James Jensen, Christopher Schumb, Harpaul Nahal and Michael Nichols were indicted in the alleged pay-to-play plot, in which they are accused of brokering a deal for the executive security firm AS Solution to receive up to a dozen concealed-carry weapon permits in exchange for $90,000 in campaign donations to committees supporting Smiths 2018 re-election bid. Whats next for the former Frys HQ in San Jose? Schumb is a prominent political backer of the Sheriff and served as Assistant Treasurer for the Santa Clara County Public Safety Alliance, an independent expenditure committee that supported Smith's election bid. I will let people know this department is going to be run based on performance and rewards for performance.. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Jonsen couldnt even run Palo Alto PD. Sources tell the I-Team that Le was a supervisor at the Main Jail's sally port when a mentally ill inmate was beating his head against a post inside a transport van. Were partnering with you the readers to make it happen. There has been a changing of the guard at the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office West Valley Division. As police chief in Palo Alto, Jonsen said hes helped the city implement a program that partners behavioral health workers with police officers to respond to psychiatric emergencies. Ricardo Rich Urena has been tapped to replace Capt. Local News | A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? Capt. Allen has been in the trenches for bit and dont think he is a good ol boy either. I think its important to know the men and women who have this difficult job in difficult times are this much behind a candidate, Jensen told San Jos Spotlight. Prosecutors allege that Nielsen and West were connected to Jensen by Schumb, Nahal and Nichols to get $90,000 split between the Santa Clara County Public Safety Alliance whose assistant treasurer was Schumb, a veteran South Bay litigator and the Sheriffs Advisory Board. By Bay City News Published July 16, 2013. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges August 31, 2020 at the Hall of Justice in San Jose. Jonsen, who filed his papers to run in January, has received endorsements from former state Sen.Jim Bell, the Democratic Asian Pacific American Club and the Sunnyvale Democratic Club. Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriffs Offices Detective Division. The Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. Local News | It is extremely painful to have his integrity questioned after spending years dedicated to serving the people of Santa Clara County. Jensen, 58, retired in 2013. She resigned as sheriff on . I think its a trend that were seeing, property crimes increasing, now that were going back to work, Valenzuela said. Sheriff Smith herself was not among those indicted Friday, but Rosen said his office's investigation is wide ranging and far from over. Essentially, just be out there for the community to ask us questions and get suggestions from the community about where the problems are, he added. I was at the sheriff forum and only one candidate said she would uphold the US Constitution. There were 44 reported burglaries from January to October of 2021, while 59 burglaries were reported in the same time period in 2022. My unique experience speaks for myself. "It's been something of an open secret within the firearms community," Long said. Now, Long said he wants to a see a system that treats all applicants equally. / CBS San Francisco. When I had asked him in one of those early conversations I got, like I dont remember the words it was, basically, Dont ask.'. I am the only candidate who has addressed these issues for 30 years, Allen said. Capt. NBC Bay Area called or emailed each of the four defendants in the case Friday, but so far, only Jensen's attorney has responded. Christian West, AS Solutions CEO at the time of the alleged scheme, was charged separately on two felony conspiracy counts. I will always remember my oath to protect and servethat will be my ultimate oath, and thats why Im running for sheriff.. He joined the Bay Area News Group in 2014. it's safer than driving," said Marin County Fire Captain Matt Watson. Jonsen said he has experience stabilizing organizations bleeding staff, noting he helped staunch the flow of people leaving the Menlo Park and Palo Alto police departments, in part by raising salaries to a competitive level. The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters told San Jos Spotlight Colton is a registered voter in the county, and submitted a signed declaration swearing she meets the requirements of the position. His career in law enforcement with the sheriffs office began in 2002, and since then he has worked a wide range of assignments, which include patrolling the West Valley cities, as well as performing law enforcement duties for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authoritys transit patrol division. Jail reform is one of the key issues in the Sheriff's race, pitting former Palo Alto Police Chief Bob Jonsen against former . "And it's very clear that that's not the case under Sheriff Smith and her office. To avoid the perception of impropriety, Jensen said he wont take any financial contributions from employees. Sheriff spokesman Sgt. Reggie Cooks said he couldn't disclose why that happened and offered the following official response: "In . Reverend Jeff Moore, the head of the NAACP Silicon Valley Chapter had a CCW permit, but it was never renewed for reasons unknown. Luis later supervised the Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team working regional investigations with local, county, state and federal public safety partners. Allen, 51, has mostly worked in the jail system. Were changing the face of journalism by providing an innovative model for delivering reliable, truthful news to the nations 10th largest city. