John Chiv: I have covered other molestation cases involving Humboldt foster youth, yet Tristan Mitchell's Ramey warrant was difficult to read

Apr 17, 2026

I have covered other molestation cases involving Humboldt foster youth, yet Tristan Mitchell's Ramey warrant was difficult to read

(Mitchell's 12 year old Facebook photo)

I was the first one to report on alleged molestor Tristan Mitchell's arrest. In that post, I explained why I did not include a 12 year old Facebook profile photo and my google search of multiple agencies and anything about Mitchell's former employees. I like to verify through official information.

Even though the booking photo which cannot be released until there is a conviction due to the Ninth Circuit ruling was similar; I prefer to do things properly.

I had put in a request for Mitchell's file, I had to wait until certain procedures were followed to get that file. There were more delays because the Public Defender declared a conflict and the file was pulled and then stayed a few days with the judge until Ms. Sullivan was appointed. Then today, there was the outage. I was still able to get some documents.

I am now comfortable posting his photo and my

On April 7, I posted on Mitchell's charges. That involved going to the courthouse, spending time. I cover 20 to 30 cases a day, I do live coverage, I research each case, I get exclusive information. I do other news. And then post complex information live. Readers get access

Once I posted about my research anyone could follow up on Facebook and google. Another media outlet whose idea of court coverage is once in a blue moon did a disservice to both Mitchell and the three John Does by throwing together something from social media posts and lazy reporting.

I have been following the case regularly, posted about the change in attorneys and rescheduling of the hearing.

I am comfortable now to post the Facebook photo and my research that I did on April 4 which was before any other mention of his arrest. I was correct about Mitchell's foster care connection.

I chose to be careful about what I post because this involves three minor male victims who have suffered enough.

I have a copy of the Ramey warrant from 4/2/26 which was signed by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kelly Neel.

The Ramey warrant is documents I obtained. It is not included so other local media can rip me off and people who take me for granted can get exclusive information like this for free. Getting documents like the Ramey warrant which isn' easy to access is effort I put in addition to a lot of extras you don't get anywhere else. Some people appreciate the unique, time consuming court coverage I provide.

The Ramey warrant gives you a preview to the DA's presentation; if there is even a preliminary hearing. Currently, Mitchell's preliminary hearing is scheduled for 5/19.

Humboldt DA Investigator Kyla Baxley did a great job of writing the Ramey warrant because there is no identifying information the warrant for me to redact, each victim and John Doe and their dobs are the same as in the complaint. The copy I have redacted some information about Mitchell.

"Doe 1 described Mitchell as a fat, sweaty, and a full-grown man."

DA Investigator Baxley's last line in the Ramey warrant states, "He poses a significant ongoing risk to the safety of children and the public."

Fortunately, Mitchell is on no bail.

I have worked for Humboldt CWS. I have also covered lawsuits involving foster youth and alleged sexual abuse of minors in Humboldt County.

**I have included an official law enforcement document to this post. It is your choice to read beyond this point given the nature of this case and charges after this warning note**