Long, who created a blog to document the CCW process in Santa Clara County, said he was unsurprised by the indictments. Ricardo Rich Urena has been tapped to replace Capt. According to the transcripts, Deputy District Attorney Matt Braker asked Montonye, (Jensen) said that Sung was the individual who brought Martin Nielsen to his attention? to which the investigator replied, Correct. Montonye also testified that Jensen said he was directed by Sung to give the money tell him to give the money to Schumb.. That is what we are doing here.. Christian West, AS Solutions CEO at the time of the alleged scheme, was charged separately on two felony conspiracy counts. The public information officers sergeants Richard Glennon, Reginald Cooks and Michael Low also testified that Jensen was still heavily involved in shepherding the CCW application process despite being promoted out of the PIO office, in a rapid ascendance from sergeant to lieutenant and then captain in just a few years. Rosen said his office's probe was triggered by a San Jose Inside article focusing on a large 2018 contribution to Smith's campaign. He joined the Bay Area News Group in 2014. Urena has a wealth of patrol experience, he told the five-member city council. Investigative Services - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. Ex-CEO of security firm pleads guilty in Santa, 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, Ex-CEO of security firm pleads guilty in Santa Clara County gun-permit bribery case, Sheriff and undersheriff plead the Fifth, supervisor blames bad memory in Santa Clara County gun-permit probe, Ex-CEO of security firm charged in Santa Clara County sheriff concealed-gun permit bribery case, Four indicted in Santa Clara County Sheriff concealed gun permit scandal, Big donor to Santa Clara County sheriffs campaign was issued rare concealed gun permit. No other candidate mentioned the Constitution. She has been working for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers since 2015. Ive worked at other places with the Sheriffs Office here and there but I just like the community here, and I like the fact theres more community outreach that we do on this side, Valenzuela said. It is extremely painful to have his integrity questioned after spending years dedicated to serving the people of Santa Clara County. Hirokawa said Jensen's quick rise to captain after Smith's re-election raised eyebrows in the office at the time. A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? 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He replaces Capt. Law Enforcement. Len Ramirez and Kiet Do contributed to this story. West Valley: Rich Urena is new captain of sheriff office's West Valley Were partnering with you the readers to make it happen. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations. Oakland police investigating spate of shootings that left one dead, five wounded I am a mom, wife, a veteran, LGBTQ+ ally and I understand the diversity of Santa Clara County, Nagaye said. "And it's very clear that that's not the case under Sheriff Smith and her office. Smiths office granted concealed gun permits to 22 of those 28 applicants, an approval rate of about 79%. FILE - Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith walks to a news conference in Cupertino, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011. The culture of management can no longer be one of fear and intimidation.. 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. I live in Palo Alto, am happy that Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonson is leaving his Palo Alto position. He previously reported in Washington, D.C., Salinas and the East Bay, and is a middling triathlete. Ex-Jail Captain Sues Santa Clara Co. Sheriff's Office for Alleged Jensen is also accused of signing off on seven permit recipients who did not complete mandatory firearms proficiency exams including a permit renewal for county Supervisor Mike Wasserman. We know Kevin Jensen as a person and we understand his leadership qualities, Ryan Elder, president of the association, told San Jos Spotlight. Jonsen said he has experience overseeing crime reduction from his time as a coordinator of the Antelope Valley crime fighting initiative run by the LA Sheriffs Department. Rosen did say that his office had reviewed phone and computer records and interviewed dozens of witnesses to determine whether there had been communication between Jensen and the Sheriff regarding the bribery scheme. And its not because I can give them any promotions or instantly solve their problemsits because Ive earned their trust over a long period of time.. From there, he was promoted to lieutenant and came back to Saratoga as the assistant commander of the West Valley Patrol Division. "However, if you are -- in the words of Sheriff's Captain James Jenson -- a 'VIP,' then he'll meet you at Starbucks, personally review your application and help you fill it out," said Rosen. All of these people do not feel safe, and they feel threatened, Nagaye told San Jos Spotlight. Allen, 51, has mostly worked in the jail system. Flood Advisory issued for Santa Clara Co. . That was the first step in a conspiracy to "help AS Solution, Inc. manager Martin Nielsen procure hard-to-obtain CCW licenses for his company's executive protection agents," according to the indictment. While a captain, he was assigned to oversee various Custody Bureau Divisions, including the Main Jail, Elmwood, Jail Reforms, Support Services, and Administrative Services, as well as the Transportation and Internal Affairs Units. If convicted, all four defendants could face prison time. San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. Office of the Sheriff - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara 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. 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.. For a look at more stories and videos by the ABC7 News I-Team go here. Known for. I just want to do it within reason, getting mental health help we need on the front end, and also providing for those people who have to be in the jails.. 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The recently released autopsy report of Thomas Phan, a 40-year-old homeless man shot and killed by deputies with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on Nov. 16, provided new details . "The DA's office is continuing to investigate more crimes and more individuals related to Sheriff Smith's issuance of CCW licenses. Capt. Urena has also served as a field training officer, recruit training officer, detective in the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement team, a sergeant in the West Valley detective division, as a tactical flight observer aboard the sheriffs office helicopter, STAR 1, and as a mentor and leader to deputies. 