Sheriff Smith herself was not among those indicted Friday, but Rosen said his office's investigation is wide ranging and far from over. 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. In Santa Clara County, there's only room for one sheriff in town. Le apparently ran into trouble when her superiors did not like her project, and when they learned she didn't have a building permit.
The department also said it's monitoring the situation and has no additional information to provide at this time. Capt. 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. 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. 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). So he is also a liar. 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. With Californias soaring mountains steep in snow, heres how to avoid an avalanche Nate Gartrell covers crime and corruption in Contra Costa County. The Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. I will not vote for him for Sheriff. If they dont get this then they are oblivious and are incapable of doing a good job if elected. As NBC Bay Area first reported more than a week ago, a criminal grand jury has been looking into allegations of "pay to play" for concealed gun permits in the South Bay. 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. Hirokawa said Jensen's quick rise to captain after Smith's re-election raised eyebrows in the office at the time. Office Hours. Jensen is competing with three other candidates: sheriff Sgt. He wants to dismantle the system of nepotism that he claims took root in the Sheriffs Office during Smiths tenure. "I'm feeling very hopeful and optimistic, cautiously. Here are the five candidates running for sheriff in alphabetical order. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The associations members voted overwhelmingly to support endorsing him.. 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. She resigned as sheriff on . Sheriff Bob Jonsen has been in law enforcement since 1986. Permits to carry a concealed weapon can be difficult to obtain in Santa Clara County, as they are in most of the Bay Area.
Jensen lost that election, but he believes the time is right for a new run and cites the support from the association. 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. 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. In addition to conspiracy and bribery charges, Jensen is accused of falsifying public records. 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.. Hes worked in every area of sheriffs office jurisdiction. Were changing the face of journalism by providing an innovative model for delivering reliable, truthful news to the nations 10th largest city. . SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) A retired captain for the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office is joining the race to become the next sheriff, now the second opponent looking to unseat current. "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.
Santa Clara County - Sheriff's Correctional Captain Salaries - California From there, he was promoted to lieutenant and came back to Saratoga as the assistant commander of the West Valley Patrol Division. "I think people should be treated fairly and equally under this system," Long said. | All donations are tax-deductible. He joined the Bay Area News Group in 2014. The $45,000 personal check, which Nielsen handed to the PSA's assistant treasurer, Schumb, represented more than half of the funds raised by the PSA before the election that year. Ricardo "Rich" Urena has been tapped to replace . The second half of the agreed-upon donation amount wasstymied by the DA investigation, authorities said. And if she feels that He became captain in 2004 and retired in 2013. 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. Rosen noted that any average member of the public applying for a CCW license in accordance with the instructions on the Sheriff's Office website would not have their application reviewed. Stromgren recalled a conversation he had with Nielsen: I told him on a couple of occasions I didnt feel comfortable. I havent 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. Local News | Sheriff spokesman Sgt. 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 . Nagayes major endorsement is from the Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley, and she says she has strong support among deputies and residents.
Sheriff Campaign Scandal: 4 Indicted in Concealed Carry 'Pay to Play Santa Clara County Sherif
Santa Clara County Undersheriff Rick Sung Indicted; New Indictment For I will let people know this department is going to be run based on performance and rewards for performance.. In response to a list of questions, Colton referred San Jos Spotlight to aquestionnaireshe filled out for a recent sheriff candidate forum. "It's a sad day for the Sheriff's department," said retired Undersheriff John Hirokawa, who was defeated in a runoff by Sheriff Smith in the election that year and wonders what role the money played. He supports the Board of Supervisors decision to build a new 500-person jail, and he favors adding more mental health resources for inmates. Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonsen remained on track Wednesday to be elected Santa Clara County's next sheriff. Jail reform is one of the key issues in the Sheriff's race, pitting former Palo Alto Police Chief Bob Jonsen against former . 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. CBS. Photo courtesy of Kevin Jensen. 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. Saturday and Sunday through Closed. 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. I feel the right person for the job is not the smoothest talking person that sounded good. 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. Thats why his chances a slim. Harry Stern, Jensens attorney, reiterated that Jensen did not have the power to grant the concealed-gun permits. The second installment was forestalled by the DA investigation. August 7, 2020 / 11:34 AM I am the only candidate who has addressed these issues for 30 years, Allen said. "I think as an elected official, she needs to come forward and tell the Get Morning Report and other email newsletters, SAN JOSE, CA - AUGUST 31: Christian West, left, the former CEO and Founder of the security company AS Solution is photographed outside of the Hall of Justice on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, in San Jose, Calif. West pleaded guilty to two conspiracy charges involving concealed weapon permits in Santa Clara County. The county has a similar program, but Jonsen wants to expand it to meet greater demand. The Deputy Sheriffs' Association of Santa Clara County is throwing its support behind retired sheriff Capt. Whether applicants received a permit depended on which group they belonged to. 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. I was at the sheriff forum and only one candidate said she would uphold the US Constitution. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Occupation. Election 2022 candidates for Santa Clara County Sheriff: retired Palo Alto police chief Bob Jonsen (left) and retired sheriff's captain Kevin Jensen. "If she's doing something that's unfair and unjust, she owes it to this community to step down," said Moore. 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. Reverend Jeff Moore, the head of the NAACP Silicon Valley Chapter had a CCW permit, but it was never renewed for reasons unknown. Reach him the low-tech way at 408-920-5002. She needs to leave and take the stench shes created with her. There has been a changing of the guard at the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office West Valley Division. The exact terms of the deal were hammered out later that month, according to the indictment, when Nielsen and West met with Jensen, Nahal, and Nichols at a San Jose Jamba Juice and agreed upon an exchange of 10-to-12 CCW licenses for a $90,000 donation to Smith's campaign. Rick Sung as commander of the patrol division.
