◼ Two new deputy DAs hired by Humboldt County District Office - John Chiv/Words Worth
Humboldt County District Attorney Maggie Fleming today announced the hiring of two new Deputy District Attorneys: Michael McDonald of Blue Lake and Jamie Murdock of Orange, California. Both will be handling misdemeanor caseloads....
Maggie Fleming has hired 9 prosecutors this year. MORE
Showing posts with label Brain Drain. Mass Exodus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brain Drain. Mass Exodus. Show all posts
Friday, December 18, 2015
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Laughable
The "Tuluwat Examiner" (an anonymous blog) decides to take on the DA's Office topic. THE DA’S OFFICE: DID WE TRADE UP? OR NOT?
Is it ignorance? No, "they" (the cowardly anonymous blogger pretending to be more than one) refer to the ◼ brain drain under Paul, but neglect to mention the secondary effect - because of the chaos of his office, Paul Gallegos was unable to replace the top-notch, experienced prosecutors (also known as Deputy DAs) that he "lost, fired, or drove away." The few he was able to hire were over-worked and had no mentoring to speak of. Attorneys and prosecutors throughout the state knew better than to apply here, and those that did often said "the guy with the moustache (Wes Keat) was cool, but that other guy (Gallegos) was one weird dude."
TE's referring to the fact that some of Paul's hires have decided to leave the DAs Office now, and inferring (pretending it's a question) that maybe Maggie Fleming is no better than Paul.
Nice try. It's certainly fair to ask the question, "Why are they leaving?" BUT...
That Office was in a shambles. No one reported it beyond the first Grand Jury report that identified the problems, but it continued to degrade every year since that report came out. Only in the last election was it acknowledged, once it was no longer necessary to protect the baby DA Gallegos, when EVERY SINGLE CANDIDATE in the race was talking about it. It was finally admitted that it was so bad it was going to take more than 4 years to fix it.
The problems go beyond staffing, but filling the vacancies alone is a herculean task. And, it was a given that some of Paul's hires were not going to make it.
Discussing the DAs Office without admitting to the history is both ignorant and laughable.
And, I say again, if you are going to go after someone, you owe it to them to USE YOUR NAME, stand behind your words.
◼ Chiv also responds, in more detail: Let's shed some facts on the latest NCJ article about the sexually violent predator and Tuluwat's recent post questioning the current DA administration
What they're referencing:
◼ Free and Afraid: A flawed system, a prosecutor's error and a man who fears he will harm children again - North Coast Journal
◼ Kelly Neel leaving DA's office to work for Public Defender - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Deputy District Attorney Jason Sheets leaving Humboldt County District Attorney's office - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ DDA Luke Brownfield to leave DA's Office
◼ Former DA Candidate Moves On - North Coast Journal
UPDATE:
◼ Newly hired DDA joins the Humboldt County District Attorney's office
Is it ignorance? No, "they" (the cowardly anonymous blogger pretending to be more than one) refer to the ◼ brain drain under Paul, but neglect to mention the secondary effect - because of the chaos of his office, Paul Gallegos was unable to replace the top-notch, experienced prosecutors (also known as Deputy DAs) that he "lost, fired, or drove away." The few he was able to hire were over-worked and had no mentoring to speak of. Attorneys and prosecutors throughout the state knew better than to apply here, and those that did often said "the guy with the moustache (Wes Keat) was cool, but that other guy (Gallegos) was one weird dude."
TE's referring to the fact that some of Paul's hires have decided to leave the DAs Office now, and inferring (pretending it's a question) that maybe Maggie Fleming is no better than Paul.
Nice try. It's certainly fair to ask the question, "Why are they leaving?" BUT...
That Office was in a shambles. No one reported it beyond the first Grand Jury report that identified the problems, but it continued to degrade every year since that report came out. Only in the last election was it acknowledged, once it was no longer necessary to protect the baby DA Gallegos, when EVERY SINGLE CANDIDATE in the race was talking about it. It was finally admitted that it was so bad it was going to take more than 4 years to fix it.
The problems go beyond staffing, but filling the vacancies alone is a herculean task. And, it was a given that some of Paul's hires were not going to make it.
Discussing the DAs Office without admitting to the history is both ignorant and laughable.
And, I say again, if you are going to go after someone, you owe it to them to USE YOUR NAME, stand behind your words.
◼ Chiv also responds, in more detail: Let's shed some facts on the latest NCJ article about the sexually violent predator and Tuluwat's recent post questioning the current DA administration
What they're referencing:
◼ Free and Afraid: A flawed system, a prosecutor's error and a man who fears he will harm children again - North Coast Journal
◼ Kelly Neel leaving DA's office to work for Public Defender - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Deputy District Attorney Jason Sheets leaving Humboldt County District Attorney's office - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ DDA Luke Brownfield to leave DA's Office
◼ Former DA Candidate Moves On - North Coast Journal
UPDATE:
◼ Newly hired DDA joins the Humboldt County District Attorney's office
...Dave Christensen.... has 11 years of experience as a prosecutor in his 20-year career, including work in the Inyo County and San Joaquin County DA’s offices as well as in Idaho. He will be assigned a felony caseload...
Friday, February 13, 2015
DDA Luke Brownfield to leave DA's Office
◼ ...will be going from prosecution to being a public defender - John Chiv/Words Worth
__________________
(redacted) Best of luck.
Filed under exodus because this is still part of the Gallegos legacy.
(redacted) Best of luck.
Filed under exodus because this is still part of the Gallegos legacy.
Tuesday, December 02, 2014
Who celebrates incompetence and the destruction of an office?
◼ Letter: Saluting Pal Gallegos’ service to community - "R. Trent Williams" (Richard Salzman himself)
Lying, conniving and slavishly loyal to the end.
If you go - shame on you.
If you go, you're celebrating taking a working office from almost 20 to under 10, the horrific working conditions resulting from being severely understaffed, you're celebrating the horrible reputation the Humboldt DAs Office has earned under Gallegos' tenure (No one wants to work here), inexplicable schizophrenic prosecutions (letting bad guys go, and going after people like the toddler-wanderer Dad). These things are not in dispute.
It's a sorry state of affairs, and it is in very poor taste to advertise it like it is some kind of achievement. But, that's "R. Trent." He doesn't say whether they'll be passing the hat.
(Fitting that there's a typo...)
