Verdict in Trinidad Gomez case

3:12 p.m. Verdict in Trindidad Gomez case. Waited here all day while checking cases, covering a preliminary hearing. Attorneys here, we are waiting for courtroom to open. Jurors went on break five minutes ago.

3:19 Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge John Feeney just went in so courtroom should open shortly.

Jurors deliberated for less than a day, started yesterday at 3 p.m.

3:26 p.m. Only attorneys and DA Investigator Ryan Hill allowed in right now.

Guilty both counts; lewd act upon a child. The jurors found true the circumstances per PC 1170 (b) (2) that Gomez "took advantage of a position of trust or confidence to commit the offense."

California Penal Code Section 1170 is a statute governing felony sentencing in the state. It establishes the "Determinate Sentencing Law".  This means a fixed prison or county jail term instead of open-ended sentences and dictates where and how these sentences are served.

4 jurors stayed, two male, two female and spoke with Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm. They spoke a bit and then went to the conference room with DA Investigator Hill.

No other media or community member was in the courtroom. Just Deputy DA Carolyn Schaffer, Deputy Conflict Counsel RJ Leohner, Victim Witness Advocate and DA Investigator Ryan Hill.

Judge Feeney is only here until next week. He referred Gomez' case to Probation for a pre sentence report and ordered it be ready by June 11 which is the day sentencing is scheduled. Ms. Timm is out all week so she will submit a sentencing letter and another Deputy DA will appear on the case for sentencing.

I covered the trial regularly, posted links several times. You can access all coverage via Google or the search feature on the blog.

6/3 I made a choice to stay all day yesterday and cover the verdict live. As of 3:52 p.m. today, I checked several times and the court minutes are not up. I reported the notes from jury and what happened but I like to include minutes and the verdict forms.