santa clara county sheriff captain santa clara county sheriff captain

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. Isnt that what Sheriff Laurie Smith had/has been saying? Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. 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. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group), SAN JOSE, CA - AUGUST 31: Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen is photographed outside of the San Jose Hall of Justice on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, in San Jose, Calif. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group). FILE - Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith walks to a news conference in Cupertino, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011. And were here to provide it. 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 . 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. Jensen's attorney Harry S. Stern released the following statement to ABC7 News: James is devastated by this development. Closed on Santa Clara County holidays. 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. 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.. Related Articles I will not vote for him for Sheriff. Sheriff Bob Jonsen has been in law enforcement since 1986. 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. 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. Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. We are not done.". 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. 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. You do the math. Now, Long said he wants to a see a system that treats all applicants equally. 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. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations. 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.. 2 brothers found guilty of murdering groom at California wedding party If convicted, the defendants could receive prison time. 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. A sheriff sergeant with almost 30 years of service in the office, Sean Allen said his platform boils down to transparency, accountability and reform. "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. Before that, he was chief of police in Menlo Park for five years. 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_6" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); San Jos residents deserve a trusted source for unbiased, independent political news. Urena has a wealth of patrol experience, he told the five-member city council. He may be contacted at 408-868-6612 or email at email Rich Urena. "We will follow the evidence where it leads. Rosen said the office has been cleared of any conflict by the state Office of the Attorney General, which will represent the DAs office in the motion hearing. In a lawsuit filed Nov. 13 in Santa Clara County Superior Court, Amy Le says the Sheriff's Office effectively forced her to resign in retaliation for alerting higher-ups about a female lieutenant's sexual harassment complaint against a high-ranking officer. 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. Look at all the officers that left for other agencies under his tenure. Election 2022 candidates for Santa Clara County Sheriff: retired Palo Alto police chief Bob Jonsen (left) and retired sheriff's captain Kevin Jensen. In a statement, the sheriff's office said Jensen will be placed on administrative leave immediately. "I think as an elected official, she needs to come forward and tell the Earlier this year, the NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit analyzed five years' worth of data and found that donors to Smith's political campaigns were about 14 times more likely to get a concealed weapons permit than those who did not contribute. 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. With Californias soaring mountains steep in snow, heres how to avoid an avalanche 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. 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 . 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. West Valley Detectives. Capt. I was at the sheriff forum and only one candidate said she would uphold the US Constitution. Santa Clara County Sheriff candidates Kevin Jensen and Bob Jonsen. 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. Hope Now we get a real sherriff elected. "People have often said the only way to obtain a permit in Santa Clara County is to make a donation to the sheriff's office.". The next sheriff will havesignificant challenges, including the ongoing warehousing of mentally ill inmates in the jail system, increased political scrutiny of the Sheriffs Office and the constructionof a new jail. He cited a internal solutions group he helped create inPalo Alto to address issues like morale and promotions. After Smith won that race, she promoted Le to captain. The morale will get better, then the whole department, Jensen told San Jos Spotlight. about the scheme. As the I-Team reported last September, the man suffered brain damage and his parents are suing the county and the Sheriff's Department. He also plans to improve the treatment for mentally ill inmatesand overall conditions in the jail system. A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? (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. she can't talk freely, then she needs to step down," Hirokawa said. Local News | The remaining four defendants, who were indicted on conspiracy and bribery charges, put off entering pleas until Sept. 21. He said its important to increase the offices transparency. 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. 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. Its a small town community I like interacting with.. Instead, it will be tossed in a filing cabinet and forgotten. The testimonies confirm an earlier report from this news organization that found CCW permits were most frequently granted to high-profile applicants, and that the most common condition for approvals was a reference or order from Smith or one of her top commanders. He plans to implement greater civilian oversight in the jail systeman outstanding concern among county officials. A contender for the top law enforcement job in Santa Clara County has won a coveted endorsement. Capt. 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. A veteran staff trainer, Allen wants to change how officers apply use of force, saying there need to be more alternatives for de-escalating situations and preventing harm to inmates. 