◼ Beyond Vilica, Hedlund and Schectman's relationship is murky. In a letter to the federal probation office, Schectman said he took Hedlund under his wing as a paralegal and a clerk, and even tried to help him gain a State Bar apprenticeship.
However, after pleading guilty, Hedlund told the government that he had moved his office into Schectman's "to protect [my] documents from seizure by federal authorities," according to a DEA affidavit.
Hedlund entered his plea on Feb. 4, 2008, after preparing his holdings for forfeiture. On Feb. 3, Schectman resigned as Vilica's president. Hedlund's sentencing is scheduled for the end of this month; the government is seeking 63 months in prison.
That was Pubdate: Fri, 13 Feb 2009
Showing posts with label Recall-Shill Steve Schectman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recall-Shill Steve Schectman. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
One to watch: Excellent piece on Kevin Hoover and the grow house saga
◼ The Journal Eye Blackened
There's no love lost between the Arcata marijuana grow house scene and Kevin Hoover, editor/publisher of the Arcata Eye.
As neighborhood backlash against grows increases, as police takedowns become ever more common, and as national media take unwelcome notice of the quirky little town with 1,000 indoor pot farms, growers have pinned their frustrations on Hoover, who reports on the industry just about every week in his newspaper. He's been attacked in his own pages and on the Web. His motives have been impugned in flyers that were hung around town. Weed-related businesses have pulled their ads.
Now, though, one defendant in a criminal grow house bust has taken matters a step further -- by attempting to rope Hoover into his case. Daniel Carbonneau, who was arrested on June 25 after a raid at an Old Arcata Road home uncovered 275 pot plants and four pounds of marijuana, has subpoenaed a long list of internal Arcata Eye documents and correspondence, apparently in an effort to prove that Hoover had been working with the police.
"This is a common tactic -- to make the reporter part of the story so they can't report on it," Hoover said outside a Humboldt County courtroom Tuesday. A hearing on the matter had been scheduled for that morning, but was postponed to January 12.
Since Hoover intends to battle the subpoena, the case could turn out to be a test of California's shield law, which generally protects reporters from being compelled by a court to turn over unpublished information relating to their work. Shield laws in California and other states are founded on the idea that reporters must be able to operate independently of law enforcement, and must be able to protect confidential sources and other privileged material if the press is to function.
But Carbonneau attorney Steve Schectman, who has worked extensively in California medical marijuana law, alleged Tuesday that Hoover already does work with the law enforcement in documenting and taking out grow houses. Schectman said that he had plenty of "anecdotal" evidence to suggest that Hoover operated as a police informant in his client's case, and therefore is not entitled to immunity under the shield law....
Vilca/Recall-shill Steve Schectman resurfaces, and there's never anything good when he enters the picture. He's becoming the poster child for a muscular new kind of criminal arrogance that breaks laws and then demands everyone not only overlook that and not hold them accountable, but give them a whole new slew of rights and accommodations.
Re: Daniel Carbonneau: (and remember to click the Schectman link in the left sidebar labels)
◼ TS APD serves pot warrant, one arrested 06/26/2009
The Arcata Police Department seized 275 growing marijuana plants, along with about four pounds of processed marijuana, and arrested one man on suspicion of illegal cultivation Thursday.
According to an Arcata Police Department press release, Daniel Carbonneau, 38, of Arcata, was arrested without incident and booked into the Humboldt County jail on suspicion of illegal marijuana cultivation.
Keep up the good work, Kevin. Many, many people in the community support you.
Just for Fun:
Great Christmas Gifts - Order Kevin Hoover’s acclaimed Police Log books!
The Police Log: True Crime & More from Arcata, California
The Police Log II: The Nimrod Imbroglios
ON THIS DAY IN ARCATA
There's no love lost between the Arcata marijuana grow house scene and Kevin Hoover, editor/publisher of the Arcata Eye.
As neighborhood backlash against grows increases, as police takedowns become ever more common, and as national media take unwelcome notice of the quirky little town with 1,000 indoor pot farms, growers have pinned their frustrations on Hoover, who reports on the industry just about every week in his newspaper. He's been attacked in his own pages and on the Web. His motives have been impugned in flyers that were hung around town. Weed-related businesses have pulled their ads.
Now, though, one defendant in a criminal grow house bust has taken matters a step further -- by attempting to rope Hoover into his case. Daniel Carbonneau, who was arrested on June 25 after a raid at an Old Arcata Road home uncovered 275 pot plants and four pounds of marijuana, has subpoenaed a long list of internal Arcata Eye documents and correspondence, apparently in an effort to prove that Hoover had been working with the police.
"This is a common tactic -- to make the reporter part of the story so they can't report on it," Hoover said outside a Humboldt County courtroom Tuesday. A hearing on the matter had been scheduled for that morning, but was postponed to January 12.
Since Hoover intends to battle the subpoena, the case could turn out to be a test of California's shield law, which generally protects reporters from being compelled by a court to turn over unpublished information relating to their work. Shield laws in California and other states are founded on the idea that reporters must be able to operate independently of law enforcement, and must be able to protect confidential sources and other privileged material if the press is to function.
But Carbonneau attorney Steve Schectman, who has worked extensively in California medical marijuana law, alleged Tuesday that Hoover already does work with the law enforcement in documenting and taking out grow houses. Schectman said that he had plenty of "anecdotal" evidence to suggest that Hoover operated as a police informant in his client's case, and therefore is not entitled to immunity under the shield law....
Vilca/Recall-shill Steve Schectman resurfaces, and there's never anything good when he enters the picture. He's becoming the poster child for a muscular new kind of criminal arrogance that breaks laws and then demands everyone not only overlook that and not hold them accountable, but give them a whole new slew of rights and accommodations.
Re: Daniel Carbonneau: (and remember to click the Schectman link in the left sidebar labels)
◼ TS APD serves pot warrant, one arrested 06/26/2009
The Arcata Police Department seized 275 growing marijuana plants, along with about four pounds of processed marijuana, and arrested one man on suspicion of illegal cultivation Thursday.
