Showing posts with label Chiv's Court Beat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chiv's Court Beat. Show all posts

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Was he set up?

That was going to be the title of my post. After ◼ reading the testimony at Chiv's blog, I texted a friend and said 'it's going to be NOT GUILTY.' John's reporting gives you the full flavor of the trial...

And today, the verdict came in; John reports ◼ Jason Daniels, ex HCSO deputy found not guilty on all counts (Jun 16, 2016 1:22 PM )

Read more at the link(s). Plus KMUD interviewed John about the case...

Jury declares former Humboldt County Sheriff’s Sergeant accused Sexual Assault Not Guilty - News Channel 3
Former HCSO Sgt. Jason Daniels Found Not Guilty - North Coast Journal
Daniels found not guilty on all counts - Mad River Union
Former sheriff’s sergeant found not guilty on all counts - Times-Standard

◼ EARLIER: Verdict in for sexual assault case for ex HCSO deputy Jason Daniels
Daniels' jury sends in three notes for readbacks, one after another while court is in process of the first request
Jason Daniel's jury asks for readback of Jane Doe #1's friend's testimony
Defense wants to have it both ways"
"Jason Daniels fell prey to two desperate opportunists"; defense calls alleged victims con
"This is really a case about unchecked power."
Closing arguments over in Jason Daniels' case, jury started deliberations at 11:15
Jason Daniels denies any wrongdoing with Jane Doe #1; says he never had any contact and does not know Jane Doe #2
"Did you want any of what Mr. Daniels did to you to happen?"
"He doesn't like that, he pushes me back on the car. "I am trying to stand up. My hands are in front of me. I said, 'what the hell" He said, "yeah, you like that'. He is sliding my underwear and violently pushing his hand inside me"
Jury trial finally begins for ex HCSO Deputy Jason Daniels who is charged with on duty sexual assault - May 31
Jane Doe gives graphic testimony of sexual assault and Daniels asking her "Do you like that?" - March 24

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Get the latest court updates

If you like the running updates, and like staying informed as to what is going on in the courthouse or following a particular case, (and many of you do), bookmark and subscribe to John Chiv's blog and Like/Follow John on Facebook, Follow John on Twitter at @wordsworth318 .... you’ll be in the know. If you usually come in via LoCo’s ‘Elsewhere’ LoCo isn’t going to be linking the updates, so you’ll have to wait for their new end of the day recap and links. Chiv's also linked at watchpaul, SamoaSoftball, Eric Kirk's SoHum Parlance, and on occasion on Kym Kemp's RedHeaded Blackbelt.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Court Beat: The human face of the criminal justice system

Drug busts, plea deals, high profile cases that make headlines. The media covers those but the daily grind of following a case from start to finish is not something that entices a reporter or reader. Usually.

The human face of the criminal justice system are the addicts, the mentally ill, the abused, the poor, the ones who do not have the support of family or friends yet survive and succeed.

This last week, there have been at least two success stories that were very heartwarming. This happened in two courtrooms this week, as I waited for yet another case to be called. The case I was covering was grinding its way through the painstaking slow criminal justice procedures; dates being reset, resolutions being discussed.

I like to follow the life of the case. It is one of the reasons I do this regular court beat. It gives a view into the reality of the criminal justice system....Read the rest, at the link.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Trying to keep up with Chiv's Court Beat

Well-known and loved Hoopa community leader Marion McCovey to be arraigned today; was booked for marijuana cultivation, child endangerment and other charges
...Judge Marilyn Miles Courtroom 2...in addition to Marian Earl McCovey, Sr, two other defendants were arraigned. The co-defendants are Marion Earl McCovey, Jr and Romeo Blue McCovey.

Mr. McCovey, Sr is well-known in the Hoopa community for his work with the Hoopa Youth Center, Hoopa Tribe Recreation Department, he coached youth in basketball,baseball and was formerly employed with the Klamath United Trinity School District.

The charges for each defendant include both felonies and misdemeanors. Jackie Pizzo is prosecuting this case for the People.

All three defendants were present in the courtroom, they are not in custody. Mr. McCovey, Sr is being represented by Jeffrey Schwartz. Judge Miles appointed the Public Defender Casey Russo to represent Mr.McCovey, Jr and the Conflict Counsel supervising attorney Mr. Greg Elvine-Kreis to represent Mr. Romeo Blue McCovey.

