◼ One suspect in 2008 Cutten killing takes plea deal
One of two defendants accused of participating in a December 2008 home invasion robbery that left a Cutten man dead pleaded no contest Tuesday to voluntary manslaughter and related drug charges.
Jury selection for the trial of Jason Leon Belles, 31, and Jonathan Henry Watson, 30, was set to begin Monday but Belles pleaded Tuesday to reduced charges. He will be sentenced Aug. 21. The stipulated term of the plea deal was seven years and eight months in prison, according to court documents.
Belles' attorney William Bragg said that although they felt Belles had a good defense for the jury trial, Belles did not want to risk a life sentence.
”My client evaluated the risk involved in the case of taking it to trial and was not willing to risk the rest of his life on that,” Bragg said. “I could not guarantee my client that I could win the case. No attorney can.”
With good behavior, Belles may only have to serve 85 percent of his proposed sentence, or about six-and-a-half years, minus time already served, Bragg said.
Belles accepted the plea deal from Deputy District Attorney Max Cardoza that reduced a murder charge to voluntary manslaughter; a first-degree burglary charge to transporting more than an ounce of marijuana; and a first-degree attempted robbery charge to possessing marijuana for sale, according to court documents. A second attempted robbery charge was dismissed.....
Watson's jury trial is now scheduled to begin Aug. 5 with jury selection beginning Aug. 3, according to court documents. He is charged with murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The name of the victim, not mentioned in the article, was ◼ 27-year-old Garrett Ryan Benson Belles had been initially held on suspicion of murder, robbery of an inhabited dwelling and conspiracy.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Big money at the NEC
◼ The NEC’s Subprime Mortgage
On Friday, Pete Nichols, chair of the nec’s board of directors, sounded pleased that the organization is moving past having to worry quite so much about balance sheets, asset management and foreclosure.
“We’re using this as the opportunity to get out of the real estate business, and back into conservation,” Nichols said.
...The Northcoast Environmental Center borrowed a total of $550,000 to finance its purchase of the G Street office...$50,000 from Don and Andrea Tuttle, $100,000 from Felicia Oldfather...four other families or individuals and one other nonprofit institution loaned the nec money for the G Street property. They are Bette and Milt Dobkin ($100,000), Duncan Ralph ($50,000), Bob and Mary Gearheart ($50,000), Steve Gompertz ($100,000) and the Redwood Region Audubon Society ($100,000)....The loans from Gompertz and the Audubon Society, which were packaged together in one note, were paid off in April of this year, upon the sale of one of the two lots that comprised the old nec offices at Ninth and I streets in Arcata. According to Martin Swett, nec treasurer, that note was partially secured by the property that was sold, and so had to be paid off in order for the sale to go through...
The nec still holds unencumbered title on one piece of property — the other downtown lot, which used to house half its headquarters. Though the site is badly polluted, Nichols said that the organization is very confident that it will soon secure grants to clean it up.
The NEC lost its way. It will not get it back. They've kept the wrecking crew in charge.
On Friday, Pete Nichols, chair of the nec’s board of directors, sounded pleased that the organization is moving past having to worry quite so much about balance sheets, asset management and foreclosure.
“We’re using this as the opportunity to get out of the real estate business, and back into conservation,” Nichols said.
...The Northcoast Environmental Center borrowed a total of $550,000 to finance its purchase of the G Street office...$50,000 from Don and Andrea Tuttle, $100,000 from Felicia Oldfather...four other families or individuals and one other nonprofit institution loaned the nec money for the G Street property. They are Bette and Milt Dobkin ($100,000), Duncan Ralph ($50,000), Bob and Mary Gearheart ($50,000), Steve Gompertz ($100,000) and the Redwood Region Audubon Society ($100,000)....The loans from Gompertz and the Audubon Society, which were packaged together in one note, were paid off in April of this year, upon the sale of one of the two lots that comprised the old nec offices at Ninth and I streets in Arcata. According to Martin Swett, nec treasurer, that note was partially secured by the property that was sold, and so had to be paid off in order for the sale to go through...
The nec still holds unencumbered title on one piece of property — the other downtown lot, which used to house half its headquarters. Though the site is badly polluted, Nichols said that the organization is very confident that it will soon secure grants to clean it up.
The NEC lost its way. It will not get it back. They've kept the wrecking crew in charge.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Gallegos' latest case
◼ Trial starts for former Fortuna teacher
A jury has been selected and testimony began Thursday in the trial of a former Fortuna Union High School teacher who is accused of having sex with a 17-year-old student.
Dierdre Marie Peterson, 41, is charged with unlawful sex, oral copulation with a minor and molesting a minor. She has pleaded not guilty, claiming that she was raped, according to court documents.
