Jorden Sterling wants to represent himself in his child abduction case

 

I have covered Jorden Sterling since 2018. This update is on Jorden and Melissa Sterling's 2026 cases.

These are the three posts I have done and all my readers know I add minor updates to post so you have a chronological timeline.

On 6/12, last Friday, the Sterlings had their preliminary hearing scheduled. Both posted bail and are out of custody. 

Jorden Sterling is represented by Deputy Conflict Counsel Zachary Curtis. He told Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson that he wants to represent himself. Jorden Sterling was provided paperwork to file a Faretta motion. 

Ms. Andrea Sullivan, Melissa Sterling's attorney was not present. She practices primarily in Southern California. I reached out to her just this evening. 

Pre trial in both cases is scheduled on 6/16 with confirmation of counsel in Jorden Sterling's case. Preliminary hearing  is scheduled for 6/18.

If Jorden wants to represent himself and that request is granted; let's see if he is ready by 6/18.

6/16/26: Jordo and mama Sterling were in court. They kept looking at me in court and the Courthouse. After Judge Wilson asked Jordo some questions, he granted Jordo's request to represent himself. Jordo is representing himself in his family law case and also in a case he has in Shasta County. Jordo demanded discovery. Jordo has two cases trailing in Humboldt.

The best part of waiting in court for the other cases I was covering this morning was Judge Wilson's smackdown of Jordo who demanded discovery, a second after he was appointed. Judge Wilson in his deadpan manner said that Jordo was just appointed to represent himself and Conflict Counsel would give him discovery. Deputy Conflict Counsel Zack Curtis was standing there and would have done that if Jordo had waited two seconds before he tried to act like he knows what a lawyer does. Jordo confirmed for preliminary hearing. Judge Wilson asked him if he was sure since he had just received discovery and had two other cases.

Ms. Andrea Sullivan hurt her back and is unsure if she can travel next week. She confirmed for preliminary hearing but may have to file a motion to continue. Mama Sterling has been communicating with her via text and phone.

For those of you who are not Humboldt readers, you have to "experience" Humboldt to understand why some posts are written the way they are. Compare it to my coverage of other California counties and courts in other states.

6/18/26: Saw Jordo with some woman and then Mama Sterling joined them while I was at the court clerk's office getting paperwork I requested.

Jordo was filing something 15 minutes before the 10:15 preliminary hearing calendar & then demanding it be sent up to court. That's not how it works Jordo. Stop racking up cases. Don't make demands and read the local court rules and California court rules because your 🤡 act as your own lawyer is getting 💤.

The DA made a motion to continue to 6/22. Both Jordo and Mama Sterling refuse to waive time. Since Zoom appearance is authorized for Ms. Sullivan on Monday, Melissa needs to decide whether she wants an experienced lawyer or she can also represent herself. I heard them something like all these people know each other. They were referring to lawyers and the courts. That is somewhat true but all is incorrect. That does not change the fact that both Jordo and Mama face charges and need to stop thinking they can work the system. No one cares about Jordo and Mama's opinion and delusion that Humboldt Superior Court rules apply to everyone.