Monday, November 03, 2014
The Brain Drain Continues
◼ Élan Firpo Moves On
Former Humboldt County District Attorney candidate Elan Firpo took her first steps in a new career today, stepping in as a partner in a prominent local firm now known as Zwerdling, Bragg, Mainzer and Firpo....
Firpo’s departure comes just weeks after her successful double murder prosecution of Bodhi Tree, who is now serving 108 years to life in state prison. Tree’s conviction wound up being Firpo’s prosecutorial swan song. She was also slated to handle the case of Gary Lee Bullock, a Garberville man accused of torturing and murdering popular St. Bernard Church Pastor Eric Freed on Jan. 1. Firpo said the hardest part of her decision to leave the office came when she called Freed’s family to tell them she’d be handing off the case.
__________________
This is a crying shame, given the absolutely decimated prosecutorial team.
What it means is - the already overburdened prosecutors are now having to handle this load. So where is Gallegos? With a little over 2 months to go, he leaves the place in an absolute shambles.
It's not going to help with putting out a welcome mat to attract new (seasoned, competent) prosecutors to the Humboldt County DA's Office, and that's a shame.
Former Humboldt County District Attorney candidate Elan Firpo took her first steps in a new career today, stepping in as a partner in a prominent local firm now known as Zwerdling, Bragg, Mainzer and Firpo....
Firpo’s departure comes just weeks after her successful double murder prosecution of Bodhi Tree, who is now serving 108 years to life in state prison. Tree’s conviction wound up being Firpo’s prosecutorial swan song. She was also slated to handle the case of Gary Lee Bullock, a Garberville man accused of torturing and murdering popular St. Bernard Church Pastor Eric Freed on Jan. 1. Firpo said the hardest part of her decision to leave the office came when she called Freed’s family to tell them she’d be handing off the case.
This is a crying shame, given the absolutely decimated prosecutorial team.
What it means is - the already overburdened prosecutors are now having to handle this load. So where is Gallegos? With a little over 2 months to go, he leaves the place in an absolute shambles.
It's not going to help with putting out a welcome mat to attract new (seasoned, competent) prosecutors to the Humboldt County DA's Office, and that's a shame.
Sunday, August 03, 2014
"After the barn door has been shut, he's complaining about the horses getting loose," Bohn said. "The best thing that comes out of this is, with a new DA coming in, maybe they will be more financially sophisticated to work with the monies that are provided as we work out of these tough times that we've had."
◼ District attorney, Humboldt County officials disagree on office staffing - Will Houston
First District Supervisor and board Chairman Rex Bohn said the district attorney's office's General Fund allocation has increased by 67 percent since the 2004-2005 budget year.
"He's got about 20 percent more funding in the last 10 years than the public defender's office," Bohn said. "When you're talking discretionary funding, Paul gets between 5 to 6 percent of our discretionary money that is available. To say we don't care about public safety, it's disingenuous at the best and pretty false in the long run."
The Board of Supervisors recently voted to place a sales tax measure on the November ballot that would primarily be used to fund public safety services, such as the sheriff's office and district attorney's office.
With the 2014-2015 county budget already set, Bohn said Gallegos claims come too late.
"After the barn door has been shut, he's complaining about the horses getting loose," Bohn said. "The best thing that comes out of this is, with a new DA coming in, maybe they will be more financially sophisticated to work with the monies that are provided as we work out of these tough times that we've had."
_____________________
NOTE - "humboldtturtle" commented on the Times-Standard's article, a typical knee-jerk-defend-Gallegos-at-all-cost approach: Do I get this right? Rex is saying his sophisticated answer to the county's financial problems is to raise taxes. Gallegos says allocate your funds more wisely instead, and is called a liar for it? I wish t'was bohn were gohn...
The response: Oh, c'mon, humboldtturtle, you know FULL WELL that Gallegos has mismanaged that office. A Grand Jury pointed out YEARS ago that ""Weak leadership and poor managerial practices" have undermined the office... Implicit in all evidence gathered by the Grand Jury - including interviews with the D.A. - is the unfortunate truth that the D.A. exhibits a limited understanding of how things are done in the department" Gallegos "lacks the global perspective needed to keep the department operating efficiently," and quotes an unnamed staff member as saying, "The D.A. does not fully understand the functionality of many of the things we do here" - Years later, in his own words: "I’m not an administrator, they didn’t elect me to be an administrator, they elected me to make sure this office runs..."
It wasn't even in dispute during the last election, EVERY SINGLE CANDIDATE POINTED TO THE UTTER DETERIORATION. Gallegos lost, fired, or drove away all of the County's top prosecutors and has been utterly unable to replace them.
Gallegos has lost the grants that are critical to funding the office. You know this, and so should the author of this article.
Yet now, Gallegos accuses everyone else of not having their priorities in order.
That's just sick.
_____________________
And, btw, Will Houston STILL, apparently, has not done his homework.
WHY did Gallegos not fill the positions as they became open, Will? The money did not evaporate.
First District Supervisor and board Chairman Rex Bohn said the district attorney's office's General Fund allocation has increased by 67 percent since the 2004-2005 budget year.
"He's got about 20 percent more funding in the last 10 years than the public defender's office," Bohn said. "When you're talking discretionary funding, Paul gets between 5 to 6 percent of our discretionary money that is available. To say we don't care about public safety, it's disingenuous at the best and pretty false in the long run."
The Board of Supervisors recently voted to place a sales tax measure on the November ballot that would primarily be used to fund public safety services, such as the sheriff's office and district attorney's office.
With the 2014-2015 county budget already set, Bohn said Gallegos claims come too late.
"After the barn door has been shut, he's complaining about the horses getting loose," Bohn said. "The best thing that comes out of this is, with a new DA coming in, maybe they will be more financially sophisticated to work with the monies that are provided as we work out of these tough times that we've had."
NOTE - "humboldtturtle" commented on the Times-Standard's article, a typical knee-jerk-defend-Gallegos-at-all-cost approach: Do I get this right? Rex is saying his sophisticated answer to the county's financial problems is to raise taxes. Gallegos says allocate your funds more wisely instead, and is called a liar for it? I wish t'was bohn were gohn...
