The real soap opera started once we were in the courtroom...

◼ Ryan Robinson's family stares at Judson Stiglich's family; preliminary hearing set for February 17 - John Chiv: Get the whole story at Words Worth

◼ With 33 court cases, five previous criminal cases Judson Stiglich, suspect in the death of Ryan Robinson is no boy scout - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ RELATED: "In the Stiglich case, they charged him with voluntary manslaughter claiming it was a crime of passion. In that case, the victim did not even have a firearm. In our case, the victim had a firearm and it was basically a home invasion." - John Chiv/Words Worth

An offer was made in the Benjamin Carter case; he is the suspect that called LOCO on the lam instead of his defense attorney and is charged with the murder of Zachery Chapman....

Mr. Acosta compared the charging decisions made in this case with another high profile case, that of Judson Stiglich, who is charged with voluntary manslaughter.

"In the Stiglich case, they charged him with voluntary manslaughter claiming it was a crime of passion. In that case, the victim did not even have a firearm. In our case, the victim had a firearm and it was basically a home invasion."

"The new administration did not charge Ben's case, that was Paul's administration," said Mr. Acosta. "We want Ms. Fleming to have an opportunity to review the charges in this case. If they end up losing this trial, it will be very costly for the County."

A busy Monday...

◼ Jury finds James Colby Jr not guilty on all counts of alleged attempted rape and child molestation - John Chiv/Words Worth

James Colby Jr was acquitted of all charges against him a minute ago by a jury consisting of three women and eight men.

◼ Fieldbrook double murder case dates confirmed, didcovery outstanding, defense msy continue once discovery received - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ Court subpoenas reluctant witnesses in Arcata chef stabbing case - John Chiv/Words Worth

This afternoon, there was a pre trial hearing scheduled for Jason Arreaga, the suspect in the double murders that took place in Fieldbrook.

This afternoon there was a pretrial hearing nd a motion to compel attendance of necessary witnesses requested by the defense. The suspect Juan Ferrer is being represented by Marek Reavis from the Conflict Counsel's office. The case was being prosecuted previously by former DA Paul Gallegos.

◼ Laggard witnesses turn up in Arcata chef murder case - Paul Mann/Mad River Union

Three reluctant defense witnesses in the 2013 Arcata chef murder case appeared voluntarily in Humboldt County Superior Court Jan. 26 and affirmed they would return to testify when the trial of suspect Juan Joseph Ferrer begins, probably in April.

At a hearing before Judge Arvid Johnson today, Jan. 26, the three Arcata residents, Sarah Brody, Virginia Jimenez and Cher Southard, agreed to appear initially for jury selection to familiarize themselves with the legal arguments in the prosecution of Ferrer, 36. He is charged with murder in the fatal street-side slaying of Abruzzi chef Douglas Anderson-Jordet, 50, on Nov. 25, 2013. KEEP READING

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I'd note that anyone who has covered the Colby case should be sure to prominently update all posts and articles with the updated news, that he was found Not Guilty on all counts.

UPDATE:
◼ Jury in Fieldbrook double homicide case second trial finds Arreaga not guilty on both counts - John Chiv/Words Worth 2/25/2016

Graphic testimony in Colby case UPDATE: NOT GUILTY of all charges

◼ "People act differently behind closed doors" DDA Brownfield delivers powerful closing against Colby accused of attempted forciple rape and molestation of Jane and John Doe, his foster children - John Chiv/Words Worth

James Colby, a Fortuna resident is charged with Count 1-5: Intent to Commit Forcible Rape, Count 2 Assault/Intent oral copulation with person under age of 18, Count 7 Attempt Forcible Rape and Counts 15 and 16 Lewd/Lasvicious Act with a child under the age of 14.

The alleged victims were his foster children, a young boy 11 years old at the time and his sister, under the age of 18.

According to Colby who testified himself, this is retaliation by Jane Doe because she was upset with his rules. No media has followed this case or was there for closing.

