Warren charged with murder; deaths of HSU instructor, Hoopa woman, may bring death penalty

◼ The man accused of killing a Hoopa woman and then later purposely running down three joggers on Old Arcata Road -- killing a Humboldt State University instructor and severely injuring two others -- has been charged with two counts of murder - Grant Scott-Goforth and Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard

The District Attorney's Office complaint filed against Jason Anthony Warren, 28, includes special circumstance allegations of multiple murders, lying in wait and torture. Warren faces an additional two counts of willful, deliberate premeditated attempted murder.

The special circumstance allegations elevate the maximum sentence Warren faces -- if convicted -- from life in prison to life without the possibility of parole and the death penalty.

District Attorney Paul Gallegos -- who will be prosecuting the case -- said he has not decided whether to seek the death penalty.

”That's a decision that will be made at a later time,” he said. “Certainly, we've spoken with family members and we will continue to have dialogue with them. Penalty is a matter that will be looked at more thoroughly as we progress.”

...Gallegos said the decision on whether to seek the death penalty requires more discussion and reflection.

”The taking of a human life is a profound act -- whether it's deliberative or compulsive,” he said. “I have been raised a Christian -- I take that belief.”

Gallegos said several factors need to be weighed: the desires of the families, the likelihood of a jury reaching a death verdict, and the facts associated with the defendant's life and “whether justice will only be met with another death.”

While his office has time to consider the penalty, Gallegos said he will be open about the decision when it's made.

”If it's something we're gonna seek, I prefer to let the defendant know and move forward at that time,” he said. “The decision should not and will not be gone into impetuously. It will be reasoned. In this business, we say the struggle is to remain compassionate without becoming sentimental. I guess that encapsulates it. We have to be realistic, compassionate to both parties.”

◼ In the face of death: Special allegations change how a defendant should be represented - Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard

What Mark hath wrought

What Mark Lovelace set in motion all those years ago has now come full circle - and irony of him now sitting on the Board of Supervisors to witness the fruit of his machinations - and for him to bemoan someone as being 'divisive' and 'having an agenda' is truly amazing to behold.

On that fateful day, with virtually no notice, the Board of Supervisors voted to strip every citizen's property rights. Egged on by Lovelace (the anti-Palco activist, not yet a Supervisor), and his astroturfing cadre of speakers, lined up with their 3-minute share of the talking points, lauding the Board for their 'courage' in trying to slam the door on Pacific Lumber Company yet again, the Board's decision had far reaching effects, and woke the mythical sleeping giant.

The end result - a coming together of a very diverse group of people, landowners, people who cared about their property rights. Southern Humboldters, old folks, hipsters, back-to-the-landers, builders, and more. Their vow? Never again. Recognition that vigilance is the price of freedom, and Lovelace's reign came to an end.

His vision was well on its way to taking over. Now, the nail is in its coffin.

I'd say "May It Rest In Peace" but that would be too kind.

Lee Ulansey emerged as an articulate, forceful, and determined spokesman, championing the rights of all the property owners in the county. He's now been through the fire, vilified at every turn by the "progressive" machine. Like anyone who stands against them, he's been accused of being paid for, being in collusion, and more. They've never known what to make of someone like him.

Congratulations, Lee. And, to the new Board who made the decision.

Give Faust a run for his money.

And, let's hope that what the Board did, way back in 2007, never happens again.

◼ Ulansey Appointed to Planning Commission - Northcoast Journal
◼ Ulansey Gets Supes’ Planning Commission Appointment, Immediately Delivers Lovelace Dis - Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Ulansey named planning commissioner - Times-Standard

Because nothing says "Kennedy clout" like chaining yourself to the White House fence.

Because nothing says "Kennedy clout" like chaining yourself to the White House fence.

— RB (@RBPundit) February 13, 2013

◼ Pete Nichols at White House Direct Action Protest - Lost Coast Outpost

Ferndale bank robbery case submitted to DA's office

◼ Ferndale bank robbery case submitted to DA's office - Lorna Rodriguez/The Times-Standard


The Ferndale Police Department has submitted a January bank robbery case to the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office, and local officials are waiting to learn if federal charges can be filed against the suspects.

On Jan. 27, Wilits residents Larry Daniel Rodriguez, 39, and Sylvester Loren Vansickle, 56, were arrested on suspicion of breaking into the US Bank on Ocean Avenue in Ferndale.