The response: Oh, c'mon, humboldtturtle, you know FULL WELL that Gallegos has mismanaged that office. A Grand Jury pointed out YEARS ago that ""Weak leadership and poor managerial practices" have undermined the office... Implicit in all evidence gathered by the Grand Jury - including interviews with the D.A. - is the unfortunate truth that the D.A. exhibits a limited understanding of how things are done in the department" Gallegos "lacks the global perspective needed to keep the department operating efficiently," and quotes an unnamed staff member as saying, "The D.A. does not fully understand the functionality of many of the things we do here" - Years later, in his own words: "I’m not an administrator, they didn’t elect me to be an administrator, they elected me to make sure this office runs..."
It wasn't even in dispute during the last election, EVERY SINGLE CANDIDATE POINTED TO THE UTTER DETERIORATION. Gallegos lost, fired, or drove away all of the County's top prosecutors and has been utterly unable to replace them.
Gallegos has lost the grants that are critical to funding the office. You know this, and so should the author of this article.
Yet now, Gallegos accuses everyone else of not having their priorities in order.
That's just sick.
And, btw, Will Houston STILL, apparently, has not done his homework.
WHY did Gallegos not fill the positions as they became open, Will? The money did not evaporate.
Monday, July 28, 2014
So much for the idea that The Times-Standard will EVER do any decent reporting when it comes to Paul Gallegos.
◼ District attorney displeased with attorney staffing ratio - Will Houston, shame on you for letting him get away with this drivel.
BLAMING THE COUNTY FOR THE FACT THAT HE HAS LOST, FIRED, OR DRIVEN AWAY THE COUNTY'S MOST EXPERIENCED PROSECUTORS!
AND HE HAS FAILED TO FILL THE POSITIONS. NO ONE ELSE IN THE COUNTY HAD ANYTHING WHATSOEVER TO DO WITH IT, WILL.
HE IS UNABLE TO ATTRACT ANYONE TO COME WORK HERE. WHY IS THAT, WILL?
HE LOST THE GRANTS THAT PAID FOR POSITIONS, WILL. AND HE TRILLED TO THE PUBLIC THAT HE WAS 'WEANING' HIMSELF OFF GRANTS, WILL. DID YOU KNOW THAT? WERE THEY HIS TO GIVE UP? NO, THEY BELONGED TO THE COUNTY, WILL, AND HE LOST THEM.
HE HAD 19 PROSECUTORS WHEN HE CAME IN. HOW MANY DOES HE HAVE NOW? AND YOU LET HIM GET AWAY WITH BLAMING THE COUNTY?
BULLSHIT.
IT IS THIS PISS-POOR REPORTING THAT HAS GONE ON FOR YEARS, AND HAS PUT US WHERE WE ARE. IF EVEN ONCE YOU GUYS DID YOUR JOB, MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, YOU WOULD STILL HAVE THOSE PROSECUTORS.
DO YOUR GODDAMN HOMEWORK.
Alternate Title: Paul Gallegos just realized he lost more than half his staff, and has a ton of unfilled positions just sitting there open, blames everyone else for his failure to do his job, reporter buys it, hook, line and sinker.
BLAMING THE COUNTY FOR THE FACT THAT HE HAS LOST, FIRED, OR DRIVEN AWAY THE COUNTY'S MOST EXPERIENCED PROSECUTORS!
AND HE HAS FAILED TO FILL THE POSITIONS. NO ONE ELSE IN THE COUNTY HAD ANYTHING WHATSOEVER TO DO WITH IT, WILL.
HE IS UNABLE TO ATTRACT ANYONE TO COME WORK HERE. WHY IS THAT, WILL?
HE LOST THE GRANTS THAT PAID FOR POSITIONS, WILL. AND HE TRILLED TO THE PUBLIC THAT HE WAS 'WEANING' HIMSELF OFF GRANTS, WILL. DID YOU KNOW THAT? WERE THEY HIS TO GIVE UP? NO, THEY BELONGED TO THE COUNTY, WILL, AND HE LOST THEM.
HE HAD 19 PROSECUTORS WHEN HE CAME IN. HOW MANY DOES HE HAVE NOW? AND YOU LET HIM GET AWAY WITH BLAMING THE COUNTY?
BULLSHIT.
IT IS THIS PISS-POOR REPORTING THAT HAS GONE ON FOR YEARS, AND HAS PUT US WHERE WE ARE. IF EVEN ONCE YOU GUYS DID YOUR JOB, MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, YOU WOULD STILL HAVE THOSE PROSECUTORS.
DO YOUR GODDAMN HOMEWORK.
Alternate Title: Paul Gallegos just realized he lost more than half his staff, and has a ton of unfilled positions just sitting there open, blames everyone else for his failure to do his job, reporter buys it, hook, line and sinker.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Depending on your viewpoint
This could be a good thing, I suppose, if you don't think much of this particular Gallegos hire. BUT. This office cannot afford to lose any more people right now. Rumors abound. Expectations of firings, and plans to walk. This just confirms the rumors.
◼ Wishing DDA Christa McKimmy the best; she is leaving the DA's office - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Wishing DDA Christa McKimmy the best; she is leaving the DA's office - John Chiv/Words Worth
She gave notice so this was her choice. Looks like recruiting attorneys is going to be one of the new DA's top priorities.What's it going to be? Cleaning house? Or retention and improvement? Are current employees acting out of unfounded fear (amply spread by Gallegos in all the past elections)? I'd encourage you to STAY, you should find your work conditions improving astronomically.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Lack of manpower. "The office has had to establish priorities and standards that determine which crimes to prosecute."
◼ Suspect in Mendo deputy's killing released from Oregon jail; lack of evidence, manpower resulted in no charges - AP via Times-Standard
Chaney, 32, had been arrested March 6 by Eugene police, who suspected he had a stolen cellphone and stopped his car for traffic violations. They found several guns in the vehicle, including a rifle that appeared to be illegally modified. They also found body armor and methamphetamine. Chaney was released the same day.
”The March 6 charges against Chaney were not filed because they fell below the current triage standards and involved no violence or threat of violence,” Lane County District Attorney Alex Gardner said in a statement....
Officials in the district attorney's office repeated last week that they do not have funding to employ enough prosecutors to pursue the simplest drug possession cases, The Register-Guard reported. The office has had to establish priorities and standards that determine which crimes to prosecute.
◼ Details of events in deputy's death released by Mendocino Sheriff's Office - Times-Standard
◼ Slain deputy's memorial service on Wednesday; suspect found dead with 2 gunshot wounds - Ukiah Daily Journal staff report
__________________
You're hearing a lot about the lack of manpower in our DA's Office during this election. It is a problem and has been a problem for a long time. This is why it matters.
