◼ Humboldt's Most Wanted Parolees Times Standard expands On The Record
Can you please just add how many times they've been arrested on violations, and how many times they've been pushed back out on the street by this incompetent DA?
Sunday, February 27, 2011
third time in five months
◼
Search warrant yields meth, prescription drugs; pair lands in jail for third time in five months
Search warrant yields meth, prescription drugs; pair lands in jail for third time in five months
The warrant was obtained in response to ongoing complaints of drug sales at the residence, according to a press release, and was the third time in the last five months that officers searched the location. Both Michael Nathaniel McNertney, 45, and Gloria Pearl Lindberg, 23, were arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance for sale and possession of drug paraphernalia.The system under Gallegos is not working.
The two were out of custody on bail and awaiting trial on previous drug-related charges when EPD detectives searched their apartment Saturday afternoon and reported finding a small amount of heroin, unlawfully possessed prescription muscle relaxants, hypodermic syringes and a trio of hidden storage containers which were empty but are believed to have contained large amounts of heroin, based on residue inside them, according to the release.
Detectives later searched Lindberg's car, where they reported finding a pair of digital gram scales and drug packaging materials. During the search, McNertney's cell phone rang repeatedly, and when a detective answered the phone, an individual asked for McNertney, wanting to purchase several grams of heroin from him, according to the release.
Friday, February 25, 2011
It's snowing!
◼ Morning weather update Jack's McKinleyville Press Blog
I didn't get any pics either, but it lasted quite a while.
I didn't get any pics either, but it lasted quite a while.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Whatever happened to Eddie David Lee? And Maggie Jean Wortman UPDATED
Almost a year ago Eddie David Lee pled not guilty to murder charges. Where is he now and where is Gallegos at on this case?
***
And how about ◼ Maggie Jean Wortman
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office detectives arrested Wortman at the jail... after a two-month investigation. She was in custody for an alleged probation violation stemming from a conviction for maintaining a residence for drug activities. The investigation spawned after Wortman's son, Michael Phillip Acosta III, was transported to a local hospital because he wasn't breathing on Nov. 21 and was later pronounced dead. The allegations are that she killed her 6-week-old son by feeding him methamphetamine-laced breast milk. ...charges of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of felony child endangerment.
UPDATE: ◼ Judge dismisses murder charge against Loleta woman - Thadeus Greenson/Times Standard
A Humboldt County judge has dismissed the murder charge facing a Loleta mother accused of killing her baby with methamphetamine-laced breast milk last year.
In a ruling filed Wednesday, Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Bruce Watson threw out the murder charge against Maggie Jean Wortman, 27, finding that no evidence was presented at the case's preliminary hearing to establish that Wortman knew she was endangering her infant son's life when she breastfed him after allegedly smoking methamphetamine.
***
And how about ◼ Maggie Jean Wortman
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office detectives arrested Wortman at the jail... after a two-month investigation. She was in custody for an alleged probation violation stemming from a conviction for maintaining a residence for drug activities. The investigation spawned after Wortman's son, Michael Phillip Acosta III, was transported to a local hospital because he wasn't breathing on Nov. 21 and was later pronounced dead. The allegations are that she killed her 6-week-old son by feeding him methamphetamine-laced breast milk. ...charges of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of felony child endangerment.
UPDATE: ◼ Judge dismisses murder charge against Loleta woman - Thadeus Greenson/Times Standard
A Humboldt County judge has dismissed the murder charge facing a Loleta mother accused of killing her baby with methamphetamine-laced breast milk last year.
In a ruling filed Wednesday, Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Bruce Watson threw out the murder charge against Maggie Jean Wortman, 27, finding that no evidence was presented at the case's preliminary hearing to establish that Wortman knew she was endangering her infant son's life when she breastfed him after allegedly smoking methamphetamine.
Making the rounds...
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Gallegos, Paul
Date: Fri, Feb 18, 2011 at 5:48 PM
Subject: Request for Pro Bono Services
To: recipient redacted
Cc: asst recipients redacted
XXXX:
Please send an email out to the members of the bar asking if any of the family law practitioners are interested in providing pro bono or extremely discounted representation to a domestic violence victim who is also involved in a family law case. If they are interested, they should contact Vickie McCulley of the Humboldt County District Attorney Victim/Witness Department for further information.
Thank you.