The charges against each defendant were read by Judge Miles with the appropriate code and then stated as following: for Mr. McCovey, Sr. are Count 1 marijuana cultivation, Count 2, marijuana for sale, Count 3 child abuse and Count 4 contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

For Mr. McCovey, Jr and Romeo Blue McCovey the charges are the same. Count 1 is cultivation of marijuana, Count 2 marijuana for sale and Count 3 contributing to the deliquency of a minor.
Human trafficking with a minor, new count added to David Anderson case

Press releases:

Attempted Murder suspect from Sonoma County arrested in Weott
One Mckinleyville armed robbery suspect identified
Statistics and Sex Offender's registration compliance sweep information, Eureka outnumbers other locations

Election wise:

Yurok Tribe endorses Elan Firpo for District Attorney
Ryan Sundberg endorsed by the Hoopa tribe
Hoopa Council interviews Maggie and Elan at Council meeting

Plus:

From DA's office to Clanton Law Firm, now Ben McLaughlin has his own practice

Friday, March 28, 2014

CHIV'S COURT BEAT

Warren case written ruling on 995 motion to dismiss decision on April 9
I feel bad for the families of the victims who have come to court twice to hear the decision on this motion.
In Warren case oral arguments, Robinson goes off on wierd analogy of Malaysian aircraft
Day 2 Bryson goes to bat for Crossland again
EPD says it is not worth it....
(Not worth it) to text and drive during April. Does not matter if you are easy on the eyes or think you are funny and can talk your way out of a ticket, April will be zero tolerance month for you smart phone addicts!
Assault on victim in Willow Creek aggravating victim's medical condition
Vincent Sanchez arrested in double murder homicide on Harris
- John Chiv/Words Worth

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Chiv's Court Beat: A lighter note

Bryson win 1 and Brownfield win 1 and Judge Feeney adding humor to a packed day - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ But it's not all light: Arriaga case dismissed, Miller gets a bit of reprieve, Miller's hubby tries to physically block me in effort to intimidate - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ Related: Attempted burglary arrest results in mental health evaluation - John Chiv/Words Worth
On 03-12-2014 at about 2350 hours the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence located in the 1700 block of Quaker Street, Eureka, regarding a residential burglary alarm. When deputies arrived on scene they saw a male and female suspect inside of the residence through a bedroom window. Deputies then detained both of those suspects as they exited the residence. Both of the suspects were carrying items in their hands.

The two suspects were identified as Misty Dawn Miller age 29 and Brian Anthony Arriaga age 33. Deputies were able to contact the owner of the residence, who confirmed that they did not know both of the suspects and they did not have their permission to be in the residence....
Burglary Suspect Held for Mental Health Evaluation - Lost Coast Outpost
When Deputies spoke to Miller about entering the residence she admitted that she had, because she was looking for her daughter and heard her daughter’s voice coming from inside the residence. After speaking to Miller further, deputies determined that Miller was having mental health issues.
Eureka burglary suspects arrested - Times-Standard (h/t: anon :))

Friday, March 21, 2014

On reporting, and, NOT reporting.

What is the value of a human life? It is not just Paul that irks me - John Chiv/Words Worth

...I do not cover cases off press releases. The Cook case has been going on for a year, no one covered it, not even after I posted the first report. The Workman case, same thing. We do have a shortage of reporters but we seem to have article after article on the same polarizing issues and people show up at BOS and City Council meetings for the GPU or ridiculous stuff like raw milk yet cases like the Cook case that affect lives and generations go unnoticed.... Read the rest at the link.

Gallegos IS seeking the death penalty against Jason Anthony Warren

A Capital Question: A May trial could bring the death penalty debate to the foreground in the DA race - Thadeus Greenson/The Journal

...With little attention or fanfare, Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos is seeking the death penalty against Jason Anthony Warren in a case scheduled to go to trial in May. If a jury ultimately convicts and condemns Warren, it would be the first time Humboldt has sent someone to death row in nearly 25 years....

The 29-year-old, who has a violent history, stands accused of torturing and killing a Hoopa woman, Dorothy Ulrich, on the morning of Sept. 26, 2012 before taking a car from her residence and driving to Eureka, where he allegedly intentionally hit three runners, killing Suzanne Seemann and seriously injuring Jessica Hunt and Terri Vroman-Little. A gag order was issued in the case shortly after Warren was charged, preventing officials from speaking publicly about the case. Consequently, Gallegos has been unable to explain his rationale for pursuing the death penalty for the first time in his tenure as DA....