◼ James Colby allegedly told his son he was demonstrating what would have happened if Jane Doe was alone with a boy. "But she wasn't alone with a boy, she was with her father." - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ Graphic testimony in Colby case outlines alleged abuse suffered by Jane and John Doe - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ Earlier: Closing arguments for James Colby, suspect originally accused of oral copulation with minor, to take place tomorrow morning - John Chiv/Words Worth
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Seems like things have already improved at the DA's Office.
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◼ UPDATE: Jury finds James Colby Jr not guilty on all counts of alleged attempted rape and child molestation - John Chiv/Words Worth

James Colby Jr was acquitted of all charges against him a minute ago by a jury consisting of three women and eight men.

Call to action!

Times-Standard says "Winter’s highest tides forecast for this week"

Baykeeper's gotta get you out there shooting pics, right? To use for "the seas are rising" propaganda materials.

Positive change is already evident.

John reports on it. And I have been hearing it from so many people.

◼ In 10 days Maggie has done more than Paul (Gallegos) did in the last 12 years - John Chiv/Words Worth

Paul who?

William Nelson tries to postpone his own sentencing, goes on a fantasy rant; sentenced to life in prison with an additional 20 years

◼ He called his trial a sham, he ranted on about his attorney with the same accusations he made during closing arguments in his outburst and when he got to speak, which is his right, he strung together sentences with unrelated legal words and rambled on. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Judge Miles stated her tentative decision of denying probation and sentencing Nelson to prison for life for attempted homicide of a peace officer with the possibility of parole. She gave him an additional consecutive term of 20 years for the special allegation of discharging of a firearm.

The attorneys got to speak next. " There is not much for the People to say," said Ms. Neel. "This is a mandatory sentence. This is something that did not have to happen. Mr. Nelson does not want to take responsibility for his conduct."

◼ Justice for Bang today? - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ Deputy’s shooter sentenced to life - Times-Standard

Difficult to get answers when there's a gag order in place....

◼ Whose records are being subpoenaed for the case of Fr. Eric's murder? - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ People don't back down, continuance granted, but Bullock trial set for March 2 - John Chiv/Words Worth

...While Judge Feeney did grant the defense motion to continue ghe jury trial for Bullock from January 26, Mr. Andrew Issac who is prosecuting this case with Md. Eads vigorously objected to Mr. Cockrum's date of March 20 or further delays....

Check back at Words Worth for updates - John often updates posts after court closes.

It's not over yet - BUMPED and UPDATED

It will take a long time to fix what has gone wrong in the DA's Office, with its ripples throughout the court system and law enforcement, and you will continue to see stuff like this, which is the direct result of Paul's tenure and mismanagement. Where other departments had largely thrown up their hands, they are ALSO now going to have to buckle down and do a better job. (Probation) So basically, despite efforts to secure justice, this one was allowed to tank... Sad.

◼ Judge Watson flubbed this one; victim still feels like a winner - John Chiv/Words Worth

You let a woman who slashed the mother of her grandchild go free with less than a slap on the wrist....

The original plea deal was approved by Paul. The defense attorney is Nesl Sanders, a Paul supporter....

So Judge Watson made a decision based on probation which screwed up and as a Judge he could have made a different decision.

◼ REACTION: (UPDATE, this one won't be going away) "I believe we have a dishonest judge in our midst who does not believe in victim's rights" - John Chiv/Words Worth

Frequent public meeting commenter and community advocate Kent Sawatsky called Judge Watson out today during public comment at the afternoon session of the Humboldt Board of Supervisors.

"I believe we have a dishonest judge in our midst who does not believe in victim's rights."

Mr. Sawatsky was referring to the Elmy Workman case.

Mr. Sawatsky and the public deserve answers from Judge Watson, the Probation department for their amended probation reports and all involved.

