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. She is now on paid administrative leave. He was promoted to captain and was assigned to Stanford University before requesting to come back to Saratoga and serve as the division commander. Allen says he stands out from his opponents because hes spent much of his career openly criticizing the office. Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriff's. 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. 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. Local News | Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. 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. 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. "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. Jonsen said he also values transparency in law enforcement. To be fair, all candidates seem passionate about wanting to a good job as sheriff and the questions asked are valid questions for any managerial jobs. 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. 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. He cited a internal solutions group he helped create inPalo Alto to address issues like morale and promotions. 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. Santa Clara County Salaries - Sheriff's Correctional Captain Highest salary at Santa Clara County in year 2021 was $472,633. FILE - Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith walks to a news conference in Cupertino, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011. "They should not be for sale. Love to know the next forum is. 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. Local News | Number of employees at Santa Clara County with job title Sheriff's Correctional Captain is 35. 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. Then I suggest you educate other voters so more people are aware. Whats next for the former Frys HQ in San Jose? She has spent months fending off attacks from the Board of Supervisors, which voted no confidence in her leadership. Law Enforcement. SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Former Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith has been found guilty on all six corruption and misconduct counts in her civil corruption trial. As the I-Team reported last September, the man suffered brain damage and his parents are suing the county and the Sheriff's Department. Allen has been in the trenches for bit and dont think he is a good ol boy either. 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. Nagaye, 51, has served in the Sheriffs Office for 20 years, with the last seven as a supervising sergeant. Luis later supervised the Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team working regional investigations with local, county, state and federal public safety partners. And were here to provide it. He says it's time for Sheriff Smith to speak out if she knows anything He replaces Capt. In addition to bribery, the indictment charges Jensen with conspiring with AS Solution employees to put false information in their CCW license applications. "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. 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. Source: https://nationallibertyalliance.org/files/sheriffmemo/Power%20and%20Authority%20of%20The%20County%20Sheriff.pdf. Thats why his chances a slim. 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. Local News | 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. For a look at more stories and videos by the ABC7 News I-Team go here. We have seen such words used when the City Council has voted. The ABC7 News I-Team asked Le to provide a comment but she declined. Whats next for the former Frys HQ in San Jose? Between 2014 and 2018, 749 Santa Clara County residents applied for a new CCW permit, according to records provided by the sheriffs department. 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. 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. Christian West, AS Solutions CEO at the time of the alleged scheme, was charged separately on two felony conspiracy counts. 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. Santa Clara County sheriff-elect Bob Jonsen will take office early after Board of Supervisors vote Jonsen, who was elected sheriff with 50.81% of the vote in November, will become the. There are some very strong advocates for changes in the jail system, and Im among them, Jensen said. Capt. 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. 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. Public File for KBCW-TV / KBCW 44 Cable 12. I will not vote for him for Sheriff. Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonsen remained on track Wednesday to be elected Santa Clara County's next sheriff. Capt. Detectives pursue all cases to conclusion from reports generated by patrol deputies, except those cases dealing with homicide, sex, or narcotics, which are . Nate Gartrell covers crime and corruption in Contra Costa County. Santa Clara Sheriffs gun-permit process: public safety or politics? Comments are moderated and approved by administrators. Rosen said his office's probe was triggered by a San Jose Inside article focusing on a large 2018 contribution to Smith's campaign. He wants to dismantle the system of nepotism that he claims took root in the Sheriffs Office during Smiths tenure. Our jail is among the 100 systems nationwide with an inmate population of more than 1,000. The complete transcript of the grand jury's findings will be released in the coming weeks. 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. 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. 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. And Captain Jenson will even wave the mandated gun testing at a gun range," said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. Jensen said hes concerned about the large number of mentally ill inmates in the jail system, butbelieves those with violent offenses need to be incarcerated. There were 44 reported burglaries from January to October of 2021, while 59 burglaries were reported in the same time period in 2022. Your email address will not be published. SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- A Santa Clara County Sheriff's captain and three others have been charged in connection with a gun permit bribery scheme, District Attorney Jeff Rosen announced Friday. If the Sheriff lacks a full understanding of the Constitution it would stand to reason that he is vulnerable to violation of his oath. Were partnering with you the readers to make it happen. I feel the right person for the job is not the smoothest talking person that sounded good. ALL RIGHT K J!!!!! 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. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. "I know they used a lot of that money on social media, slamming me," he said. 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.. Southern California mountain residents head home, for many its the first time in days Jensen has also received endorsements from retired county supervisor Blanca Alvarado, Gilroy Mayor Marie Blankley, Milpitas Mayor Rich Tran and former sheriff Robert Winter. He is my choice. 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. "CCW licenses should not be given out in exchange for campaign donations. Its not clear if Colton qualifies for sheriff. 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. public and her constituents and say what's going on. 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. Oakland police investigating spate of shootings that left one dead, five wounded That is the County Sheriffs ultimate job duty. August 7, 2020 / 11:34 AM A contender for the top law enforcement job in Santa Clara County has won a coveted endorsement. Im the candidate that brings the fresh perspective and greatest opportunity for change.. I am the only candidate who has addressed these issues for 30 years, Allen said. 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. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. "I'm feeling very hopeful and optimistic, cautiously. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. | All donations are tax-deductible. 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. The transcripts also contain testimony from three former and current sheriffs public information officers outlining a haphazard process with inconsistent criteria on who got the rarely-issued weapons permits. This is your newsroom. 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. ", 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. Character is hugeif you dont have the ability to make decisions for the right reasons, it wont work, Jensen said. West Valley: Rich Urena is new captain of, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Los Gatos: Hundreds still without power as Black Road repair project finishes early, West Valley: Rich Urena is new captain of sheriff offices West Valley division. Urena told the council that he is prepared to take on the challenge. He joined the Bay Area News Group in 2014. I would make every attempt and work tirelessly with community leaders to let them know the Sheriffs Office, or law enforcement as a whole, is here for you.. 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. 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. (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. He said its important to increase the offices transparency. Before that, he was chief of police in Menlo Park for five years. In addition to bribery, the indictment accuses Jensen of conspiring with AS Solution employees to put false information in their CCW license applications. / CBS San Francisco. 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 (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. The side of a Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office vehicle is pictured in this file photo. 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. There has been a changing of the guard at the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office West Valley Division. "You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law.". The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters told San Jos Spotlight Colton is a registered voter in the county, and submitted a signed declaration swearing she meets the requirements of the position. None of the PIOs who testified could recall an instance where they personally witnessed Smith signing an approved permit, according to the transcripts. Per a plea agreement, his charges will be downgraded to misdemeanors and a maximum 18-month jail sentence in exchange for his cooperation with the district attorney. In response to a list of questions, Colton referred San Jos Spotlight to aquestionnaireshe filled out for a recent sheriff candidate forum. Robert Salonga is a Bay Area News Group reporter who covers criminal justice and public safety for The Mercury News and East Bay Times. He supports the Board of Supervisors decision to build a new 500-person jail, and he favors adding more mental health resources for inmates. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. 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. 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. I will let people know this department is going to be run based on performance and rewards for performance.. It is extremely painful to have his integrity questioned after spending years dedicated to serving the people of Santa Clara County. In 2017, another captain had used inmate labor to build arbors and a storage shed. In a surprise turn, West used the defendants Monday arraignment to plead guilty.