to be in the courtroom to fully grasp what it was to watch a grown man; a law enforcement officer fight back tears as he answered Mr. Rees' questions about what happened and watch the video. I could tell it had an impact on the jurors.

"If we go to prison, we can stick together and keep the Widmark name strong lol"

 

(Brandon Widmark FB profile)

I reported about Brandon Widmark's Arizona connection and Brandon and Jesse Widmark being former employees of Don's Rent-All in April 2023. My first two posts were on April 18 and April 19, 2023 and I observed law enforcement vehicles on different streets in Eureka. This was all before any information was released by HCSO.

Judge Tsenin issued another ruling in Kreis' small claim case against me

 

A hearing is scheduled tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. for status of ruling and the OSC was continued. I confirmed it is still on calendar.

Judge Ksenia Tsenin issued her ruling. It is basically the same. Then suspended her judgement. Now she is back to basically the same ruling. The arguments have been the same. 

Tomorrow, there is a hearing on for status of Judge Tsenin's ruling. 2/27: All that happened was Judge Tsenin asked us if we received her ruling. I responded "electronically, yes." She then said the OSC requested by Kreis "was moot." "For the record, I will state it is denied." It should have been denied when he filed it because Kreis had no legal basis. I had filed a motion to vacate and an appeal and a small claims judgement is automatically stayed for 30 days to allow those options. 

I am going to appeal. I had already filed that request and there is currently a hearing date scheduled for that trial de novo next Monday. I mentioned several times the concerns about that date when Judge Tsenin hadn't even issued her final rulings. 

Sunshine Massage pimping and pandering suspects' preliminary hearing continued for the nth time for this plea that keeps getting mentioned but has yet to materialize

 

Pimping and pandering suspects Sunshine Massage owner Rongqiu Li and alleged cohort and co-defendant Xiao Wang's cases were on for setting of preliminary hearing on 2/21. Yet another hearing was continued for the nth time to 4/25 for the same reason with the only difference being instead of possible resolution; it is listed as setting of prelim/change of plea.

I have been the only one reporting regularly on their court cases since their arrest.

Joseph Shinn was charged with 25 felonies including 600 images of child pornography; local case dismissed today since charges have been filed in federal court

 

This morning preliminary hearing was scheduled for alleged molestor and child pornography suspect Joseph Shinn. The Humboldt District Attorney's Office charged him with 25 felonies including possession of over 600 images of child pornography.

The local case was dismissed by the DA because charges have been filed in federal court.

Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer was the prosecutor on this case. Shinn had retained Mr. Michael Robinson. Shinn was in custody on a no bail status. Today, he was ordered to be released from the Humboldt jail by Judge Kaleb Cockrum.

Brandon Widmark said it was all Jesse's idea. Brandon was the hero who saved Baskette."

 

On 2/25, jurors in Brandon and Jesse Widmark's trial were excused at lunch while Judge Steven Steward, Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees, Ms. Andrea Sullivan and Ms. Rebecca Linkous went over some evidence hearings and motions.

The last People's witness today before lunch was DA Investigator Greg Hill. He testified about the firearms in this case.

Release denied for Joseph Larue, hearing on extradition scheduled for this Friday

On 2/21, Joseph Larue's cases were on for OR bail and setting of preliminary hearing. Release was denied by Judge Kaleb Cockrum. A review hearing is scheduled for 2/28. Preliminary hearing is on 3/5/25. He has two 2024 cases and one 2025 case. I only included court minutes for one of the cases since the dates are the same with the only difference being that in the 2025 case an identity hearing is scheduled for extradition on his out of county warrants.

Alleged home invasion suspects' preliminary hearing continued because two attorneys are currently busy with Widmark brothers jury trial

(Lenhart is the only one whose booking photo was released by HCSO)

This morning, there were a number of cases on for preliminary hearing for Dauwin Poe, Cotc Lincoln and Joseph Lenhart. 