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. She is also facing a civil grand jury accusation for corrupt misconduct and a state attorney general investigation into possible civil rights violations in the county jail. 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. He touts his experience working as a correctional officer at Elmwood Correctional Facility, starting in the mid-1980s. Le apparently ran into trouble when her superiors did not like her project, and when they learned she didn't have a building permit. Hiscampaign filings do not reflect a total amount raised to date, but the candidate himself says hes raised about $50,000. Check out Bay Area safety tracker, Tracking the drought: Map shows conditions across SF Bay Area, Bay Area Life; Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on ABC7. West Valley Detectives. Between 2014 and 2019, only about 150 permits were issued or renewed in Santa Clara County. 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. Closed on Santa Clara County holidays. And were here to provide it. 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 Kevin Jensen, who announced his run for sheriff last September. 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Moreover, he doesnt have the authority to grant permits nor did he receive anything for processing them. Urena was promoted to the position Aug. 1. He cited a internal solutions group he helped create inPalo Alto to address issues like morale and promotions. 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. Report an Issue to the Sheriff | Los Altos Hills, CA 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. In a statement, attorney Harry S. Stern said: "James is devastated by this development. Nielsens cooperation with the DA was affirmed in the grand jury transcripts, in which he testified that he understood he was still subject to potential misdemeanor charges even if he helped the prosecution. "It's very unusual for a captain to be walked off in that manner for a project that wasn't for personal gain, on jail property. He said after Friday's news, Sheriff Smith needs to go. The citys residential burglary rate is up 34%. 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. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group), 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 arraigned on conspiracy and bribery charges involving concealed weapon permits in Santa Clara County. Detectives pursue all cases to conclusion from reports generated by patrol deputies, except those cases dealing with homicide, sex, or narcotics, which are . Stromgren recalled a conversation he had with Nielsen: I told him on a couple of occasions I didnt feel comfortable. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. 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. That is the County Sheriffs ultimate job duty. The division commander is Captain Rich Urena, who serves as the Chief of Police for the Town of Los Altos Hills. CBS. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group), SAN JOSE, CA - AUGUST 31: Attorney Harpaul Nahal, left, is photographed outside of the San Jose Hall of Justice on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, in San Jose, Calif. Nahal was arraigned on conspiracy and bribery charges involving concealed weapon permits in Santa Clara County. "You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law.". Palo Alto police are out-of-control and Palo Alto has lots of payouts to victims. NBC Bay Area called or emailed each of the four defendants in the case Friday, but so far, only Jensen's attorney has responded. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Permits to carry a concealed weapon can be difficult to obtain in Santa Clara County, as they are in most of the Bay Area. I think its a trend that were seeing, property crimes increasing, now that were going back to work, Valenzuela said. "This investigation revealed the sad reality that at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office there are 2 policies for those seeking CCW licenses. 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. If you care about your Constitutional rights, vote for the person who UNDERSTANDS and actually WILL uphold the US Constitution and your unalienable rights! In addition Robert Johnson has done his best to avoid transparency. 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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. Emergency Contact Information . With Californias soaring mountains steep in snow, heres how to avoid an avalanche Nichols, CEO of The Gun Co. based in Milpitas, reportedly knew Nielsen as a buddy, and eventually worked with Nahal and Schumb to get the alleged quid pro quo in motion. Five candidates are jockeying for Smiths seat. Rosen reiterated Monday that his offices investigation is still active, but declined to comment on whether prosecutors are any closer to implicating the sheriff. There were 44 reported burglaries from January to October of 2021, while 59 burglaries were reported in the same time period in 2022. 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. 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. Santa Clara County Sheriff candidates weigh in on plans for jail reform When asked if Jensen was acting on his own or working with Sheriff Smith, Rosen said that because the investigation was ongoing, it was not appropriate for him to comment on the possible roles of other individuals. Rosen said there were two paths when it came to the issuing of concealed gun permits by the sheriff's office: One for average citizens and one for campaign donors and VIPs. Jonsen said the county should offer more skill-based programs in the jails for inmates so they can find employment upon release. We know hes the best candidate to address these issues (in the office).. Live Bay Area weather updates: Massive trees fall onto homes in Santa 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. Office Hours. In 2017, she received $449,767.49 with overtime and benefits, on a $142,530.12 base salary. Ex-CEO pleads guilty in Santa Clara County gun-permit case All Rights Reserved. I-TEAM: Santa Clara County Sheriff's captain Amy Le removed from job In addition to bribery, the indictment charges Jensen with conspiring with AS Solution employees to put false information in their CCW license applications. For the average member of the public, no matter how pressing or justified their need, if they follow the procedure laid out on the sheriff's website and mail in an application, it will will not be reviewed. Smith has not filed papers for reelection or said publicly whether she intends to run. Smiths tenure as sheriff has been marred by scandals and political investigations. She would combat this by setting up a retention program. hoped you would put name in hat .Thanks for running !! This is your newsroom. 