The difference it makes for a convicted felon with multiple cases because of who his attorney is for this trial

 

Jorge Anaya has 5 cases on calendar today. The case that was in trial in Courtroom 3 was CR2401142. Today, a jury found Anaya not guilty of PC 245(a), not guilty on felony PC 594 vandalism but guilty of lesser charge of PC 594 as a misdemeanor.

Given Anaya's criminal record and number pf cases, this is a win for the defense. Ms. Andrea Sullivan was Anaya's attorney for this trial. Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees was the prosecutor. Judge Steven Steward presided over the trial. 

It took the jury less than two hours to reach this verdict. They started deliberations at 10:15, had a verdict by 11:55. Sentencing on the misdemeanor and what happens with his trailing cases is scheduled for 7/22. 

In October 2021, I posted about Anaya's conviction for PC 245 (a) (4) felony assault with force likely to produce bodily injury and PC 148 (a) misdemeanor resisting a peace officer.

Juvenile and 40 year old arrested and booked after Arcata Plaza incident

A juvenile female and James Lee Boone were arrested by Arcata Police Department today after a physical altetcation at the Arcata Plaza. Press release has details.

Four days since nomination period started and only Kati Moulton pulled paperwork and announced her reelection bid

 

Four days since the nomination period for Eureka City Council Ward 2 and 4 started and the only one to pull paperwork has been Ward 2 incumbent Councilmber Kati Moulton.

I have been checking regularly with City of Eureka Assistant Manager and Clerk Pam Powell. Since Moulton posted on Facebook, Ms. Powell was able to confirm.

DA charges Javier Kinney with DUI, high BAC and refusal to submit to a chemical test

 

Former Yurok Tribe Executive Director and current Carbon Project Manager Javier Ishi Kinney was arrested in March by CHP for a DUI. The DA finally filed charges on 7/11/24. Arraignment is on 8/5. He is charged with two misdemeanor counts and special allegations for each count.

If you haven't read my March post about the arrest which has information from CHP and more, you should.

65 year old convicted molestor gets 10 counts dismissed and is sentenced to 24 years in prison

 

On 7/15, 65 year old convicted molestor Laverne Dobereiner who resolved his case was sentenced to 24 years in prison by Judge Kaleb Cockrum. He pleaded guilty to Count 11 PC 287 (c) (2) (b) forcible oral copulation of a minor under 14 years of age and Count 12 PC 288.5 (a) continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14. 

While he waived his appellate rights, the court minutes do not list sex offender registration. He has 221 local custody credits and eligible for more in prison. Counts 1 to 10 dismissed.

Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor for this case. Deputy Public Defender Ryan McClurg is Dobereiner's attorney.

Yet another witness in Fortuna attempted murder case needed an attorney and asserted 5th amendment right, People and defense lose key motions

 

A lot has happened in the Fortuna attempted murder case since my last post. I am posting a summary of the highlights. Court minutes with details are included in the post.

The suspects are Miguel Moreno and Ruben Ramirez. Moreno is represented by Mr. Ken Bareilles. Ramirez by Mr. David Celli. Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm is the prosecitor. Retired Judge Christopher Wilson was assigned to the trial.

On 7/8, Ms. Andrea Sullivan was in court with witness Oscar Avendano who asserted his right against self incrimination. I was right about the Pitchess motion and who was involved. An in camera review involved attorney Ryan Plotz, Fortuna Police Chief Casey Day and Detective Brian Taylor. On 7/9 Avenado testifiesd  and DA's Pitchess motion was denied.

On 7/10,  ruling was reserved regarding new jail phone call recordings. Mr. Celli reserved motion for directed verdict. On 7/11, Mr. Celli's PC 1118.1 directed verdict motion was denied by Judge Wilson.

On 7/12, Nicole Quintero's bail bond was exonerated. Defense rested their case. People had no rebuttal evidence. Mr. Celli renewed his motion for directed verdict as to Counts 1 & 2 and was joined by Ken Bareilles. The motion was denied.

On 7/16, closing arguments started and the day ended with discussion about Mr Celli's closing. On 7/17, deliberations started at approximately 10:26 a.m. 

Redwood Acres closed to public while it is a CAL FIRE Incident Management Base Camp

 

HCSO just released today's Hill Fire update.

"Redwood Acres, located at 3750 Harris St. in Eureka, has been activated as a CAL FIRE Incident Management Base Camp in response to the area wildfires. Redwood Acres is now closed to the public and all upcoming events at Redwood Acres have been canceled for at least the next two weeks. Please drive cautiously in the area as increased traffic from vehicles responding to the area wildfires is expected."

For the regular and full updates, go to HCSO social media.

7/19: Due to the activation of this base camp, Humboldt County Public Works has closed Harris St. at Hubbard Ln. and Hall Ave. at Myrtle Ave. These closures will be in effect for at least the next two weeks.

22 year old alleged molestor Lucas Russell charged with 8 felonies rejects People's offer to resolve case

 

On 7/12, at trial assignment, 22 year old alleged molestor Lucas Russell charged with 8 felonies rejects People's offer to resolve case. Jury trial scheduled for 7/15 vacated. Trial confirmation rescheduled to 10/1; jury trial to 10/14. Russell's assault and battery is trailing this case. Dates for his co-defendant, Kevin Dikes in that case are different

Details of offer in court minutes.

"It is unfortunate that I have to request this and waste the County & CAO's office's time because the current DA choses not to respond to certain media in what is obviously a snub for my truthful and accurate reporting on the DA's office on my blog.".

