The U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of California issued a press release today with details.
Aug 7, 2026
Was Logan Brewer-Hearst sentenced today?
On 7/7/26, Logan Brewer Hearst entered a plea in his drug and firearm case before Humboldt Superior Court Judge April Van Dyke.Sentencing was scheduled for 8/7.
Today, if Brewer Hearst was sentenced in Courtroom 7 or the hearing was continued, you will have to wait until next week or whenever court minutes are available. I waited at the Courthouse for over an hour, went back twice. All other criminal courtroom clerks got their minutes done by the end of the day, even the clerk in Courtroom 2 which was the last courtroom open past 4 p.m. I will add any update including the sentence to this post. I am not doing multiple posts and another new post on one of the many Humboldt criminals and this is a repeat offender with a drug case. There are zero or minimal consequences in Humboldt, especially in drug cases.
I have covered Brewer Hearst for years and this is his most recent case. He refuses to change his ways despite multiple chances.
8/10/26: Still no minutes. I found out it was continued. No date in e court or the online portal.
8/11/26: After following up with Humboldt court administration, this afternoon, case updated with defense continuance granted to 8/21.
I already reported on these qualifications individually but here is the official list
I already reported on all these candidates individually as they qualified for Eureka City Council but this is the official list as of 4:01 today.
Ward 5 deadline is extended until August 12 since current Ward 5 Councilmember Renee Contreras-DeLoach is not running for re-election.
Exclusive: Eureka Councilmember Contreras-DeLoach explains why she is not seeking a second term for Eureka City Council
I was the first and only one to report that Eureka Councilmember Ward 5 Renee Contreras DeLoach is not running for re-election.
Renee just sent me this statement. I wish her peace and healing.
"First, I want to say thank you for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to continuing to serve in some other capacity when the time is right. Next, I want to say that I will not be seeking a second term. I have received health news that changed my perspective on the right path forward for myself and my family.
I am grateful for the broad base of support from people across the political spectrum. I believe that means I was doing this job right, not perfectly, but right because I was trying every day to put my community first. I’m glad that right, left and center felt free to call me, ask for help or even complain. I appreciate how often I’ve heard something along the lines of “I don’t agree with some of your views but I know you care about us”. That warms my heart!
I avoided the camera and news, which was a source of continual tension between my job as a public figure and my deeply held religious beliefs. I believe charity and service ought to be quiet and if you only serve to impress others, you’re doing it for the wrong reason. However, I have been very busy behind the scenes throughout my term.
I have appreciated working with members of our local tribes and all the members of our various religious organizations. I thank you for your continuous and generous actions on behalf of everyone! May the Creator bless your every step taken on behalf of His children.
My gratitude to the many businesses in Eureka who take a risk and work to build this community and economy without whom there would be no money to do a single thing at the City. We owe you our thanks and our respect.
I want to thank our Fire Department, CSET, all our First Responders and their families who are willing to bear the trauma themselves to rescue those in desperate need of them. You are heroes.
Lastly, it’s important that you know goodness and kindness are happening around your city quietly, but continuously. In a time where so many are losing hope, it’s critical that you know that every day people are out there trying to make life better or kinder in their own small ways. There are many that serve out of love, not self promotion, they give and smile without cameras rolling. Left, right, center, Christian, Jewish, Sikh, Atheist- none of this matters when we are serving and loving one another. And the good people who call this area home have far more in common than not.
All my best,
Renée"
Elvecio Machado arrested by HCSO for several charges after an investigation into illegal cannabis cultivation in Willow Creek
(Photo: HCSO)
54 year old Elvecio Pinheiro Machado posted bail.
CA AG Rob Bonta files felony charges against a certified nursing assistant for the alleged sexual abuse of an 86-year-old resident at Concord facility
California Attorney General Rob Bonta provided details about "the arrest and filing of felony charges against a certified nursing assistant for the alleged sexual abuse of an 86-year-old resident with diminished capacity at Concord Post Acute, a skilled nursing facility in Concord.
“Caregivers are entrusted with attending to and caring for people in a vulnerable, and often, incapacitated state,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Sexual abuse is absolutely intolerable and sexually abusing a compromised individual while in a position of power over them is all the more deplorable. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to fight against any form of sexual misconduct and elder abuse.”
The Division of Medi-Cal Fraud & Elder Abuse (DMFEA) received a referral from the California Department of Public Health regarding the inappropriate contact at Concord Post Acute. A felony complaint has been filed in Contra Costa County Superior Court, charging the nursing assistant with a lewd act by a caretaker upon a dependent adult. DMFEA is a division within the California Department of Justice whose mission is to protect the public and the state’s Medi-Cal program from those who defraud taxpayers and divert state health care resources. The investigation was made possible through the collaboration of government agencies and those who reported incidences of Medi-Cal fraud or elder abuse. If you suspect Medi-Cal fraud or elder abuse, please report it at https://oag.ca.gov/dmfea/reporting."