According to an Arcata Police Department press release, Daniel Carbonneau, 38, of Arcata, was arrested without incident and booked into the Humboldt County jail on suspicion of illegal marijuana cultivation.
Keep up the good work, Kevin. Many, many people in the community support you.
Just for Fun:
Great Christmas Gifts - Order Kevin Hoover’s acclaimed Police Log books!
The Police Log: True Crime & More from Arcata, California
The Police Log II: The Nimrod Imbroglios
ON THIS DAY IN ARCATA
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Hedlund/Schectman/Vilica
Looks like some new info on the Hedlund/Schectman/Vilica mess
◼ CalLaw Law.com Pot Lawyers Walk Fine Line (image source)
How even THIS story gets twisted into an anti-Bush, pro-Obama thing I don't quite get, but the article is interesting: The Recorder's Dan Levine writes that ...(Josh) Hedlund's indictment didn't put the brakes on his real estate deals, though. And when he embarked on a second, monster land acquisition in Humboldt County, he hooked up with attorney Steven Schectman....
According to prosecutors, Hedlund's agricultural land buys are part of his overall strategy to make money from marijuana: The developer secured thousands of acres from defunct timber companies, sold them to buyers with criminal histories, and cloaked the transactions with LLCs...
,,,Schectman, who keeps offices in Arcata and Los Angeles, is well known for representing pot dispensaries — he's led the fight against DEA pressure on landlords who rent to co-ops. But Schectman first made a name for himself in Humboldt County prosecuting environmental claims against the timber industry, and it was his credibility in this arena that Hedlund says he found valuable.
"We thought that Steve was especially qualified to deal with any timber-related litigation," Hedlund told The Recorder . "Steve's knowledge of the timber industry and local activists helped greatly."
In 2006, three months after Hedlund's indictment, he had Schectman establish Vilica LLC, according to corporate filings. That company then bought 7,600 acres in Humboldt County. Schectman became Vilica's president and chief legal officer, according to documents filed in court. Schectman, who once ran for district attorney in Humboldt County, wouldn't answer questions about his responsibilities as Vilica's president.
Vilica ran into problems with the authorities. In June 2007, the federal Bureau of Land Management received a complaint about a new gate wrongly installed on public land adjacent to a Vilica parcel. Rangers checked out the scene, where they met two of Vilica's property buyers operating heavy equipment, according to a BLM incident report....
...Beyond Vilica, Hedlund and Schectman's relationship is murky. In a letter to the federal probation office, Schectman said he took Hedlund under his wing as a paralegal and a clerk, and even tried to help him gain a State Bar apprenticeship.
However, after pleading guilty, Hedlund told the government that he had moved his office into Schectman's "to protect [my] documents from seizure by federal authorities," according to a DEA affidavit.
Hedlund entered his plea on Feb. 4, 2008, after preparing his holdings for forfeiture. On Feb. 3, Schectman resigned as Vilica's president. Hedlund's sentencing is scheduled for the end of this month; the government is seeking 63 months in prison.
Grade? Slightly informative, but more of a puff piece on the pot traders than anything else. There sure is a sh-i-ite load more info on these two boys. And walking a fine line? More like cheating the system. I'd expect California's Legal News Source to be a bit more about the law, since the structure of those LLCs and what people get away with is actually pretty interesting.
h/t: "heraldo"
Related:
◼ Assessor Parcel Information a 38 page pdf document
A million bucks in assets forfeited! AND his right to the 36 parcels, $5,803,000.00 + Eel River Saw Mill Vilica properties? Now that's a story! SO-O-O, if the property he is forfeiting was owned by Vilica LLC (president Steve Schectman), but sold (at least some of the parcels) to Paradise Palms LLC, who is out the money? Do the partners get to keep the property? How many partners are there? Are they all from this area? Who, then is going to pay for the abatements ordered by the Board of Supervisors? Sure it's the least of Hedlund's problems - does he go to jail?
◼ Mercury News - Man pleads guilty to massive pot growing, money laundering The Associated Press 02/04/2008
◼ sf gate - BERKELEY - 12 charged in raid of pot, guns, cash Saturday, May 13, 2006 - Twelve men face federal drug charges stemming from a Berkeley raid that netted 5,800 marijuana plants, a dozen weapons and $220,000 in cash.
◼ Guilty plea in Berkeley pot operation Man, 31, agrees to forfeit 7,000 acres
◼ Virtually identical article in SF Examiner Feb 5, 2008 8:22 AM (11 hrs ago) News Reports, AP
◼ Related post: Rules are for little people
◼ Related post: 36 parcels, $5,803,000.00 + ?
"If you get it by hook or by crook, you get a pass," My favorite Schectman quote
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Are you ready for this?
The state's new medical marijuana guidelines will help bring more clarity to Proposition 215 cases, giving the county more tools in its struggle to curb abuse of the law, Humboldt County's district attorney said.
”There's some good stuff in there for us to efficiently punish people who are abusing the law,” District Attorney Paul Gallegos said. “There are members of this community that are making money, that are benefiting from the laws and the people of this community, that are giving nothing back.”...
”Taxation -- that is very important to us. We've modified our investigation to do financial investigations,” he said.
By comparing assets and income, the county can weed out illegal growers from legitimate ones, he said.
”It gives us a weapon, I think, that we didn't have,” Gallegos said.
☛ TS DA compliments AG for clearing the haze around 215
Why don't you start with your buddy, Schectman, Mr. Gallegos.
”There's some good stuff in there for us to efficiently punish people who are abusing the law,” District Attorney Paul Gallegos said. “There are members of this community that are making money, that are benefiting from the laws and the people of this community, that are giving nothing back.”...
”Taxation -- that is very important to us. We've modified our investigation to do financial investigations,” he said.
By comparing assets and income, the county can weed out illegal growers from legitimate ones, he said.
”It gives us a weapon, I think, that we didn't have,” Gallegos said.
☛ TS DA compliments AG for clearing the haze around 215
Why don't you start with your buddy, Schectman, Mr. Gallegos.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Missing in action, AGAIN
From the day he took office, Gallegos has missed important meetings, and doesn't attend meetings he is supposed to be an key player in. The kinds of things that would get any ordinary person fired. When the Code Enforcement Task Force was set up, Gallegos was supposed to be an integral part of it. How many meetings has he attended, if any? Has he sent a representative?