Thanks Christina Higgins for making my prediction about your being arrested again true

 

(2020 booking photo)

Christina Higgins was arrested by Probation yesterday for PC 1203.2(a)(1) violation of probation. I have covered repeat offender Higgins since 2014 and the last post I did on her was in 2022.

She has 36 search results that come up in Humboldt Superior Court. These are the open cases that were on calendar on 2/13. CR2500187B, CR2403521A, CR2403958 and CR2002275.

Juror #6 is a number that is cursed

Juror # 6 is a number that is cursed. First, a juror in the convicted molestor Steve Boudreaux's trial caused problems. Then this morning, before jurors heard evidence in the Brandon and Jesse Widmark trial, there was a possible issue of juror misconduct raised by Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees on 2/21. Ms. Andrea Sullivan who represents Jesse Widmark filed a motion for mistrial. Judge Steven Steward ordered transcripts of the voir dire of juror #6. The male juror was questioned this morning.

It turned out to be much ado about nothing. The juror was not replaced. There wasn't a mistrial.

Rent increases for Hillsdale tenants had already been rescinded, temporary restraining order granted as to Hillsdale only, matter may resolve before preliminary injunction hearing

Mr. Randall Davis made a special appearance today in court on behalf of Hillsdale apartment owner, Mr. Anil Dwivedi who was also present in court.

Janssen Malloy's Mr. Jeff Slack and Ms. Megan Yarnall are representing Don Swall and Vanessa Vachon. I did not see them in court.

A few more details came out argument by Mr. Davis in today's hearing that were not available before. 

Today, was not a win for either side. It was a mixed outcome.

Retired Judge John Feeney issued a temporary restraining order only pertaining to Hillsdale Apartments and not 333 E street. A hearing on the preliminary injunction is scheduled for March 10. Matters may resolve before then.

Why was this juror who refused to follow the law not removed, another juror gives insight into the hung jury in Steve Boudreaux's retrial

 

On February 14, for the second time, there was a hung jury in convicted molestor Steve Boudreaux's case. In the first trial Boudreaux was convicted of Count 6. 

On the 21st, I got this email. In my previous coverage, I mentioned juror #6. You can read court minutes about juror #6 which are in a previous post. While I know the name, the gender and other information of the juror who contacted me , I will be keeping that information confidential. 

Court minutes from 2/14 were still not entered in e court as of 2/21. Still not in the system as of 2/24 and court administration is aware. The court minutes were finally entered on 2/25. 11 days for criminal court minutes and in a mistrial. 

By that time the minutes were entered, they were useless. I had already heard from a juror and done this post and that juror gave me more details than what was recorded in the court minutes. Thank you to the juror who contacted me. 

It is standard question during voir dire for all jurors who are asked if they will follow the law as the judge instructed regarding of how they feel and disagree. From court minutes and the statement provided by the juror who contacted me, juror #6 lied, misled the court and attorneys and caused a mistrial for a convicted molestor. This has happened in other high profile cases and in Ray Christie's trial a juror who refused to follow the law was removed by Judge Christopher Wilson. This second mistrial isn't a win for the defense. 

There was a trial setting on 2/21 which was continued to 2/26 because Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo was not available.

Deputy DA Whitney Timm tried to protect the community from this dangerous, violent repeat criminal but Judge Cockrum let him loose; even an ankle monitor did not deter Sean Lundy

Sean Elmwood Lundy was arrested by Eureka Police Department yesterday. To get arrested repeatedly in Humboldt happens all the time. To get arrested while you are on ankle monitor is more than stupidity. Deputy District Whitney Timm tried to keep the public safe. Judge Kaleb Cockrum chose to release this violent, repeat offender. The jail log lists all these as fresh arrests but since Lundy has been arrested for PC 273.6(a) violating a restraining order before; I am pretty sure some of those are from previous arrests.