Ferndale Police are investigating whether the men are connected to other bank robberies throughout the state.

'We're looking to see if there's any similarities between a couple unsolved ones in Mendocino County and one in Lake County,” Smith said....

Elvine-Kreis said understaffing wasn't a justification for the violation of a defendant's rights. ”Part of the reason this happens is they are overwhelmed,” he said. “If they are overwhelmed, they need to hire.”

And therein lies the problem - Gallegos can't. And it's NOT because of underfunding.

It's the chaos. It's the workload. "Weak leadership and poor managerial practices" have undermined the office... " to quote the Grand Jury, oh-so-many years ago, and it is still the case today.

◼ Public defender cites police, DA misconduct in burglary case; Judge denies motion to dismiss - Grant Scott-Goforth/The Times-Standard

Judge Bruce Watson denied a motion to dismiss a burglary case Friday, amid accusations by a public defender that a former Humboldt County District Attorney's Office prosecutor committed misconduct by failing to report a police interview with his defendant, saying it was not warranted under the circumstances.

The district attorney's office had argued the non-disclosure was simply negligence, resulting from an over-burdened staff.

The case highlights the sometimes controversial practice of police officers attempting to gain information from inmates in exchange for leniency in sentencing.

A mistrial was declared in the case on Dec. 13, following opening statements. Judge Marilyn Miles, who was overseeing the trial, granted the defense request when it came out that a police interview had taken place with the defendant outside of the scope agreed upon by her defense attorney at the time, and that the information she gave about her pending case was not turned over to the defense until the trial had started....

In his ruling Friday, Watson said the accusation that former Deputy District Attorney Allan Dollison, who resigned earlier this month, knew the content of the interview without disclosing it to the defense was convoluted.

”There's different versions to what exactly was known and when,” he said. “It's unclear, quite frankly, whether he knew.”

...Deputy District Attorney Zachary Curtis said dismissing the case was a drastic measure.

”There are other remedies, other means of holding prosecutors and police accountable,” he said, adding that it is not “this court's task to punish police and prosecutors.”
In opposing the motion to dismiss, Curtis said Dollison had no reason not to disclose that he knew about the police interview.

”It just boggles the mind to think that the prosecutor would deliberately hide this information,” he said. “It just escaped Mr. Dollison entirely.”

Curtis said it amounted to “facts lost to an extremely busy prosecutor in an overloaded office.”

Elvine-Kreis said understaffing wasn't a justification for the violation of a defendant's rights. ”Part of the reason this happens is they are overwhelmed,” he said. “If they are overwhelmed, they need to hire.”

...Dollison took the stand on Wednesday, answering questions from Elvine-Kreis and Deputy District Attorney Zachary Curtis about when he was aware that an EPD detective had interviewed the defendant in February.

Dollison said he became aware of the interview in July, but was not aware of the content of the interview -- which Elvine-Kreis called a confession -- until Dec. 10, after the trial had begun.

Elvine-Kreis said that Dollison knew about the interview in March, when he offered a reduced plea deal to the defendant. Dollison said he offered the deal without knowing the content of the defendant's statement, but Elvine-Kreis took exception, arguing that it was “ludicrous” that Dollison reduced an offer without knowing the content of the interview.

Watson said in his ruling that it was “peculiar” that EPD never provided the interview to the district attorney's office, and that Dollison did not request or receive the contents of the interview before the trial began.

”None of that is flushed out,” Watson said. “It doesn't occur, and that's odd.”

◼ Case highlights lack of safeguards during jail interviews; Judge: Inmates can't be expected to know the law - Grant Scott-Goforth/The Times-Standard

Humboldt County murderer killed in (Corcoran) prison cell

◼ ...King County officials are investigating the death of Delbert Miller, 69, as a homicide, a press release from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said. - Times-Standard

Miller was serving an 81-years-to-life sentence for the murder of Lori Ann Jones, whose decomposing body was found in Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park in 2004....

Miller's cellmate, Kyle Alexander Osborn, 20, has been identified as the suspect, the release said. Osborn was serving a 26-year sentence for lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 14 with force and violence, and burglary and robbery.
___________

De facto Death Penalty. (And no, not related to Gallegos, just Humboldt news.)

No longer able to hide it (NOTATION ADDED)

Flowery words like "committed to making necessary adjustments to make sure offenders will be held accountable, victims will be heard, and the community will be protected as much as is possible under the law.” cannot paper over it. And more funding will not solve it.