Paul V. Gallegos
Humboldt County District Attorney
825 Fifth Street
4th Floor
Eureka, California 95501
Telephone: (707)445-7411
Facsimile: (707)445-7416
****************
Family law practictioners in Humboldt County:
Metzger Christopher G
Dalton & Bicknell
Hanson Rory A
Joan M Gallegos Law Office
Stokes Rowe Hamer & Kaufman
Bruce Mc Law Office
Beeler Deanna Law Offices of
Date: Fri, Feb 18, 2011 at 5:48 PM
Subject: Request for Pro Bono Services
To: recipient redacted
Cc: asst recipients redacted
XXXX:
Please send an email out to the members of the bar asking if any of the family law practitioners are interested in providing pro bono or extremely discounted representation to a domestic violence victim who is also involved in a family law case. If they are interested, they should contact Vickie McCulley of the Humboldt County District Attorney Victim/Witness Department for further information.
Thank you.
Paul V. Gallegos
Humboldt County District Attorney
825 Fifth Street
4th Floor
Eureka, California 95501
Telephone: (707)445-7411
Facsimile: (707)445-7416
****************
 |
| A clue!! I think we can help you! |
Dalton & Bicknell
Hanson Rory A
Joan M Gallegos Law Office
Stokes Rowe Hamer & Kaufman
Bruce Mc Law Office
Beeler Deanna Law Offices of
How far Peter Martin has fallen
◼ Resident (read that Richard Salzman, or whatever he is calling himself these days) plans to sue Arcata if panhandling ordinance not amended
Attorney Peter Martin submitted the letter on Feb. 14 on behalf of Richard "Web of Lies" Salzman. The letter stated it was intended to “invite” the city to begin amending its ordinance within about 30 days to avoid the “expense, uncertainty and unpleasantness of contested litigation.” Salzman is a local political consultant who recently worked on Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos' re-election campaign.
”A speaker's rights are not lost merely because compensation is received; a speaker is no less a speaker because she is paid to speak,” Martin stated in the letter. (WTF?)
The ordinance passed in 2010 and restricts where people can panhandle, banning such behavior on pedestrian bridges and other areas, including at intersections with signs and within 20 feet of the entrance to a supermarket, ATM machines, parking lots, bus shelters, restaurants, bars, retail stores, or check-cashing businesses. Panhandling aggressively is also prohibited by the ordinance anywhere in the city. Aggressive panhandling is defined to include following or touching a person intentionally, using profane or aggressive language and disrupting or blocking traffic while panhandling, according to the ordinance.
Salzman said on Tuesday the council appeared “well-intentioned” when they passed the ordinance, but he alleged the ordinance is unconstitutional. He wanted the city to be able to consult with its legal counsel on the matter before he pursued legal action....
Lawsuits aren't cheap. A minimum of 10 grand usually, just to get started - how's he going to pay you? Where's the money going to come from this time? Gives new meaning to the term "nuisance suit."
”Mr. Salzman objects to the near-total ban on begging in public fora..."
You can't make this stuff up. It's too bad, though. Peter Martin was once one of the good guys.
Attorney Peter Martin submitted the letter on Feb. 14 on behalf of Richard "Web of Lies" Salzman. The letter stated it was intended to “invite” the city to begin amending its ordinance within about 30 days to avoid the “expense, uncertainty and unpleasantness of contested litigation.” Salzman is a local political consultant who recently worked on Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos' re-election campaign.
”A speaker's rights are not lost merely because compensation is received; a speaker is no less a speaker because she is paid to speak,” Martin stated in the letter. (WTF?)
The ordinance passed in 2010 and restricts where people can panhandle, banning such behavior on pedestrian bridges and other areas, including at intersections with signs and within 20 feet of the entrance to a supermarket, ATM machines, parking lots, bus shelters, restaurants, bars, retail stores, or check-cashing businesses. Panhandling aggressively is also prohibited by the ordinance anywhere in the city. Aggressive panhandling is defined to include following or touching a person intentionally, using profane or aggressive language and disrupting or blocking traffic while panhandling, according to the ordinance.
Salzman said on Tuesday the council appeared “well-intentioned” when they passed the ordinance, but he alleged the ordinance is unconstitutional. He wanted the city to be able to consult with its legal counsel on the matter before he pursued legal action....
