Took a jury two hours to find convicted felon Morgan Dunn guilty of 9 counts in his latest jury trial

 

Today, at 2:10 p.m. jury in convicted felon Morgan Dunn case started deliberations. At 4:14, they had a verdict. I just happened to hear about it while checking and working on other cases. 

Dunn was found guilty on all 9 counts. Four convictions for PC 29800 (a) (1) felon in possession of a firearm and five for PC 30305 (a) (1) felon in possession of ammunition. If I have time, I will add judge and attorney information.

I did not cover the trial and have not covered Dunn. He had four cases on calendar today CR1505473, CR1803326, CR1505239 and CR2300341. 42 year old Dunn has been in custody since September 4 when he was booked on a bench warrant.

Alleged sex trafficker and molestor Darin Ward held to answer to all 14 counts and special allegations

 

Alleged sex trafficker Darin Ward's preliminary hearing finally concluded today. He was held to answer on all 14 counts and special allegations.Judge Timothy Canning denied the defense 17 (b) motions. Arraignment on information is on 12/4.

Deputy Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor for the case. Mr. Ken Bareilles is Ward's attorney.

If you followed my coverage of the case including the detailed posts on the preliminary hearing, the only ones surprised by today's ruling and probably still in denial are Ward, his family and Mr. Bareilles. I am pretty sure the information will have additional charges.

Another juvenile suspect arrested by EPD after investigation at Eureka High School

Eureka Police Department issued a press release at 3:09 p.m. today about a juvenile suspect arrest today for criminal threats resulting from a report and investigation at Eureka High School on Monday.

Matthew Adams arrested by MCSO for two counts of continuous sexual abuse of a minor

On 11-17-2024 at approximately 4:01 P.M., Deputies from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to contact an adult female, regarding a possible sexual assault committed against her two daughters.

Humboldt County Job Market closed for remainder of today

 County of Humboldt issued this a couple of minutes ago.

"The Humboldt County Job Market at 409 K Street in Eureka is closed for the remainder of today, Thursday, November 21st. At this time, there is not an estimated time of reopening. For immediate assistance, please contact County Economic Development at 707-445-7745. "

Humboldt DHHS posted 3 hours ago on Facebook.

"The Women, Infants & Children Old Town office located at 317 Second St. in Eureka is closed due to flooding. For immediate assistance, please call 707-445-6255."

Humboldt County Job Market and Women, Infant and Children Old Town Office are just some of the places closed today. County of Humboldt, Humboldt DHHS, HCSO, Humboldt OES all have current information if you can get online so I am not posting on every closure.

"Judge Flaum has given more than half of his life to the judiciary. He has served the justice system with a grace and collegiality that has earned him the unanimous respect and admiration of his colleagues, and he is altogether deserving of the highest honor bestowed upon an Article III federal judge."

 

(Judge Joel M. Flaum)

Chief Justice John Roberts, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, federal judges and his colleagues laud Judge Joel M. Flaum who is the 2024 recipient of the Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award.

DA investigating suicide attempt by inmate Michael Garcia

(Photo: John Chiv)

At 6:01 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, Michael Garcia, age 47, of Bakersfield, was found in his jail cell by correctional deputies following an apparent suicide attempt. Rescue efforts were initiated and performed by deputies until Emergency Medical Services arrived. Garcia was transported by paramedics to the hospital for treatment. Garcia is currently in critical condition.

Hardworking City of Eureka crew cleaning up damage from last night on 5th street

 

Took these photos an hour ago.

Humboldt County Counsel to lose yet another attorney and this departure is a big loss for the County, the courts and taxpayers

 

I have written about several Humboldt Deputy County Counsel leaving recently. Add one more to the list. This is someone who has saved the County money and been successful in representing the County.

In July, I wrote about former Deputy County Counsel Vince Uberti leaving. In September, another Deputy County Counsel left. The Department is short staffed and due to hiring freezes, the burden of the work increases on the few attorneys and legal staff. The Board of Supervisors keep hiring outside Counsel which costs taxpayer money. This is not to say all Supervisors are on board with that solution. 

Another continuance in Widmark brother trial, 827 petition filed for Jesse Widmark has been MIA since February

 

(Jesse Widmark)

(Brandon Widmark)

Today, Brandon and Jesse Widmark had trial confirmation scheduled in their cases for the jury trial scheduled on 12/6.. Ms. Andrea Sullivan represents Jesse Widmark. Ms. Rebecca Linkous is Brandon Widmark's attorney.

Ms. Sullivan filed a 827 petition in February which I reported on in my June post. There had been no communication from Humboldt Superior Court in June. Today, it seems the petition got lost in the clerks office and  she requested a continuance. 827 petition is a request for access to confidential information from a juvenile case.

Readiness conference is scheduled for 12/5; jury trial on 12/16.

Floyd Squires sued by Eureka Capital Group LLC

 

There is an ex parte hearing scheduled this afternoon in a civil unlimited case under the real property category. Floyd Squires is being sued by Eureka Capital Group LLC. The way the online court calendar lists the case, it is unclear what role Community Loan Service LLC plays in this lawsuit.

Humboldt Bay Fire Station #3 gets first major renovation since the 1950s

Humboldt Bay Fire Station #3, located at 2905 Ocean Avenue in Eureka, is set to undergo a significant remodel of its living quarters, beginning today. During this renovation, the engine company typically stationed at Fire Station #3 will temporarily relocate to Humboldt Bay Fire Station #1, located at 533 C Street. 

No bail status for alleged molestor arrested again this month by DA Investigator Ryan Hill for even more serious sex crimes involving a minor

Joseph Raymond Shinn was arrested again by DA Investigator Ryan Hill yesterday afternoon on a Ramey warrant and booked for PC 288.7(a) oral copulation with a minor, PC 311.3 (a) sexual exploitation of a child, PC 311.11(c)(1) possession of child porn involving sadism or masochism, PC 311.4 (a) employment of a minor for pornography and PC266 (j) transport a minor for lewd purposes or child prostitution. He is on no bail status unless that is changed by the court.

I did a post on October 7 about 46 year old Shinn's arrest by DA Investigator Ryan Hill for PC 288.2(a)(1) sending harmful material to seduce a minor, PC 288.3(a) contacting a minor for sexual purposes and PC 288.4(b) arranging to meet a minor for lewd purposes.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/10/another-arrest-by-da-investigator-ryan.html?m=1

Shinn has an arraignment scheduled tomorrow for a 2024 case. I will update this post.

Instead of CSAC policy reports, I want to know which Humboldt Supervisor went to the Zen Den and early yoga

 

Instead of being stuck in windy and rainy weather in Humboldt next week, local California State Association of Counties attendees will be in sunny Los Angeles County.

Fourth District Supervisor Natalie Arroyo and most of the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors will be in Pasadena all week at the CSAC conference. Several Couty staff will also attend for continuing education and certifications.