Regular readers of Watchpaul KNOW. Paul Gallegos started with 19 DDAs. He has, in Hanks Sims' words, "'lost,' fired, or driven off" virtually all of them. The most significant losses of the experienced, seasoned prosecutors is devastating to 'the People's Office.' And, upon losing this talent, Gallegos remains incapable of attracting, and keeping, quality prosecutors. In fact, many who come to interview here talk about their experience, and it's not complimentary.

This has been laughed off, brushed aside and ignored in every election. Gallegos supporters sneer, "He won." Yes. He won. But the people have lost, and been cheated, time and time again.

This latest case, with Dollison, is just the unraveling coming to light.

Dollison may have his faults, I've certainly been critical, but he is also a man who was operating under impossible conditions. He was thrust into a senior prosecutor position out of necessity - there's no one qualified left to do the job - and he did what he could, even had his successes (as he details in a column for the TS).

Nothing can save this office. Short of a new DA. You all know it.

But it's too late. You're stuck with him.

◼ Deputy DA's resignation follows December mistrial; Gallegos: Underfunding a major issue for his office - Grant Scott-Goforth and Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard

Allan Dollison deserves his say in this matter - I'm glad to see The Times Standard allow him to have it:

◼ My record at the DA's Office - Allan Dollison/for the Times-Standard
__________________
Allan Dollison will join Eric V. Kirk on KHSU, this coming Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (PST) to talk about Afghanistan and the way forward. ◼ http://khsu.org/listen_live
__________________
◼ My record at the DA's Office - Allan Dollison/My Word/Times-Standard

I write this in response to the recent story that was published in the Times-Standard on the fact that I had departed the District Attorney's office after 6 years and 4 months (”Deputy district attorney out after 6 years,” Times-Standard, Jan. 16, Page A3). It is true that I have left. Mr. Gallegos accepted my voluntary resignation effective Jan. 11, and this part of a chapter of my life is now complete. It was a difficult decision, but in the end, I felt it was best for my career and ultimately my family.

The article pointed out that I was trying serious and violent felonies. Most recently, I was known for the successful prosecution and conviction of Brian Fiore, one of the worst crime sprees that this county had ever seen. Mr. Fiore received 68 years and 8 months and then three consecutive life sentences on nine felony convictions. I was actually in Iraq, serving my country when I read about it online, and I said, “Whoa, I really need to get back.” Three months later after completing my mission in Iraq, I reported to work eight days after returning from war.


You don't just have one case that you handle in 6 years and 4 months. During my career, I negotiated two guilty pleas to murder. Guilty pleas to murder are rare, in that being convicted of murder carries what is called an indeterminate sentence, and the governor has to ultimately approve any parole, and being convicted of murder is generally the worst thing that can happen, yet I accomplished that twice.

Joaquin Fitzgerald murdered a homeless man who was celebrating his birthday, and he received a sentence of 15 years to life in prison for second degree murder. I also handled the James Stanko murder case, another terrible crime spree, where six robberies culminated in the murder of cancer survivor and Army veteran Andrew Pease. Mr. Stanko received a 26 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to first degree murder and the six robberies. I personally gave my Bronze Star Medal (awarded for combat in Afghanistan) with my card to Mr. Pease's widow, as I thought it was an appropriate thing to do. I still see her around town, and always give her a big hug, and get emotional about her husband's case.

In 2007, I successfully tried and prosecuted Robert Canfield in a home invasion robbery of a single mother and her child in their west Eureka apartment. He received a 14-year sentence. Later that year, Johnny Randall was held accountable for resisting arrest by the now-chief of Hoopa Tribal Police, Robert Kane, who was injured in the melee. Randall was convicted by a jury, and later sentenced to prison for 4 years and 8 months. I also successfully tried a sexually violent predator case, that of Jerome Franz Gonzales, who had twice been convicted of molestation incidents in El Dorado and Del Norte counties. He received an indefinite term at a state hospital until he is cured.

In 2010, I tried the very difficult Roy Stevens murder case, that of a blind man who had gotten in a fight with his brother. He reached a point of safety, but came back with a gun and killed his brother. He was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, even though one of the sheriff's detectives said that he thought the jury would never convict the man of anything.

Part of this process, what I always thought and believed was my duty, was to prove the cases to best of my ability beyond a reasonable doubt, which also insured the victims had their day in court, a process that some in the criminal justice field believe can be a cathartic process for victims of crime. This is not always true, and many victims never want to have to go through the court process at all, and see the defendants. I did my level best to achieve an appropriate balance of those competing interests.