 

Eureka Police Department did their job. It is time that the current DA does hers. The least Ms. Stacey Eads can do is send out a brief email to all media regarding the status of the warrant and if the DA has done any follow up or investigation. The suspect was on probation, was caught on surveillance, admitting to stealing the flag. Why can't his name be released to the media and public?

As usual, I have to be the one to call this out and other media will benefit. Are they politicians or reporters? Ask the tough questions and grow a spine. 

Convicted sexual batterer who pleaded guilty to child porn charges changes mind about a plea deal he did not deserve

Nick Martinez was supposed to be sentenced on 7/12. Another case was dismissed as part of the plea. After a hung jury, a plea was negotiated. I was in court in May when Martinez pleaded guilty to possession of child porn and sexual battery. As part of that resolution, Martinez has to register as a sex offender. He is eligible for probation. The assault and battery case that was trailing was dismissed as part of the plea. Martinez is an idiot to withdraw his plea and he does not deserve to be represented by Ms. Andrea Sullivan.

If he wants to waste more time, DA shouldnt object to the withdrawl and let Martinez take the chance and go to prison because I saw no remorse on May 22; just tears from a selfish predator.

That hearing was continued to 7/18 for sentencing  and hearing on motion to withdraw of plea. A transcript requested by Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm may not be ready by 7/18. It won't be given the court's jam packed schedule, jury trials and short staffing so expect at least one continuance. 

Reader asks valid salary, CALPers and retired annuitant question about Cheryl Dillingham

 

"Were you aware that Cheryl Dillingham, Auditor Controller is receiving an annual pension from CALPers in the amount of $130,009 AND a salary from County of Humboldt of $160,850 for 2023? 

You can verify on Transparent California - it includes pensions. 

Retired annuitants cannot work more than 960 hrs per year so Dillingham must be working part-time which would equal $167 per hour. "

I received this email yesterday afternoon from a reader.  I contacted Ms. Dillingham, Humboldt HR and CAO's office. I heard back from County PIO Cati Gallardo. 

Blaine OShaughnessy charged with hit and run and failure to provide information

 

Curb Appeal Construction Owner  Blaine David OShaughnessy was arrested on March 2, 2024. The DA's office finally filed charges on 7/11/24. Arraignment is scheduled for 8/5.

I had exclusive information before the charges were filed. The DA's complaint does not list the alleged victim, has no details except for the charges.

The DA has charged him with a misdemeanor in Count 1 VC 20002 (a) (1) hit and run resulting in property damage and an infraction in Count 2 VC 16025 (a) failure to provide information.

HCSO needs your help to locate pitbull owner who left the scene after the pitbull allegedly attacked two small dogs and their owner

On 7/10/2024 in the afternoon, Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the Airport Business Park in McKinleyville for the report of a dog attack.

No bail for homicide suspect Melvin Portillo

 

On July 14, HCSO issued a press release about a suspect arrested for homicide in Bridgeville. They also issued an update. I chose to get bail information as I often do and give my readers extra. The full name of the suspect is Melvin Jeovany Portillo-Rodriguez.  When you don't rush to post every press release and put in effort on your own; readers benefit.

30 year old driver ejected from vehicle in Willits crash after sidesweeping another car with a juvenile driver

On July 14, 2024, at 11:02 pm, Humboldt Communications Center (CHP Dispatch) received a 9-1-1 call for a two-vehicle crash on Valley Road, east of Davidson Road, east of Willits, CA.  California Highway Patrol Officers responded to the scene to investigate the crash.  

Michael Black arrested third time this year on charges which include probation violation

(July 2024)

Michael Matthew Black was arrested by Eureka Police Department yesterday morning for PC 1203.2(a)(1) and  PC 21310 carrying concealed dirk or dagger.

He already has two 2024 cases, a trial set in September and this is his third arrest. He has  retained Ms. Andrea Sullivan so he already has an attorney. Black posted bond. I have covered him extensively for years. 

On 5/21, a petition for civil harassment restraining order was filed by Jamie Madrone against Black. CV 2400993 is the fourth 2024 case and this year isn't over.  The petition was granted on 6/7/24 by Commissioner Sarah Kaber. Black was not present in court. Both Madrone and Black were pro per for this case. I reached out to Ms. Sullivan about this case and she responded, "Mr. Black wisely chose not to contest the restraining order."

Black was arrested the fourth time in August 2024. Details of that arrest have been added to the post.

Former assistant Humboldt Superior Court operations manager Socorro Cervantes was held to answer on all counts in her 2024 criminal case

 

In what looks like a short preliminary hearing on 7/10, former assistant Humboldt Superior Court operations manager Socorro Cervantes was held to answer on all counts in her  2024 criminal case. Judge Steven Steward denied Deputy Public Defender David Nims' motion to reduce three of the six counts to misdemeanors. Deputy District Attorney Ian Harris was the prosecutor for the preliminary hearing.

Arraignment on information is on 7/24 and the defense petition for mental health diversion. As I previously reported and said in my June 5 post, defense is wasting more taxpayer money on a mental health diversion when she was already evaluated and found competent to stand trial.

Cervantes has a civil lawsuit and restraining order  request which is trailing her criminal case. 

Convicted felon and attempted murder suspect ungrateful for the attorney he got, should look in the mirror for his problems

 

Convicted felon and attempted murder does not deserve Ms. Andrea Sullivan representing him. She was court appointed after the Public Defender's office declared a conflict.

On 7/10, Atkins' case was on for trial confirmation. His Marsden motion was denied by Judge Steven Steward. Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for this case. Trial assignment is on 7/19. Jury trial on 7/22.