Chaney, 32, had been arrested March 6 by Eugene police, who suspected he had a stolen cellphone and stopped his car for traffic violations. They found several guns in the vehicle, including a rifle that appeared to be illegally modified. They also found body armor and methamphetamine. Chaney was released the same day.
”The March 6 charges against Chaney were not filed because they fell below the current triage standards and involved no violence or threat of violence,” Lane County District Attorney Alex Gardner said in a statement....
Officials in the district attorney's office repeated last week that they do not have funding to employ enough prosecutors to pursue the simplest drug possession cases, The Register-Guard reported. The office has had to establish priorities and standards that determine which crimes to prosecute.
◼ Details of events in deputy's death released by Mendocino Sheriff's Office - Times-Standard
◼ Slain deputy's memorial service on Wednesday; suspect found dead with 2 gunshot wounds - Ukiah Daily Journal staff report
You're hearing a lot about the lack of manpower in our DA's Office during this election. It is a problem and has been a problem for a long time. This is why it matters.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Letters To The Editor: Arnie Klein good choice for DA
◼ Letter To The Editor - Times-Standard
Last Friday I worked my final day as a deputy DA in Humboldt County, and am moving to be closer to family. It's been an honor to serve the people of this county and to represent the people of California in court. In terms of the office I'm leaving behind, each DA candidate has correctly identified two key problems: there are not enough attorneys, and there is a lack of experience among current DDAs. However, with new leadership, a budget for enough attorneys to manage the massive caseload, and an increased emphasis on training and mentoring the young attorneys who are here, the DA's office could quickly be in a much better position to enforce the law and protect the community.
When I became a prosecutor, Arnie Klein was always willing to discuss cases with new attorneys like me. He would show us where to look in the evidence code or in a legal treatise, for the answer to a tricky legal question. Sometimes he would explain a particular trial technique, then played the role of a witness while I practiced asking my questions, stopping to give pointers. Arnie seemed invested in our futures as new prosecutors, sharing his years of experience on both sides of the aisle through hands-on mentorship. I think the people of Humboldt County would be well served electing someone with Arnie's experience, ability, and willingness to train newer prosecutors.
David Nims
Eureka
Remember: David Nims is the latest prosecutor we have lost.
Last Friday I worked my final day as a deputy DA in Humboldt County, and am moving to be closer to family. It's been an honor to serve the people of this county and to represent the people of California in court. In terms of the office I'm leaving behind, each DA candidate has correctly identified two key problems: there are not enough attorneys, and there is a lack of experience among current DDAs. However, with new leadership, a budget for enough attorneys to manage the massive caseload, and an increased emphasis on training and mentoring the young attorneys who are here, the DA's office could quickly be in a much better position to enforce the law and protect the community.
When I became a prosecutor, Arnie Klein was always willing to discuss cases with new attorneys like me. He would show us where to look in the evidence code or in a legal treatise, for the answer to a tricky legal question. Sometimes he would explain a particular trial technique, then played the role of a witness while I practiced asking my questions, stopping to give pointers. Arnie seemed invested in our futures as new prosecutors, sharing his years of experience on both sides of the aisle through hands-on mentorship. I think the people of Humboldt County would be well served electing someone with Arnie's experience, ability, and willingness to train newer prosecutors.
David Nims
Eureka
Remember: David Nims is the latest prosecutor we have lost.
Thursday, March 06, 2014
Whoops, there goes another one!
◼ Congratulations and wishing Deputy District Attorney David Nims and his wife a safe and successful move - John Chiv/Words Worth
DDA David Nims and his wife Megan are moving to be closer to family and David Nims is starting a new job as a Deputy Public Defender for El Dorado County.
__________________
Congratulations to Mr. Nims.
Condolences to his co-workers.
__________________
◼ Long (but partial) list of the Prosecutors we have 'LOST'
The new DA will have to find a way to attract a boatload of new prosecutors. It's not going to be an easy task.
DDA David Nims and his wife Megan are moving to be closer to family and David Nims is starting a new job as a Deputy Public Defender for El Dorado County.
Congratulations to Mr. Nims.
Condolences to his co-workers.
◼ Long (but partial) list of the Prosecutors we have 'LOST'
DDA Ed BorgNow you have the office operating at half staff.
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
DDA Tim Stoen
Jennifer Strona
DDA Andy Truitt
DDA Nandor Vadas
DDA Rob Wade
Bill Rodstrom
DDA Maggie Fleming
Wes Keat - RETIRED
DDA Allan Dollison
DDA Arnie Klein
DDA Jeff Schwartz
DDA Davina Smith
DDA Mary McCarthy
DDA Randy Mailman
DDA Kathleen Bryson
DDA Ben McLaughlin
PLUS:
Investigator Chris Andrews
Investigator Chris Cook
Investigator Jim Dawson (retired)
Investigator Mike Hislop
Business Manager Jeannie Duncan
Paul's secretary Gail Dias
Office Manager Linda Modell
Investigator Eric Olson
Investigator Kathy Philp (retired)
Investigator Dave Rybarczyk
Investigator Dave Walker
County Counsel Kim Kerr
PLUS from CAST:
Child Interview Specialist Gillian Wadsworth
Child Interview Specialist Laura Todd
Senior Legal Secretary Melissa Arnold
Alternate Child Interviewer Jennifer Maguire
The new DA will have to find a way to attract a boatload of new prosecutors. It's not going to be an easy task.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Ferrer, Warren, Bodhi Tree, Bullock, King & Adams, Morrow
All but one are pending murder cases. Normally tried by seasoned prosecutors. Where are they? Who's handling these cases? Where's Max? The only senior Deputy DA left.
There is a tremendous amount of work that goes into prepping a case for trial. Or should be. Who's doing the work?
There is a tremendous amount of work that goes into prepping a case for trial. Or should be. Who's doing the work?
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Delusional Ken Miller defends his failed Palco lawsuit
If only HE could have gone and argued the case, surely the outcome would have been different. Surely.
At some point I will read the whole thing, I guess. I didn't get part the first couple sentences, and the "courageous" lawsuit. Yes. That one. The one Ken Miller wrote. The same one that was - literally - laughed out of court.
But let this record show, there was - and there is - nothing 'courageous' about an elected politician filing a lawsuit at the behest of his backers and handlers. 'COURAGE' would have been saying, "No, Ken. Sorry, it doesn't work that way."