Aug 6, 2026
Convicted felon Troy Spencer sentenced to 8 years, 4 months in prison
On July 6, 2026, following a two-week trial, a Humboldt County jury returned guilty verdicts of all charges brought against 49-year-old Troy Spencer of Myers Flat including first-degree residential burglary, criminal threats, possession of an assault weapon, being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Additionally, the jury found two sentencing enhancements alleging he used an assault weapon in the commission of a felony and committed a residential burglary while out on bail to be true, thereby exposing him to a potential maximum of 13 years 8 months in prison under the law. Today, the Honorable Judge Kaleb V. Cockrum sentenced Spencer to serve 8 years, 4 months in prison.
Forcible rape suspect resolves case with guilty plea to assault; rape charge dismissed
I have been adding updates to my March 7, 2026 post on forcible rape suspect Levi Jones' case.
Today, instead of his preliminary hearing, he entered a guilty plea taken by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward to Count 3 assault likely to produce great boldily injury. Count 1 & 2 dismissed which includes the rape charge. The plea is conditional for drug court terms, jail time with a day suspended for structured release into a treatment program.
Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor for the case. Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell is Jones' attorney.
Sentencing is on 8/27.
Convicted of child pornography, sentenced to 1 year 4 months in prison, with 365 custody credits, he will be out soon
On May 20, 2026 Jayson Mehler resolved his 2025 case with a guilty plea to Count 2 PC 311.11(a) (1) possession of child pornography and an added Count 3 PC 288.2 (a) (2) sending sexual material to a minor.
Today, he was sentenced to 1 year 4 months in prison by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward but he has 365 days in custody credits.
Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor for the case. Deputy Public Defender is Mehler's attorney.
Three candidates for Eureka Mayor, three for Ward 1
Casey Dresser has qualified as the third candidate for Eureka Mayor.
I just ran into Ward 1 candidate Audra Sisson unexpectedly and I will wait for the official word for City of Eureka Assistant Manager and Clerk Pam Powell but I am fairly certain she will qualify. 12:52 Sisson qualified for the ballot.
Daniel Epperson arrested again, another predictable arrest
Daniel Epperson was arrested by Arcata Police Department yesterday for PC 243(e)(1) domestic battery and PC 148 (a) resisting arrest
I have covered Epperson for many years, too many cases including being the first one to report on his arrest and that he threatened Lee Ulansey and his son. Epperson being arrested again is not a surprise.
The public is tired, knows there are no consequences. Another Humboldt and California repeat offender clogging the system and wasting law enforcement and taxpayer resources.
8/7/26: Jury trial scheduled in CR2501208 was vacated today and rescheduled for 8/26; three other cases are trailing. Epperson has retained former Humboldt County DA Paul Gallegos. The Public Defender's office was relieved. Hiring a private attorney doesn't do anything if you keep breaking the law.
Aug 5, 2026
When I said, I hope someone runs for Ward 5, I meant someone new and electable
I just received this tip.
"I heard a little birdie inform me that Daniel Smith is running, again, for City Council Ward 5. He was spotted at City Hall today. "
If Daniel Smith had submitted his form with signatures, I would know. If he had qualified, I definitely know.
That does not mean this tip is not valid. I will check with City of Eureka Assistant Manager and Clerk Pam Powell tomorrow.
If you did not read the previous posts, you can check them for Daniel Smith's Humboldt Superior Court search I did and this is what I wrote in one of my previous posts.
"It was only after my post exposing you and the couple of people endorsing you on Facebook which include a failed Eureka Council candidate who is MAGA and extremely far right in his views that you now claim to be "center right." I know that individual personally. Your political affiliation isn't a disqualification for me but your attitude and manipulating the public instead of answering specifics you have yet to provide. Are you going to attack any local media who isn't favorable to you?"
Flip flopping on views, dropping out, now maybe running again. When I said, I hope someone runs for Ward 5, I meant someone new and electable.
8/6/26: As of 10:08 a.m. today, while Smith's 501 is still valid, he has not returned any signatures.
Second mixed verdict in a misdemeanor trial where the defendant is represented by Ehvan Schectman
After one day of deliberation, Courtroom 3 jurors convicted Rosenea Bennett of Count 2 possession of smoking device.
The jury was deadlocked on Count 1 VC 23152 (f) driving under the influence of a drug.
Deputy District Attorney Brenton Schick is the lead prosecutor and this was his first DUI misdemeanor trial in Humboldt before Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward. Deputy DA Rebecca Buckley-Stein is second chair.
Today for the verdict, Deputy DA Frankie Olivares was present with Mr. Schick.
Bennett's attorney is Deputy Public Defender Ehvan Schectman. This is the second mixed verdict in a misdemeanor trial I have covered where the defendant is represented by Mr. Schectman.
Defense PC 1385 motion for dismissal of Count 1 was denied by Judge Steward. I am not covering the retrial for Count 1.
Leslie Castellano and Kim Bergel are perfect examples of why certain Dems are all talk and never for the people, Jeff Lamoree please run for Mayor
(Castellano)
(Bergel)
Once again, last night Eureka Councilmembers Renee Contreras-DeLoach and surprisingly G. Mario Fernandez voted for the people. Leslie Castellanos and Scott Bauer against the people and businesses.
