"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. In addition Robert Johnson has done his best to avoid transparency. 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. 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. Headquarters Patrol - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara 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. The Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? Local News | 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. This is your newsroom. 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. 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. In a statement, the sheriff's office said Jensen will be placed on administrative leave immediately. This DAs office has successfully prosecuted elected officials, correctional officers, sheriffs deputies, police officers, attorneys, business owners and other prominent residents, Rosen said in a statement to this news organization Monday. All of these people do not feel safe, and they feel threatened, Nagaye told San Jos Spotlight. Related Articles Jensen has picked up support from the main unions serving jail employees: the Deputy Sheriffs Association of Santa Clara County and the Santa Clara County Correctional Peace Officers Association. He says it's time for Sheriff Smith to speak out if she knows anything The ABC7 News I-Team asked Le to provide a comment but she declined. Reverend Jeff Moore, the head of the NAACP Silicon Valley Chapter had a CCW permit, but it was never renewed for reasons unknown. "It's been something of an open secret within the firearms community," Long said. Jonsen said he also values transparency in law enforcement. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department - Yelp 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. The second half of the payment was forestalled by the DA investigation. . He said its important to increase the offices transparency. He became captain in 2004 and retired in 2013. The $45,000 personal check, which Nielsen gave to Schumb -- the PSA's assistant treasurer -- represented more than half of the funds raised by the organization prior to the election that year. 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. (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. Command Staff - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara 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. Jonsen said the county should offer more skill-based programs in the jails for inmates so they can find employment upon release. Harry Stern, Jensens attorney, reiterated that Jensen did not have the power to grant the concealed-gun permits. Le has been one of the most well-paid Santa Clara County employees for years. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group;. He wants to dismantle the system of nepotism that he claims took root in the Sheriffs Office during Smiths tenure. Like his opponents, Jensen said hes concerned about the lack of transparency in the office, which he blames on Smiths managerial style. As the I-Team reported last September, the man suffered brain damage and his parents are suing the county and the Sheriff's Department. Hiscampaign filings do not reflect a total amount raised to date, but the candidate himself says hes raised about $50,000. We know Kevin Jensen as a person and we understand his leadership qualities, Ryan Elder, president of the association, told San Jos Spotlight. Permits to carry a concealed weapon can be difficult to obtain in Santa Clara County, as they are in most of the Bay Area. 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. A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Custody Division is the fifth largest jail system in California, and among the 20 largest systems in the United States. Jensen, 58, retired in 2013. Santa Clara County sheriff-elect Bob Jonsen will take office early She is also a veteran, having served for five years as a combat medic and training officer in the army. Civil/Warrants - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara ", According to the indictment, the alleged criminal activity began in April 2018 with a text from Nichols to attorney Harpaul Nahal, saying, "I need you to meet my buddy that runs the Facebook Executive protection team, followed by: its a potential $50K. 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. Election 2022: The vote for a new South Bay sheriff 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. Sheriff of Santa Clara County, California. Ricardo "Rich" Urena has been tapped to replace . Nate Gartrell covers crime and corruption in Contra Costa County. 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. His command experience includes serving as the assistant director of the protective services department at Valley Medical Center, the assistant division commander of the investigations division and the division commander of the court security division. After submitting 7 CCW license applications to Jensen at a meeting, AS Solution manager Martin Nielsen donated the first half of that amount to the Santa Clara County. Woman found fatally shot on I-580 off-ramp Saturday and Sunday through Closed. Office of the Sheriff - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara 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. If you care about your Constitutional rights, vote for the person who UNDERSTANDS and actually WILL uphold the US Constitution and your unalienable rights! Source: https://nationallibertyalliance.org/files/sheriffmemo/Power%20and%20Authority%20of%20The%20County%20Sheriff.pdf. 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. Hirokawa said Jensen's quick rise to captain after Smith's re-election raised eyebrows in the office at the time. She has been working for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers since 2015. Though Wasserman is mentioned in the Aug. 6 indictment of Jensen, Schumb, Nahal and Nichols, he too has not been charged. Hes worked in every area of sheriffs office jurisdiction. (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. Nagaye said she wants the Sheriffs Office to improve its relationship with diverse communities in Santa Clara County, and would set up a commission to jumpstart this process. 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. Investigative Services - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara "We will follow the evidence where it leads. As of January, shes raised $8,400. 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. Provides investigative services for all of the North/West Santa Clara County unincorporated areas and the contract cities of Saratoga, Cupertino, and Los Altos Hills. He cited a internal solutions group he helped create inPalo Alto to address issues like morale and promotions. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. Allen says he stands out from his opponents because hes spent much of his career openly criticizing the office. 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. Were partnering with you the readers to make it happen. Local News | 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. Comments are moderated and approved by administrators. Jonsen or Jensen: Who will be Santa Clara County's new sheriff? 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. 1:45 p.m. He also notedhes implemented community advisory groups in every command position hes held. There are some very strong advocates for changes in the jail system, and Im among them, Jensen said. Monday through Friday through 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. 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. Robert was a member of the Bay Area News Group reporting team awarded the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting for East Bay Times coverage of the fatal "Ghost Ship" fire. 