Ken glosses over all the lies. Employs his spin doctored talking points, and his delusional version of reality. Even Gallegos knows it's false, if ever he were to admit the truth.
◼ Paul Gallegos restored honor to DA's office = Ken Miller's MY WORD in the Times-Standard
Now, if only he could restore our seasoned, trained, top-flight Prosecutors. He had 20 when he took office, right, Ken? How many prosecutors does he have now, not even counting whether they're experienced or not... six? seven?
Related: ◼ Good riddance to Paul Gallegos - Susan Dodd, Letter to the Editor/Times-Standard
At some point I will read the whole thing, I guess. I didn't get part the first couple sentences, and the "courageous" lawsuit. Yes. That one. The one Ken Miller wrote. The same one that was - literally - laughed out of court.
But let this record show, there was - and there is - nothing 'courageous' about an elected politician filing a lawsuit at the behest of his backers and handlers. 'COURAGE' would have been saying, "No, Ken. Sorry, it doesn't work that way."
Ken glosses over all the lies. Employs his spin doctored talking points, and his delusional version of reality. Even Gallegos knows it's false, if ever he were to admit the truth.
◼ Paul Gallegos restored honor to DA's office = Ken Miller's MY WORD in the Times-Standard
Now, if only he could restore our seasoned, trained, top-flight Prosecutors. He had 20 when he took office, right, Ken? How many prosecutors does he have now, not even counting whether they're experienced or not... six? seven?
Related: ◼ Good riddance to Paul Gallegos - Susan Dodd, Letter to the Editor/Times-Standard
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Shorter Gallegos: "I am ill prepared and inept...so I am glad a competent lawyer and competent office is taking over my cases."
Another glowing piece from the Times-Standard for their favorite golden boy Paul Gallegos - ◼ Suspect pleads not guilty to SoHum murder in federal court; defendants make initial appearances in 2008 case
The DA's office filed charges in 2008, over a gruesome murder again involving Pot. Most murders in the county are actually linked to that. The ugly little secret that the pro-pot crowd never likes to talk about. The case as is typical with Gallegos dithering for years and years.
Gallegos is now all but giddy that the US Attorney's Office in San Francisco is taking over the case.
"Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos said he's very grateful that, in this time of scarce resources, the federal government has agreed to take on prosecuting Carroll...It seemed a case that was perfect for the U.S. Attorney's office to send a message to the region that you don't do this or the feds will get involved,” he said. “It's not a local, homegrown murder, so to speak, it's a byproduct of people coming here to do their business.”
"In addition to sending a strong message to deter the type of violence alleged in Carroll and Lee's case, Gallegos said the federal prosecution also takes a murder case off his office's plate, freeing up man-hours and resources for other local prosecutions."
This is the second Murder case that the Feds have literally taken away recently from Gallegos. ◼ (Remember: Kneeland marijuana murder case goes federal; Wilde indicted by federal grand jury, faces potential death penalty) Despite his pontificating, he shows his incredible ignorance of the law. In order to be charged with a Federal crime, you actually need to have violated Federal law. The fact that the Defendants were from out of the area does not make it a Federal crime. Most laws that are on the books are State laws. Murder for example is a state law. If you commit a murder on Federal property that might trigger a Federal prosecution. (This one wasn't.)
However, is that what is really going on here. More interesting was a Murder case that Gallegos recently tried himself. ◼ (Remember: Hung jury in Curry case; mistrial declared as jurors can't agree on murder count) At the conclusion of the People v. Limmie Curry, one juror called Gallegos inept and ill-prepared. That was what made the papers. Gallegos was again chicken and not even present when the Jury decided they could not reach a verdict. He sent one of his over-burdened attorneys to appear, and reports indicate that several other jurors said much harsher things about Gallegos' performance to that attorney than what actually made it in the paper.
It's almost time for him to face the voters again - And again Humboldt will have a choice. They can re-elect a person who is terrible in Court, even more terrible at running the office, who continues to collect 6-figure paycheck, and now his plan is to dump all of his difficult cases on another lawyer. Pathetic. Be warned. Humboldt.
...But... you were warned. You have been warned. By law enforcement. By the Grand Jury. By people who have left the office. By people who have run for office.
I hear from people who serve on juries. This time the comment made the paper. He's inept, incompetent; sometimes, they find the defendant guilty in spite of Gallegos and not because of his brilliant and skillful prosecution. I hear from families of victims. He tells the families he is going to "personally" try this case, and their reaction is "PLEASE DON'T!" It made the paper this time, amazingly enough. The story has not changed in all these years.
Except, now, your office has half the staff it had when he took office. Half. And NONE of them are experienced trial attorneys. Not any more.
He's not the one who is lucky that the Feds are taking the cases out of his incompetent hands. YOU ARE.
_____
Yes, this blog has been quiet for some time. Yes, I am tempted to give it up. As I have been many times. So - why not give up? One simple reason. All those people who come to me, and tell me what's going on. In despair most of the time. And desirous of anonymity pretty much all the time. But it's ongoing, it's almost daily. The pattern is the same.
And recently, it's stepped up.
So - Thad, where's the story about the 'you get to be assistant DA for a day' clusterfuck that's going on in that office?
_____
The DA's office filed charges in 2008, over a gruesome murder again involving Pot. Most murders in the county are actually linked to that. The ugly little secret that the pro-pot crowd never likes to talk about. The case as is typical with Gallegos dithering for years and years.
Gallegos is now all but giddy that the US Attorney's Office in San Francisco is taking over the case.
"Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos said he's very grateful that, in this time of scarce resources, the federal government has agreed to take on prosecuting Carroll...It seemed a case that was perfect for the U.S. Attorney's office to send a message to the region that you don't do this or the feds will get involved,” he said. “It's not a local, homegrown murder, so to speak, it's a byproduct of people coming here to do their business.”
"In addition to sending a strong message to deter the type of violence alleged in Carroll and Lee's case, Gallegos said the federal prosecution also takes a murder case off his office's plate, freeing up man-hours and resources for other local prosecutions."
This is the second Murder case that the Feds have literally taken away recently from Gallegos. ◼ (Remember: Kneeland marijuana murder case goes federal; Wilde indicted by federal grand jury, faces potential death penalty) Despite his pontificating, he shows his incredible ignorance of the law. In order to be charged with a Federal crime, you actually need to have violated Federal law. The fact that the Defendants were from out of the area does not make it a Federal crime. Most laws that are on the books are State laws. Murder for example is a state law. If you commit a murder on Federal property that might trigger a Federal prosecution. (This one wasn't.)
