Joel Benitzhar of Contra Costa County charged with federal crime of attempted enticement and coercion of a minor victim to engage in illegal sexual conduct; if convicted faces maximum sentence of life in prison and $250,000 fine

 

A criminal complaint was unsealed today charging Joel Lawrence Benitzhar with the federal crime of attempted enticement and coercion of a minor victim to engage in illegal sexual conduct.  Benitzhar was arrested yesterday and made his initial appearance in federal district court in Oakland this morning.

James Duran arrested by EPD for criminal threats; Donnivin Schenkelberg by HCSO for possession of child pornography

 

22 year old James Richard Duran arrested by EPD yesterday for PC 422 criminal threats.

34 year old Donnivin Te Schenkelberg arrested by HCSO on a Ramey warrant for PC 311.11(a), possession of child pornography.

Steven Harper already on probation arrested for arson by MCSO, Harper was drunk when deputies responded and had been allegedly harassing people he was subletting to and threatening to burn their cabin and tent

Mendocino County Sheriff deputies arrested Steven Harper today. Press release has more details.

"This investigation is fast-moving and constantly evolving. The investigative team is balancing the need to provide information to the public and protect the integrity of the investigation."

The Utah Department of Public Safety has regular updates on the investigation of yesterday's shooting of Charlie Kirk. Although I added some information to yesterday's post, this is the latest search update released today by official authorities.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/09/ca-governor-newsom-tweeted-about.html?m=1

This is an excellent example of a press release, regular and timely details and the Utah Department of Public Safety has a simple easy form to be included in their media distribution list.

5:05 p.m. Additional photos released. 

7.p.m. video

(Robinson: Utah Governor's Office)

(Robinson: Utah Governor's Office)

(Robinson)

22 year old suspect Tyler Robinson was arrested by U.S. Marshalls. Utah Governor Spencer Cox at a press conference said family member reached out to a family member. The family member was Robinson's father. The family friend is mentioned as a youth pastor in some reports. There have been several press conferences and details are online. As usual, misinformation about small details and spin by bots, trolls, people with agendas so official sources are where people need to go for accurate information. Governor Cox read some of the messages which included "unfired casings" including messages "Hey, fascist!", "Catch" and "If you read, this you are gay, LMAO."

I called the Utah County jail and confirmed myself that Robinson is being held on no bail. He was booked  for three felonies : aggravated murder, discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury and obstruction of justice. The information below is public record from the Utah County Sheriff inmate booking information.

I have also included Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray statement on the arrest of Tyler James Robinson and the potential charges to be filed. It is very detailed.

Over 5,000 attend First Arcata Friday Night Market

 

Humboldt Made Executive Director Rosa Dixon: "A quick update about the first Arcata Friday Night Market—it was an incredible success, with an estimated attendance of over 5,000 and an amazing community vibe. The buzz is already building for this week’s event, featuring DJ Deaf Eye and The Blacksage Runners."

She just issued a press release on Arcata's Friday Night Market.

Forcible rape suspect Frank Alves 4 week jury trial to include up to 6 witnesses for the People; "3 to 5" for defense

 

Yesterday, forcible rape suspect Frank Alves' Readiness Conference was specially set before Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel. Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor for the case. Alves is represented by Mr. Gregory Kreis. Jury trial scheduled for 9/22 has a time estimate of four weeks.

Alves was the caregiver for Jane Doe, a dependent adult. Ms. Schaffer told Judge Neel that Jane Doe is legally blind and will require courtroom accomodation. Potential number of  witnesses for People 6; defense "3 to 5", according to court minutes. Discussion took place about jury questionnaire.

Alves was arrested on March 7, 2025 on a Ramey warrant. Charges, other details and coverage of all hearings in previous posts.

"AB 1378 will ensure Tribes can directly access the same prevention program funding that is available to counties and other service providers. This is critical step toward equity and better outcomes for tribal youth.”

Assembly Bill 1378 has passed the California Legislature on a strong bipartisan vote and is now headed to the Governor’s Desk. Assemblymember Chris Rogers (D-Santa Rosa) introduced this legislation in partnership with the California Tribal Families Coalition, Pechanga Band of Indians, and Yurok Tribe to ensure tribal children remain connected to their families and communities through culturally appropriate support services.

CA Governor Newsom tweeted about Charlie Kirk at the same time as the White House, AG Bondi and FBI Director, some media outlets correct earlier claims of a suspect being detained

Despite previous reports that a suspect had been detained, some media outlets have updated to correct that claim. The story is developing and different sources have different information. As usual, someone posted a photo of a man on X with no verification and no law enforcement in photo. Saw yet another tweet with people in the commenters attempting to correct misinformation. Major media outlets have no details and are all over the place. Three hours later, some initial details.