Capt. Neil Valenzuela takes over Sheriff's West Valley Patrol Division Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. 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. Flood Advisory issued for Santa Clara Co. . "You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law.". Sean Allen. 5:45 p.m. Lake County sheriff declares a local emergency due to snow. Source: https://nationallibertyalliance.org/files/sheriffmemo/Power%20and%20Authority%20of%20The%20County%20Sheriff.pdf. Urena was promoted to the position Aug. 1. 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. Only 62 applicants received a permit, according to the records. Jensen has also received endorsements from retired county supervisor Blanca Alvarado, Gilroy Mayor Marie Blankley, Milpitas Mayor Rich Tran and former sheriff Robert Winter. 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. 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. In 2017, she received $449,767.49 with overtime and benefits, on a $142,530.12 base salary. When I had asked him in one of those early conversations I got, like I dont remember the words it was, basically, Dont ask.'.
Civil/Warrants - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara How the scandal-plagued Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office will operate in a post-Laurie Smith era will be determined by the vote of the people in the Nov. 8 election. Known for. 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. Urena told the council that he is prepared to take on the challenge.
Santa Clara County sheriff's captain among 4 indicted on felony bribery Former Santa Clara Co. Sheriff Laurie Smith found guilty on all 6 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. Isnt that what Sheriff Laurie Smith had/has been saying? I am a mom, wife, a veteran, LGBTQ+ ally and I understand the diversity of Santa Clara County, Nagaye said. She is now on paid . A grand jury has indicted Santa Clara County Undersheriff Rick Sung and added an additional indictment against a captain linked to a concealed weapons permit scandal that has rocked the Sheriff's . 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. 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. 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. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. 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. To avoid the perception of impropriety, Jensen said he wont take any financial contributions from employees. In a statement, attorney Harry S. Stern said: "James is devastated by this development. My resolutions are not something Im just sayingits something Ive been doing my entire career.. Sources have told this news organization that Nielsen a central figure in the scheme, who wrote the $45,000 check that touched off the investigation after Smith was re-elected in 2018 cooperated with investigators early on. 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 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. Its a small town community I like interacting with.. 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. 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. Jensen said he is also proud to have the support of former county Supervisor Blanca Alvarado. 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. Christian West, AS Solutions CEO at the time of the alleged scheme, was charged separately on two felony conspiracy counts. 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.
Report an Issue to the Sheriff | Los Altos Hills, CA 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. 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. Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonsen said he wants to apply his experience working in the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department to fix some of the long-time issues in Santa Clara Countys office. Friday afternoon the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office told ABC7 News that Jensen was officially placed on administrative leave. 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 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. 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. He served various roles for the next three decades, including as an assistant chief in the department of corrections and as jail administration commander. Shes concerned about declining morale in the office,notingstaffing levels are lowwhich means many employees work mandatory overtime, separating them from their families. Your email address will not be published. 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. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group;.
Sheriff Bio - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara Urena has a wealth of patrol experience, he told the five-member city council. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. He says it's time for Sheriff Smith to speak out if she knows anything Southern California mountain residents head home, for many its the first time in days Jensen's attorney Harry S. Stern released the following statement to ABC7 News: James is devastated by this development. 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. And were here to provide it.
California sheriff suspended after inmates make her a BBQ grill Investigative Services - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara Civil process includes restraining orders, bench warrants, arrest warrants, evictions and any other notice or order from the courts. He cited a internal solutions group he helped create inPalo Alto to address issues like morale and promotions. And Captain Jenson will even wave the mandated gun testing at a gun range," said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Capt. 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. Every captain thats worked on this side of town has made an impact with the community.
Headquarters Patrol - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara Woman found fatally shot on I-580 off-ramp 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. Saratoga hosts LAW-tes and Coffee with a Cop events to keep the community engaged with the Sheriffs Office, Valenzuela said. 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. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations," Rosen said. Suspect arrested in Palo Alto home burglary, Info stolen in Oakland ransomware attack set to be released, In fentanyl overdose case, police uncovered video evidence Martinez man molested multiple girls, feds say, Alex Murdaugh will spend the rest of his life in prison for killing his wife and son, filed a motion to remove the DAs office from the case, invoked their Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination, Dear Abby: I love my wife but I think I better get divorced, Harriette Cole: She has gone too far with the remote work option, Bobcat seen using Highway 17 wildlife crossing hours after it opens, Dear Abby: My wife said she doesn't like it, but it's part of my life, Authorities: Man bombed PG&E transformers in South San Jose, Ask Amy: I didn't ask for what I wanted, and I'm sad they couldn't guess, William backed Harry and Meghan's eviction, prefers brother never 'set foot in England again', Ask Amy: I feel guilty for not speaking up about my co-worker's activities, Miss Manners: I felt bad that they all skipped her baby shower -- and then I found out why, Brawl forces end of NorCal high school basketball playoff game, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. The ABC7 News I-Team asked Le to provide a comment but she declined. Reggie Cooks said he couldn't disclose why that happened and offered the following official response: "In . San Jos Spotlight is the citys first nonprofit, community-supported digital news organization. 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. Whats next for the former Frys HQ in San Jose? As of January, he has raised $72,398. Instead, it will be tossed in a filing cabinet and forgotten. Kristi Myllenbeck covers all things Cupertino, from crime and breaking news to education and development. 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. Moreover, he doesn't have the authority to grant permits nor did he receive anything for processing them. As we gather more evidence, we expect to file more charges against more individuals in the coming weeks. It is extremely painful to have his integrity questioned after spending years dedicated to serving the people of Santa Clara County.