Seven counts of PC 273.6(a) violating a restraining order, PC166(a)(4) failure to pay child support, VC 23152 (a) DUI and VC 23152(b) blood alcohol over the legal limit.

Mckinleyville's Kevin Alto appointed to the 9th District Agricultural Association Redwood Acres Fair Board

(Photo: Alto Equipment)

California Governor Newsom has appointed Mckinleyville's Kevin Alto to the 9th District Agricultural Association Redwood Acres Fair Board. Since 1998, Alto has been the President of Kevin Alto Equipment.

18 attorney generals including CA's Rob Bonta filed an amicus brief supporting a preliminary injunction requested by PFLAG and GLMA which states two executive orders by President Trump has "targeted transgender people in an unlawful and discriminatory manner."

 

A coalition of 18 attorney generals including California AG Rob Bonta filed an amicus brief today supporting a preliminary injunction requested by PFLAG, GLMA which states two executive orders by President Trump has "targeted transgender people in an unlawful and discriminatory manner."

"Both the California Constitution and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution protect your right to free expression. However, police and other government officials are allowed to place certain narrow restrictions on the exercise of speech rights."

ACLU of Northern California posted this on Facebook two hours ago. There is an entire video reel highlighting the need for a permit protest and contacting a lawyer.

Blaine O'Shaughnessy finally showed up for court and has Conflict Counsel appointed; he can't afford an attorney?

 

Blaine O'Shaughnessy was on the second floor this morning to be arraigned in his 2024 case. The last post I did was in April 2024 when he failed to appear for arraignment in his hit and run case.

One juror out with flu in Widmark trial; Brandon Widmark attempted to contact witness after testimony but was thwarted because her number was blocked by jail

 

(Jesse Widmark)

(Brandon Widmark)

Today's jury trial for Brandon and Jesse Widmark started off with juror #12 being excused because he has the flu. Judge Steven Steward was informed at 8:30 this morning. The male juror gave Judge Steward a note from his doctor at St. Joe's.

Humboldt County Fernstock Battle of the Bands winners, The Critics, want your vote to win a national competition

 

(Photo courtesy of Emiliano Ramirez. The Critics at the Bandshell, Golden Gate Park, July 2024)

Local band, The Critics, sen a press release which is posted below. 

Joseph Larue arrested again, this time by EPD, for a warrant for first degree burglary

 

Joseph LaRue was arrested by Eureka Police Department yesterday evening and booked on a warrant from Trinity County for PC 459/461(a) first degree burglary. Bail is $500,000.

I doubt they can release the booking photo but I requested it and EPD PIO Laura Montagna said she would check with EPD Chief Stephens.

LaRue already has a setting scheduled for tomorrow in three other cases; two 2024 cases and one 2025 case. 

For the second time, hung jury in convicted molestor Steve Boudreaux's case

 

As of 3 p.m. on Friday, the jury in convicted molestor Steve Boudreaux's retrial was still deliberating. Later that day, there was a mistrial and another hung jury in the case. 

I had a feeling this might be the case after 2/13/25 and the issue with juror #6. Court minutes from 2/13/25 are in the previous post.

Judge LaCasse tells Michael Acosta, "I am not going to buy that argument. It's clear you have not complied with the terms of probation."

 

The clerk for Michael Acosta's VOP revocation hearing on 2/14/25 has done one of the best summaries of what happened in court that I have seen in 14 years of covering Humboldt Superior Court.

If you want the Chiv'd live observation as if you were in the courtroom or watching via Zoom; read on.

Visiting Judge Leonard LaCasse appeared via Zoom. Deputy District Attorney Ian Harris and Acosta were in court. There were two people in the audience briefly but for most of the hearing, it was just me in the audience, court staff and the bailiff watching the show Acosta put on which was yelling at times and arguing with Judge LaCasse.

Not only did Judge LaCasse not put up with Acosta's nonsense but countered with facts. Mr. Harris remained cool as a cucumber and got in a couple of zingers.