Lawsuits aren't cheap. A minimum of 10 grand usually, just to get started - how's he going to pay you? Where's the money going to come from this time? Gives new meaning to the term "nuisance suit."
”Mr. Salzman objects to the near-total ban on begging in public fora..."
You can't make this stuff up. It's too bad, though. Peter Martin was once one of the good guys.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Not Gallegos.
◼ Humboldt County attorneys to receive California Lawyer Attorney of the Year Award; effects of Skilled Healthcare lawsuit being felt across the state - Times-Standard
For the second time in two years a Humboldt County lawyer will take home the California Lawyer Attorney of the Year award.
Make that two attorneys.
Timothy Needham and Michael Crowley, both of the Janssen law firm in Eureka, will be presented the award next month for their work in last year's class action lawsuit against national nursing home chain Skilled Healthcare.
Yet still, half the article is all Paul - and no apparent answer to the question: “Three private law firms initiated the Skilled Healthcare case and again did most of the work, but in his ads Gallegos takes full credit. His ads are neither true nor ethical…
While being dishonest is more than bad enough, vilification, smearing, and divisive politics are worse. This is Gallegos’ fourth campaign and in each of the others he has done these things and won…
“If you really want the truth about Gallegos’ professional ethics, inquire of him why the other affected DA’s and the Attorney General all refused to join in his Skilled Healthcare settlement due to their ‘ethical concerns’ over his use of secret settlement monies and more. Ask Gallegos himself to explain directly, honestly and openly the formal rebuke he has received from the California District Attorneys Association for his unprofessional use of DA authority in settling that case. Go ahead, ask him to explain honestly and directly. He won’t. That would require real courage and the capacity to tell the truth regardless. He has neither…”
◼ http://www.arcataeye.com/2010/10/paul-hagen-gallegos-is-no-alternative-–-october-26-2010/
◼ Two attorneys win award for work Gallegos took credit for - Mirror
C’mon, Drange – ask the question! GET A COPY OF THE LETTER! You can do it! It’s called reporting. How long can it possibly take?
For the second time in two years a Humboldt County lawyer will take home the California Lawyer Attorney of the Year award.
Make that two attorneys.
Timothy Needham and Michael Crowley, both of the Janssen law firm in Eureka, will be presented the award next month for their work in last year's class action lawsuit against national nursing home chain Skilled Healthcare.
Yet still, half the article is all Paul - and no apparent answer to the question: “Three private law firms initiated the Skilled Healthcare case and again did most of the work, but in his ads Gallegos takes full credit. His ads are neither true nor ethical…
While being dishonest is more than bad enough, vilification, smearing, and divisive politics are worse. This is Gallegos’ fourth campaign and in each of the others he has done these things and won…
“If you really want the truth about Gallegos’ professional ethics, inquire of him why the other affected DA’s and the Attorney General all refused to join in his Skilled Healthcare settlement due to their ‘ethical concerns’ over his use of secret settlement monies and more. Ask Gallegos himself to explain directly, honestly and openly the formal rebuke he has received from the California District Attorneys Association for his unprofessional use of DA authority in settling that case. Go ahead, ask him to explain honestly and directly. He won’t. That would require real courage and the capacity to tell the truth regardless. He has neither…”
◼ http://www.arcataeye.com/2010/10/paul-hagen-gallegos-is-no-alternative-–-october-26-2010/
◼ Two attorneys win award for work Gallegos took credit for - Mirror
C’mon, Drange – ask the question! GET A COPY OF THE LETTER! You can do it! It’s called reporting. How long can it possibly take?
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Who's game?
February 18, 2011 at 9:53 pm
Heraldo says:
Anyone up for a header contest? Winner gets their fine work at the top of (his/her/its/their) blog and the Herald’s eternal appreciation. Header size = 750 × 140 pixels. As with everything else, submissions can be anonymous.
I always liked this one:
Heraldo says:
Anyone up for a header contest? Winner gets their fine work at the top of (his/her/its/their) blog and the Herald’s eternal appreciation. Header size = 750 × 140 pixels. As with everything else, submissions can be anonymous.
I always liked this one:
And they do need help!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Paul Gallegos spent $222,000 to keep his job, the most of all the candidates
◼ TS A pricey affair: Candidates for Humboldt County offices spent more than $1 million in 2010
...Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos might run unopposed in 2014 as he led all candidates, spending $222,000, according to the forms.