During these times, in our local newspapers there is lots of coverage about the DA's Office. Admittedly, not all of it is positive. The basic overriding fact was spelled out last year in an excellent series of articles by Thaddeus Greenson -- that the office is woefully underfunded, and that this causes too many cases, in excess of the American Bar Association recommended guidelines. With my departure there are three attorneys who handle the four misdemeanor trial courts (and one of those handles special grant cases as well). There are now three attorneys who handle the four felony trial courts. (These are the same four courts; they just shuffle on a daily basis between felonies and misdemeanors.) We also have a Juvenile prosecutor, and a Fish and Game prosecutor, and then the assistant DA and finally Mr. Gallegos. We also have a retired prosecutor who works part time. Mr. Gallegos' own trial schedule has dramatically increased to help make up for this difference.

I used to run a contract Public Defender's office in a rural county called Amador in between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. That county's DA's Office is the same size as Humboldt's, but the population disparity is profound -- they have 38,091 people to Humboldt's 134,623. I can report to you that the staff of the Humboldt County DA's Office is dedicated, and are all really good lawyers, who all choose to work in what is obviously a difficult environment. I highlight my cases and my work to show that even amongst all of these impediments you can have success (and yes, I had my share of failures, too). However the elected leaders of Humboldt County together with its populace must have a discussion, and decide if they want this situation to continue, where the office is dramatically under-staffed and under-resourced. Mr. Gallegos was even quoted as saying (in Mr. Greenson's article), “I'm breaking people.” There has certainly been a large staff turnover over the years, and all people leave for different reasons, but no community should want their government servants to be “broken.” The stakes are too high, as the basic function of the District Attorney's office is to protect all of this community's citizens.
__________________
Allan Dollison resides in Eureka.
__________________

NOTATION: 7/13/2013 - It's an interesting aspect of this blog that other people often get caught in the net, based on their entrance into the Gallegos saga. And so their names live online, to be unearthed whenever they apply for a job. Sometimes the searches that lead people here are for other reasons, but it usually has to do with a job search.

And, so it is that Allan Dollison appears here. His time with the DA's office has come and gone, he rose through Gallegos' ranks, and was slated, some said, to become Assistant DA. He was a loyal player, and, I believe, a true believer.

Through my work here, I am often kept informed about cases, how they're handled, how the various Deputy DA's do their job, interact with victims, and so forth.

And I feel it necessary to say this. I have come to the conclusion, that, for all his past mistake, Allan Dollison turned out to be one of the best and most honest of the bunch, far surpassing his boss, Paul Gallegos.

He has since left the DA's office, and, as is often the case when people leave, I get the chance to talk to them. I have talked with Allan Dollison. And, to his credit, he never once asked me to remove any of this info, as damaging as it is to him. I respect that, and I think it's noteworthy.

If you're looking to hire him, it's worthy of consideration.

I'm not pulling anything down, as that would be a disservice to the facts as they have unfolded, but I am adding this, to mitigate that online-lives-forever reality.

Brain Drain. Bad situation gets worse: Allan Dollison out

◼ The rumors prove true.

◼ Deputy district attorney out after 6 years

Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos confirmed Tuesday that Allan Dollison no longer works in his office as a deputy district attorney.

Gallegos said he could not comment on whether Dollison -- a United State Army veteran who served tours in Afghanistan and Iraq -- had resigned or was terminated on Friday. He was hired by the office in 2006.

”Certainly, I appreciate all of Allan's work with the District Attorney's Office and his commitment to his community and country,” Gallegos said Tuesday. “But other than that, I can't discuss the nature of his leaving.”

County Human Resources Department Director Dan Fulks said he could not immediately comment on the circumstances surrounding Dollison's departure....

Early in his career, Dollison was disciplined by the State Bar.

In August 2000, Dollison received a 60-day suspension of his law license and was placed on two years' probation after stipulating to 16 counts of misconduct in four consolidated cases, according to the State Bar.

Those included failing to perform legal services competently or respond to client inquires; improperly withdrawing from representation; failing to return client files and unearned fees; and two counts of failing to cooperate with the bar's investigation.

The State Bar report stated as a mitigating factor that Dollison started a solo law practice soon after passing the bar, but due to a lack of experience and business acumen, he accepted difficult cases for relatively low fees.