District Attorney Paul Gallegos told the jury Thursday in his opening statement that although Peterson was known for taking in “stray” children and helping them get through tough times, she made some bad decisions.
”In this case, the story you will hear is good intentions and poor choices, and the regret and deceit that often follow those kind of decisions,” he said.
Gallegos called many of Peterson's activities admirable, such as her youth leadership role in church and caring for others, but that she took things too far.
”There's nothing wrong with attraction but Ms. Peterson chose to act on it,” he said.
Gallegos briefly described the alleged sexual acts the victim detailed to police. When Kim Peterson, the defendant's husband, was out of town and the victim was sleeping over at the Peterson home, Dierdre Peterson allegedly gave the victim a back massage that escalated to sexual intercourse.
The alleged acts took place around June 2008.
A jury has been selected and testimony began Thursday in the trial of a former Fortuna Union High School teacher who is accused of having sex with a 17-year-old student.
Dierdre Marie Peterson, 41, is charged with unlawful sex, oral copulation with a minor and molesting a minor. She has pleaded not guilty, claiming that she was raped, according to court documents.
District Attorney Paul Gallegos told the jury Thursday in his opening statement that although Peterson was known for taking in “stray” children and helping them get through tough times, she made some bad decisions.
”In this case, the story you will hear is good intentions and poor choices, and the regret and deceit that often follow those kind of decisions,” he said.
Gallegos called many of Peterson's activities admirable, such as her youth leadership role in church and caring for others, but that she took things too far.
”There's nothing wrong with attraction but Ms. Peterson chose to act on it,” he said.
Gallegos briefly described the alleged sexual acts the victim detailed to police. When Kim Peterson, the defendant's husband, was out of town and the victim was sleeping over at the Peterson home, Dierdre Peterson allegedly gave the victim a back massage that escalated to sexual intercourse.
The alleged acts took place around June 2008.
Men in Blue -- Widows in Black
◼ Men in Blue -- Widows in Black
What does it mean to give your life to the call of duty?
In the last three weeks, Humboldt County has lost three veteran officers: Brett Davie, Ben Nord, and James “Butch” Manos. At ages 63, 34, and 58 (respectively), each of these men died of a heart attack.
While it's common knowledge law enforcement officers have a high-stress career, it is still difficult to grasp the loss of these men. In each instance, these men lost their lives not in the line of duty, but during ordinary activities of their off-duty lives; one in his own backyard, one while vacationing in Trinity, and one following his daily workout.
Thirty years ago, officers walked a beat and had personal relationships with the people they served. Back then, the public had a better feel for and about law enforcement.....
Thanks you and Bless you, Dave Parris. And condolences to the families of Brett Davie, Ben Nord, and James “Butch” Manos.
What does it mean to give your life to the call of duty?
In the last three weeks, Humboldt County has lost three veteran officers: Brett Davie, Ben Nord, and James “Butch” Manos. At ages 63, 34, and 58 (respectively), each of these men died of a heart attack.
While it's common knowledge law enforcement officers have a high-stress career, it is still difficult to grasp the loss of these men. In each instance, these men lost their lives not in the line of duty, but during ordinary activities of their off-duty lives; one in his own backyard, one while vacationing in Trinity, and one following his daily workout.
Thirty years ago, officers walked a beat and had personal relationships with the people they served. Back then, the public had a better feel for and about law enforcement.....
Thanks you and Bless you, Dave Parris. And condolences to the families of Brett Davie, Ben Nord, and James “Butch” Manos.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Irony in the making?
◼ Drug Task Force raids suspected SoHum grow house, business
◼ Humboldt Drug Task Force raids SoHum grow houses, business
The Humboldt County Drug Task Force led a raid Wednesday on three suspected Southern Humboldt grow houses and a business, resulting in three arrests.
Ann Edwards, 49, of Benbow, owner of Folk Art in Garberville, is believed to be associated with all properties, according to a press release. Edwards, along with Cheryl Cacopardo, 53, and Robert Delgrande, 41, were arrested on suspicion of cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale.
Financial documents have been seized from Edward's business.
Agents reportedly discovered roughly 700 marijuana plants growing in the residences located on the 7900 and 7400 blocks of Benbow Drive, and the 200 block of Fairway Drive.
Could be a bit ironic - if that Ann Edwards is the same one who tried to keep someone from opening a Tow Shop in Garberville, because you know a TOW SHOP would be COMPLETELY INAPPROPRIATE.
◼ Humboldt Drug Task Force raids SoHum grow houses, business
The Humboldt County Drug Task Force led a raid Wednesday on three suspected Southern Humboldt grow houses and a business, resulting in three arrests.