The district attorney's race has also historically proven to be a costly one. In 2006, Gallegos and challenger Worth Dikeman combined to spend almost $325,000 before the primary.
This year, according to the filings, Gallegos and challenger Allison Jackson combined to spend $371,221, with Jackson shelling out almost $150,000. In the end, Gallegos spent the equivalent of $8.80 per vote he received, while Jackson spent $6.47.
Gallegos reported receiving some large single donations, with Blue Lake Rancheria donating $10,000, Benemann Interpreter Services donating $2,000, Joseph Burger Enterprises donating $2,000 and campaign manager Natalynne DeLapp donating $7,000, an amount roughly equivalent to her campaign salary for the filing period, which ran from Oct. 17 to the end of the year.
Jackson's largest reported donation in the filing period came from Dennis Wendt, who pitched in $2,000. The candidate also poured $9,341 of her own money into her campaign.
Gallegos also reported having $41,000 in outstanding loans at the end of the year, with $26,000 of it coming from his wife, local attorney Joan Gallegos....
He is far and above the most expensive elected official in the county. Only his first race received normal funding.
...Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos might run unopposed in 2014 as he led all candidates, spending $222,000, according to the forms.
The district attorney's race has also historically proven to be a costly one. In 2006, Gallegos and challenger Worth Dikeman combined to spend almost $325,000 before the primary.
This year, according to the filings, Gallegos and challenger Allison Jackson combined to spend $371,221, with Jackson shelling out almost $150,000. In the end, Gallegos spent the equivalent of $8.80 per vote he received, while Jackson spent $6.47.
Gallegos reported receiving some large single donations, with Blue Lake Rancheria donating $10,000, Benemann Interpreter Services donating $2,000, Joseph Burger Enterprises donating $2,000 and campaign manager Natalynne DeLapp donating $7,000, an amount roughly equivalent to her campaign salary for the filing period, which ran from Oct. 17 to the end of the year.
Jackson's largest reported donation in the filing period came from Dennis Wendt, who pitched in $2,000. The candidate also poured $9,341 of her own money into her campaign.
Gallegos also reported having $41,000 in outstanding loans at the end of the year, with $26,000 of it coming from his wife, local attorney Joan Gallegos....
He is far and above the most expensive elected official in the county. Only his first race received normal funding.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
CHP officer killed in 101 crash in Mendocino County; highway closed
A Highway Patrol officer was killed in a head-on crash Tuesday afternoon in Mendocino County... a southbound Toyota apparently crossed the centerline and struck the cruiser.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Coen pleads out. Attempted murder charges fall by the wayside
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Feb. 14, 2011
Contact: Deputy District Attorney Arnie Klein
Phone: 707-268-2584
Coen Acknowledges Responsibility for July 2, 2010 Shooting
On Monday, Feb. 14, 1011, Michael Coen changed his plea from not guilty to guilty when he pleaded no contest to assault with a deadly weapon.
The charges stemmed from a shooting that occurred on July 2, 2010. He has also admitted to the special allegations of use of a firearm and inflicting great bodily injury. In addition, Coen admitted to a prior “strike” as defined by the California Three Strikes Law.
Under the terms of the agreement, Coen waived his right to an appeal and will be sentenced to state prison for a minimum of ten years to a maximum of 21 years. Because Coen was convicted of a violent offence, he will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence, which will be handed down by Judge Bruce Watson on March 28, 2011.
Prosecuting Deputy District Attorney Arnie Klein said: “The successful prosecution of this case {did this case get prosecuted?) is due, in large part, to the cooperative efforts of various law enforcement agencies and the contribution made by local citizens in catching and apprehending Mr. Coen,”
Jury selection was about to begin on the July 2, 2010 incident when Coen entered his plea. “I want to, especially, acknowledge the members of the community who sacrificed their time by coming in for jury selection,” noted District Attorney Paul Gallegos. “The accused often delays the process until he or she understands that the community is there to render judgment.”
****************************
Note that Coen was accused of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm by a felon and resisting arrest.
****************************
◼ Fortuna man pleads no contest to assault with a deadly weapon
A Fortuna man pleaded no contest Monday to a host of charges stemming from a shooting last July that landed one man in the hospital.