When he was hired by Humboldt County District Attorney's Office in 2006, Dollison said in an interview with the Times-Standard that he got in over his head as a new attorney and took on more than he could handle at the time.
________________

Related - in over his head?:

◼ Tim Stoen, Jeffrey "yougofree.com" Schwartz, and now this... - WP Oct 23, 2006
◼ What're we talkin' about here? - WP Oct 24, 2006

The sad thing is - he probably was one of the best attorneys Gallegos had, once he "lost," fired or got rid of all the experienced DDAs.

And there were rumors he might be considering running for Psul's seat.
________________

Question is - who - and what - is left.

Remember, Under Gallegos the DA's Office has "lost" all of Humboldt County's experienced prosecutors, and then some:

DDA Zach Bird
DDA Jose Mendez
DDA Ed Borg
DDA Worth Dikeman
DDA Frank Dunnick
DDA Eamon Fitzgerald
DDA Heather Gimle
DDA Paul Hagen
DDA Nicole Hansen
DDA Shane Hauschild
DDA Andrew Isaac
DDA Allison Jackson
DDA Harry Kassakian
DDA Elizabeth Norton
DDA Murat Ozgur
Patrick Pekin
DDA Amanda Penny
DDA Gloria Albin-Sheets
Jennifer Strona
DDA Andy Truitt
DDA Nandor Vadas
DDA Rob Wade
Bill Rodstrom
PLUS:
Investigator Chris Andrews
Investigator Chris Cook
Investigator Jim Dawson (retired)
Paul's secretary Gail Dias
Office Manager Linda Modell
Investigator Eric Olson
Investigator Kathy Philp (retired)
Investigator Dave Dave Rybarczyk
Investigator Dave Walker
FROM CAST:
Child Interview Specialist Laura Todd
Senior Legal Secretary Melissa Arnold
Alternate Child Interviewer Jennifer Maguire

And, of course: Schwartz and Stoen.

Question, still, is "Who's left?"

Answer:
Maggie Fleming, Max Cardoza, Wes Keat, Stacey Eads (on leave),
Allan Dollison, Arnie Klein, Jeff Schwartz,
Mary McCarthy, Davina Smith and Randy Mailman (the newest hire)

Two deputies leave DA's Office 3/8/2007
Update: 6/12/2007
County Counsel Kim Kerr - Longtime employee of the county takes job in Ione

8/12/07
Like Stoen leaving, this is good news... "yougofree.com" Jeffrey Scwhartz is leaving the DA's Office, going in to private practice (No surprise since he has had his "practice" listed in the phone book for the better part of a year, while acting as a prosecutor, which should be a big no-no.) 8/31/07, yougofree.com is gone.

1/2008 Davina Smith moves to the County Counsel's Office.

9/25/08 Deputy District Attorney Kelly Neel, who has been handling the (Belant) case, will be leaving the office for another job at the County Counsel Office, Gallegos said.

1/5/10 Kathleen Bryson, hired and reputedly fired by Gallegos, is now running against him... ◼ Local attorney throws hat in the ring for DA

DDA Ben McLaughlin

CHP to DA: Jogger’s Death Was Murder

◼ CHP to DA: Jogger’s Death Was Murder - Heidi Walters/The Journal

The California Highway Patrol says Jason Anthony Warren murdered Suzie Seemann, the university professor who died when a Kia allegedly driven by Warren ran into her and two friends on the morning of Sept. 27 as they went for their morning jog on Old Arcata Road. Her friends, Jessica Hunt and Terri Vroman-Little, suffered major injuries, and Hunt’s dog, Maggie, also was killed....

In November, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department asked the DA to file homicide and auto theft charges against Warren for a separate incident — the killing of Hoopa resident Dorothy Ulrich — earlier on the same morning the joggers were hit.

◼ CHP requesting murder, attempted murder, animal cruelty charges in hit-and-run deaths - From the CHP via Times Standard

The following is an update regarding the death of Suzanne Seeman and the serious injuries sustained by Jessica Hunt and Terri Vromen-Little, on September 27, 2012, while the three were jogging on Old Arcata Road, with the Hunt's dog, “Maggie”.

The Humboldt Area CHP has submitted a request to the Humboldt County District Attorney, for charges against Jason Anthony Warren, age 28, of Hoopa, California. Charges sought are, one count of 187 (a) PC (Murder), two counts of 664/187 (a) Attempted Murder, one count of 597 (a) PC Animal Cruelty, three counts of 245 (a) (1) PC, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and one count of 10851 (a) VC, Vehicle Theft.