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BACKGROUND:
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◼ Elmy Workman was found guilty of PC 245(a)(1), assault with a deadly weapon and personal infliction of great bodily injury per PC 12022.7. - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Lost Coast Outpost prints the DA's PRESS RELEASE
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Previously/Background:
◼ Sneaky Plea Deal fails

◼ Allison Jackson scores another win for victim; deal between Gallegos and Sanders busted - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ Allison Jackson puts a crimp in secret plea deal - John Chiv/Words Worth Jul 30, 2014
◼ Allison Jackson, who is representing the victim in the Elmy Workman case was never notified that the same plea deal that was rejected by Judge John Feeney was presented again to Judge Dale Reinholtsen. She was not also sure if Judge Reinholtsen had been given the background of the case. - John Chiv/Words Worth Jul 30, 2014
◼ Previous plea deal rejected back on table with no victim notification; exact deal - John Chiv/Words Worth Jun 30, 2014
◼ Judge Feeney tentatively rejects Workman plea deal; final decision is the same, case to go to jury trial - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 15, 2014
◼ Elmy Workman sentencing postponed again, this time defense requests continuance based on amended probation report - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 3, 2014
◼ Elmy Workman sentencing postponed again. - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 20, 2014
◼ Defense and private attorneys run the courtroom under Paul's watch? - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 12, 2014
◼ Another case where comments sections get out of control - Real News From The North Coast June 3, 2012
◼ Suspect arrested after woman stabbed in Arcata - Times-Standard May 31, 2012
◼ Blue Laker Slashed, One Arrested - Arcata Eye May 30, 2012
◼ APD Press Release - May 29, 2012

Benjamin Carter case close to resolution

◼ Jury trial dates were expected to be set today. Instead, (Carter's defense attorney) Mr. Acosta told Judge John Feeney that he had spoken to (DDA) Mr. Brownfield before court and the case is close to resolution. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Will Gary Lee Bullock ever stand trial for the murder of Fr. Eric? Conflict Counsel files 3rd request for continuance

◼ Defense has requested a continuance for the third time now. This is according to information in the court computers. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Why? Won't know until trial confirmation on January 14, the same day this motion will be heard by Judge John Feeney. Since there is a gag order, details will be available only during court. The jury trial was scheduled for January 26....

Finality

◼ Vincent Sanchez sentenced 40 years to life as stipulated - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Vincent Sanchez Sentenced to 40 Years to Life For Last Year’s Eureka Double Murder - Andrew Goff/LoCO

Sanchez was detained back in March at the scene of a double homicide in Eureka. The victims, Sanchez’s half brother 25-year-old Lance Henry and 60-year-old Rick Storre, both died of gunshot wounds to the head.

Sanchez plead guilty to the crime in December.

◼ Sanchez given 40 years to life for Eureka double murder - Times-Standard
BACKGROUND:
◼ Vincent Sanchez held to answer on all charges, before murder smoked bowls of marijuana - John Chiv/Words Worth Aug 13, 2014
◼ His brother preaching to him about Mormonism and gay sex between his brother and Rick Storre bothered Sanchez - John Chiv/Words Worth Aug 13, 2014
◼ Vincent Sanchez confessed and provided description of gun he used to Det. Harpham - John Chiv/Words Worth Aug 13, 2014
◼ Vincent Sanchez preliminary continued at request of DA; new date Aug 13 - John Chiv/Words Worth Jul 21, 2014
◼ Double murder suspect Vincent Sanchez got his wish, or did he? - John Chiv/Words Worth Jul 9, 2014
◼ "I don't want to wait 6 weeks", Vincent Sanchez disposition continued after he argues with his attorney in court - John Chiv/Words Worth Jul 2, 2014
◼ Vincent Sanchez's record requested from Metropolitan State Hospital - John Chiv/Words Worth Jul 2, 2014
◼ Harris double murder suspect Vincent Sanchez court hearing today - John Chiv/Words Worth May 5, 2014
◼ Double murder suspect allegedly gave confession to police, but allegedly also has no recollection of what he did - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 1, 2014
◼ Vincent Sanchez arrested in double murder homicide on Harris - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 27, 2014
◼ EPD: Suspect in Last Night’s Double Homicide in Custody - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost Mar 27, 2014
◼ Homicide in Eureka Home; Caller Tells Police of ‘Large Amount of Blood’ - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost Mar 26, 2014
◼ Eureka Car-Kicking Spree Ends When Suspect Kicks Police Car - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost Feb 11, 2013
◼ Suspected burglar found with sword, hatchet - Sean Garmire/The Times-Standard Jan 14/2009