Renee's vote does not surprise me. G. Mario, if it is a genuine change, then great. If this move towards moderation is because he is up for re-election; we will find out soon enough.
Leslie Castellanos is the most petty, obnoxious , far left and worst Eureka Councilmember elected. Has she ever held a job that is not funded by the government? Kim Bergel, for all her fake niceness, showed her claws last night at the Eureka Council meeting.
The way Leslie and Kim attacked Renee last night makes mean girls look friendly. Renee is moderate, she doesn't vote predictably. Renee is too polite to say this; I am not to people unworthy of any respect. Leslie and Kim, you both are not only far left but you hate Christians. It is hate I have personally faced in this godless town and county and it is from the left. The most intolerant group unless you march in lockstep and never question the hive.
This big lecture before every Eureka Council meeting about being civil apparently does not apply to Leslie and Kim.
I hope someone throws in their hat as Eureka Mayor because the choice between Kim and Anil Dwivedi is unacceptable.
Recology is the most inefficient company. When I was temporarily staying in Myrtletown, I watched Recology pick up trash twice on the same street every week. Two dumpsters side by side for garbage. One specific location is at Sacred Heart Church. It isn't just Myrtletown. They do this all over Eureka. Some places, a separate trip for recycling. They do it where I live currently. Why should residents and landlords pay extra because Recology has no clue about operating competently?
That is not the only repetitive, stupid decision from Recology. Instead of hiking their rates; they need to start by firing all their management and hiring people with business and common sense.
I have talked to several business owners today including small, local business owners who are impacted by this and some said Recology has not done pick up for weeks and they are paying extra take the trash to the dump. I have talked to residents.
Parking fees, TOT increase, grabage rates going up and that is just this year in Eureka. All certain Eureka City Councilmembers vote for and have this year is raise costs for residents. If you are going to question Renee, Leslie, be prepared to be called out with facts. I spoke to you years ago about solutions to help with housing. Name one vote Leslie by you that has benefitted all citizens of Eureka including those who have different political views, are not your buddies or some non profit organization including the one in which you are currently the Executive Director.
Insurance, gas, expenses have gone up for everyone. Recology could cut their expenses and start with ending unecessary, multiple trips on the same street several times a week.
Democrats are not for the people. They are definitely not for the working people. Today, at lunch, there was the protest du jour outside the Courthouse.
Of course, it was not private industry workers. They don't take lunch or breaks and if they do, it is a quick meal and get back to work. Democrats and their decisions always screw the people. It is all about bloated government, taxes, unions, special interests and grants and making sure all these groups live off the hard working person barely making ends meet.
Leslie Castellano is termed out. I cannot wait for new representation in Eureka Ward 1. She is the one who voted for the increase in TOT with Bauer and Moulton who supported her.
Kim Bergel could have abstained yesterday.
Even with the usual anon accounts online trying to defend those who voted to increase fees, there is overwhelming backlash even on liberal sites.
Kim, keep making more dumb choices like this and piss off voters. While I will not vote for Anil, I am not voting for you either. Others are not me; they could hold their nose and Anil could win.
Jeff Lamoree, please run for Eureka Mayor. You are well liked by people with different views. The signatures needed could be at Pam Powell's desk by tomorrow. It is doable.
DA charges Joshua Padilla with all four felonies HCSO arrested him for last week
Joshua Padilla is on the must go list today. He is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon.
The Humboldt County District Attorney's Office filed a complaint this morning charging Padilla with all the charges he was booked for with special allegations for Count 2 and 3. All charges are felonies.
Padilla's bail is $500,000. Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Wilson appointed Conflict Counsel's office to represent Padilla. Protective order was filed & served in court.OR bail on 8/7; preliminary hearing on 8/18.
8/7/26: Release from custody denied by Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson.
Ward 5 Eureka Councilmember Renee Contreras-DeLoach not running for re-election
This isn't the kind of scoop or breaking news I want to post but it just happened. I had a meeting this morning with Ward 5 Eureka Councilmember Renee Contreras-DeLoach. She called me to cancel. She told me she is withrawing and will not be running for re-election. She is not making any further official statement at this time. Not to me, not to other media until she is ready. We happened to talk today and she told me. I know Renee and some of her family members before she ran for Eureka City Council. I am her constituent. She has been the the one Councilmember who has listened and helped me as a Eureka resident.
I will never vote for former Eureka City Councilmember Jeff Leonard who is the only other Ward 5 candidate and he should not win this by default. I hope someone steps up because the deadline is extended to August 12. Renee is independent and that is rare for any elected official.
My prediction about Jonathan Marcks Jr proved correct with this EPD arrest
I don't have time, especially this morning, to summarize the crimes of the Marcks father and son duo and who did what and when. I have covered both. The dad is the convicted molestor.
You can read the most recent post I did.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/02/convicted-molestor-jonathan-marcks.html?m=1
This post involves yet another arrest for repeat offender Jonathan Eisenhard Marcks, Jr who got a plea and yesterday was arrested by Eureka Police Department on a Ramey Warrant for PC 1203.2 probation violation in his 2025 case and PC 664/187 (a) attempted murder in a 2026 case.
At 9:35, EPD issued this press release.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)