It is the District Attorney's job to attend these kinds of meetings. One reason why most DAs try very few cases, if any.
He was available to go to the meeting in Garberville in the beginning and make some noise about his "concerns" that officers were armed.
Now the DA is an integral part of this since his office cross- deputizes the inspectors and is supposed to be overseeing all of this. People are missing what his role is in this, and its importance.
But he wasn't at Friday's meeting, nor the previous Friday's meeting. Now the Task Force has had to vote to extend its time limit in hopes of getting the DA to attend - this article tells the story:
The Humboldt County Code Enforcement Task Force has taken the first steps toward compiling a report to the board of supervisors, but it may not be done until late September.
The members voted unanimously Friday to ask the board to extend of the task force and the moratorium on inspection warrants until Sept. 26.
The extension will allow more time to arrange a session with Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos. Gallegos, as part of the Code Enforcement Unit Oversight Committee, had been invited to appear before the task force at Friday's meeting, but was not present.
Second District Supervisor Johanna Rodoni suggested -- and the balance of the task force agreed -- that a second, strong invitation be issued to the district attorney.
”I think we need to emphasize they're a critical piece of this,” she said.
Part of that urgency deals with which county department will house the code enforcement unit and the district attorney's concerns over granting police powers to Code Enforcement Unit officers.
The task force scheduled its next meeting for the afternoon of July 9 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. to better accommodate Gallegos' schedule....
◼ Some interesting points there - In Friday's meeting, County Counsel Wendy Chaitin noted that Gallegos had come to her in January expressing his "concerns. (laughable as it might be in light of his recent attempts to acquire semi-automatic AR-15 rifles, and set up his own armed asset forfeiture team, but, not to digress...).
Josh Hedlund also spoke at Friday's meeting about the January 3rd raid on his Vilica Properties.
January - coincidences? Schectman, Paul, Vilica, Hedlund, code raids, concerns. Maybe. Dots?
It is the District Attorney's job to attend these kinds of meetings. One reason why most DAs try very few cases, if any.
He was available to go to the meeting in Garberville in the beginning and make some noise about his "concerns" that officers were armed.
Now the DA is an integral part of this since his office cross- deputizes the inspectors and is supposed to be overseeing all of this. People are missing what his role is in this, and its importance.
But he wasn't at Friday's meeting, nor the previous Friday's meeting. Now the Task Force has had to vote to extend its time limit in hopes of getting the DA to attend - this article tells the story:
The Humboldt County Code Enforcement Task Force has taken the first steps toward compiling a report to the board of supervisors, but it may not be done until late September.
The members voted unanimously Friday to ask the board to extend of the task force and the moratorium on inspection warrants until Sept. 26.
The extension will allow more time to arrange a session with Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos. Gallegos, as part of the Code Enforcement Unit Oversight Committee, had been invited to appear before the task force at Friday's meeting, but was not present.
Second District Supervisor Johanna Rodoni suggested -- and the balance of the task force agreed -- that a second, strong invitation be issued to the district attorney.
”I think we need to emphasize they're a critical piece of this,” she said.
Part of that urgency deals with which county department will house the code enforcement unit and the district attorney's concerns over granting police powers to Code Enforcement Unit officers.
The task force scheduled its next meeting for the afternoon of July 9 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. to better accommodate Gallegos' schedule....
◼ Some interesting points there - In Friday's meeting, County Counsel Wendy Chaitin noted that Gallegos had come to her in January expressing his "concerns. (laughable as it might be in light of his recent attempts to acquire semi-automatic AR-15 rifles, and set up his own armed asset forfeiture team, but, not to digress...).
Josh Hedlund also spoke at Friday's meeting about the January 3rd raid on his Vilica Properties.
January - coincidences? Schectman, Paul, Vilica, Hedlund, code raids, concerns. Maybe. Dots?
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Steve "the laws don't apply to me" Schectman is back in the news.
Teaching his kid how to behave. SO impressive.
Parents say suspension of Arcata students not appropriate
After five Arcata High School football team members were suspended during finals week for throwing rocks at a car, their parents and classmates are saying that the school administration did not handle the situation appropriately.
”We give our kids to the teachers to educate and guard them, to ensure they are in a safe environment. They abused that,” said Steven Schectman, the lawyer who is representing the students and their parents.
And that has to do with your kid being disciplined - how?
You gotta love the comments section of the TS on this one, though. For once, there's agreement. Pretty much along these lines - Jeff E says: "The football team got what they deserved, that is for sure.
But look at the terrible lesson the parents of those hoodlums are teaching their kids. Get punished for wrong doing ? You don't have to take it like a man, get a lawyer, threaten to sue & cry to the media. The rules don't apply to you.
Schectman should get the award for the "Worst Father of the Year".
Schectman is right about one thing - “Our next step is to try to make the community aware of this.” Damn straight.
History: Eye - Schectman downplays past legal problems
"If you get it by hook or by crook, you get a pass," Schectman said. Schectman, 2005
Parents say suspension of Arcata students not appropriate
After five Arcata High School football team members were suspended during finals week for throwing rocks at a car, their parents and classmates are saying that the school administration did not handle the situation appropriately.
”We give our kids to the teachers to educate and guard them, to ensure they are in a safe environment. They abused that,” said Steven Schectman, the lawyer who is representing the students and their parents.
And that has to do with your kid being disciplined - how?
You gotta love the comments section of the TS on this one, though. For once, there's agreement. Pretty much along these lines - Jeff E says: "The football team got what they deserved, that is for sure.
But look at the terrible lesson the parents of those hoodlums are teaching their kids. Get punished for wrong doing ? You don't have to take it like a man, get a lawyer, threaten to sue & cry to the media. The rules don't apply to you.
Schectman should get the award for the "Worst Father of the Year".
Schectman is right about one thing - “Our next step is to try to make the community aware of this.” Damn straight.