However, is that what is really going on here. More interesting was a Murder case that Gallegos recently tried himself. ◼ (Remember: Hung jury in Curry case; mistrial declared as jurors can't agree on murder count) At the conclusion of the People v. Limmie Curry, one juror called Gallegos inept and ill-prepared. That was what made the papers. Gallegos was again chicken and not even present when the Jury decided they could not reach a verdict. He sent one of his over-burdened attorneys to appear, and reports indicate that several other jurors said much harsher things about Gallegos' performance to that attorney than what actually made it in the paper.
It's almost time for him to face the voters again - And again Humboldt will have a choice. They can re-elect a person who is terrible in Court, even more terrible at running the office, who continues to collect 6-figure paycheck, and now his plan is to dump all of his difficult cases on another lawyer. Pathetic. Be warned. Humboldt.
...But... you were warned. You have been warned. By law enforcement. By the Grand Jury. By people who have left the office. By people who have run for office.
I hear from people who serve on juries. This time the comment made the paper. He's inept, incompetent; sometimes, they find the defendant guilty in spite of Gallegos and not because of his brilliant and skillful prosecution. I hear from families of victims. He tells the families he is going to "personally" try this case, and their reaction is "PLEASE DON'T!" It made the paper this time, amazingly enough. The story has not changed in all these years.
Except, now, your office has half the staff it had when he took office. Half. And NONE of them are experienced trial attorneys. Not any more.
He's not the one who is lucky that the Feds are taking the cases out of his incompetent hands. YOU ARE.
_____
Yes, this blog has been quiet for some time. Yes, I am tempted to give it up. As I have been many times. So - why not give up? One simple reason. All those people who come to me, and tell me what's going on. In despair most of the time. And desirous of anonymity pretty much all the time. But it's ongoing, it's almost daily. The pattern is the same.
And recently, it's stepped up.
So - Thad, where's the story about the 'you get to be assistant DA for a day' clusterfuck that's going on in that office?
_____
Friday, July 26, 2013
Odds are, they've done this before, and this girl is lucky to be alive
I'd be searching that property for gravesites.
◼ Lake County men face marijuana drug operation, sexual abuse charges - Julie Johnson/Press Democrat 7/26/2013
Federal prosecutors have taken over the case against two Lake County men accused of running a large marijuana farm on a rural tract of land and sexually abusing a 15-year-old runaway.
◼ 'Extremely disturbing'; two men suspected of enslaving runaway teen face federal pot chargesThadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard 7/26/2013
Two Lake County men suspected of raping a 15-year-old runaway, locking her in a 2-foot high metal box for days and forcing her to trim marijuana for weeks remained in the Humboldt County jail Thursday after a judge denied their release on drug charges.
Ryan Balletto, 30, of Lakeport and Patrick Steven Pearmain, 24, of Clearlake, appeared in the federal courthouse in Eureka on Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nandor Vadas, who denied their release, saying he viewed both men as flight risks and dangers to the community. The two men were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Vadas said during Wednesday's detention hearing that he finds the case “extremely disturbing,” echoing the sentiments of Assistant United States Attorney Matthew McCarthy.
”This is far and away the most disturbing case I've seen in my career as a prosecutor,” McCarthy told the court.
McCarthy told the court that Balletto, a former U.S. Marine, met the 15-year-old runaway in Los Angeles and drove her nearly 500 miles to a 680-acre piece of land he owns in Ogulin Canyon near Clearlake, keeping her there for weeks against her will to help manicure marijuana buds harvested from a 1,300-plant grow.
McCarthy said both Balletto and Pearmain had sex with the girl while she was kept at the property, and that equipment “consistent with sexual bondage and sadomasochism” was found there. McCarthy said authorities searching the property also found a metal box -- measuring 4 feet long, 2 feet wide and 2 feet high -- with air holes drilled in it, and that the girl later told police the two men locked her inside the box on two occasions for a total of about three days.
McCarthy said the two men referred to their marijuana operation as “their mission,” and told the girl they were locking her in the box to “teach her” and protect their “mission.”
According to a federal criminal complaint filed against the two men, the box -- located outside the trailer in which Balletto resided on the property -- had a hose attached to it, allowing the men to wash human waste off the girl and out of the box without opening it. The girl told authorities, according to the complaint, that Balletto called her a “trooper” for not screaming while she was locked in the box....
◼ Teen allegedly kept in toolbox as part of marijuana operation - News10/KXTV (image source) 7/26/2013
◼ Lake County: Three arrests, marijuana, cash and military-grade weapons seized - Daily News 7/26/2013
...Authorities allegedly found five children in the North Lakeport home they scoured.
Members of the LCSO SWAT team, narcotics task force and major crimes unit served a search warrant on Balletto's nearly 700-acre property in the area of Junction Plaza in Clearlake Oaks Wednesday, according to a department statement released Friday. Deputies also executed a search warrant at Balletto's North Lakeport home.
LCSO officials said they found 1,491 marijuana plants, more than $4,000 in cash and "the largest and most sophisticated bulk of weapons seized in recent (department) history" between the two searches.
In total, investigators reportedly discovered 22 firearms, including high-powered military-grade sniper and assault rifles, automatic assault rifles and pistols. They also recovered military-grade body armor and scopes, high-capacity magazines and ammunition, according to the LCSO statement.
The five children removed from the residence were taken into the custody of Lake County Child Protective Services, the LCSO stated....
◼ Marijuana cultivation investigation leads to human trafficking case - Lake County News
The men also are alleged at one point to have kept the girl in a large box as a punishment, according to District Attorney Don Anderson.
Pearmain’s attorney, Tom Quinn, declined comment at this stage in the case, and Balletto’s attorney, Mitch Hauptman, did not respond to messages seeking comment.
Deputy District Attorney Ed Borg, who is handling the sex crimes case against the men, said they are facing charges of human trafficking, statutory rape, oral copulation on a person under age 16, sodomy, false imprisonment, annoying or molesting a child. Balletto also is charged with lewd and lascivious acts on a child under age 14 or 15.
They could each face nearly 16 years in prison if convicted of all the charges, Borg said.