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. 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. We have seen such words used when the City Council has voted. 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. Santa Clara County Corrections Capt. Amy Le Put on Paid Leave There has been a changing of the guard at the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office West Valley Division. Kevin Jensen, who announced his run for sheriff last September. Saying yes, but doing NO. 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.. I will not vote for him for Sheriff. California law requires candidates for county sheriff to have experience as certified law enforcement officers. 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. Only 62 applicants received a permit, according to the records. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group), SAN JOSE, CA - AUGUST 31: Attorney Christopher Schumb, right, is photographed outside of the San Jose Hall of Justice on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, in San Jose, Calif. Schumb was arraigned on conspiracy and bribery charges involving concealed weapon permits in Santa Clara County. A California sheriff was suspended after she had inmates at a jail in Santa Clara county make her a BBQ for a break space used by corrections staff, a report said Tuesday. "I think as an elected official, she needs to come forward and tell the 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. Contact Information - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara 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. NIchols owns a company called The Gun Co., which manufactures firearms parts. Kevin Jensen, who announced his run for sheriff last September.The association's members voted overwhelmingly to support endorsing him. The Sheriff's Office provides a high level of proactive police services to residents, schools, and the businesses within our jurisdiction with a strong emphasis on community service. Long, who created a blog to document the CCW process in Santa Clara County, said he was unsurprised by the indictments. He previously served as a board member of the Santa Clara County Correctional Peace Officers Association and is founder of Lodge 65 of the Fraternal Order of Police in California. 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.. 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. "I know a definitive link to Sheriff Smith has not been established based on these indictments, but I'm interested to see how things develop as this investigation continues into the future," said Chris Long, who applied for a CCW permit in 2019, but was denied after months of waiting. Le reportedly wanted to create a break space for correctional staff. 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. Reach him the low-tech way at 408-920-5002. Palo Alto police are out-of-control and Palo Alto has lots of payouts to victims. . Allen also wants to address the homophobia and racial inequitieshe sees in the office. Im the candidate that brings the fresh perspective and greatest opportunity for change.. You do the math. Transcripts show the county supervisor blamed a chronically bad memory for his inability to recall whether he fulfilled the proficiency requirements. Sheriffs Capt. My resolutions are not something Im just sayingits something Ive been doing my entire career.. The race is between two candidates: Bob Jonsen and Kevin Jensen. Ricardo Rich Urena has been tapped to replace Capt. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. He served various roles for the next three decades, including as an assistant chief in the department of corrections and as jail administration commander. Jensen started working as a deputy at Elmwood Correctional Facility in 1985. She was the first female County Sheriff in the history of the state. Saratoga installed an Automatic License Plate Reader system at several intersections last spring to track cars coming in and out of the city and deter crime. Sheriff Bob Jonsen has been in law enforcement since 1986. We are not done, he said. If convicted could get 11 years in prison. 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.. We also levy on wages, bank accounts, vehicles or any asset of the judgment debtor. Public File for KBCW-TV / KBCW 44 Cable 12. it's safer than driving," said Marin County Fire Captain Matt Watson. "The DA's office is continuing to investigate more crimes and more individuals related to Sheriff Smith's issuance of CCW licenses. 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. I haven't been provided any evidence at this point, but broadly speaking I believe that all of the folks involved were legally able to obtain the permits. 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. Christian West, AS Solutions CEO at the time of the alleged scheme, was charged separately on two felony conspiracy counts. In addition to bribery, the indictment accuses Jensen of conspiring with AS Solution employees to put false information in their CCW license applications. By comparison, Sacramento County has more than 5,000 active permits. Moreover, he doesn't have the authority to grant permits nor did he receive anything for processing them. He is my choice. Between 2014 and 2018, 749 Santa Clara County residents applied for a new CCW permit, according to records provided by the sheriffs department. Local News | If convicted, the defendants could receive prison time. "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. The division commander is Captain Rich Urena, who serves as the Chief of Police for the Town of Los Altos Hills. She needs to leave and take the stench shes created with her. Rosen said his office's probe was triggered by a San Jose Inside article focusing on a large 2018 contribution to Smith's campaign. Bios - Captain Luis Martin | City of Santa Clara Contact Eli Wolfe at[emailprotected]or@EliWolfe4on Twitter. Christine Nagaye wants to transform theoffice into a national role model. San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. In the 20 years that Neil Valenzuela has worked for the Sheriffs Office, he keeps coming back to Saratoga. Stromgren recalled a conversation he had with Nielsen: I told him on a couple of occasions I didnt feel comfortable. This is your newsroom. I feel the right person for the job is not the smoothest talking person that sounded good. Santa Clara County Sheriff Sgt. Public Safety Alliance ("PSA"), an independent expenditure committee supporting Sheriff Smith. I worked with S. Allen at Elmwood (I am nurse). A gun parts manufacturer and two South Bay lawyers were the other three individuals named in the indictment. "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. Smith has not filed papers for reelection or said publicly whether she intends to run. By Bay City News Published July 16, 2013. Santa Clara County Undersheriff Rick Sung Indicted; New Indictment For In response to a list of questions, Colton referred San Jos Spotlight to aquestionnaireshe filled out for a recent sheriff candidate forum. 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. 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 . 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. Jensen's attorney Harry S. Stern released the following statement to ABC7 News: James is devastated by this development. "But then when it came time to renew, I was not allowed to renew and those reasons were never explained to me phone calls were not returned," explained Moore. 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. He may be contacted at 408-868-6612 or email at email Rich Urena. 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