Ann Edwards, 49, of Benbow, owner of Folk Art in Garberville, is believed to be associated with all properties, according to a press release. Edwards, along with Cheryl Cacopardo, 53, and Robert Delgrande, 41, were arrested on suspicion of cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale.
Financial documents have been seized from Edward's business.
Agents reportedly discovered roughly 700 marijuana plants growing in the residences located on the 7900 and 7400 blocks of Benbow Drive, and the 200 block of Fairway Drive.
Could be a bit ironic - if that Ann Edwards is the same one who tried to keep someone from opening a Tow Shop in Garberville, because you know a TOW SHOP would be COMPLETELY INAPPROPRIATE.
Breaking - tough economic times, unexpected consequences
◼ Shooting at Tip Top leads to arrests (was breaking)
◼ Shooting at Tip Top leads to arrests (article)
Early Thursday morning, two men were arrested after one allegedly fired off a gun when he objected to the admission price to a local strip club.
According to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, shortly after midnight this morning deputies responded to ◼ the Tip Top Club after receiving a report of shots fired. Deputies learned that a group of men had caused a disturbance over a door-charge..... Hey at least he didn't have to pretend he was going to buy an RV.
◼ Shooting at Tip Top leads to arrests (article)
Early Thursday morning, two men were arrested after one allegedly fired off a gun when he objected to the admission price to a local strip club.
According to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, shortly after midnight this morning deputies responded to ◼ the Tip Top Club after receiving a report of shots fired. Deputies learned that a group of men had caused a disturbance over a door-charge..... Hey at least he didn't have to pretend he was going to buy an RV.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Bulldozer ready
Richardson's Grove it isn't. Big enough to give Ken Miller a coronary though. My how the worm does turn. It's logging. Sorta kinda. With a fancy new description that makes it all eco-kosher and all.
The Division of Forestry in Nevada's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has been awarded Nevada's first stimulus funded grant. The $1.3 million forest protection and green energy project already underway has created 26 jobs and saved three others, all in Lincoln County, which has an unemployment rate well above the national average. The undertaking will reduce hazardous fuel loads by removing encroaching Juniper and Pinyon trees (both highly flammable), improving forest ecosystems, helping prevent forest fires, and creating biomass for use as green energy. Work is taking place in or along Beaver Dam, Spring Valley and Echo Canyon State Parks, as well as along parts of Highway 93 and State Route 319.
The project began on March, 30, 2009 and the Nevada Division of Forestry has so far cleared 287.7 acres and produced 3,767 cubic yards of biomass. The biomass is being used as mulch and green energy, with 2,700 cubic yards being used as green energy at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City, and 1,067 cubic yards chipped and spread on site as mulch. http://www.recovery.gov/
Trial news
◼ Back in Action owner trial set for November
Back in Action owner Darrell Slape will face charges of sexual battery and abuse in a trial set to begin Nov. 9.
In a pre-trial conference Tuesday afternoon, Humboldt County Superior Court Judge W. Bruce Watson granted the defense's motion to consolidate two cases, one of practicing physical therapy without a license and a count of sexual battery and another case of sexual battery.
◼ RELATED: Darrell Slape, CMP CMST
◼ backinaction
Back in Action owner Darrell Slape will face charges of sexual battery and abuse in a trial set to begin Nov. 9.
In a pre-trial conference Tuesday afternoon, Humboldt County Superior Court Judge W. Bruce Watson granted the defense's motion to consolidate two cases, one of practicing physical therapy without a license and a count of sexual battery and another case of sexual battery.
◼ RELATED: Darrell Slape, CMP CMST
The state of California conducted four separate and simultaneous investigations of Slape’s business. Three of the four investigations and audits required a legal team to respond successfully. The investigations were conducted by the Franchise Tax Board of California, the Physical Therapy Board (PTB), the Department of Consumer Affairs (DOC) and California’s Educational Development Department (EDD). It appears that this was only one of the latest in a series of turf battles across the USA in what is known as “a war” between traditional western medicine and complimentary and alternative health approaches to health. In Slape’s case, the state appeared to perceive overlapping scopes of practice using exercise machines with clientele were violations of the Physical Therapy Practice Act.
◼ backinaction
Friday, July 17, 2009
Whitmill update
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill
A motion to dismiss three charges, including second-degree murder, against a Willow Creek man accused of racing down Highway 299 and killing a 9-year-old girl last October was denied Wednesday.
Attorney Glenn Brown requested the dismissal of blood alcohol content evidence against Jason Bradley Whitmill, 32, on June 11 and three charges related to the evidence: second degree murder, driving while intoxicated causing bodily injury and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated....