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Capt. Schumbs attorney Joe Wall also filed a motion to remove the DAs office from the case, citing that Schumb has been a friend and fundraiser for District Attorney Jeff Rosen. The testimonies confirm an earlier report from this news organization that found CCW permits were most frequently granted to high-profile applicants, and that the most common condition for approvals was a reference or order from Smith or one of her top commanders. In a surprise turn, West used the defendants Monday arraignment to plead guilty. Flood Advisory issued for Santa Clara Co. . Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. Hannah Kanik is a Bay Area News Group reporter covering Santa Clara County's West Valley for The Mercury News, East Bay Times, The Los Gatos Weekly and The Saratoga News. Laurie Smith (born June 21, 1952) was the 28th Sheriff of Santa Clara County, California, serving from 1998 until her early retirement in 2022 when under indictment for corruption. Click hereif you are having trouble viewing the slideshow on a mobile device. He replaces Capt. Neil Valenzuela takes over Sheriffs West Valley Patrol Division, 2 brothers found guilty of murdering groom at California wedding party, With Californias soaring mountains steep in snow, heres how to avoid an avalanche, Southern California mountain residents head home, for many its the first time in days, Oakland police investigating spate of shootings that left one dead, five wounded, Woman found fatally shot on I-580 off-ramp. Le has been one of the most well-paid Santa Clara County employees for years. Jensen, 58, retired in 2013. Allen says he stands out from his opponents because hes spent much of his career openly criticizing the office. Colton is a latecomer to the race, having filed her nomination papers in March. "They should not be for sale. Santa Clara Sheriffs gun-permit process: public safety or politics? Isnt that what Sheriff Laurie Smith had/has been saying? "I know they used a lot of that money on social media, slamming me," he said. He got his start in the West Valley working as a patrol deputy and detective before he was assigned as the investigator for the county councils office. The state attorney general is investigating possible civil rights violations in the jail system, and Smith is fighting a political corruption accusation brought by a civil grand jury that claims she granted concealed firearm licenses to political supporters. Sources close to the case tell the I-Team's Dan Noyes the removal stems from an unpermitted arbor and barbecue grill Le built at the jail with her own money, but using inmate labor. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_6" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); San Jos residents deserve a trusted source for unbiased, independent political news. Jensen is competing with three other candidates: sheriff Sgt. Civil process includes restraining orders, bench warrants, arrest warrants, evictions and any other notice or order from the courts. A Santa Clara County Sheriff's captain, a gun parts manufacturer, and two local lawyers - one a prominent political backer - have been indicted by a grand jury on felony bribery and conspiracy . The Sheriff's Office Parks Patrol Unit provides law enforcement services for the 28 regional parks and lakes managed by the Santa Clara County Parks Department. But now people are returning back to work, returning to normal life and going on vacations, so folks are starting to take advantage of that.. And were here to provide it. In addition Robert Johnson has done his best to avoid transparency. She would combat this by setting up a retention program. West, who Rosen said has given truthful testimony to date, similarly told the grand jury, with the number of CCWs that we were hoping to get, they believed that, $90,000 would be a reasonable donation, according to a July 31 transcript. She was the first female County Sheriff in the history of the state. "My concern is not whether the sheriff grants many or few CCW licenses, but whether they are being granted or denied for the wrong reasons," said Rosen. Southern California mountain residents head home, for many its the first time in days SAN JOSE The former CEO of an executive security firm charged in an alleged scheme to trade political donations for concealed-gun permits from the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office abruptly pleaded guilty in the case Monday, in what prosecutors called a significant development for a corruption probe that could threaten Sheriff Laurie Smiths two-decade tenure. