The DA's office is trying to protect the public, two different judges have so far prevented Kevin Astry from being released into the community; if he is the public can send their concerns to the Humboldt County Public Defender

 

I have been covering every hearing for indecent exposure Kevin Astry since his arrest. If you want those details and chronological context to the last hearing, I have provided links to my prior coverage.

Different Deputy DAs have appeared on the case and different Humboldt Superior Court judges have had the case calendared. Despite two different judges making it clear to the Public Defender's office representing Astry how they feel about declaring doubt and mental health diversion and Astry's failure to appear for court despite getting services; the Public Defender's Office persists as they do with complete disregard to public safety.

On 5/20, Astry's case was calendared for placement hearing and contested hearing on mental health diversion. The contested hearing was continued to 6/5. The placement hearing was deferred.

Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson made a finding in the interest of justice to restore the Astry to competency. 

Deputy Public Defender Adrian Kamada still requested PC 1001.36 mental diversion. Senior Deputy District District Attorney Roger Rees objected to diversion. 

I could have added this update to the previous post. I did not have to include court minutes. I did so because the students and residents near Pine Hill Elementary who were affected by Astry and what led to his arrest by HCSO need some peace of mind until 6/5.

If Astry is released into the community, they need to know why and who was responsible. They also need to know who spoke up to protect them. 

While Conflict Counsel and private attorneys also use mental health diversion; from my coverage; it is frequent with the Humboldt County Public Defender's Office and I personally have been impacted, harassed and threatened by their clients released into the community; some who have been repeatedly arrested and have several cases.

Previous posts:

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/02/indecent-exposure-suspect-kevin-astry.html?m=1#more

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/12/hcso-releases-details-about-december-9.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/12/60000-bail-for-indecent-exposure.html?m=1#more