History: Eye - Schectman downplays past legal problems
"If you get it by hook or by crook, you get a pass," Schectman said. Schectman, 2005
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Amazing statistics
Redheaded blackbelt blogger, Kym has a great post - an interview with Mendocino County Sheriff Tom Allman, laying out the environmental damage caused by pot grows, diesel and oil contamination...
As I'm reading it, all I can think of is the disconnect between all the noise we hear from "Humboldt Watershed Council" and "Baykeeper" and Gallegos, all the writhing of hands over environmental damage caused by their favorite targets (the ones with money), and the absolutely deafening silence when it comes to this subject.
Nothing on Steve Schectman/Hedlund/Vilica LLC/Paradise Palms LLC's bulldozing plateaus, carving out roads - every time a big dope grow is revealed, not a peep. Not one.
Kym's talking about the enormous amounts of oil used by a 5000 marijuana plant underground facility that was powered by two 400 kw generators, and how that oil is disposed of, and what that means for the Eel River.
Where are those champions of the environment?
As I'm reading it, all I can think of is the disconnect between all the noise we hear from "Humboldt Watershed Council" and "Baykeeper" and Gallegos, all the writhing of hands over environmental damage caused by their favorite targets (the ones with money), and the absolutely deafening silence when it comes to this subject.
Nothing on Steve Schectman/Hedlund/Vilica LLC/Paradise Palms LLC's bulldozing plateaus, carving out roads - every time a big dope grow is revealed, not a peep. Not one.
Kym's talking about the enormous amounts of oil used by a 5000 marijuana plant underground facility that was powered by two 400 kw generators, and how that oil is disposed of, and what that means for the Eel River.
Where are those champions of the environment?
Friday, February 08, 2008
By Hook or By Crook - Funny to look back...
When the Palco suit was tossed the first time - District Attorney Paul Gallegos was out of town and had not read the ruling when the Times-Standard contacted him. Gallegos said he would not comment until he saw the decision.
Deputy District Attorney Tim Stoen, who was trying the case, did not immediately return a phone call left at his office.
But Steve Schectman, a private attorney recently pulled in by Stoen to assist in the case, said he believes the decision should be appealed. However, he added that was not an official statement. He said the judge's ruling would encourage corporations to lie, and place a burden on administrative agencies to be truth-finders, like a court.
"If you get it by hook or by crook, you get a pass," Schectman said.
Richard Salzman, a key political supporter of Gallegos, said he didn't believe the ruling would hurt the district attorney.
"His office isn't about this lawsuit," Salzman said. "I think the leadership, the real leadership that Paul shows in the community is what is important to me." Source: TS Judge Axes PL Suit June 2005
Wonder what Schectman would say about LLCs and the right to lie...now, today?
Deputy District Attorney Tim Stoen, who was trying the case, did not immediately return a phone call left at his office.
But Steve Schectman, a private attorney recently pulled in by Stoen to assist in the case, said he believes the decision should be appealed. However, he added that was not an official statement. He said the judge's ruling would encourage corporations to lie, and place a burden on administrative agencies to be truth-finders, like a court.
"If you get it by hook or by crook, you get a pass," Schectman said.
Richard Salzman, a key political supporter of Gallegos, said he didn't believe the ruling would hurt the district attorney.
"His office isn't about this lawsuit," Salzman said. "I think the leadership, the real leadership that Paul shows in the community is what is important to me." Source: TS Judge Axes PL Suit June 2005
Wonder what Schectman would say about LLCs and the right to lie...now, today?
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Oakland Tribune on Hedlund/Vilica and yet another LLC
Guilty plea in Berkeley pot operation Man, 31, agrees to forfeit 7,000 acres By Angela Hill, STAFF WRITER 02/05/2008
OAKLAND — Joshua L. Hedlund, 31, pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Oakland to using a Berkeley warehouse for a massive illegal marijuana grow and laundering the proceeds from that operation, the U.S. Attorney's office announced.
As part of the plea agreement, Hedlund agreed to forfeit more than $1 million in proceeds from the Berkeley grow and money he received from others for the purchase of properties in Humboldt, Marin, Mendocino and Trinity counties, authorities said.
Hedlund also agreed to forfeit his right to more than 7,000 acres in Humboldt and Trinity counties that he purchased from the Eel River Saw Mill in the name of Vilica LLC.
The guilty plea is the result of a two-year investigation by the Berkeley Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service's criminal investigation division.
Hedlund was arrested March 15, 2006, during a raid at a warehouse at 807 and 809 Allston Way in Berkeley, which netted 5,800 marijuana plants, a dozen weapons and $220,000 in cash. Investigators said it was the largest haul of marijuana Berkeley police had made in several years, and led to searches of homes in Oakland, Castro Valley, Antioch and Brentwood.
Berkeley police began investigating the Allston Way grow in early 2006. Surveillance of that location led to the arrest of six other individuals, all of whom have pleaded guilty to charges related to the cultivation of marijuana at the warehouse.
The IRS was called in to investigate the money laundering aspect of the case, said Special Agent Arlette Lee, of the IRS' criminal investigations section.
"Many people don't realize the IRS gets involved whenever there is a situation like this with money laundering," she said. "The Berkeley police and the DEA went after the illegal drugs. But we tracked the money, the proceeds from the sale, where it was coming from and where it was going."
In court Monday, Hedlund admitted he knowingly allowed others to grow marijuana at the warehouse between late spring of 2003 through March 2006. He also admitted to using the proceeds of the marijuana grown to pay his mortgage on the warehouse, authorities said.
In addition to forfeiting the Vilica LLC parcels, Hedlund agreed that law enforcement officials may at any time, without warrants, search more than 5,000 acres Hedlund controls throughout Humboldt and Mendocino counties in the name of Schmook Ranch LLC.
Hedlund is scheduled to be sentenced May 16 in Oakland, and could receive up to 20 years in jail and a fine of up to
$500,000 for using a warehouse to grow marijuana, plus an equal sentence for money laundering, authorities said.
**
No mention of Paradise Palms LLC. Nor what was going on on that Eel River SawMill acreage. No mention of Vilica LLC partner and president Steve Schectman... How many of these LLCs are there? Who are the partners in the LLCs? Obviously Hedlund is involved with at least two of them, are there any other crossovers? Were any of the other defendants involved in the LLCs?