No further informational releases will be made through this office, pending adjudication of this case.

◼ CHP Recommends Murder Charge In Seeman Death - Arcata Eye

...Based upon their investigation, Sheriff’s detectives believe Ulrich was killed during the early morning hours of September 27, 2012. A silver Kia Spectra was stolen from Hoopa shortly after Ulrich’s death. Subsequently, the Silver Kia Spectra was recovered by the Eureka Police Department in the City of Eureka on Sept. 27, 2012.

Jason Warren is currently in custody at San Quentin State Prison on an unrelated charge.
_______________

What will Paul do?

BTW, Comments closed.

Too little, too late

◼ District attorney's office opposing Cruz waivers following hit-and-run, homicide case; Experts: Move could harm ability to get pleas - Grant Scott-Goforth/The Times-Standard

District Attorney Paul Gallegos has asked his prosecutors to oppose all Cruz waivers after a man released on one in August became a person of interest in an Old Arcata Road hit-and-run and a Hoopa homicide in September.

Legal experts said the move could harm the office's ability to secure plea deals and limit the option for people in custody who have legitimate reasons to request one.

A Cruz waiver is part of a plea deal, usually requested by a defendant in custody or a defense attorney, that releases the defendant prior to sentencing. A prosecutor can oppose the waiver, but the decision to release a defendant is ultimately up to a judge.

Jason Anthony Warren, 28, was arrested on a warrant related to his failure to appear for sentencing hours after the Sept. 27 hit-and-run that killed Humboldt State University geography instructor Suzanne Seemann -- the mother of two young children and wife of Humboldt County official Hank Seemann. She died at the scene. Her running partners, Eureka residents Jessica Hunt, 41, and Terri Vroman-Little, 50, were severely injured.

An investigation into the hit-and-run led to the discovery of 47-year-old Dorothy Ulrich's body in her Hoopa home.

Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Timothy Cissna released Warren from custody in late August on a Cruz waiver, part of a plea agreement that had him facing six years in prison with the stipulation that an assault change would be dropped if he showed up for his Sept. 7...

”It was the right decision for that time,” Gallegos told the Times-Standard last month. “With the benefit of hindsight, I wish to God we had opposed it, and I wish the judge hadn't released him.”

3.5

5km ENE of Blue Lake, California

More deals: 4 years probation in HSU dorm invasion case

◼ Eureka man gets 4 years probation in HSU dorm invasion case

Jules Aubrey Dawson, 24, appeared in custody in front of Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson flanked by his public defender Greg Elvine-Kreis. Dawson addressed the court, apologizing for his actions....

Dawson was arrested Jan. 23 by the Eureka Police Department on a $100,000 warrant. He pleaded guilty Sept. 21 to charges of assault likely to produce great bodily injury and grand theft from a person for his role in an HSU dorm invasion. He was on felony probation at the time the crime was committed, according to court records.

The victim in the Dec. 2, 2011, dorm invasion reported that three men broke into his room, bound his arms and legs and stole property. He reported being physically assaulted by the suspects, but no weapons were observed, according to a university press release following the incident. The victim declined medical attention.

Wilson said he considers Dawson's actions to be an extremely serious offense.
”I have no doubt the victim was terrified in this matter,” Wilson said.

He said instead of placing Dawson in prison for four years -- where he'll likely be out quickly and not supervised for very long -- he'd prefer to see him serve that time on probation.

”By putting you on probation, I can monitor you,” Wilson said.

...Dawson is one of four men law enforcement officials believe participated in the invasion and robbery.

Former HSU student Benjamin Beilin is facing charges of robbery, residential burglary, false imprisonment and assault with a weapon for giving the other three suspects his key card, according to his defense attorney Manny Daskal. Beilin's trial is scheduled for Nov. 5.

Participant Eric Schneekluth pleaded guilty to first degree residential burglary in January, and was sentenced to 180 days in jail and three years probation.

Suspect Miles B. Sharp is wanted on a $100,000 felony warrant, and is believed to be in Southern California, according to HSU representatives.

◼ UPDATE: Fourth suspect in dorm invasion arrested; Sharp transported to Humboldt County jail from San Diego - Grant Scott-Goforth/The Times-Standard

The fourth suspect in a December 2011 dorm invasion robbery on the Humboldt State University campus was transferred to the Humboldt County jail Thursday, the same day a Eureka man was sentenced to four years probation for his involvement in the invasion.

