Jorden Sterling filed for a name change before he was arrested for child abduction

 

This Saturday, I did a post on Jorden Sterling's arrest. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/04/jorden-sterling-arrested-again-this.html?m=1

This afternoon, there is arraignment scheduled for both Jorden and Melissa Sterling. 

Jorden Sterling is charged with Count 1 PC 278.5 (a) child custody deprivation of Jane Doe with special allegation PC 667 (b) - (i) prior conviction of a serious felony. Melissa Sterling his co-defendant is charged with PC 278.6 (a).

Conflict Counsel's office was appointed for Jorden Sterling. Public Defender's Office appointed for Melissa Sterling. OR bail on 4/22. Preliminary hearing on 4/30.

Jorden Matthew Jay Sterling filed a petition in March 2026 for name change and his new proposed name is Jorden J. Place. There is a hearing on the petition on 4/27/26 when Judge Timothy Canning will decide. The proof of publication looks okay but will the pending criminal case delay or impact the name change?

I also did a related post. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/04/cami-since-you-have-lot-of-free-time.html?m=1

4/22/26: OR bail moot since both Jorden & Melissa Sterling posted bond. Public Defender declared conflict in Melissa Sterling's case. Public Defender represented Jorden Sterling in the past. Why didn't the Public Defender state that at arraignment? They have on other cases. Now another hearing wasted so a private attorney can be appointed. Let's see if this is another case where the Public Defender gets appointed, declares conflict at next hearing and then Gregory Kreis is appointed. Pre trial for both Jorden and Melissa Sterling on 4/23;  confirmation of counsel for Melissa Sterling.

4/23/26: Continued by court to 4/28.