Brown requested the BAC be dismissed arguing that police illegally drew and tested Whitmill's blood without his consent. In the judge's statement, (Superior Court Judge Dale A) Reinholsten determined officers had probable cause to draw Whitmill's blood....
...Whitmill is also accused of engaging in a speed contest causing bodily injury and hit and run driving causing injury. Flores is accused of gross vehicular manslaughter, engaging in a speed contest causing bodily injury and hit and run driving causing injury.
Their jury trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 8....
A motion to dismiss three charges, including second-degree murder, against a Willow Creek man accused of racing down Highway 299 and killing a 9-year-old girl last October was denied Wednesday.
Attorney Glenn Brown requested the dismissal of blood alcohol content evidence against Jason Bradley Whitmill, 32, on June 11 and three charges related to the evidence: second degree murder, driving while intoxicated causing bodily injury and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated....
Brown requested the BAC be dismissed arguing that police illegally drew and tested Whitmill's blood without his consent. In the judge's statement, (Superior Court Judge Dale A) Reinholsten determined officers had probable cause to draw Whitmill's blood....
...Whitmill is also accused of engaging in a speed contest causing bodily injury and hit and run driving causing injury. Flores is accused of gross vehicular manslaughter, engaging in a speed contest causing bodily injury and hit and run driving causing injury.
Their jury trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 8....
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Run aground
◼ NEC could make big cuts or close this month
◼ Northcoast Environmental Center on the skids
You know what I think of the predatory litigious mentality that has taken over - it ain't about saving the planet - it's about power, and wasting other people's money to get it.
Awww, what a shame.
◼ heraldo ENDANGERED: Your NEC
◼ Eric
GREAT EDITORIAL in the TS today - 7/15/09
◼ NEC has more than just debt to overcome
...There's no doubt that such help is needed, but we believe there are even bigger issues at play. Frankly, the NEC has lost its way. In what has turned out to be a painfully long period of transition after McKay's death, the group has lost its identity, and in many ways has alienated former supporters -- by opposing a plan aimed at restoring the Klamath basin, in one example -- and angered what used to be respectful intellectual adversaries....
◼ NEC board decides to pare back
NEC Board President Pete Nichols said that the board on Wednesday decided to eliminate the center's administrative director position, currently held by Georgianna Wood. It will also be moving from its G Street house in Arcata to a Jacoby Storehouse storefront.
Yep - getting rid of the one person who actually did something. Smart.
◼ Varieties of Bankruptcy Town Dandy
Left out one variety of bankruptcy - the bankruptcy of character.
◼ Exclusive: Humboldt Mirror scores interview with former NEC director The Mirror
◼ Northcoast Environmental Center on the skids
You know what I think of the predatory litigious mentality that has taken over - it ain't about saving the planet - it's about power, and wasting other people's money to get it.
Awww, what a shame.
◼ heraldo ENDANGERED: Your NEC
◼ Eric
GREAT EDITORIAL in the TS today - 7/15/09
◼ NEC has more than just debt to overcome
...There's no doubt that such help is needed, but we believe there are even bigger issues at play. Frankly, the NEC has lost its way. In what has turned out to be a painfully long period of transition after McKay's death, the group has lost its identity, and in many ways has alienated former supporters -- by opposing a plan aimed at restoring the Klamath basin, in one example -- and angered what used to be respectful intellectual adversaries....
◼ NEC board decides to pare back
NEC Board President Pete Nichols said that the board on Wednesday decided to eliminate the center's administrative director position, currently held by Georgianna Wood. It will also be moving from its G Street house in Arcata to a Jacoby Storehouse storefront.
Yep - getting rid of the one person who actually did something. Smart.
◼ Varieties of Bankruptcy Town Dandy
Left out one variety of bankruptcy - the bankruptcy of character.
◼ Exclusive: Humboldt Mirror scores interview with former NEC director The Mirror
Friday, July 10, 2009
Condolences
to Benjamin Nord's family.
◼ Dark day at DA's office
Humboldt County lowered its flags to half-staff this week to honor the passing of a county investigator.
Benjamin “Ben” A. Nord was 34 when he died of unknown causes Tuesday while on vacation at Trinity Lake. He had worked for the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office since November of last year.
◼ Memorial service to honor local investigator
◼ Dark day at DA's office
Humboldt County lowered its flags to half-staff this week to honor the passing of a county investigator.
Benjamin “Ben” A. Nord was 34 when he died of unknown causes Tuesday while on vacation at Trinity Lake. He had worked for the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office since November of last year.
◼ Memorial service to honor local investigator
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
DA funds EPD?
Gallegos presents EPD w/$94,298 for in-car video systems.
Do they get the semi-automatic rifles and the matching Carhart outfits, too?
Do they get the semi-automatic rifles and the matching Carhart outfits, too?
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