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group;. "This investigation revealed the sad reality that at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office there are 2 policies for those seeking CCW licenses. MILPITAS, Calif. (KGO) -- Santa Clara County Sheriff's Captain Amy Le got walked off the job at Elmwood Jail this past Friday in tears, her badge and county vehicle taken away. Captain James Jensen, attorney Christopher Schumb, attorney Harpaul Nahal, and business owner Michael Nichols are accused of conspiring with the CEO and a middle manager of AS Solution, Inc., an international security company, to offer a $90,000 bribe to obtain concealed firearms permits (CCW licenses) for the company's executive protection agents. Neither Smith, who has the sole authority in her agency to grant the gun permits, nor Martin Nielsen an AS Solution manager who provided security for Facebook executives has been charged. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. The second installment was forestalled by the DA investigation. A Santa Clara County Sheriff's captain, a gun parts manufacturer, and two local lawyers - one a prominent political backer - have been indicted by a grand jury on felony bribery and conspiracy charges. Last year, the Board of Supervisors voted no confidence in Smith and demanded state and federal investigations into her office after several high-profile cases involving mentally ill inmates who suffered injuries, including one that resulted in the county paying a $10 million settlement. Im the candidate that brings the fresh perspective and greatest opportunity for change.. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. This all took place in 2018, while Sheriff Laurie Smith, who had the authority to grant the CCW licenses, was in a race for reelection, both in the primary and general elections. As a lieutenant, Le was the first female president of the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Correctional Peace Officers Association, and steered the union's endorsement to Sheriff Laurie Smith this past election. San Jos Spotlight is the citys first nonprofit, community-supported digital news organization. A retired Santa Clara County sheriff's captain who ran for office in 2014 and lost, Kevin Jensen believes he has the momentum to take the seat. Valenzuela said Saratogas spike in residential burglaries is on his radar. The next sheriff will havesignificant challenges, including the ongoing warehousing of mentally ill inmates in the jail system, increased political scrutiny of the Sheriffs Office and the constructionof a new jail. Nagaye, 51, has served in the Sheriffs Office for 20 years, with the last seven as a supervising sergeant. August 10, 2016 at 12:02 p.m. She is now on paid administrative leave. The transcripts also contain testimony from three former and current sheriffs public information officers outlining a haphazard process with inconsistent criteria on who got the rarely-issued weapons permits. A Santa Clara County Sheriff's captain, a gun parts manufacturer, and two local lawyers - one a prominent political backer - have been indicted by a grand jury on felony bribery and conspiracy charges. Occupation. Santa Clara County Sheriffs Captain James Jensen among 4 people indicted by grand jury yesterday according to DA Jeff Jensen @nbcbayarea. Hiscampaign filings do not reflect a total amount raised to date, but the candidate himself says hes raised about $50,000. The investigation is active and ongoing," said Rosen. Prior to being elected as the 29th Sheriff of Santa Clara County, he was the Chief of Police for Palo Alto Police Department (2018-2022). Palo Alto police are out-of-control and Palo Alto has lots of payouts to victims. The new sheriff of San Mateo County, Christina Corpus, has been assembling a command staff that includes a former Realtor who has little law enforcement experience, though he has volunteered with the Woodside Mounted Patrol. But the sheriff position is not just any typical management job. He supports the Board of Supervisors decision to build a new 500-person jail, and he favors adding more mental health resources for inmates. The associations members voted overwhelmingly to support endorsing him. Santa Clara County Salaries - Sheriff's Correctional Captain Highest salary at Santa Clara County in year 2021 was $472,633. Between 2014 and 2018, 749 Santa Clara County residents applied for a new CCW permit, according to records provided by the sheriffs department. SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office announced Friday that four people -- including a Santa Clara County Sheriff's captain -- have been indicted by a grand jury on felony bribery and conspiracy charges in a scheme tied to Sheriff Laurie Smith's reelection campaign. West Valley: Rich Urena is new captain of, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Los Gatos: Hundreds still without power as Black Road repair project finishes early, West Valley: Rich Urena is new captain of sheriff offices West Valley division. The remaining four defendants, who were indicted on conspiracy and bribery charges, put off entering pleas until Sept. 21. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_6" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); San Jos residents deserve a trusted source for unbiased, independent political news. West Valley Detectives. Robert Salonga is a Bay Area News Group reporter who covers criminal justice and public safety for The Mercury News and East Bay Times. Stromgren recalled a conversation he had with Nielsen: I told him on a couple of occasions I didnt feel comfortable. Neil Valenzuela takes over Sheriffs West, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Los Gatos: Hundreds still without power as Black Road repair project finishes early, Capt. At Best in the West, according to the indictment, Nichols introduced Nielsen to Jensen, where they agreed to a deal where AS Solution's agents would receive CCW permits in exchange for a large donation to the Sheriff's campaign. This is your newsroom. Christine Nagaye, Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonsen and sheriff Sgt. In a statement, the sheriff's office said Jensen will be placed on administrative leave immediately. We have seen such words used when the City Council has voted. Santa Clara County sheriff-elect Bob Jonsen will take office early after Board of Supervisors vote Jonsen, who was elected sheriff with 50.81% of the vote in November, will become the. we have been without one, https://www.kevinjensen4sheriff.com/endorsements. Friday afternoon the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office told ABC7 News that Jensen was officially placed on administrative leave. That is the County Sheriffs ultimate job duty. In addition to conspiracy and bribery charges, Jensen is accused of falsifying public records. The following month, Nielsen and AS Solution, Inc. CEO Christian West met with Nichols, Hahal, and attorney Christopher Scumb at the Sainte Claire Club in San Jose, where Schumb described his fundraising work for Sheriff Smith and told Nielsen to seek out then Sheriff's Lieutenant James Jensen at the Best in the West SWAT competition. Besides sketching out the donation-for-permits plan, he surreptitiously recorded a conversation with Jensen using a DA-provided phone app, at a meeting just days before the corruption probe became public knowledge when search warrants were served at the sheriffs office. After submitting seven concealed weapon permit applications to Jensen at a meeting, AS Solution manager Martin Nielsen donated $45,000 -- half of the agreed amount -- to the Santa Clara County Public Safety Alliance, an independent expenditure committee supporting Sheriff Smith. Thankfully, SJS usually gives the names of those who voted against a proposal. In 2020, Luis was selected as the Acting Captain of the Special Operations Division and officially became fulltime Captain of this same division in September of 2021. There are some very strong advocates for changes in the jail system, and Im among them, Jensen said. How safe is your neighborhood? The non-donor approval rate plummets even further for applicants who most would consider average citizens. Among the 40 non-donors to be granted concealed gun permits between 2014 and 2018 are three sitting judges, two current members of the San Jose Sharks hockey team, at least one employee of the sheriffs office, and five people who appear to be Santa Clara County reserve deputies. To address the offices transparency, Nagaye said she would provide the Board of Supervisors and Office of Correction and Law Enforcement Monitoring with all materials that have been requested. Number of employees at Santa Clara County with job title Sheriff's Correctional Captain is 35. Both Smith and Undersheriff Rick Sung invoked their Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination when they appeared before a criminal grand jury Aug. 3, and refused to answer any questions about the scandal, according to transcripts of the proceedings. A retired Santa Clara County sheriffs captain who ran for office in 2014 and lost, Kevin Jensen believes he has the momentum to take the seat. Le apparently ran into trouble when her superiors did not like her project, and when they learned she didn't have a building permit. 2007-03-13 12:18:00 PDT SAN JOSE -- Santa Clara County sheriff's investigators expect to go to prosecutors this week with their case against De Anza College baseball players suspected of having . . "I think people should be treated fairly and equally under this system," Long said. How safe is your neighborhood? The Deputy Sheriffs Association of Santa Clara County is throwing its support behind retired sheriff Capt. He said its important to increase the offices transparency. Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. In an interview described in testimony from DA investigator Mike Montonye, Jensen said he received direction from Sung, the undersheriff, in brokering the illicit deal. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! An experienced set of fresh eyes is going to help pave the way toward putting an appropriate spotlight on transparency, and building trust within the community, Elder said. Hirokawa said Jensen's quick rise to captain after Smith's re-election raised eyebrows in the office at the time. The department also said it's monitoring the situation and has no additional information to provide at this time. Jonsen said he also values transparency in law enforcement. ALL RIGHT K J!!!!! To do it right you have to first know what is the requirement of the job then figure out if the candidates understand those requirements. Palo Alto police chief enters race for Santa Clara County sheriff, Santa Clara County sergeant steps into sheriffs race, Second challenger joins race for Santa Clara County sheriff, Former opponent challenges embattled Santa Clara County sheriff, https://nationallibertyalliance.org/files/sheriffmemo/Power%20and%20Authority%20of%20The%20County%20Sheriff.pdf, Helen Chapman fights to save San Joses open space, Bejarano: Why I quit my East San Jose school board, Out of work: Beloved San Jose reverend faces uphill climb, Silicon Valley students stranded by shuttered schools, San Jose legislator wants to raise foster age. SAN JOSE, CA - AUGUST 31: Santa Clara County Sheriff's Captain James Jensen is photographed outside of the Hall of Justice on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, in San Jose, Calif. Jensen was. A sheriff's captain was among four people indicted by a grand jury on felony bribery and conspiracy charges as part of an election campaign scandal tied to Santa Clara County Sheriff. If theres problems with speeding or people running stop signs, (these events) give them more direct access to us and assist them in a better way.. San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. All rights reserved, Santa Clara County Sheriff's Campaign Scandal Widens, Donors to Sheriff's Political Campaigns Far More Likely to Get Concealed Gun Permits, Los Gatos Mom Accused of Hosting Alcohol-Fueled Teen Parties Attacked in Jail, Hospitalized, Viral Kids' Star Ms. Rachel Is Taking a Break From Social Media After Backlash Over Co-Star Who Uses They/Them Pronouns, Another Bay Area Storm This Weekend: Rain and Snow Forecast. Get San Jos Spotlight headlines delivered to your inbox. | All donations are tax-deductible. As a detective he was assigned to the West Valley division, he was also one of our tactical flight observers up in our sheriffs helicopter, a field training officer and recruit training officer at the academy.. The morale will get better, then the whole department, Jensen told San Jos Spotlight. He started his law enforcement career with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office in 1989. Hes raised $72,398 through campaign donations and a loan. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations," Rosen said. If elected, Jensen said he will focus on addressing staffing and morale decline in the sheriffs office, including the correctional facilities. The citys residential burglary rate is up 34%. Sheriff Robert Jonsen Sheriff's Office Facebook Page Sheriff's Office Twitter Feed Sheriff's Office Instagram Feed Contact Us 55 West Younger Avenue San Jose, CA 95110-1721 Phone: (408) 808-4400 Toll Free: (800) 211-2220 Fax: (408) 294-2467 Email: so.website@shf.sccgov.org If convicted could get 11 years in prison. In court Monday, he asked Judge Eric Geffon to re-seal the grand jury transcripts on the grounds that his clients trial rights will be prejudiced by their release.. Our jail is among the 100 systems nationwide with an inmate population of more than 1,000. Emergency Contact Information . Were partnering with you the readers to make it happen. Nielsen testified at a grand jury hearing July 21 that he and West met with sheriff officials and discussed offering donations and other payments with the hopes of getting bulk CCW applications approved. San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law. He says it's time for Sheriff Smith to speak out if she knows anything She previously worked as a reporter for PhillyVoice in Philadelphia and freelanced for The Seattle Times and The Whiskey Wash. She grew up in Sacramento, California, and graduated with a BA degree from the University of Oregon where she majored in journalism and minored in political science. Urena told the council that he is prepared to take on the challenge. When it comes to enforcing the law, which is to say enforcing the Constitution for the United States of America, the Sheriff, being the Chief Law Enforcement Officer, answers to We the People The County Sheriff is a Constitutional Officer elected by the People and bound by oath as guardian of the Peoples unalienable rights secured by the Constitution. I would make every attempt and work tirelessly with community leaders to let them know the Sheriffs Office, or law enforcement as a whole, is here for you.. A sheriff's captain was among four people indicted by a grand jury on felony bribery and conspiracy charges as part of an election campaign scandal tied to Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith, the District Attorney's Office said Friday. Your email address will not be published. First published on August 7, 2020 / 11:34 AM. In a lawsuit filed Nov. 13 in Santa Clara County Superior Court, Amy Le says the Sheriff's Office effectively forced her to resign in retaliation for alerting higher-ups about a female lieutenant's sexual harassment complaint against a high-ranking officer. This is the organizations third time endorsing an opponent of incumbent Laurie Smith, who has served as head of the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office since 1998.
Sicilian Slang Phrases,
Delta 8 Disposable 1000mg,
Articles S