Michael Alan Coen pleaded no contest to assault with a deadly weapon likely to produce great bodily injury, with a special allegation of using a firearm and a second special allegation of inflicting great bodily injury against Christopher “Shane” Cooper. Coen was originally charged with attempted murder after being apprehended during a multi-agency manhunt on July 2 and faces a minimum of 10 years in prison at his sentencing next month...
”We'll be asking for the most serious sentence the court can impose, based on the evidence provided,” Klein said, adding that he was pleased with the deal, in which Coen waived his right to appeal his sentence. Coen also pleaded no contest to felony counts of grand theft auto and evading a peace officer with willful disregard for the safety of others, charges stemming from separate incidents last year, as well as no contest to damaging jail property when he kicked out the Plexiglas panel in his cell last January.
”It's an effort to reach a just resolution in the case,” Klein said, adding that the motive for the shooting remains unclear but could be the culmination of an argument over a girlfriend of Coen's.
”That's just speculation at this point,” Klein said, adding that Coen was wearing a bulletproof vest as well as a wig to conceal his identity when he entered Cooper's home.
Investigator William Honsal said the district attorney's office investigation into the case began before Coen's arrest, when the Fortuna Police Department was seeking information on the whereabouts of Coen, who was wanted for a parole violation.
Coen was arrested off Highway 36 on July 2, more than 10 hours after allegedly shooting Cooper once in the chest with a .22-caliber handgun at his home on the 3400 block of Hillras Way in Fortuna....
Coen's plea of no contest technically admits no wrongdoing but will be treated by the court as a guilty plea. With a prior felony conviction of assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm resulting in great bodily injury in 2009, the length of Coen's sentence for the July assault will be doubled for a maximum of 21 years.
Lee declined to comment on specifics of how the plea deal was reached. Coen will be required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before being considered eligible for parole. He is due back in court for sentencing on March 28.....
Another plea deal. Klein still unclear. We can hope that the Judge will once again make sure some kind of justice is done. Let's hope Klein at least did his job correctly in that dept.
Date: Feb. 14, 2011
Contact: Deputy District Attorney Arnie Klein
Phone: 707-268-2584
Coen Acknowledges Responsibility for July 2, 2010 Shooting
On Monday, Feb. 14, 1011, Michael Coen changed his plea from not guilty to guilty when he pleaded no contest to assault with a deadly weapon.
The charges stemmed from a shooting that occurred on July 2, 2010. He has also admitted to the special allegations of use of a firearm and inflicting great bodily injury. In addition, Coen admitted to a prior “strike” as defined by the California Three Strikes Law.
Under the terms of the agreement, Coen waived his right to an appeal and will be sentenced to state prison for a minimum of ten years to a maximum of 21 years. Because Coen was convicted of a violent offence, he will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence, which will be handed down by Judge Bruce Watson on March 28, 2011.
Prosecuting Deputy District Attorney Arnie Klein said: “The successful prosecution of this case {did this case get prosecuted?) is due, in large part, to the cooperative efforts of various law enforcement agencies and the contribution made by local citizens in catching and apprehending Mr. Coen,”
Jury selection was about to begin on the July 2, 2010 incident when Coen entered his plea. “I want to, especially, acknowledge the members of the community who sacrificed their time by coming in for jury selection,” noted District Attorney Paul Gallegos. “The accused often delays the process until he or she understands that the community is there to render judgment.”
****************************
Note that Coen was accused of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm by a felon and resisting arrest.
****************************
◼ Fortuna man pleads no contest to assault with a deadly weapon
A Fortuna man pleaded no contest Monday to a host of charges stemming from a shooting last July that landed one man in the hospital.
Michael Alan Coen pleaded no contest to assault with a deadly weapon likely to produce great bodily injury, with a special allegation of using a firearm and a second special allegation of inflicting great bodily injury against Christopher “Shane” Cooper. Coen was originally charged with attempted murder after being apprehended during a multi-agency manhunt on July 2 and faces a minimum of 10 years in prison at his sentencing next month...
”We'll be asking for the most serious sentence the court can impose, based on the evidence provided,” Klein said, adding that he was pleased with the deal, in which Coen waived his right to appeal his sentence. Coen also pleaded no contest to felony counts of grand theft auto and evading a peace officer with willful disregard for the safety of others, charges stemming from separate incidents last year, as well as no contest to damaging jail property when he kicked out the Plexiglas panel in his cell last January.