Virtually identical article in SF Examiner Feb 5, 2008 8:22 AM (11 hrs ago) News Reports, AP
A comprehensive guide to Cannabis arrests and seizures worldwide A brief history of cannabis arrests and seizures from around the world, from the blatantly obvious to the downright bizarre, including arrests for cultivation, arrests for possession, arrests for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Cannabis arrests brought to you on a daily basis, occasionally with a hint of humour.
OAKLAND — Joshua L. Hedlund, 31, pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Oakland to using a Berkeley warehouse for a massive illegal marijuana grow and laundering the proceeds from that operation, the U.S. Attorney's office announced.
As part of the plea agreement, Hedlund agreed to forfeit more than $1 million in proceeds from the Berkeley grow and money he received from others for the purchase of properties in Humboldt, Marin, Mendocino and Trinity counties, authorities said.
Hedlund also agreed to forfeit his right to more than 7,000 acres in Humboldt and Trinity counties that he purchased from the Eel River Saw Mill in the name of Vilica LLC.
The guilty plea is the result of a two-year investigation by the Berkeley Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service's criminal investigation division.
Hedlund was arrested March 15, 2006, during a raid at a warehouse at 807 and 809 Allston Way in Berkeley, which netted 5,800 marijuana plants, a dozen weapons and $220,000 in cash. Investigators said it was the largest haul of marijuana Berkeley police had made in several years, and led to searches of homes in Oakland, Castro Valley, Antioch and Brentwood.
Berkeley police began investigating the Allston Way grow in early 2006. Surveillance of that location led to the arrest of six other individuals, all of whom have pleaded guilty to charges related to the cultivation of marijuana at the warehouse.
The IRS was called in to investigate the money laundering aspect of the case, said Special Agent Arlette Lee, of the IRS' criminal investigations section.
"Many people don't realize the IRS gets involved whenever there is a situation like this with money laundering," she said. "The Berkeley police and the DEA went after the illegal drugs. But we tracked the money, the proceeds from the sale, where it was coming from and where it was going."
In court Monday, Hedlund admitted he knowingly allowed others to grow marijuana at the warehouse between late spring of 2003 through March 2006. He also admitted to using the proceeds of the marijuana grown to pay his mortgage on the warehouse, authorities said.
In addition to forfeiting the Vilica LLC parcels, Hedlund agreed that law enforcement officials may at any time, without warrants, search more than 5,000 acres Hedlund controls throughout Humboldt and Mendocino counties in the name of Schmook Ranch LLC.
Hedlund is scheduled to be sentenced May 16 in Oakland, and could receive up to 20 years in jail and a fine of up to
$500,000 for using a warehouse to grow marijuana, plus an equal sentence for money laundering, authorities said.
**
No mention of Paradise Palms LLC. Nor what was going on on that Eel River SawMill acreage. No mention of Vilica LLC partner and president Steve Schectman... How many of these LLCs are there? Who are the partners in the LLCs? Obviously Hedlund is involved with at least two of them, are there any other crossovers? Were any of the other defendants involved in the LLCs?
Virtually identical article in SF Examiner Feb 5, 2008 8:22 AM (11 hrs ago) News Reports, AP
A comprehensive guide to Cannabis arrests and seizures worldwide A brief history of cannabis arrests and seizures from around the world, from the blatantly obvious to the downright bizarre, including arrests for cultivation, arrests for possession, arrests for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Cannabis arrests brought to you on a daily basis, occasionally with a hint of humour.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Hedlund pleads guilty to massive pot growing, money laundering
A million bucks in assets forfeited! AND his right to the 36 parcels, $5,803,000.00 + Eel River Saw Mill Vilica properties? Now that's a story! SO-O-O, if the property he is forfeiting was owned by Vilica LLC (president Steve Schectman), but sold (at least some of the parcels) to Paradise Palms LLC, who is out the money? Do the partners get to keep the property? How many partners are there? Are they all from this area? Who, then is going to pay for the abatements ordered by the Board of Supervisors? Sure it's the least of Hedlund's problems - does he go to jail? The AP story doesn't say.
Mercury News - Man pleads guilty to massive pot growing, money laundering The Associated Press 02/04/2008
OAKLAND, Calif.—A man pleaded guilty today to using a Berkeley warehouse for a massive marijuana growing operation.
Joshua Hedlund's plea comes as the result of a two-year investigation by the Berkeley Police Department. There were more than 2,700 marijuana plants growing at his warehouse.
Hedlund also pleaded guilty to money laundering and agreed to forfeit more than 1 million dollars in proceeds from the marijuana operation.
He also agreed to forfeit his right to more than 7,000 acres in Humboldt and Trinity counties he purchased from the Eel River Saw Mill.
***
Related:
sf gate - BERKELEY - 12 charged in raid of pot, guns, cash Saturday, May 13, 2006 - Twelve men face federal drug charges stemming from a Berkeley raid that netted 5,800 marijuana plants, a dozen weapons and $220,000 in cash.
The March 15 seizure at 809 Allston Way was the largest haul of marijuana Berkeley police have made in years and led to searches of homes in Oakland, Castro Valley, Antioch and Brentwood. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration has since joined the case.
The defendants are Brian O'Leary, Jonathan Ford, Scott Burghardt, Andrew Brainerd, Rory MacDougall, Derek O'Day, Jeffery Ford Jr., Todd Tisue, Joshua Hedlund, Brent Tageson, Reed Olson and Rick Knott.
Rules are for little people
36 parcels, $5,803,000.00 + ?
Assessor Parcel Information a 38 page pdf document
Interesting side note: Vilica - WarcraftRealms.com - A complete World of Warcraft realm site including Warcraft Census data.
Warcraft Realms link
Mercury News - Man pleads guilty to massive pot growing, money laundering The Associated Press 02/04/2008
OAKLAND, Calif.—A man pleaded guilty today to using a Berkeley warehouse for a massive marijuana growing operation.
Joshua Hedlund's plea comes as the result of a two-year investigation by the Berkeley Police Department. There were more than 2,700 marijuana plants growing at his warehouse.