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. The race is between two candidates: Bob Jonsen and Kevin Jensen. Nagaye, 51, has served in the Sheriffs Office for 20 years, with the last seven as a supervising sergeant. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group), SAN JOSE, CA - AUGUST 31: Michael Nichols, right, is photographed outside of the San Jose Hall of Justice on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, in San Jose, Calif. Nichols was arraigned on conspiracy and bribery charges involving concealed weapon permits in Santa Clara County. The conflict is so real and so grave that fair treatment of Schumb is unlikely unless the district attorneys office is disqualified, Wall wrote in the motion. And were here to provide it. Hes also interested in growing the jails mental health resources by potentially enlisting interns and clinicians in training from local universities. Election 2022: The vote for a new South Bay sheriff document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); A contender for the top law enforcement job in Santa Clara County has won a coveted endorsement. 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. The other three members of her command staff including former Mountain View . I will let people know this department is going to be run based on performance and rewards for performance.. 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. Whether applicants received a permit depended on which group they belonged to. As we gather more evidence, we expect to file more charges against more individuals in the coming weeks. We believe that working with the community, together we achieve great things and Im hoping to carry on that tradition and continue to provide the city of Cupertino with the best law enforcement services that we can.. Every captain thats worked on this side of town has made an impact with the community. There may have been policies or procedures broken with regard to that project, but there must be more to the story," said Retired Undersheriff and Chief of Correction, John Hirokawa who in the past oversaw the jails. she can't talk freely, then she needs to step down," Hirokawa said. We are a bit troubled by the words overwhelmingly and unanimously (and others) when it comes to any voting. "We will follow the evidence where it leads. DA Jeff Rosen alleged conspirators solicited $90,000 in campaign contributions for Sheriff Laurie Smiths political campaign in exchange for 10-12 concealed carry gun permits MORE @nbcbayarea. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. The Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. However, if you are in the words of sheriff's Captain James Jenson a VIP, then he will meet you at Starbucks, personally review your application and help you fill it out. 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 Deputy Sheriffs' Association of Santa Clara County is throwing its support behind retired sheriff Capt. None of the PIOs who testified could recall an instance where they personally witnessed Smith signing an approved permit, according to the transcripts. By Bay City News Published July 16, 2013. Love to know the next forum is. Shes concerned about declining morale in the office,notingstaffing levels are lowwhich means many employees work mandatory overtime, separating them from their families. The remaining four defendants, who were indicted on conspiracy and bribery charges, put off entering pleas until Sept. 21. | All donations are tax-deductible. She needs to leave and take the stench shes created with her. San Jos Spotlight is the citys first nonprofit, community-supported digital news organization. Your email address will not be published. Per a plea agreement, his charges will be downgraded to misdemeanors and a maximum 18-month jail sentence in exchange for his cooperation with the district attorney. 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. If convicted could get 11 years in prison. 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. 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. A former manager for a security company who implicated a Santa Clara County Sheriff's captain and others in an alleged bribery scheme to trade political donations supporting the sheriff in exchange for concealed-carry weapons has testified in the civil corruption trial . Hes raised $72,398 through campaign donations and a loan. Check out Bay Area safety tracker, Tracking the drought: Map shows conditions across SF Bay Area, Bay Area Life; Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on ABC7. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. They should not be for sale.". Comments are moderated and approved by administrators. Three other AS Solution security employees at the time who got permits Leonard Lawrence, Rachael Paskvan and Jonathan Taunton were also described as listing home addresses or non-AS employers on their applications, and have not been charged. Jensen has also received endorsements from retired county supervisor Blanca Alvarado, Gilroy Mayor Marie Blankley, Milpitas Mayor Rich Tran and former sheriff Robert Winter. The investigation found that weeks after the scheme was hatched, the conspirators settled on a $90,000 "donation" in exchange for 10 to 12 CCW licenses. First published on August 7, 2020 / 11:34 AM. SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Former Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith has been found guilty on all six corruption and misconduct counts in her civil corruption trial. Jensen advised Nielsen to instruct AS Solution employees who were not residents of Santa Clara County to use local corporate addresses as their residence addresses in their applications.
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