"Hi John. I've been directed to you. I have a story regarding the recent hire of a coach in Arcata that has a violent criminal record that I'm trying to bring to the attention of the public and media."

"Hi John. I've been directed to you. I have a story regarding the recent hire of a coach in Arcata that has a violent criminal record that I'm trying to bring to the attention of the public and media."

After I spoke with this person, he told me the school has not given a clear answer to him whether the coach has been hired or is in process of being hired, whether background checks and fingerprinting is outstanding but he believes the job offer was made last Tuesday.

Federal agents raided Ray Christie's property as a part of a USDA investigation

 

Yesterday, I reported that federal agents were near Ray Christie's house. There was a raid on Christie's Arcata Bottoms property yesterday. 

I reached out to Christie's lawyer, Mr. Rick Richmond.

"I understand in the early hours yesterday, in the dark, federal and state agents raided Ray Christie's property.  With guns drawn, including an AR 15 with an agent in camouflage, a search warrant was served on Ray. Not only did they search the pens and barns where the cows are kept but the entire house where Ray's children were sleeping," said Mr. Richmond.

"The last time it was state agents. It is my understanding that no charges have been filed from yesterday's raid," said Mr. Richmond.

Sean Timothy O'Brien arrested for attempted murder and assault with a firearm

Sean Timothy O'Brien was arrested yesterday on a warrant by HCSO for PC 12022.7(a), PC245(a)(2) assault with a firearm, PC12022.53(c) and PC664/187(a), attempted murder. Bail is $1 million.

HCSO PIO Samantha Karges told me,"Yes, I can confirm now that he is the suspect in the McKinleyville bar shooting and he was taken into custody yesterday afternoon by Sheriff’s deputies at his home in Eureka."

I posted that there was an arrest warrant for him and that he was not in custody on two days ago. O'Brien was arrested yesterday. 

"Specific to your question, I have no doubt that firing me for not showing up for work was a shortcut to deal with me in a way they couldn't have done if I had stayed in Eureka on administrative leave."

 

I reached out and contacted former EPD Officer Mark Meftah. I appreciate his detailed and prompt response. 

In the dark of the night, Officer Mark Meftah is fired

In January 2018, EPD Officer Mark Meftah was Officer of the Month. In 2021, he was one of two EPD employees put on administrative leave.

"It is unfair to Ray because we are spending all this time and Ray's money when we don't know what is being tried."

 

Trial confirmation is scheduled for Ray Christie on September 20. The motion for new trial that was filed by Christie's former attorney, Mr. John Cogorno, will also be addressed. Judge Christopher Wilson still needs to rule on the motion to continue filed by Christie's current attorneys from the Larson Law Firm.

Newsom's legal office is reviewing the request for extradition warrant for Mauricio Johnson

 

On March 16, I reported that Ms. Andrea Sullivan, attorney for Mauricio Eduardo Johnson, "will be vigorously petitioning" California Governor Gavin Newson to not sign the extradition warrant

Johnson is the suspect in the homicide of three Bear River residents. He is currently in custody in Utah and is charged in Humboldt but has not been arraigned. 

"I met with Mauricio Johnson in Utah. Based upon the limited information that is available to me at this time I can say many of the statements being made about my client; his family; and his relationship to the Moon family are inaccurate."

 

(Sullivan-photo copyrighted as all material on this blog)

The family of 18-year-old murder suspect Mauricio Eduardo Johnson has retained Ms. Andrea Sullivan.

Since this post was published, I have added the complaint. As of 1 p.m., no arraignment date has been scheduled in Humboldt.

Three guilty pleas to felony and no immediate release from custody could settle David Anderson case

 

Convicted human trafficker David Anderson's jury trial is going to proceed. 

DA Maggie Fleming files motion to have Judge John Feeney reconsider original ruling to release Cooley from the state hospital

District Attorney Maggie Fleming filed a motion today to have Judge John Feeney reconsider his original ruling to release sexually violent predator Joshua Cooley from the State Hospital.

She will be appearing for the People at the May 3 hearing which will be held in the Board of Supervisors Chambers.

I have written about the Court of Appeals and factors Judge Feeney needed to consider before ordering Cooley's release from the state hospital. That post is linked below.

Motion to deny bail filed by Firpo in Bullock case

Prosecuting attorney Elan Firpo has  filed a motion to deny bail in the Gary Lee Bullock case. The case will be on calendar this Friday afternoon in Dept 1.

Riverbend Cellars Tasting Room in Eureka

Riverbend Cellars fans will have an opportunity to sample wine in Eureka in 2013. A tasting room is scheduled to open in Eureka at the location where Shorelines Gallery is currently located.

The saying "when one door closes, another one opens" has been true lately for Old Town businesses. Instead of businesses just closing, with empty storefronts, new businesses are moving into former locations. Whiplash Curve and HealthSpot by the Bay switched locations, Hurricane Kate's closed but now there is 511.

Support Old Town and all your local businesses in their investment into your community. Remember, that once again, you heard it here first on johnchiv.blogspot.com