"He isn't my attorney, he is a public defender."

 

I have been the only one covering arson suspect Stephen Paiment's case and every hearing since he drove his car on the Courthouse lawn and lit it on fire. By now, all readers know I add minor updates to posts and you have a complete, accurate, chronological timeline of each case.

I also did some posts with exclusive coverage. Unlike other local media, who may give credit once and then use photos without attribution; the photos used in this post are courtesy Shannon Cortez who also provided me video. I gave her credit the day Paiment was arrested when she sent them to me. 

Criminal proceedings were suspended yesterday for Paiment. There is a 90 day review hearing on 8/13/26.

Besides court bailiff, court staff, the judge and attorneys; I was the only one in the courtroom yesterday afternoon. Paiment kept looking over at me throught out the hearing. If you read my prior coverage, Paiment, like many others knows who I am. He did not address me unlike some mouthy defendants who cannot even follow the rules and law in the courtroom cuffed in front of a judge.

Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward listened to arguments by Deputy District Attorney Brandon Boozari and Deputy Public Defender Wade Orbelian. This was to determine whether to restore Paiment to competency and where to send him for treatment.

Paiment interrupted Mr. Orbelian several times with outbursts and had to be admonished by Judge Steward multiple times to stop talking and allow Mr. Orbelian to advocate on his behalf.

Mr. Orbelian had just started his argument, "in the interest of justice" and to "consider circumstances" and downplayed the "harm" caused by his client. 

Paiment interrupted, He isn't my attorney, he is a public defender."

After Judge Steward addressed Paiment, Mr. Orbelian continued and and said "Dr. Lamer's report" said Paiment has mental health issues and needs treatment.

Mr. Boozari's response was detailed and  articulated to address every concern or question Judge Steward may have and from the result; score for DA and win for the law abiding citizens of Humboldt County.

He asked that Paiment be restored to competency. Mr. Boozari referred to "Dr. Rassti's " report which said "treatment with anti-psychotic meds is likely to restore defendant to competency." Mr. Boozari added the "likelihood was substantial."

Mr. Boozari requested Paiment be sent to the State Hospital. "This case causes People concerns about public safety. He protested about Eureka Police Department and nuclear energy. Many people protest on issues; it is the way Mr. Paiment protested. He drove his vehicle onto the Courthouse lawn and lit it on fire. There was a threat for people to be injured."

That last sentence was in response to Mr. Orbelian saying there was no harm.

Mr. Boozari referred to Paiment's rap sheet. The defendant has extensive criminal history going back to 1975 for burglary and robbery."

Paiment snorted, "They got the wrong guy. "

"I didn't do shit," said Paiment.

Judge Steward admonished Paiment not to make statements on the record and to let Mr. Orbelian speak on his behalf.

Judge Steward said he looked at PC 1370 about prior treatment. He asked the attorneys and both said there was no prior evidence of mental incompetency. Mr. Boozari added "no prior 5150 hold." 

Judge Steward said that Paiment is charged with arson. He looked at Dr. Rassti's report and the CONREP report. "The defendant is adamant he does not have mental health issues and refuses to take meds."

Judge Steward denied defense request for outpatient treatment. He agreed with Mr. Boozari and ordered Paiment be sent to the State Hospital. Medical orders were already made and are in effect. 

As he was led out of court, Paiment yelled, "I am going to trial! I am getting a lawyer instead of a damn public defender!"

When Paiment is restored to competency which will happen because the State Hospital will send him back; any of the Humboldt "bleeding hearts" flush with money and time are free to pay for his legal expenses and take him home. 

Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel gave Paiment a chance, she released him. He screwed it up. Paiment is being given help and he is the obstacle. Something you would know if you read me regularly because I covered every hearing. Other local media was MIA as usual. 

Paiment is refusing meds. Law abiding citizens being sacrificed and in danger because of failed California and Democrat policies. Taxpayer money being wasted on repeat offenders and those who refuse help just like Newsom's boondoggle hi-speed rail.

Previous posts:

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/01/bench-warrant-issued-for-arson-suspect.html?m=1

 https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/10/arson-suspect-stephen-paiments.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/08/stephen-paiment-granted-supervised.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/08/da-charges-stephen-paiment-with-arson.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/08/humboldt-bay-fire-responds-to-fire-in.html?m=1