Miles B. Sharp was named a suspect in December, and had a $100,000 warrant for his arrest.

A Humboldt County Sheriff's Office transport officer picked Sharp up in Sonoma County on Thursday after arranging for his transfer from San Diego, according to Lt. Steve Knight of the sheriff's office.

University Police Sgt. Joseph Jones said no charges have been filed yet, but that the District Attorney's office is aware of the arrest.

The circumstances and date of his arrest are unclear.

A History of Violence, and a history of plea deals that should sicken you

◼ Who is Jason Anthony Warren? - Two Rivers Tribune

All of you who endorsed Paul Gallegos for District Attorney - read it.

Worth noting

"...Warren failed to show up for a Sept. 7 court date after entering into a plea deal to serve six years in prison for assault with a deadly weapon after he was arrested in April for robbery.

He was released on a Cruz waiver, which is part of a plea agreement that has a defendant agree to have a greater sentence imposed for failing to appear at sentencing. Warren faced nine years for failing to appear.

”He was released prior to sentencing on the Cruz waiver, pursuant to the plea agreement,” said Deputy District Attorney Zachary Curtis in an email. “It is fairly common to release a defendant with something over his head to try to encourage good behavior, usually with probation cases...”

Zachary Curtis's lamentable remark is cause to point out that Deputy DA's are not supposed to be talking to the Press. For just that reason.

The DA is the office's liaison with the Press, or should be. Gallegos farms it out all the time. Even used to hand it over to his campaign operative, Richard Salzman

The notion that you take some guy who is going away for 6 years for the crime he committed - leaving aside that it's another plea deal - you let him OUT to clean up his business - and then voila! What do you do when he does just that? What? You thought he was gonna just close his bank account and make sure his mail was held?

This is another one that rests on Gallegos's head.

Remember it come next election.

Because this isn't the first and won't be the last.

Another plea deal, more death

◼ Hit-and-Run/Hoopa Homicide “Person of Interest” in Custody - Andrew Goff/The Journal

Jason Anthony Warren was arrested late afternoon on the day of the accident on earlier assault charges and is being held without the possibility of bail. Downey said no other suspects are currently being sought in the case.

◼ Murder, hit and run 'person of interest' Jason Warren is in custody on warrant - Times-Standard

Warren failed to show up for a Sept. 7 court date after entering into a plea deal to serve six years in prison for assault with a deadly weapon after he was arrested in April for robbery.

He was released on a Cruz waiver under the condition that he obeyed all laws, returned to court for sentencing and stayed away from the complaining witness in the assault.

”He was released prior to sentencing on the Cruz waiver, pursuant to the plea agreement,” said Deputy District Attorney Zachary Curtis in an email. “It is fairly common to release a defendant with something over his head to try to encourage good behavior, usually with probation cases.”

Warren had a previous felony that counted as a strike on his record. He also has a juvenile criminal record.

◼ Suspect Identified In Hit-And-Run & Hoopa Crimes - Humboldt Sentinel

After nearly a week of speculation as to a pair of investigations into the untimely deaths of local residents, Sheriff Mike Downey called a press conference this afternoon to clear the air and identify a “person of interest” in the cases.

“I know there’s been a lot of speculation…you got to understand why we’ve been holding back information,” he said.

Downey proceeded to explain that on the same afternoon as the fatal hit-and-run slaying of 40-year-old Bayside resident Suzanne Seemann on Old Arcata Road in Freshwater and the discovery of the body of 47-year-old Dorothy Ulrich of Hoopa in a residence there, law enforcement had taken 28-year-old Jason Anthony Warren into custody.

Warren was inside a home in Eureka at the time of his arrest; the Kia used in the hit-and-run which killed Seemann and injured 50-year-old Terri Vroman-Little and 41-year-old Jessica Hunt was found in Eureka earlier in the day.
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◼ Woman Found Dead In Hoopa - Andrew Goff/The Journal 9/27
◼ Car plows into 3 joggers, kills Bayside woman - Carrie Peyton Dahlberg.The Journal
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◼ A morning jog turns tragic; one woman killed, two others hospitalized in hit and run - Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard 09/28/2012

A 40-year-old mother was killed, and two other women suffered major injuries in a hit and run collision while jogging along Myrtle Avenue shortly before 6 a.m. Thursday.