During the first debate in the race to replace Gallegos next year, the four candidates — Allan Dollison, Elan Firpo, Maggie Fleming and Arnie Klein — were asked for their thoughts on the death penalty.

Dollison, a former deputy district attorney and a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, said he supports capital punishment in limited cases. "It should be on the table," he said. Fleming, also a former deputy district attorney now working in County Counsel's office, generally agreed, saying it's a "most-extraordinary punishment" that should be reserved for certain cases. Fleming noted that, in her decades as a prosecutor, she never once felt it was appropriate for a case she was handling.

On the other end of the spectrum, Firpo said plainly she's against capital punishment. "I don't think civilized societies kill people for killing people," she said. "It just doesn't make sense." Klein, who has a 40-year history in criminal law including 20 years as a prosecutor, offered a scattershot answer. First, he said he used to believe in the punishment, noting he was a young prosecutor who felt he had God on his side and believed cops never lied. But, Klein said, he's "evolved" and now prefers pursuing a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. He also noted that in California, "we don't really have a death penalty, so seeking one doesn't make sense."
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Death Penalty in Warren case that may be dismissed but Tree gets a pass, what is Paul's thought process? - John Chiv/Words Worth
...Thad explained that the decision to seek the death penalty against Warren was not a recent one and that Paul made that call a while ago, Thad thinks possibly even before the preliminary hearing. There is a gag order in the case and Thad mentioned since not all reporters can show up for every hearing, not all of us may know about the gag order. This is true, I have seen that myself. One of the reasons I chose to go to every hearing in a case I cover.

Thad wanted to stress Paul did not release this information to him....

There is a death penalty policy that the Humboldt County District Attorney's office has and due to space, Thad could not include it in the story. While he shared it with me, I did not get it from Paul nor does it have a date so Paul how do you come to these decisions involving a person's life?
What is the Death Penalty Policy?
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So much time has gone by, and only now this comes out. Do we have the manpower or the resources for this case? Does he have time to try this between now and December? Remember, he leaves in January. This case will end up dropped in the lap of the incoming DA - another f-up for them to deal with. IMO

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Another busy court calendar...

From Chiv's COURT BEAT:

Local realtor Randy Cook sentenced to 270 days in County jail and led away in cuffs - John Chiv/Words Worth
It should have been a slam dunk and he could have gotten away but some justice did prevail today for Randall Miles Cook's present victim, his own 7 year old grandaughter. And perhaps some closure for the victims that never got their day in court. There have been allegations before and whispers in the community and many reasons other victims did not get to tell their story....

This case is being prosecuted by DDA Kelly Neel. The defendant is being represented by Michael Robinson and Judge Marilyn Miles presiding in Courtroom 2.
Elmy Workman sentencing postponed again. - John Chiv/Words Worth
Judge Feeney presiding in Courtroom1. Jason Sheets (instead of Luke Brownfield just today) for the People. Neal Sanders for the defendant, Elmy Workman. Allison Jackson, for the victim, Angela Pitts who she is representing pro-bono in this case.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Paul Gallegos gets continuance in defense request to dismiss Warren case

From Chiv's COURT BEAT:

There were supposed to be oral arguments in the Jason Warren case today. - John Chiv/Words Worth

...Defense filed a motion to dismiss certain counts. Judge John Feeney presiding in Courtroom 1, Kevin Robinson representing Jason Warren and District Attorney Paul Gallegos is prosecuting the case.

Today oral arguments were supposed to be heard on a 995 Motion. A California Penal Code 995 motion is a request for the judge to dismiss one or more counts of the complaint. A motion to dismiss can be filed after a preliminary hearing on a felony case.

The defense was requesting that counts 2, 3 and 4 be dismissed. Mr. Gallegos asked the court to review all exhibits in the case before the 995 hearing and making a decision. Judge Feeney agreed and granted Mr. Gallegos' request. The defense and Warren submitted on the continuance.

The oral arguments will be heard on March 27 at 3 p.m.
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Another high-profile case, David Anderson with Luke Brownfield for the People and Ben McLaughlin for the defense. Anderson was arraigned on complaints filed on March 11, 2104. This case was re-filed....