Once again, last minute twist in SVP Donald Lilly's jury trial

 

Often, the community doesn't hear about sexually violent predators until they are ready to be placed in the community. I have covered SVP Donald Lilly. 

CSU appoints Richard Carvajal as the 9th Cal Poly Humboldt president, he will take over in January 2026

 

(Photo courtesy of the CSU Office of the Chancellor)

The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees has appointed Richard A. Carvajal as president of California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. Carvajal currently serves as president of Valdosta State University, a doctoral-granting, public university located in Valdosta, Georgia. 

Girl Scout introduces "a rocky road ice cream inspired sandwich cookie;" Adobe new 2026 national sponsor

 

Today, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) announced that Exploremores™, a rocky road ice cream–inspired sandwich cookie, will join the lineup for the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season. Filled with delicious flavors of chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond–flavored crème, Exploremores reflect the spirit of exploration at the heart of every Girl Scout. 

Former Fortuna Councilmember Kris Mobley's sentencing will be rescheduled tomorrow, confirmed with prosecutor

 

Former Fortuna Councilmember Christina Mobley was scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow. I confirmed with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Barry that the sentencing is being rescheduled.

The future date has not been scheduled yet but most likely, it will be 10/31 according to sources. It was continued to 10/31. Then, the court date was continued to 12/5/25 change of Plea Hearing. Another continuance to 12/10/25.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/01/fbi-investigating-former-fortuna-city.html?m=1#more

12/10/25: Change of plea entered. Sentencing on 3/18/26.

Sentencing continued to 5/20/26.

5/20/26: Once again former Fortuna Former Fortuna Councilmember Christina Mobley sentencing was continued. This time to July 15, 2026. There was a stipulation and modified order to continue sentencing signed by Judge Breyer on May 1.

Federal charge for repeat offender DeCarlos Brown, Jr, Congressmembers write to NC Chief Judge asking for removal of Judge Teresa Stokes

 

Federal charge for repeat offender DeCarlos Brown, Jr: 18 U.S.C. § 1992(a)(7) & (b)(l) in the Terrorist Attack or Other Violence Against a Mass Transportation System.

I have added the DOJ press release issued today and the criminal complaint.

Congressmembers sent letter to North Carolina Chief Judge asking for the removal of Judge Teresa Stokes.

Unless you are living under a rock, you should have heard about this by now. 

Locally, this November Humboldt voters will only weigh in on Prop 50, because "enough candidates did not file for district positions this year"

 

Just spoke with a staff member at Humboldt County elections and confirmed Prop 50 is the only issue Humboldt voters will be deciding in the Statewide Special Election November 4, 2025 because "enough candidates did not file for district positions."

The Statewide Primary Election June 2, 2026 has key County and Judicial races. I have posted on the Supervisors and at least two judges up for re-election.

I am not posting the rest of the pages for the November 26 election but if City Council, School Districts and the Harbor District interest you, check out the Humboldt County election website and upcoming elections page.

FBI LA and ICE arrested alleged gang rape suspect, the alleged victim was a child, the man had a counterfeit social security card and a lawful permanent resident card and "suspected crystal meth"

 

Besides his heinous alleged crime, suspects like this endanger legal, lawful residents and legal, naturalized citizens. Would be nice if Democrats including LA Mayor Karen Bass defended people who followed the law.

Member of "764" group faces 20 years in federal prison after arrest for child pornography

 

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating 27 year old Dong Hwan Kim's case with assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department and the Downey Police Department.

Humboldt County Sherrif's office press release on 68 year old Daniel Griffith's 9th arrest for similar charges and Prop 36 is very timely

 

Humboldt County Sherrif's office press release on 68 year old Daniel Griffith's 9th arrest for similar charges and Prop 36 is very timely.

With California Governor Newsom calling out other states for their crime rates while ignoring his own opposition to Prop 36 which passed due to voters and Newsom initially opposing funding in the 2025 budget then reluctantly providing some money is not pro law and order or safety.

Laws are not Democrat or Republican. Readers of my blog have different views but when it comes to the failure of the legislature and courts in CA, most of my readers agree.

CA AG Rob Bonta sues LA County Sherriff and County Correctional Health Services "over unconstitutional and inhumane conditions at Los Angeles County jails."

 

California Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed a lawsuit against the County of Los Angeles (County), Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), and County Correctional Health Services (CHS) over unconstitutional and inhumane conditions at Los Angeles County jails.