Hedlund also pleaded guilty to money laundering and agreed to forfeit more than 1 million dollars in proceeds from the marijuana operation.
He also agreed to forfeit his right to more than 7,000 acres in Humboldt and Trinity counties he purchased from the Eel River Saw Mill.
***
Related:
sf gate - BERKELEY - 12 charged in raid of pot, guns, cash Saturday, May 13, 2006 - Twelve men face federal drug charges stemming from a Berkeley raid that netted 5,800 marijuana plants, a dozen weapons and $220,000 in cash.
The March 15 seizure at 809 Allston Way was the largest haul of marijuana Berkeley police have made in years and led to searches of homes in Oakland, Castro Valley, Antioch and Brentwood. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration has since joined the case.
The defendants are Brian O'Leary, Jonathan Ford, Scott Burghardt, Andrew Brainerd, Rory MacDougall, Derek O'Day, Jeffery Ford Jr., Todd Tisue, Joshua Hedlund, Brent Tageson, Reed Olson and Rick Knott.
Rules are for little people
36 parcels, $5,803,000.00 + ?
Assessor Parcel Information a 38 page pdf document
Interesting side note: Vilica - WarcraftRealms.com - A complete World of Warcraft realm site including Warcraft Census data.
Warcraft Realms link
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
The oncoming freight train...
Still nary a peep out of the local papers about Vilica, Schectman, Hedlund, Paradise Palms, LLC thing. Maybe there's a carefully researched story in the works.
Then there's this story from the Press Democrat - one question is, are people who are affiliated with politicians and local DA's going to get preferential treatment? Can they disobey the law with impunity? Or will they face charges, and punishment?
Mendocino activist facing pot charges
Laura Hamburg, daughter of former congressman, ordered to appear in court next month
By MIKE GENIELLA THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
UKIAH -- Mendocino County community activist Laura Hamburg is facing felony marijuana-related charges following a raid on her rural home, where an estimated 50 pounds of processed pot and about $10,000 in cash were found.
Sheriff's investigators uncovered the marijuana and money in late October in a small house Laura Hamburg occupies at a Hamburg family compound on Boonville Road south of Ukiah.
The property is owned by her father, former Rep. Dan Hamburg, D-Ukiah, a well-known advocate of marijuana use for medicinal purposes. Dan Hamburg and his wife, Carrie, live in a separate residence.
Authorities said Dan Hamburg does not face any charges in connection with his 43-year-old daughter's case. Laura Hamburg told investigators at the time of the Oct. 25 raid that the marijuana was being cultivated, processed and distributed under provisions of the state's medical marijuana law, Proposition 215.
Keith Faulder, a former county prosecutor now in private practice, showed up during the raid after being called by Laura Hamburg, authorities said. Neither Faulder nor Laura Hamburg could be reached for comment Tuesday on the raid, or prosecutors' subsequent decision to file charges.
Dan Hamburg said Tuesday he was aware of last month's raid on his 43-year-old daughter's home, and the felony charges she now faces.
"I hope her case doesn't become the focus instead of the confusion and chaos surrounding the state's medical marijuana laws," Dan Hamburg said.
At the time of the raid, Laura Hamburg was not arrested or booked, as is typical of local medical marijuana-related cases. Sheriff investigators recommended prosecution when the case was turned over for review by the District Attorney's Office.
Deputies had gone to the Hamburg property on an unrelated matter a few days before the raid, and the marijuana growing operation was observed. Deputies later returned after obtaining a search warrant signed by a local Superior Court judge.
District Attorney Meredith Lintott said Tuesday that Laura Hamburg has been formally notified that felony marijuana cultivation, possession for sale and distribution charges have been filed. Laura Hamburg is to appear in Mendocino County Superior Court for arraignment Dec. 11.
Laura Hamburg is widely known in Mendocino County as a political activist, free-lance writer and former editor of a weekly publication called The Bullhorn.
She was the key media representative for another precedent-setting county vote in 2004: passage of the first local initiative in the United States to ban genetically modified organisms.
Large nation agribusinesses pumped in nearly $700,000 in a failed attempt to defeat the county GMO measure. Laura Hamburg was credited with orchestrating a media-savvy local campaign in support of the measure.
Laura Hamburg's pot case is the second high-profile marijuana case to be disclosed locally within the past month.
On Nov. 16, sheriff's deputies seized 39 pounds of dried pot from the Redwood Valley home of Sherylin Young, the budget and finance officer for the District Attorney's Office. Young, hired two years ago by the late District Attorney Norman Vroman, has been placed on leave pending an investigation, according to authorities.
You can reach Staff Writer Mike Geniella at The Press Democrat.
ht: RS
Fred's got more on this at Fred's Humboldt Blog.
Then there's this story from the Press Democrat - one question is, are people who are affiliated with politicians and local DA's going to get preferential treatment? Can they disobey the law with impunity? Or will they face charges, and punishment?
Mendocino activist facing pot charges
Laura Hamburg, daughter of former congressman, ordered to appear in court next month
By MIKE GENIELLA THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
UKIAH -- Mendocino County community activist Laura Hamburg is facing felony marijuana-related charges following a raid on her rural home, where an estimated 50 pounds of processed pot and about $10,000 in cash were found.
Sheriff's investigators uncovered the marijuana and money in late October in a small house Laura Hamburg occupies at a Hamburg family compound on Boonville Road south of Ukiah.
The property is owned by her father, former Rep. Dan Hamburg, D-Ukiah, a well-known advocate of marijuana use for medicinal purposes. Dan Hamburg and his wife, Carrie, live in a separate residence.
Authorities said Dan Hamburg does not face any charges in connection with his 43-year-old daughter's case. Laura Hamburg told investigators at the time of the Oct. 25 raid that the marijuana was being cultivated, processed and distributed under provisions of the state's medical marijuana law, Proposition 215.
Keith Faulder, a former county prosecutor now in private practice, showed up during the raid after being called by Laura Hamburg, authorities said. Neither Faulder nor Laura Hamburg could be reached for comment Tuesday on the raid, or prosecutors' subsequent decision to file charges.