”It's an effort to reach a just resolution in the case,” Klein said, adding that the motive for the shooting remains unclear but could be the culmination of an argument over a girlfriend of Coen's.
”That's just speculation at this point,” Klein said, adding that Coen was wearing a bulletproof vest as well as a wig to conceal his identity when he entered Cooper's home.
Investigator William Honsal said the district attorney's office investigation into the case began before Coen's arrest, when the Fortuna Police Department was seeking information on the whereabouts of Coen, who was wanted for a parole violation.
Coen was arrested off Highway 36 on July 2, more than 10 hours after allegedly shooting Cooper once in the chest with a .22-caliber handgun at his home on the 3400 block of Hillras Way in Fortuna....
Coen's plea of no contest technically admits no wrongdoing but will be treated by the court as a guilty plea. With a prior felony conviction of assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm resulting in great bodily injury in 2009, the length of Coen's sentence for the July assault will be doubled for a maximum of 21 years.
Lee declined to comment on specifics of how the plea deal was reached. Coen will be required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before being considered eligible for parole. He is due back in court for sentencing on March 28.....
Another plea deal. Klein still unclear. We can hope that the Judge will once again make sure some kind of justice is done. Let's hope Klein at least did his job correctly in that dept.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Protestors jump the shark
◼ Realignment - Critics of Caltrans’ Richardson Grove project stage a rally (they wish was) worthy of the Hurwitz era
And where are the ringleaders? They aren't the ones being hauled off to jail, are they?
No-o-o-o.
Look, kids, wake up. Learn a little bit about trucks and wheel bases before you go off half cocked doing someone else's bidding. If they really cared they'd be there getting arrested with you.
◼ Anon.r.mous' helpful picture guide to STAA trucks.
As you can see above, the ENORMOUS interstate highway sized trucks really aren't that much larger than the trucks that can currently get into Humboldt County. It's just the room for the sleeper. The Volvo VNL 300 (above) has a wheelbase of approx 166" and the VNL 670 (below) has one of approx 221". You can order them longer or shorter. We already allow large STAA style trucks into Humboldt County, and have for years. Some of the longest trucks on the roads are moving vans, which are allowed, and have been allowed on 101 for years. So far, the chaos that the special interest groups such as Paul Cienfuegos and Richard Salzman support has failed to happen
◼ Realignment - Critics of Caltrans’ Richardson Grove project stage a rally (they wish was) worthy of the Hurwitz era
Trial for Michael Coen under way - will Gallegos let him go again?
The jury selection phase of the trial for a Fortuna man accused of attempted murder got under way Wednesday.◼ Trial for Michael Coen under way
Michael Alan Coen faces numerous charges stemming from a July incident in which he allegedly shot Michael Cooper at a home on the 3400 block of Hillras Way, prompting a multi-agency manhunt for his capture. Coen is accused of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm by a felon and resisting arrest.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges, and is in custody at the Humboldt County jail. Coen's criminal trial will trail a revocation hearing, and is slated to begin after the jury is selected.
◼ Trial for man accused of attempted murder to start next week; case will likely be delayed until April
Coen's attorney, alternate conflict counsel David Lee No word on who the prosecutor is.
◼ 'Armed and dangerous' -- authorities arrest suspect in connection with Fortuna shooting
◼ Suspect in Fortuna attempted murder arraigned in Humboldt County court
◼ Hearing pushed back for Fortuna man 8/11/201
◼ Fortuna Police are searching for person of interest
◼ Work with me to rebuild our District Attorney's Office
Remember Coen? C'mon reporters!
In July, a man named Michael Coen was arrested for attempted murder. This was not his first brush with the law. He'd been sent to prison for eight years for an assault that left a man in a coma. This was before Gallegos was elected.◼ A case of judgment; district attorneys wield tremendous discretion
Coen was paroled in 2007, but in March 2008 was picked up for participating in a gang. No charges were filed, and instead the new offense was treated as a parole violation.
In July 2008, he was arrested for his involvement in another beating that resulted in serious injury. Again, no new charges were filed by Gallegos, and again the offense was treated as a simple parole violation. Coen was out in five months.
December 2008 found Coen arrested yet again -- this time for driving under the influence and running from the police. Gallegos charged the DUI, but then pled it down to a less serious offense. Once again, it was treated as a parole violation.
Back out on the streets in May 2009, Coen was immediately re-arrested for participating in a gang. Again, no charges. Another parole violation; another brief stint in jail.