While the California Attorney General's Office has put increased focus on fighting human trafficking, which the agency said is the world's fastest growing enterprise, human trafficking cases are rare in Lake County, Borg said.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever charged it,” he said....
The girl has since gone into protective custody outside of Lake County, Borg said.
The situation involving the girl also involves a third suspect.
Eric George Edgar, 45, was arrested on May 16 in connection with the case, Borg said.
Edgar is charged with statutory rape for having allegedly raped the teenage girl when they were alone together on the property. He's also facing charges for making criminal threats and attempting to dissuade a witness, Borg said.
The girl was being kept in a small group of trailers on the property, while Edgar was staying in a trailer more than an hour’s hike across a canyon. Edgar is alleged to have happened upon the girl and raped her, Borg said.
◼ L.A. girl kept in metal box on pot farm for sex, authorities say - LA Times 7/26/2013
◼ Lake County men transferred from (Humboldt County) jail; former Marine is one of two men accused of enslaving runaway teen - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard 7/27/2013
◼ Criminal complaint: Ryan Balletto...Note: This document contains content that some readers might find disturbing. - LA Times 7/26/2013
__________________
Lots of unanswered questions. Picking up runaways in LA, transporting them hundreds of miles to a remote location, a 'box' that indicates they solved a problem they must have had before, telling her she was a trooper for not screaming... how many screamed before her?
Just be glad this is before Federal authorities, and not Humboldt County's DA.
(U.S. Magistrate Judge Nandor Vadas and Deputy District Attorney Ed Borg were formerly with the Humboldt County DA's Office. Just some of the talent 'lost, fired, or driven away' by Paul Gallegos.)
◼ Lake County men face marijuana drug operation, sexual abuse charges - Julie Johnson/Press Democrat 7/26/2013
Federal prosecutors have taken over the case against two Lake County men accused of running a large marijuana farm on a rural tract of land and sexually abusing a 15-year-old runaway.
◼ 'Extremely disturbing'; two men suspected of enslaving runaway teen face federal pot chargesThadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard 7/26/2013
Two Lake County men suspected of raping a 15-year-old runaway, locking her in a 2-foot high metal box for days and forcing her to trim marijuana for weeks remained in the Humboldt County jail Thursday after a judge denied their release on drug charges.
Ryan Balletto, 30, of Lakeport and Patrick Steven Pearmain, 24, of Clearlake, appeared in the federal courthouse in Eureka on Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nandor Vadas, who denied their release, saying he viewed both men as flight risks and dangers to the community. The two men were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Vadas said during Wednesday's detention hearing that he finds the case “extremely disturbing,” echoing the sentiments of Assistant United States Attorney Matthew McCarthy.
”This is far and away the most disturbing case I've seen in my career as a prosecutor,” McCarthy told the court.
McCarthy told the court that Balletto, a former U.S. Marine, met the 15-year-old runaway in Los Angeles and drove her nearly 500 miles to a 680-acre piece of land he owns in Ogulin Canyon near Clearlake, keeping her there for weeks against her will to help manicure marijuana buds harvested from a 1,300-plant grow.
McCarthy said both Balletto and Pearmain had sex with the girl while she was kept at the property, and that equipment “consistent with sexual bondage and sadomasochism” was found there. McCarthy said authorities searching the property also found a metal box -- measuring 4 feet long, 2 feet wide and 2 feet high -- with air holes drilled in it, and that the girl later told police the two men locked her inside the box on two occasions for a total of about three days.
McCarthy said the two men referred to their marijuana operation as “their mission,” and told the girl they were locking her in the box to “teach her” and protect their “mission.”
According to a federal criminal complaint filed against the two men, the box -- located outside the trailer in which Balletto resided on the property -- had a hose attached to it, allowing the men to wash human waste off the girl and out of the box without opening it. The girl told authorities, according to the complaint, that Balletto called her a “trooper” for not screaming while she was locked in the box....
◼ Teen allegedly kept in toolbox as part of marijuana operation - News10/KXTV (image source) 7/26/2013
◼ Lake County: Three arrests, marijuana, cash and military-grade weapons seized - Daily News 7/26/2013
...Authorities allegedly found five children in the North Lakeport home they scoured.
Members of the LCSO SWAT team, narcotics task force and major crimes unit served a search warrant on Balletto's nearly 700-acre property in the area of Junction Plaza in Clearlake Oaks Wednesday, according to a department statement released Friday. Deputies also executed a search warrant at Balletto's North Lakeport home.
LCSO officials said they found 1,491 marijuana plants, more than $4,000 in cash and "the largest and most sophisticated bulk of weapons seized in recent (department) history" between the two searches.
In total, investigators reportedly discovered 22 firearms, including high-powered military-grade sniper and assault rifles, automatic assault rifles and pistols. They also recovered military-grade body armor and scopes, high-capacity magazines and ammunition, according to the LCSO statement.
The five children removed from the residence were taken into the custody of Lake County Child Protective Services, the LCSO stated....
◼ Marijuana cultivation investigation leads to human trafficking case - Lake County News
The men also are alleged at one point to have kept the girl in a large box as a punishment, according to District Attorney Don Anderson.
Pearmain’s attorney, Tom Quinn, declined comment at this stage in the case, and Balletto’s attorney, Mitch Hauptman, did not respond to messages seeking comment.
Deputy District Attorney Ed Borg, who is handling the sex crimes case against the men, said they are facing charges of human trafficking, statutory rape, oral copulation on a person under age 16, sodomy, false imprisonment, annoying or molesting a child. Balletto also is charged with lewd and lascivious acts on a child under age 14 or 15.
They could each face nearly 16 years in prison if convicted of all the charges, Borg said.
While the California Attorney General's Office has put increased focus on fighting human trafficking, which the agency said is the world's fastest growing enterprise, human trafficking cases are rare in Lake County, Borg said.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever charged it,” he said....
The girl has since gone into protective custody outside of Lake County, Borg said.
The situation involving the girl also involves a third suspect.
Eric George Edgar, 45, was arrested on May 16 in connection with the case, Borg said.
Edgar is charged with statutory rape for having allegedly raped the teenage girl when they were alone together on the property. He's also facing charges for making criminal threats and attempting to dissuade a witness, Borg said.
The girl was being kept in a small group of trailers on the property, while Edgar was staying in a trailer more than an hour’s hike across a canyon. Edgar is alleged to have happened upon the girl and raped her, Borg said.