Prop 47 and Maggie Fleming: Two articles of interest

In this week's North Coast Journal: (Online flip version for now) ◼ Click here ...Grant Scott-Goforth interviews Maggie, for Greenson it's Gallegos on Prop 47.

You'll get some idea of what we're up against.

Here's the 'regular' online version:

◼ Catch and Release - Thaddeus Greenson/The Journal Jan 8, 2015 vol XXVI issue 2

◼ Maggie's Method - Grant Scott-Goforth/The Journal

After living in office limbo for several weeks, Maggie Fleming took over the District Attorney's office at the beginning of the year. Fleming spent much of the last year planning ways to improve the office. On Jan. 2, she sat down with the Journal to discuss some of her ideas and the immediate actions she'll be taking to work with her 10-attorney staff....

EPIC struck again

It's never good.

◼ Year old EPIC lawsuit will prevent local hatchery from spawning fishes - John Chiv/Words Worth

People are upset - developing

Whoa! Coverage!

UPDATE:
◼ Jury in Fieldbrook double homicide case second trial finds Arreaga not guilty on both counts - John Chiv/Words Worth 2/25/2016

◼ Fieldbrook double murder suspect in court, February trial date set - Will Houston, Eureka Times-Standard

A man and woman were also in the car with Arreaga when he was pulled over on U.S. Highway 101 at the Singley Hill offramp in Loleta a few hours after the shootings. Multiple attempts to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office regarding any investigation into the two individuals were not immediately returned.

◼ Trial setting in fatal shooting delayed - Will Houston, Eureka Times-Standard

The setting of Benjamin Jasper Carter’s murder trial date was continued until next week during a Monday hearing at the Humboldt County Courthouse due to a possible change in prosecutors....

Deputy District Attorney Luke Brownfield told presiding Judge John T. Feeney that a possible change in prosecutors could take place before the trial. Along with that, Brownfield said that they were “still talking about possible resolutions.”

◼ Jury selection in Rancho Sequoia murder trial to begin Jan. 12 - Will Houston, Eureka Times-Standard

Matthew Aaron Brown, 30, is accused of fatally shooting 49-year-old Neil Decker on July 18 over a personal property dispute. He has pleaded not guilty to one charge of murder with two special allegations — the intentional use of a firearm and the use of a firearm that caused great bodily injury or death.

◼ "The body has been cremated so there is nothing left to analyze"; Benjamin Carter So Hum murder suspect hearing continued due to possible change of counsel from DA's office. - John Chiv/Words Worth

DDA Luke Brownfield told Judge John Feeney that there would be a possible change of counsel. He alluded to his change of assignment. With Maggie Fleming being sworn in today as Humboldt's new District Attorney, that news does not come as a surprise.

◼ Alderpoint murder suspect Matthew Brown spares us theatrics today while his jury trial date is confirmed. - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Fieldbrook double murder suspect jury trial set for February 23. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Fieldbrook double murder suspect jury trial set for February 23

◼ The charges are murder in Count 1 of Harley Wayne Hammers and Count 2 murder of Angel Tully , both felonies. Two special allegations for both counts: personally and intentionally discharging a firearm and personally and intentionally discharging a firearm resulting in great bodily injury or death. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Stay tuned, John will have updates as they come...