Coen was released again in August 2009. The following month, he assaulted two men, breaking the jaw of one man who happened to be a serviceman home on leave from Iraq.
Even though Coen was already on parole for felony assault, and even though he had five prior parole violations, Gallegos plea bargained this new case and agreed to Coen's release in November 2009.
Three months later, Coen was arrested again. The charges this time -- robbery, car-jacking, illegally possessing a weapon, and participating in a gang. The case was referred to the DA, but for some unexplained reason, it was never charged. At all. Even though the investigating officer reported Coen admitted his involvement. He remained out on the street until he was picked up a few months ago for allegedly attempting to kill a man.
This is one example. There are many more. This year alone there have been 29 felons on parole found to be in possession of firearms. The DA charged only six of those. One parolee was picked up three times for being in possession of a firearm before he was charged. That was when he was found with a loaded Glock in his waistband after being stopped by the California Highway Patrol.
This is where we are. This is what eight years of Gallegos has gotten us.
Yes, they do. Let's see if Paul Gallegos, the great savior of western civilization can actaully do his job this time.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
WHOO HOOOO!
◼ Eureka man pleads guilty to two felony counts
Bradlee Sanders, 24, of Eureka, entered guilty pleas on Tuesday to two felony counts of resisting a law enforcement officer ad two counts of driving on a suspended driver's license.
Bradlee Sanders, 24, of Eureka, entered guilty pleas on Tuesday to two felony counts of resisting a law enforcement officer ad two counts of driving on a suspended driver's license.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Heroin busts uncover ties to Mexico
◼ Heroin busts uncover ties to Mexico - Drug Task Force busts net 5.5 pounds of heroin allegedly shipped by drug trafficking organizations
Agents arrested the four occupants - Arsenio Larios, Marvin Mogollon, Marta Ramirez-Cruz and Rosa Ramirez Cruz, all of Los Angeles - on suspicion of trafficking heroin for sales.
Larios and Magollon both allegedly gave fake names to officers at the scene, and a subsequent record check revealed that Larios had two active felony drug trafficking warrants out of Los Angeles County and Magollon has three prior drug trafficking convictions, according to Harward, who added that both men had previously been deported as felons from the country by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
On Feb. 4, Harward said, agents received information that another car would be delivering a batch of heroin from Los Angeles. At about 2 p.m., agents made contact with the suspect vehicle - a newer black Volkswagen Bug - in the Ray's Food Place parking lot on Broadway in Eureka, and both occupants told agents they were from the Los Angeles area.
Agents again used a drug sniffing dog to check the outside of the car, Harward said, and the dog again gave a positive alert. Harward said agents obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and ultimately found 1.5 pounds of black tar heroin and a large amount of cash in a hidden compartment buried in the vehicles dashboard.
Agents arrested Leonon Gastelum-Rocha of Los Angeles and Jose Carranza-Reyes of Mexicali, Mexico, and booked them into Humboldt County jail on suspicion of trafficking heroin for sales. There's more
Agents arrested the four occupants - Arsenio Larios, Marvin Mogollon, Marta Ramirez-Cruz and Rosa Ramirez Cruz, all of Los Angeles - on suspicion of trafficking heroin for sales.
Larios and Magollon both allegedly gave fake names to officers at the scene, and a subsequent record check revealed that Larios had two active felony drug trafficking warrants out of Los Angeles County and Magollon has three prior drug trafficking convictions, according to Harward, who added that both men had previously been deported as felons from the country by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
On Feb. 4, Harward said, agents received information that another car would be delivering a batch of heroin from Los Angeles. At about 2 p.m., agents made contact with the suspect vehicle - a newer black Volkswagen Bug - in the Ray's Food Place parking lot on Broadway in Eureka, and both occupants told agents they were from the Los Angeles area.
Agents again used a drug sniffing dog to check the outside of the car, Harward said, and the dog again gave a positive alert. Harward said agents obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and ultimately found 1.5 pounds of black tar heroin and a large amount of cash in a hidden compartment buried in the vehicles dashboard.