Courtroom 1 was the happening courtroom to be in today with Paul Gallegos, Patrik Griego, Ben McLaughlin, Allan Dollison, Glenn Brown and few others all in the same afternoon. Sort of a star-studded attorney line-up. The Littlefield case was also on calendar today, which is being prosecuted by Mr. Gallegos.

Read the rest at the link
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It's been a busy week:
Miller and Arriaga appointed counsel, future dates set, Miller was suspect held for mental health evaluation - John Chiv/Words Worth
Misty Dawn Miller and Brian Anthony Arriaga were in court today were appointed counsel. Judge John Feeney presiding in Courtroom 1. Luke Brownfield for the People....

Both requested a Bail OR hearing which is on March 19; Intervention on March 24 and Preliminary hearing on March 27. Same court dates for both.
As the wheel of justice slowly turns in Humboldt: Borgner court update - John Chiv/Words Worth
...Lance Borgner had Kaleb Cockrum from Conflict Counsel appointed for two more cases with charges filed by District Attorney on March 11. Judge Feeney presiding in Courtroom 1. Luke Brownfield for the People.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Toldja. No death penalty in Bodhi Tree Arcata double murder


Death penalty not sought in Bodhi Tree case, trial continued to April 7 - John Chiv/Words Worth
...Witness lists had been exchanged. Ms. Firpo told the Court that the Defense intended to have an expert witness and while she had a CD, she did not have the accompanying report. Therefore, Ms. Firpo requested the trial date be continued.

Ms. Holmquist said the report would be given to Ms. Firpo by the end of the week. Both sides agreed on the April 7 date. Judge Reinholtsen noted based on the list of witnesses, this could potentially be a long trial. There was discussion about questionnaires and jury selection.

April 2 is the Trial Readiness date to discuss any outstanding evidentiary issues.
Tree's trial date pushed back to April 7 - Kimberly Wear/The Times-Standard
The man accused of fatally shooting a teenage girl and the man who came to her defense at an Arcata home in May will not face the death penalty if convicted of their murders, Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos said Monday.

”The death penalty is not being pursued in the Bodhi Tree case,” he said.

The department has a review process for all cases which qualify for the death penalty, including a detailed review of the facts and allowing the defense to present mitigating factors about the defendant, according to Gallegos.
Uh-huh.
During a court hearing on Monday, Tree's trial was pushed to April 7 to allow Deputy District Attorney Elan Firpo time to receive a report about an expert witness the defense plans to call at trial. She said the prosecution plans to call 57 witnesses.

”I'm requesting a continuation of the trial, so I can review that report with my experts,” Firpo said.

Gallegos: No Death Penalty in Arcata Double Murder Case - Thadeus Greenson/the Journal
Tree has pleaded not guilty to the charges and faces 50 years to life in prison if convicted in the case. The Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office is expected to announce its decision not to pursue the death penalty in the case at a hearing this afternoon. Read prior Journal coverage of the case ◼ here. (image(s) source)
EARLIER:
Bodhi Tree determination re death penalty case yet to be determined - John Chiv/Words Worth
Rhett August, Tree's alleged victim, released on cruz waiver on his own court case - John Chiv/Words Worth
The trial for a man accused of murdering a teenage girl and the man who was apparently trying to defend her was set Friday for March 24. - Lorna Rodriguez/The Times-Standard
...Judge Dale Reinholtsen presiding. Elan Firpo, prosecutor. Attorney for Tree, Heidi Holmquist.... - John Chiv/Words Worth
Bodhi Tree to be charged with Eureka shooting; details emerge in Arcata double homicide, defendant's mental health history - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard
...Tree, an ex-convict who court documents indicate has a history of mental illness and had been released from prison just six weeks before he is alleged to have opened fire in a Eureka neighborhood. The court documents also indicate Tree confessed to the Arcata killings, telling a friend he'd “just shot two people.”
Officials: Bodhi Tree is 'person of interest' in last week's Eureka shooting - Times-Standard
Police Looking at Bodhi Tree as a ‘Person of Interest’ in Eureka Shooting Last Week - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
Arcata double homicide suspect pleads not guilty: Case eligible for the death penalty - Lorna Rodriguez/The Times-Standard
FOURTH UPDATE: No bail for double homicide suspect - The Times-Standard 5/18
Officials: Looking for gun used in weekend's double homicide - The Times-Standard 5/21
DOUBLE HOMICIDE ON EYE STREET (Update 2) - Kevin Hoover/Arcata Eye
Update: Police searching for Arcata double homicide suspect - Times Standard
Suspected Double Homicide in Arcata This Morning (UPDATING) - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
Bodhi Tree, 28, arrested in connection with this morning's double homicide. - Kevin Hoover/Arcata Eye
SECOND UPDATE: Police ID suspect arrested in double homicide - Times Standard
Bodhi Tree Booked On Two Counts Of Murder - Kevin Hoover/Arcata Eye
A footnote to history: Bodhi Tree is used to being arrested, sometimes with the aid of APD K-9 officers. He has a history of petty crime in Arcata and elsewhere.... - Arcata Eye Facebook
High Speed Chase Ends with Officers uh…Treeing Suspect (click here for previous arrest information) - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost
THIRD UPDATE: APD details search, arrest of double homicide suspect - Times Standard