Key supporters and well wishers pack the room to celebrate Maggie's first day as DA

◼ Pics at Words Worth

End of an error

January 5th, 2015

Fleming to make Humboldt DA history on Monday

◼ Paul Gallegos prepares to leave office after 12 years as Humboldt County district attorney. - Juniper Rose, Eureka Times-Standard 01/03/15, 10:09 PM PST

Gallegos, 52, announced last November that he was not going to run for a fourth term. The decision was multifaceted, Gallegos said.

“I saw that the job as a district attorney is to make tough decisions all the time,” Gallegos said. “To make tough decisions on behalf of the community, and to protect the individual from the community and to protect the community from the individual.”

Over the years, Gallegos launched a controversial and ultimately unsuccessful lawsuit against the Pacific Lumber Company, survived the resulting recall attempt, was re-elected twice, saw many of his experienced prosecutors leave, and was criticized for his office’s charging decisions in several cases, but along the way he persistently maintained that his No. 1 priority was equal access to government for all of the citizens of Humboldt County.

Gallegos said he prefers not to dwell on the past 12 years, and that it is time for him to move on.

This realization was spurred by his oldest son — who wasn’t even in elementary school when Gallegos took office — leaving for college.

“Because the community had entrusted me with this position, I felt that my priority needed to be the community,” he said. “Twelve years later, my kid is getting ready to go to college and I was confronted with all the things I wanted to do with him that I hadn’t done. I am not going to let that happen with my other kids, I won’t get to undo those things, but I’m going to be there for my kids.”

Gallegos also has a daughter in high school and a son who is 12.

He plans to return to working with his wife at the private law firm they started together and take the time to surf, hike and climb mountains with his kids. He said his wife tells him almost every day how happy she is about his decision.

FRUITION...

◼ Feds Finally Assert Humboldt’s Right to Trinity River Water Under 1955 Agreement - Ryan Burns/LoCo
◼ Interior opinion upholds Humboldt’s right to promised Trinity water - Times-Standard
◼ Yes, That's Humboldt County's Water - GRANT SCOTT-GOFORTH/North Coast Journal JAN 2, 2015

Four years after a request from the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, the federal government has decided, per a solicitor's review, that the county does indeed have the right to an annual 50,000 acre-feet of water it was promised back when the Trinity River was dammed....

From the comments: Robert Ulibarri says: How about after twelve years after a request from the Hoopa Valley Tribe. Supervisor Kirk was actually against pursuing this effort. Jill Duffy actually formed the alliance with Hoopa because the Sups did not wish to expend attorney funds in this matter. Yes, four years ago the Sups submitted a resolution, but this issue dates back to 1954.

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A LITTLE BACKGROUND (2004):

FIGHTING FOR SALMON: Supervisor Jill Geist's quixotic crusade to re-activate a 45-year-old county contract with the Department of the Interior took another step forward on Tuesday, after the Board of Supervisors voted to send a letter to Interior Secretary Gale Norton demanding that she release from reservoirs near Weaverville 50,000 acre-feet of Trinity River water. In 1959, the county signed a contract with the federal government that awarded the county that amount of water from the Trinity Reservoir for "beneficial use" of Humboldt County residents, but the water has never been delivered. Today, the county hopes to use the water to protect salmon in the Klamath/Trinity watershed. The county sent a similar letter to the federal government last year but got no response. Geist is writing an op-ed piece on the subject for the Sacramento Bee. ◼ April 8, 2004 North Coast Journal
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And - Arcata, Eureka, Fortuna, Siskiyou, Del Norte, Mendocino, and Trinity counties, and all sorts of organizations sent letters of support. Humboldt Bay Harbor District, Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, McKinleyville Community Services District, Klamath Water Users Association, Pacific Coast Fisherman's Federation Association... others.... Feinstein, Boxer, Thompson, Chesbro, Berg.... ◼ http://tinyurl.com/nz86ugy March 2003, ◼ http://tinyurl.com/nj5nzrj - March 2005