◼ L.A. girl kept in metal box on pot farm for sex, authorities say - LA Times 7/26/2013
◼ Lake County men transferred from (Humboldt County) jail; former Marine is one of two men accused of enslaving runaway teen - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard 7/27/2013
◼ Criminal complaint: Ryan Balletto...Note: This document contains content that some readers might find disturbing. - LA Times 7/26/2013
__________________
Lots of unanswered questions. Picking up runaways in LA, transporting them hundreds of miles to a remote location, a 'box' that indicates they solved a problem they must have had before, telling her she was a trooper for not screaming... how many screamed before her?
Just be glad this is before Federal authorities, and not Humboldt County's DA.
(U.S. Magistrate Judge Nandor Vadas and Deputy District Attorney Ed Borg were formerly with the Humboldt County DA's Office. Just some of the talent 'lost, fired, or driven away' by Paul Gallegos.)
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
And so it begins
◼ Former prosecutor to run for DA: Candidates file elections paperwork to begin fundraising - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard
A retired prosecutor has filed paperwork with the Humboldt County Elections Office announcing his intent to run for district attorney in 2014.
Arnold Klein, who retired from the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office in January 2012 at the age of 69, filed a candidate intention statement with the elections office on Monday, Elections Manager Kelly Sanders confirmed....
Reached Tuesday, Klein said he is running under the tentative slogan, “We Deserve Better,” and said he thinks he can make a positive impact on the office.
”I'm experienced, I'm balanced and I'm not caught up in the broken process that is going on now,” he said.
Klein said he thinks the DA's Office has misallocated its resources, spending too much on its investigations bureau and too little on prosecutors, and that he's been disappointed in what he sees as a steady exodus of experienced prosecutors from the office under Gallegos' tenure.
______________
We do indeed deserve better. Good luck, Mr. Klein.
A retired prosecutor has filed paperwork with the Humboldt County Elections Office announcing his intent to run for district attorney in 2014.
Arnold Klein, who retired from the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office in January 2012 at the age of 69, filed a candidate intention statement with the elections office on Monday, Elections Manager Kelly Sanders confirmed....
Reached Tuesday, Klein said he is running under the tentative slogan, “We Deserve Better,” and said he thinks he can make a positive impact on the office.
”I'm experienced, I'm balanced and I'm not caught up in the broken process that is going on now,” he said.
Klein said he thinks the DA's Office has misallocated its resources, spending too much on its investigations bureau and too little on prosecutors, and that he's been disappointed in what he sees as a steady exodus of experienced prosecutors from the office under Gallegos' tenure.
We do indeed deserve better. Good luck, Mr. Klein.
Friday, June 07, 2013
One more down. Looks like Hislop is leaving
◼ http://www.cdaa.org/about-us/employment
Chief Investigator (District Attorney)◼ http://www.cdaa.org/wp-content/uploads/CHIEFINV.pdf
Humboldt County
Deadline: June 12, 2013
Ad Posted on: May 30, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
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
◼ 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
Sunday, August 12, 2012
In the 'YOU JUST DON'T GET IT' File.
◼ Humboldt's funding of prosecutions doesn't add up - Times-Standard editorial
...We understand that these are tough economic times. Tough times require tough decisions, and the Board of Supervisors will have to make them. If Humboldt County wants murders prosecuted, it's time to pay up. The county should find money to hire more prosecutors over more PIOs.
__________________
It isn't the money. It's the chaos, stupid.
There's a reason Gallegos has "lost" all our senior prosecutors, and why he can't attract new talent. You should hear from people who come up here to interview.
Fix the real problem before you throw any money at it. You NEED A NEW DA.
He should be swimming in money anyway, will all the unfilled positions - but then there's the mismanaged grants, no?
Who wrote this thing? Thadeus?
Updated: So, Thadeus, dig a little. How many times has "Doing less for more" Gallegos gone before the Board of Supervisors to discuss this? So, what, he's taking his case to the media, is that it? Do your homework. What's going on with the grants? Most of them all you have to do is fill out the forms properly and get them in on time, so what happened? I know his "we've got to WEAN ourselves off these grants" spiel was before your time, but man you should have heard it. Your editorial matches it almost word-for-word.
Kimberly, make him do his job, and look back at the history of this.
PS: What's he doing with all his Asset Forfeiture winnings? What's the value of all the unfilled positions? 'Cause that's money he has available, no? C'mon guys - ASK THE QUESTIONS! They just roll right off your tongue, there's so many.
Remember the Bridgeville SWAT raid he staged? How much did that little charade cost? A couple hundred thou? What'd he get out of it?
Remember, Channel 3's coverage of the grant fiasco? The Arcata Eye and McKinleyville Press have been covering it - where's the Times-Stamdard? Don't ignore real reporting.
...We understand that these are tough economic times. Tough times require tough decisions, and the Board of Supervisors will have to make them. If Humboldt County wants murders prosecuted, it's time to pay up. The county should find money to hire more prosecutors over more PIOs.
It isn't the money. It's the chaos, stupid.
There's a reason Gallegos has "lost" all our senior prosecutors, and why he can't attract new talent. You should hear from people who come up here to interview.
Fix the real problem before you throw any money at it. You NEED A NEW DA.
He should be swimming in money anyway, will all the unfilled positions - but then there's the mismanaged grants, no?
Who wrote this thing? Thadeus?
Updated: So, Thadeus, dig a little. How many times has "Doing less for more" Gallegos gone before the Board of Supervisors to discuss this? So, what, he's taking his case to the media, is that it? Do your homework. What's going on with the grants? Most of them all you have to do is fill out the forms properly and get them in on time, so what happened? I know his "we've got to WEAN ourselves off these grants" spiel was before your time, but man you should have heard it. Your editorial matches it almost word-for-word.
Kimberly, make him do his job, and look back at the history of this.
PS: What's he doing with all his Asset Forfeiture winnings? What's the value of all the unfilled positions? 'Cause that's money he has available, no? C'mon guys - ASK THE QUESTIONS! They just roll right off your tongue, there's so many.
Remember the Bridgeville SWAT raid he staged? How much did that little charade cost? A couple hundred thou? What'd he get out of it?
Remember, Channel 3's coverage of the grant fiasco? The Arcata Eye and McKinleyville Press have been covering it - where's the Times-Stamdard? Don't ignore real reporting.
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