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. 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.. "It's been something of an open secret within the firearms community," Long said. Hes also interested in growing the jails mental health resources by potentially enlisting interns and clinicians in training from local universities. 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. She is a San Jose State University alumna and enjoys hiking and camping in her spare time. public and her constituents and say what's going on. Rick Sung as commander of the patrol division. Le reportedly wanted to create a break space for correctional staff. 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. The second half of the payment was forestalled by the DA investigation. Kinda like if you are applying for a cook job and you are not aware that preparing meals is the basic part of your job then what is the point of continuing the job interview? Contact Eli Wolfe at[emailprotected]or@EliWolfe4on Twitter. 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. Hiscampaign filings do not reflect a total amount raised to date, but the candidate himself says hes raised about $50,000. He spent the bulk of his career27 yearsin the LA County Sheriffs Department, retiring as captain of Lancaster Station. 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. Monday through Friday through 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. "The DA's office is continuing to investigate more crimes and more individuals related to Sheriff Smith's issuance of CCW licenses. Public Safety Alliance ("PSA"), an independent expenditure committee supporting Sheriff Smith. Moreover, he doesnt have the authority to grant permits nor did he receive anything for processing them. This all took place in 2018, while Sheriff Laurie Smith, who had the authority to grant the CCW licenses, was in a race for reelection, both in the primary and general elections. 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. The citys residential burglary rate is up 34%. She has been working for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers since 2015. Get San Jos Spotlight headlines delivered to your inbox. Kevin Jensen said Tuesday that it was "humbling" that two unions want him to run against Sheriff Laurie . 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. Sung is now the assistant sheriff for the administrative division. Get San Jos Spotlight headlines delivered to your inbox. Among the charges he faces, Jensen, along with AS Solution program manager Jack Stromgren, is accused of instructing AS Solution security employees to falsify their home addresses or employer to meet in-county residency requirements for the sheriffs CCW permits. Jensen, 58, retired in 2013. We are a bit troubled by the words overwhelmingly and unanimously (and others) when it comes to any voting. All Rights Reserved. Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriff's. And Captain Jenson will even wave the mandated gun testing at a gun range," said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. Captain James Jensen, attorney Christopher Schumb, attorney Harpaul Nahal, and business owner Michael Nichols are accused of conspiring with the CEO and a middle manager of AS Solution, Inc., an international security company, to offer a $90,000 bribe to obtain concealed firearms permits (CCW licenses) for the company's executive protection agents. Instead, the application would be filed away and forgotten. Jensen lost that election, but he believes the time is right for a new run and cites the support from the association. 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. But the sheriff position is not just any typical management job. My unique experience speaks for myself. 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 side of a Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office vehicle is pictured in this file photo. The Deputy Sheriffs' Association of Santa Clara County is throwing its support behind retired sheriff Capt. "CCW licenses should not be given out in exchange for campaign donations. 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. "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. "And it's very clear that that's not the case under Sheriff Smith and her office. She has spent months fending off attacks from the Board of Supervisors, which voted no confidence in her leadership. The other three members of her command staff including former Mountain View . Sheriff of Santa Clara County, California. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. 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. She needs to leave and take the stench shes created with her. 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. Jensen started working as a deputy at Elmwood Correctional Facility in 1985. Le apparently ran into trouble when her superiors did not like her project, and when they learned she didn't have a building permit. 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. In Santa Clara County, there's only room for one sheriff in town. As we gather more evidence, we expect to file more charges against more individuals in the coming weeks. 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. Between 2014 and 2018, 749 Santa Clara County residents applied for a new CCW permit, according to records provided by the sheriffs department. Robert Salonga is a Bay Area News Group reporter who covers criminal justice and public safety for The Mercury News and East Bay Times. Im the only candidate who has called out the bad behavior and served all the major functions in the Sheriffs Office.. 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. | All donations are tax-deductible. Reggie Cooks said he couldn't disclose why that happened and offered the following official response: "In . 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. Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. 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. BY EMILY MIBACH. Jensen said he is also proud to have the support of former county Supervisor Blanca Alvarado. Permits to carry a concealed weapon can be difficult to obtain in Santa Clara County, as they are in most of the Bay Area. "You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law.". 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. 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.