Dan Hamburg said Tuesday he was aware of last month's raid on his 43-year-old daughter's home, and the felony charges she now faces.
"I hope her case doesn't become the focus instead of the confusion and chaos surrounding the state's medical marijuana laws," Dan Hamburg said.
At the time of the raid, Laura Hamburg was not arrested or booked, as is typical of local medical marijuana-related cases. Sheriff investigators recommended prosecution when the case was turned over for review by the District Attorney's Office.
Deputies had gone to the Hamburg property on an unrelated matter a few days before the raid, and the marijuana growing operation was observed. Deputies later returned after obtaining a search warrant signed by a local Superior Court judge.
District Attorney Meredith Lintott said Tuesday that Laura Hamburg has been formally notified that felony marijuana cultivation, possession for sale and distribution charges have been filed. Laura Hamburg is to appear in Mendocino County Superior Court for arraignment Dec. 11.
Laura Hamburg is widely known in Mendocino County as a political activist, free-lance writer and former editor of a weekly publication called The Bullhorn.
She was the key media representative for another precedent-setting county vote in 2004: passage of the first local initiative in the United States to ban genetically modified organisms.
Large nation agribusinesses pumped in nearly $700,000 in a failed attempt to defeat the county GMO measure. Laura Hamburg was credited with orchestrating a media-savvy local campaign in support of the measure.
Laura Hamburg's pot case is the second high-profile marijuana case to be disclosed locally within the past month.
On Nov. 16, sheriff's deputies seized 39 pounds of dried pot from the Redwood Valley home of Sherylin Young, the budget and finance officer for the District Attorney's Office. Young, hired two years ago by the late District Attorney Norman Vroman, has been placed on leave pending an investigation, according to authorities.
You can reach Staff Writer Mike Geniella at The Press Democrat.
ht: RS
Fred's got more on this at Fred's Humboldt Blog.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Where are the reporters?
Last Tuesday's Board of Supervisor's meeting is replaying on Channel 10. The abatement hearing on Schectman's Vilica Plantation, complete with photos of leveled plateaus with dozens of 40 x 100 foot greenhouses... environmental/stream degradation and all kinds of non-permitted construction... stupendous violation of the County's 100 pot plant limit... claims of exemption under TPZ rules with no THP filed, a shell game with principals appearing to hide behind serial LLCs.
Have there been ANY stories in the papers? Where are those heavy duty reporters for the Chronicle and LA Times? One assumes they do some stories on their own, that they don't always rely on PR from Michael Shellenberger. Where's the KPIX reporter who got the private bay-keeper tour?
Here you have the man Salzman put up as a shill to run in the Recall election, a man who was let into the DA's office as a "pro bono" lawyer, a man who has made his bones suing Palco over environmental degradation at the heart of this story. His alleged partner, Josh Hedlund is the son of a former Supervisor.
There're big names and big money involved - in excess of $5 million - yet not a peep from heraldo, that champion of land use planning and Palco haters everywhere...
Maybe there will be something in one of the weeklies next Tuesday
Links:
San Francisco Chronicle - 12 charged in raid of pot, guns, cash
Have there been ANY stories in the papers? Where are those heavy duty reporters for the Chronicle and LA Times? One assumes they do some stories on their own, that they don't always rely on PR from Michael Shellenberger. Where's the KPIX reporter who got the private bay-keeper tour?
Here you have the man Salzman put up as a shill to run in the Recall election, a man who was let into the DA's office as a "pro bono" lawyer, a man who has made his bones suing Palco over environmental degradation at the heart of this story. His alleged partner, Josh Hedlund is the son of a former Supervisor.
There're big names and big money involved - in excess of $5 million - yet not a peep from heraldo, that champion of land use planning and Palco haters everywhere...
Maybe there will be something in one of the weeklies next Tuesday
Links:
San Francisco Chronicle - 12 charged in raid of pot, guns, cash
Friday, November 09, 2007
Backwoods Brawling
This week's Town Dandy
Excerpt: ...Here, in a nutshell, is a summary of the situation. Currently, and for the last 30 years, someone who wanted to build a home on land zoned for timber production (“TPZ land”) required only a building permit. The proposed change would require that people who wish to build on TPZ secure, in addition, a much more onerous permit that would require, among other things, that the proposed home is “necessary for the management of the timberland” — i.e., for timber harvesting. On the face of it, that would seem to equal something close to “never.”
Looked at from one angle, the proposal is perfectly consistent with the changes the county is making to its general plan, which should be updated sometime next year. A major goal of the general plan is to confine population growth to already populated areas, so as to prevent sprawl and to preserve working timber and agricultural lands from development. There’s plenty of arguments to be made that rural subdivision has major impacts on wildlife and watersheds. Environmentalists and smart growth advocates have lined up solidly behind the proposed changes.
On the other hand, there’s no questioning the fact that any change would have immediate and devastating effects on some 1,700 separate owners of TPZ lands, who together own about one million acres of Humboldt County land. Eureka attorney Bill Barnum, whose family’s company owns about 30,000 acres of land, estimates that the changes will wipe away $1 billion in Humboldt County property values — about $150,000 per TPZ parcel. Whether those figures are strictly accurate or not, the very agitated folks who have organized themselves to oppose the change certainly have plenty to fear.
There’s no question that it’s within the county’s power to impose the changes. Several neighboring counties — Trinity, Del Norte, Shasta — have similar rules in place, and have had for some time. (Others, like Mendocino County, have rules similar to Humboldt County’s current ones.) It’s startling, though, how reaction to the Pacific Lumber proposal seems to have precipitated this headlong rush to change things as quickly as possible, without the possibility of thorough study or debate. The result, inevitably, will be very nasty politics and very expensive lawsuits...
Hanks asks Did it ever occur to (Bill Barnum) that he, Maxxam and Schectman were, by all appearances, on the same side of the TPZ issue?
Umm, I hafta disagree with that one, Hank - I don't think Bill Barnum is putting in 40 x 100 foot greenhouses to grow pot illegally. I could be wrong. If you mean that it's the argument that you should have the right to do whatever you want on your land - I still don't think you'd find that that is what Barnum is saying. Most everyone agrees that some rules are necessary, and good people tend to abide by them. Criminals don't. That's what should be being addressed, not denying someone - anyone - the right to sell their parcel or build a home on their parcel.