Agents arrested Leonon Gastelum-Rocha of Los Angeles and Jose Carranza-Reyes of Mexicali, Mexico, and booked them into Humboldt County jail on suspicion of trafficking heroin for sales. There's more
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Investigation continues into drive-by shooting
◼ Investigation continues into drive-by shooting
Shortly before 5 p.m. officers with the Eureka Police Department responded to a report of a fight in progress at the intersection of Carson and Albee streets, according to a press release. As officers were responding to the scene they received a report of shots fired at a residence less than a block away from the fight.
Several witnesses told officers that a vehicle had driven in front of the residence and a male pointed a handgun out of the window and fired several shots, according to the release. Officers were unable to locate anyone involved in the incident and proceeded to search the area for the vehicle involved in the incident.
A short time later, officers stopped a car that matched the description of the vehicle on the 3300 block of Broadway, according to the release, and detained three people. Richard Avery Dorey Jr., 19, was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County jail, where he was charged with violating his probation.
Dorey was on probation for drug sales and weapons violations, according to the release. The other two people in the car at the time were later released, and officers were unable to locate any damaged property or victims from the shooting.
EPD was still investigating the incident on Saturday and was unable to provide more details by the Times-Standard's printing deadline. Anyone with information
Shortly before 5 p.m. officers with the Eureka Police Department responded to a report of a fight in progress at the intersection of Carson and Albee streets, according to a press release. As officers were responding to the scene they received a report of shots fired at a residence less than a block away from the fight.
Several witnesses told officers that a vehicle had driven in front of the residence and a male pointed a handgun out of the window and fired several shots, according to the release. Officers were unable to locate anyone involved in the incident and proceeded to search the area for the vehicle involved in the incident.
A short time later, officers stopped a car that matched the description of the vehicle on the 3300 block of Broadway, according to the release, and detained three people. Richard Avery Dorey Jr., 19, was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County jail, where he was charged with violating his probation.
Dorey was on probation for drug sales and weapons violations, according to the release. The other two people in the car at the time were later released, and officers were unable to locate any damaged property or victims from the shooting.
EPD was still investigating the incident on Saturday and was unable to provide more details by the Times-Standard's printing deadline. Anyone with information
Friday, February 04, 2011
Judge denies Eureka's emergency petition against the Squires' (Or Squireses as the case may be)
◼ Judge denies Eureka's emergency petition against the Squireses
◼ Eureka, DA's office file lawsuit against Squires
For the suit, the city and the DA's office have solicited the help of the Fullerton law firm Jones & Mayer, which lists among its areas of expertise “serving as city prosecutor to cities throughout California regarding criminal and civil enforcement of municipal codes including utilization of red light abatement, drug nuisance abatement, receiverships and unfair business practice statutes.”
A representative of the firm was not immediately available for comment Thursday. (written 1/21/11)
Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos said the goal of the legal action is to have the Squireses bring their properties into compliance or to place the properties into a receivership, which would take charge of the properties and take the actions necessary to bring them into compliance.
Gallegos said he and city officials have been talking about possible action on the Squires properties for years.
”There were many attempts to resolve this without litigation, but those didn't play out,” Gallegos said. “We hope to resolve this in a way that maintains the habitability of the places in a safe and responsible way.”
Gallegos said he and the city decided to reach out to Jones & Mayer because they specialize in this type of action.
”It's a discrete area of law, and we wanted to bring in somebody that could get this job done so we can all move onto the next thing,” he said.
So he's hired it out.
◼ Eureka, DA's office file lawsuit against Squires
For the suit, the city and the DA's office have solicited the help of the Fullerton law firm Jones & Mayer, which lists among its areas of expertise “serving as city prosecutor to cities throughout California regarding criminal and civil enforcement of municipal codes including utilization of red light abatement, drug nuisance abatement, receiverships and unfair business practice statutes.”
A representative of the firm was not immediately available for comment Thursday. (written 1/21/11)
Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos said the goal of the legal action is to have the Squireses bring their properties into compliance or to place the properties into a receivership, which would take charge of the properties and take the actions necessary to bring them into compliance.
Gallegos said he and city officials have been talking about possible action on the Squires properties for years.
”There were many attempts to resolve this without litigation, but those didn't play out,” Gallegos said. “We hope to resolve this in a way that maintains the habitability of the places in a safe and responsible way.”
Gallegos said he and the city decided to reach out to Jones & Mayer because they specialize in this type of action.
”It's a discrete area of law, and we wanted to bring in somebody that could get this job done so we can all move onto the next thing,” he said.
So he's hired it out.