Parents of Murder Victim: ‘Her Light Will Always Shine’ - Ryan Burns/The Journal (image source)

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Elan Firpo has requested Paul Gallegos reassign the Ferrer case; this and more at the Arcata Town Hall meeting today

"I have asked the District Attorney, Paul Gallegos, to reassign the People v. Juan Ferrer case." - John Chiv/Words Worth
"The recent exchanges in the media and misinformed, misguided grandstanding of some of my campaign opponents have mired a very serious and difficult case in politics.

As a prosecutor, I take seriously both the obligation that all matters be handled based on the facts and the rule of law, and that even that appearance of impropriety from political influence be avoided. Justice can only be served at this point if it is disentangled from the political campaign."
This is one of the things Elan will be mentioning to day at a Town Hall meeting today from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Arcata Community Center today. If you have not met Elan, this is a chance for you to talk with her in person...

Élan Firpo: Town Hall in Arcata

WHEN: Sunday, March 16th 2:00 pm.
WHERE: Arcata Community Center Senior Dining Room
321 Community Park Way, Arcata
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◼ WEB: elanfirpo.comABOUTSUPPORTERSDONATE

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

William Duane Hillegeist denied release due to public safety concerns

Judge Feeney said that while he acknowledges that Hillegeist is a permanent resident and is sorry to hear about medical hardships, that supervised release request and releasing Hillegeist on his own recognizance was denied due to the following reasons.... - John Chiv/Words Worth

...the new charges included possession of a controlled substance, new offenses were
committed while Hillegeist was out on OR bail
and that Judge Feeney had concerns for public safety.

...Judge John Feeney presiding, Jason Sheets for the People and Public Defender Meagan O'Connell for the defendant.

◼ Previously: Duo arrested for stolen property, gunshots fired near Freshwater Park - John Chiv/Words Worth
(UPDATING) Reports of Major Law Enforcement Presence in Freshwater (AUDIO) - Lost Coast Outpost
From the comments: ernie branscomb
Is anyone getting tired of these people being turned back loose? He will probably end up killing someone before they put him away for a couple of years.
McKinleyville Man Arrested With Pot, Meth & Heroin - Mad River Union

Monday, March 10, 2014

Gallegos to decide whether or not to pursue the death penalty in Bodhi Tree - DOUBLE - murder case.

Bodhi Tree determination re death penalty case yet to be determined - John Chiv/Words Worth

The Bodhi Tree trial is still set for March 24. Whether this will be a case in which the death penalty will be sought or not is a determination not yet made. Elan Firpo, who is prosecuting the case for the People told the court that "Mr. (Paul) Gallegos (District Attorney) will be making that determination."

That decision is expected to be made by March 17, which is the date for Trial Readiness Conference, at a special set time of 4 p.m. Trial Assignment Conference is at 8:30 a.m. on March 21.

Bodhi Tree is charged with allegedly shooting Rhett August on May 15 in Eureka and allegedly murdering Alan “Sunshine” Marcet and Christina Schwarz in Arcata on May 18.

Before his case was called, Tree briefly talked to one of his attorneys, Public Defender Casey Russo. His other attorney is Public Defender Heidi Holmquist....