Excerpt: ...Here, in a nutshell, is a summary of the situation. Currently, and for the last 30 years, someone who wanted to build a home on land zoned for timber production (“TPZ land”) required only a building permit. The proposed change would require that people who wish to build on TPZ secure, in addition, a much more onerous permit that would require, among other things, that the proposed home is “necessary for the management of the timberland” — i.e., for timber harvesting. On the face of it, that would seem to equal something close to “never.”
Looked at from one angle, the proposal is perfectly consistent with the changes the county is making to its general plan, which should be updated sometime next year. A major goal of the general plan is to confine population growth to already populated areas, so as to prevent sprawl and to preserve working timber and agricultural lands from development. There’s plenty of arguments to be made that rural subdivision has major impacts on wildlife and watersheds. Environmentalists and smart growth advocates have lined up solidly behind the proposed changes.
On the other hand, there’s no questioning the fact that any change would have immediate and devastating effects on some 1,700 separate owners of TPZ lands, who together own about one million acres of Humboldt County land. Eureka attorney Bill Barnum, whose family’s company owns about 30,000 acres of land, estimates that the changes will wipe away $1 billion in Humboldt County property values — about $150,000 per TPZ parcel. Whether those figures are strictly accurate or not, the very agitated folks who have organized themselves to oppose the change certainly have plenty to fear.
There’s no question that it’s within the county’s power to impose the changes. Several neighboring counties — Trinity, Del Norte, Shasta — have similar rules in place, and have had for some time. (Others, like Mendocino County, have rules similar to Humboldt County’s current ones.) It’s startling, though, how reaction to the Pacific Lumber proposal seems to have precipitated this headlong rush to change things as quickly as possible, without the possibility of thorough study or debate. The result, inevitably, will be very nasty politics and very expensive lawsuits...
Hanks asks Did it ever occur to (Bill Barnum) that he, Maxxam and Schectman were, by all appearances, on the same side of the TPZ issue?
Umm, I hafta disagree with that one, Hank - I don't think Bill Barnum is putting in 40 x 100 foot greenhouses to grow pot illegally. I could be wrong. If you mean that it's the argument that you should have the right to do whatever you want on your land - I still don't think you'd find that that is what Barnum is saying. Most everyone agrees that some rules are necessary, and good people tend to abide by them. Criminals don't. That's what should be being addressed, not denying someone - anyone - the right to sell their parcel or build a home on their parcel.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
36 parcels, $5,803,000.00 + ?
How does a pro-bono attorney come up with that kind of money?
If Steve Schectman is indeed the "President" of Vilica LLC, who else is involved? Josh Hedlund is his partner? How many other partners? Who's the Vice-President? Treasurer? Owner? Shareholders? Where does their money come from? Is it pot money? And how much were they making or planning to make as payback on their investment?
Who is Paradise Palms LLC? Who is Haven Kozak? Is this just a shell game, hiding behind a series of LLC's?
Assessor Parcel Information a 38 page pdf document
Looking for answers...
If Steve Schectman is indeed the "President" of Vilica LLC, who else is involved? Josh Hedlund is his partner? How many other partners? Who's the Vice-President? Treasurer? Owner? Shareholders? Where does their money come from? Is it pot money? And how much were they making or planning to make as payback on their investment?
Who is Paradise Palms LLC? Who is Haven Kozak? Is this just a shell game, hiding behind a series of LLC's?
Assessor Parcel Information a 38 page pdf document
Looking for answers...
Monday, November 05, 2007
Rules are for little people
That darling of the Gallegos forces, Recall-shill Steve Schectman is about to hit the news again. Just think, he coulda been your DA. It's another case of the Gallegos side figuring they can do anything they want, while they seek to shut everyone else down...
Check out this weeks BOS Agenda Item J-1, on an abatement hearing for Vilica LLC - Steven Schectman, President.
J. ADMINISTRATIVE ABATEMENT HEARINGS
Code Enforcement Unit
1. Administrative Abatement Hearing Vilica LLC; A.P. # 522-012-002, 522-013-004 and 522-013-010
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Supervisors, pursuant to Humboldt County Code sections 351-21 and 351-22 hold an administrative hearing to determine whether a public nuisance exists on the subject property; adopt findings and issue an Order consistent with the evidence presented at the hearing.
159 page pdf file... with pics
Anybody know what Vilica LLC is?
IS HE STILL WORKING FOR THE DA'S OFFICE? 'CAUSE, OH, MAN!!!!
Looks like he has an illegal building, an illegal greenhouse and illegal roads for his property held under the name Vilica LLC. Vilica LLC returns to him with the secretary of state. On his applications to correct, the road will end at the "garden site."
No wonder he can afford to work "pro bono" - No wonder he so desperately wanted to keep Gallegos in office
Looks like there's some kind of partner or something, or Schectman is looking at transferring this to Haven Kozak, Haven Kozak - Paradise Palms Nursery LLC. - Looks like he got the funds for his "business" "Paradise LLC from a local community development lender...
and on 11/16/05 it looks like Haven Kozak had a matter pending in federal court: 11:00 AM (r)CR-04-0285 UNITED STATES v. JOHN KUHRY (NC), HAVEN KOZAK(NC), KENNETH SHEPP(NC)
reserved for Motions/Trial Setting
John Kuhry's Motion to Suppress
Kenneth Shepp's Motion to Suppress -
charged federally with possession with intent to distribute.
developing....
Fascinating testimony in front of the board today - from what I gather - Schectman claims to have sold the land to Paradise Palms LLC, but he's undertaken cleanup...it's TPZ land near Hoopa plateaus cleared, no blade of grass, several sites with 4, 5, 6 approx. 40 x 100 foot greenhouses, "cabins" built, water diverted from a nearby creek, runoff into the creek, roads cut into the hillsides - amazing really - whaddya want to bet that this is ok with the same segment of thye community that is against people building a family home.
developing...
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