Long, who created a blog to document the CCW process in Santa Clara County, said he was unsurprised by the indictments. The Santa Clara County District Attorney said the defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges August 31, 2020. at San Jose's Hall of Justice. Santa Clara County - Sheriff's Correctional Captain Salaries - California Christine Nagaye wants to transform theoffice into a national role model. 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. Sheriff's Department Captain James Jensen, attorneys Christopher Schumb and Harpaul Nahal and business owner Michael Nichols are charged with 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. Hes raised $72,398 through campaign donations and a loan. She is also a veteran, having served for five years as a combat medic and training officer in the army. California law requires candidates for county sheriff to have experience as certified law enforcement officers. My resolutions are not something Im just sayingits something Ive been doing my entire career.. ", #Breaking Four people including SantaClara Co Sheriffs Captain indicted in concealed carry pay to play scheme MORE @nbcbayarea. 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. Sheriff Bob Jonsen has been in law enforcement since 1986. County Sheriff's Captain, Prominent Lawyer - County of Santa Clara Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. Sheriff spokesman Sgt. 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. CBS. Smith has not filed papers for reelection or said publicly whether she intends to run. "They should not be for sale. The Constitution for the United States of America and its capstone iBill of Rights is the Law of the Land; and all statutes and state constitutions repugnant to the Constitution for the United States of America are null and void. 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. He wants to prioritize building morale in the office, which he said has been low for many years, and to rebuild relationships with the San Jose Police Departmenthe claims Smith neglected. Sheriff Smith herself was not among those indicted Friday, but Rosen said his office's investigation is wide ranging and far from over. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriff's. "We will follow the evidence where it leads. When I had asked him in one of those early conversations I got, like I dont remember the words it was, basically, Dont ask.'. He joined the Bay Area News Group in 2014. (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 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 an interview described in testimony from DA investigator Mike Montonye, Jensen said he received direction from Sung, the undersheriff, in brokering the illicit deal. 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.. From there, he was promoted to lieutenant and came back to Saratoga as the assistant commander of the West Valley Patrol Division. 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. Santa Clara County Corrections Capt. Amy Le Put on Paid Leave Santa Clara County sheriff faces grand jury accusation, no plea yet, Former opponent challenges embattled Santa Clara County sheriff, UPDATE: Santa Clara County pursues investigation of sheriff, 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Santa Clara County is getting a new sheriff for the first time in more than two decades, following Laurie Smiths decision to not run for a seventh term. Public Safety Alliance ("PSA"), an independent expenditure committee supporting Sheriff Smith. 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. End of an era: San Jose antique shops could disappear, Robes, candles and chants: South Bay official in hot water over religious ceremony, Proposed tax law threatens billions in San Jose funding. Flood Advisory issued for Santa Clara Co. . 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. San Jos Spotlight is the citys first nonprofit, community-supported digital news organization. Luis later supervised the Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team working regional investigations with local, county, state and federal public safety partners. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Capt. 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. Jensen later instructed AS Solutions Inc. to have their executive protection agents falsify the names of their employer on their CCW applications, and for those agents living outside the county, to falsify their addresses as well, according to the indictment. . "If she's doing something that's unfair and unjust, she owes it to this community to step down," said Moore. Nagaye opposes the creation of a new jail, although she does support the creation of a new mental health facility to better meet the needs of mentally ill inmates. Donors accounted for fewer than 4% of all CCW applicants over that time period, but constituted about 35% of those awarded permits, according to the records. Were changing the face of journalism by providing an innovative model for delivering reliable, truthful news to the nations 10th largest city. 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 was at the sheriff forum and only one candidate said she would uphold the US Constitution. She is a San Jose State University alumna and enjoys hiking and camping in her spare time. 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. 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.. we have been without one, https://www.kevinjensen4sheriff.com/endorsements. She is now on paid administrative leave. Contact Eli Wolfe at[emailprotected]or@EliWolfe4on Twitter. If convicted, all four defendants could face prison time. Local News | He said after Friday's news, Sheriff Smith needs to go. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations," Rosen said. Instead, the application would be filed away and forgotten. There were 44 reported burglaries from January to October of 2021, while 59 burglaries were reported in the same time period in 2022. After Smith won that race, she promoted Le to captain. Allen, 51, has mostly worked in the jail system. They should not be for sale.". Smiths office granted concealed gun permits to 22 of those 28 applicants, an approval rate of about 79%. California sheriff suspended after inmates make her a BBQ grill Oakland police investigating spate of shootings that left one dead, five wounded San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. Allowing her team to continually bully and brutalize mentally challenged inmates is disgusting. Civil process includes restraining orders, bench warrants, arrest warrants, evictions and any other notice or order from the courts. The Deputy Sheriffs Association of Santa Clara County is throwing its support behind retired sheriff Capt. 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. Sources close to the case tell the ABC7 News I-Team that the removal stems from an unpermitted arbor and barbecue grill Amy Le built at the jail with her own money, but using inmate labor. West Valley: Rich Urena is new captain of sheriff office's West Valley Local News | I will let people know this department is going to be run based on performance and rewards for performance.. San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. 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. Allen said in his first 100 days in office he wants to meet with every politician in the county and glean ideas about how to improve his office. It is extremely painful to have his integrity questioned after spending years dedicated to serving the people of Santa Clara County. 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.. Jensen said he is also proud to have the support of former county Supervisor Blanca Alvarado. Sean Allen. How safe is your neighborhood? 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.. These cameras capture vehicle license plates and compare them with Sheriffs Office databases to alert authorities when a plate matches a listing. 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. At a Cupertino City Council meeting on Aug. 2, Ken Binder, former division commander, introduced Urena and described him as an experienced officer, ready for the new role. Multiple sources said the year-long investigation has centered on accusations of the sheriff's office favoring people who apply for a concealed weapons permit if they donated to Smith's reelection campaigns. 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. Ricardo Rich Urena has been tapped to replace Capt. 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. But the approval rate skyrockets for the 28 applicants who either gave campaign cash to Sheriff Laurie Smith directly or where a family member or employer donated. As the I-Team reported last September, the man suffered brain damage and his parents are suing the county and the Sheriff's Department. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department - Yelp "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. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges August 31, 2020 at the Hall of Justice in San Jose. Santa Clara County Sheriff candidates weigh in on plans for jail reform Jonsen said he also values transparency in law enforcement. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations. Only 62 applicants received a permit, according to the records. If you care about your Constitutional rights, vote for the person who UNDERSTANDS and actually WILL uphold the US Constitution and your unalienable rights! "Our concern is not whether the Sheriff grants many or few CCW licenses, but whether they are being granted or denied for the wrong reasons," District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a press release. Sung is now the assistant sheriff for the administrative division. 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 side of a Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office vehicle is pictured in this file photo. The second installment was forestalled by the DA investigation. The second half of the payment was forestalled by the DA investigation. Former Santa Clara Co. Sheriff Laurie Smith found guilty on all 6 (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group;. The I-Team also reached out to Reggie Cooks, a public affairs officer for the sheriff's department, and he has not responded at the time this story was reported. The Deputy Sheriffs' Association of Santa Clara County is throwing its support behind retired sheriff Capt. I feel the right person for the job is not the smoothest talking person that sounded good. Contact Eli Wolfe at[emailprotected]or@EliWolfe4on Twitter. Love to know the next forum is. With Californias soaring mountains steep in snow, heres how to avoid an avalanche She is now on paid . And Captain Jenson will even wave the mandated gun testing at a gun range," said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. Comment Policy (updated 11/1/2021): We reserve the right to delete comments or ban users who engage in personal attacks, hate speech, excess profanity or make verifiably false statements. | All donations are tax-deductible. We also levy on wages, bank accounts, vehicles or any asset of the judgment debtor. Le has been one of the most well-paid Santa Clara County employees for years. The race is between two candidates: Bob Jonsen and Kevin Jensen. My unique experience speaks for myself. 1:45 p.m. In response to a list of questions, Colton referred San Jos Spotlight to aquestionnaireshe filled out for a recent sheriff candidate forum. 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. She also served in the offices operational standards and inspections unit and worked at both Elmwood and the main jail. Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. "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. Political action committees for the Deputy Sheriffs Association and the Santa Clara County Correctional Peace Officers Association supported Jensens campaign when he ran against Smith in 2014. Civil/Warrants - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara 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. Photo courtesy of Kevin Jensen. Undersheriff ensnared in Santa Clara County concealed guns corruption probe, Sheriffs office hit with corruption probe over concealed weapons permits, | Criminal Justice and Public Safety Reporter. 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. And were here to provide it. He touts his experience working as a correctional officer at Elmwood Correctional Facility, starting in the mid-1980s. 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. 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.. Here are the five candidates running for sheriff in alphabetical order. Im the only candidate who has experience from a large sheriff organization as well as municipalities, and that diversity will serve me well, Jonsen told San Jos Spotlight, adding that his great-great uncle served as sheriff in Santa Clara County in 1870. | All donations are tax-deductible. Occupation. There has been a changing of the guard at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office West Valley Division. Local News | 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. I worked with S. Allen at Elmwood (I am nurse). He spent the bulk of his career27 yearsin the LA County Sheriffs Department, retiring as captain of Lancaster Station. He says it's time for Sheriff Smith to speak out if she knows anything A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? Its going to be an easy election for voters to choosetheyre either going to choose somebody in the organization, or theyre going to choose for change, Jonsen said. A gun parts manufacturer and two South Bay lawyers were the other three individuals named in the indictment. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. Friday afternoon the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office told ABC7 News that Jensen was officially placed on administrative leave. He replaces Capt. 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.. Permits to carry a concealed weapon can be difficult to obtain in Santa Clara County, as they are in most of the Bay Area. Hiscampaign filings do not reflect a total amount raised to date, but the candidate himself says hes raised about $50,000. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. it's safer than driving," said Marin County Fire Captain Matt Watson. Capt. She was the first female County Sheriff in the history of the state. 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. 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. The activity took place in 2018 while Sheriff Laurie Smith -- who had the authority to grant the permits -- was in a tough battle race for reelection in both the primary and general elections. James Jensen, attorney Christopher Schumb, attorney Harpaul Nahal and business owner Michael Nichols allegedly conspired with the CEO and a middle manager of an international security company to offer a $90,000 bribe in exchange for concealed weapons permits, District Attorney Jeff Rosen said. Jensen started working as a deputy at Elmwood Correctional Facility in 1985. In the 20 years that Neil Valenzuela has worked for the Sheriffs Office, he keeps coming back to Saratoga. The DA's investigation began shortly after the general election in 2018, sparked by an inquiry from the Metro Silicon Valley weekly about executive security licensing and an extremely large campaign donation, which was reported in public filings. 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. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Captain Among 4 Indicted In DA's 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. Saratoga hosts LAW-tes and Coffee with a Cop events to keep the community engaged with the Sheriffs Office, Valenzuela said. Get San Jos Spotlight headlines delivered to your inbox. Hope Now we get a real sherriff elected. As we gather more evidence, we expect to file more charges against more individuals in the coming weeks. 38 reviews of Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department "Thankfully, my only experience with the Santa Clara County Sheriffs has been getting fingerprinted at this station in San Jose. So I can ask them about the SJ Search and Rescue team and how we can support the new sherriff. Star witness testifies at California sheriff's civil trial They could spend time in prison if they are convicted. 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. She resigned as sheriff on . Emergency: 9-1-1; Emergency and Non-Emergency Number from all phones: (408) 299 - 2311; General Information from cellular phone: (408) 808 - 4400 We are a bit troubled by the words overwhelmingly and unanimously (and others) when it comes to any voting. 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. "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. A contender for the top law enforcement job in Santa Clara County has won a coveted endorsement. 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. He supports the Board of Supervisors decision to build a new 500-person jail, and he favors adding more mental health resources for inmates. As the new captain assigned to the West Valley patrol division, Im committed to the legacy weve built here in the city of Cupertino, he said. The citys residential burglary rate is up 34%. Urena will oversee a division that serves the communities of Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Altos Hills and unincorporated areas of the county, bringing 14 years of experience into the role. 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. If they dont get this then they are oblivious and are incapable of doing a good job if elected.
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