Judge Dale Reinholtsen asked when the determination would be made about this being a death penalty case, at which point Ms. Firpo stated the date and that Mr. Gallegos would be making that decision. This is relevant because if it is a death penalty case, there are procedures to be followed.
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'Chiv'd' - another word for 'Scooped!'
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KIEM report
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Here's what PVG is playing with. A thorough overview of the relevant state and federal issues from the Federal Circuit court that would get any appeal from Mr. Tree.

ca9.uscourts.gov/district/guides/capital_punishment_handbook.pdf

Gallegos NOT on the ballot

Confirmed, Paul not on the ballot this election - John Chiv/Words Worth

Judge Hinrichs, Judge Feeney and Judge Miles filed for re-election.
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Sunday, March 02, 2014

Shiloh Chase, one of the many repeat offenders or when you should have bail bonds and an attorney on retainer


Press release from EPD:

On 03-01-2014 at about 8:01 am, officers of the Eureka Police Department located a suspicious vehicle at the 1300 block of H Street in Eureka. A records check of the vehicle revealed that it had been reported stolen to the Arcata Police Department on 2-9-2014.

Officers contacted the solo occupant/driver of the vehicle, identified as Shiloh John Chase (36 years old of Eureka). Chase was soon taken into custody for possession of stolen property. A search of his person recovered suspected methamphetamine.

Chase was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on charges of possession of stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, and probation violation. He is being held on $25,000 bail.

EPD Cleans Up Two Arcata-Related Situations - Mad River Union
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...Chase was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on charges of possession of stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, and probation violation. He is being held on $25,000 bail. Just a week ago, he had three cases on court calendar...

I picked Shiloh Chase because he has been in trouble in 2010 and before and is one of those names that I remember. There are others. I see them back again time and time on the court calendar. Could have researched more cases and more evidence of drugs being involved. However, he isn't the only repeat revolving door offender. We have many that law enforcement and probation and the court are familiar with that just keep coming back.

While I do think that realignment has affected crime and consequences, Humboldt County had an issue before that. These repeat offenders know every way to scam the system, they beg and plead this time they have learned their lesson, now they will seek therapy, and they will never, again commit a crime.

And attorneys file papers, the alleged criminal doesn't like the result, he/she hires another attorney. The system is set up for these scammers. I could go research the many cases Shiloh Chase and others I recognize have had in the court system for even just the past 5 years.

I am all for consitutional rights and due process but how many times do you have to be arrested and not just for alleged non-violent crimes or petty theft and with drugs? Again, the above questions are not all for situations involving Chase.

How many times do you have to get away scott- free and have the money to hire a private attorney each time before it's enough and you actually have to pay for your crimes?

(This is an excerpt. read the whole thing at the link)

Frequent flier Shiloh Chase gets another slap on the wrist - John Chiv/Words Worth

Four cases for Shiloh Chase were up for Disposition and Rest this afternoon in Judge Feeney's court. Luke Brownfield for the People and Public Defender Heidi Holmquist for Chase.... A few fines, a little jail time. People did not ask for restitution today, reserved for future.... Shiloh looked cool and relaxed before his case was called, after all he knew there are never any real consequences.

Saturday, March 01, 2014

PHOTO UPDATED: The wanted individuals depicted on this list are presently being sought by EPD for theft related offenses.


We are reaching out to the community for their help in locating these suspects. Anyone encountering the listed subjects should not attempt to contact or apprehend them, but rather call the ◼ Eureka Police Department immediately at (707) 441-4044 or (707) 441-4060.

Only 3 suspects left from Eureka's Most Wanted Poster Number 1 - John Chiv/Words Worth

Good work. NOW, let's hope the DA's Office does their part.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Case dismissed. Another spectacular failure of the Gallegos DAs Office

Former DeputyDA Ben McLaughlin (now defense attorney) scores a win against former co-worker - John Chiv/Words Worth

...kidnapping, rape by force, forcible copulation of a minor victim, sexual battery, unlawful sexual intercourse, threats to commit crime resulting in death and false imprisonment... (VERY SERIOUS STUFF!) The defense had filed a motion that there was failure to provide adequate discovery. (SUCH A BASIC THING!)

Prosecutor Luke Brownfield. Defense: Ben McLaughlin Judge: Feeney

- - developing - -

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This may be a 'win' for Ben Mclaughlin, whose partner is the on-again-off-again Assistant District Attorney (who, of course, must recuse herself from any action on this and any other case involving Ben and the firm he now works for) - but it is NOT a win for the people of this community.

Innocent til proven guilty - but a case like that falls through the cracks? That is a terrible thing.