Eureka residents Jessica Hunt, 41, and Terri Vroman-Little, 50, suffered major injuries and were taken to St. Joseph Hospital. Hospital spokeswoman Leslie Broomall said both women were in stable condition Thursday afternoon.

The Humboldt County Coroner's Office has not released the name of the Bayside resident and mother of two young children who died at the scene....

◼ More questions than answers in hit-and-run crash; Source: Person of interest in Hoopa homicide in custody - Grant Scott-Goforth/The Times-Standard 09/29/2012

Officials of the multiple agencies involved in the investigation are releasing few details on the search for the driver of the 2005 Kia Spectra who hit the women. They are also declining to comment on whether the hit-and-run is related to the homicide of Dorothy Ulrich, whose body was discovered in a Hoopa residence Thursday morning.

A source close to the investigations said that a person of interest in the Hoopa homicide is in custody, but it's too early to release the individual's name or further details due to the complexity of the case and to the multiple agencies involved....

◼ Seemann, Hunt and Vroman-Little: Three women shared a love for running - The Times-Standard 09/29/2012
◼ CHP: Person of interest ID'd in hit-and-run death; memorial service for Suzanne Seemann set for Saturday - Grant Scott-Goforth/The Times-Standard 10/02/2012
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◼ Three Joggers Down/Coroner Called/Accident in North Eureka - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ CHP Investigation Turns Up Dead Body in Hoopa. Connection to This Morning’s Fatal Bayside Hit-and-Run? - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
Three Joggers Down/Coroner Called/Accident in North Eureka
◼ Arrest Made in Hoopa Suspicious Death — No Word on Connection to Yesterday’s Bayside Tragedy - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Sheriff Dept. Releases Name of Suspicious Death in Hoopa—Calls It Homicide - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost 9/28
◼ Businesses To Support Bayside Hit & Run Victims and Families - Mike Dronkers/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Sheriff’s Office Names ‘Person of Interest’ in Hoopa/Bayside Cases - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost

_______________◼ Person Of Interest In Custody For Jogger Collision - Arcata Eye 10/12/12

Sheriff Mike Downey said the HCSO is leading the investigation and that the CHP, DA’s Office and Eureka Police Dept. are collaborating. Downey said he expects to file charges by the end of the week.

In a hastily called press conference this afternoon, Downey said that he was disclosing preliminary information in order to tamp down rumors and speculation on various online fora, much of it wildly inaccurate.

“Our sole purpose in holding back information, and coming forward, was to solidify our case and making a strong nexus between the two cases,” Downey said today. “We wanted to ensure that we could bring a strong case before the District Attorney’s Office.”

He made clear that no suspect is in custody, but that Warren is being investigated in connection with the Myrtle Avenue incident as well as the homicide of Dorothy Ulrich in Hoopa that same day. Downey said he knew of no personal relationship between Warren and Ulrich.

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◼ Person of Interest Named in Hoopa Homicide and Fatal Hit and Run - Two Rivers Tribune
◼ Woman Found Dead in Hoopa Home - Two Rivers Tribune
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ABSOLUTELY PREDICTABLE. How many more?

UPDATES:
◼ Humboldt County public defender to represent man accused of killing jogger, Hoopa woman; Warren could face the death penalty - Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
◼ Letter regarding Gag Order/Protective Order, from Public Defender's Office - Arcata Eye
◼ Warren pleads not guilty to deaths of Humboldt State University instructor, Hoopa woman; judge grants gag order prohibiting attorneys, law enforcement from discussing case - Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
◼ The man accused of killing a Hoopa woman and then later purposely running down three joggers on Old Arcata Road -- killing a Humboldt State University instructor and severely injuring two others -- has been charged with two counts of murder - Grant Scott-Goforth and Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
◼ In the face of death: Special allegations change how a defendant should be represented - Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
◼ CHP to DA: Jogger’s Death Was Murder - Heidi Walters/The Journal
◼ CHP requesting murder, attempted murder, animal cruelty charges in hit-and-run deaths - From the CHP via Times Standard
◼ CHP Recommends Murder Charge In Seeman Death - Arcata Eye
◼ District attorney's office opposing Cruz waivers following hit-and-run, homicide case; Experts: Move could harm ability to get pleas - Grant Scott-Goforth/The Times-Standard
◼ Who is Jason Anthony Warren? - Two Rivers Tribune