Whats next for the former Frys HQ in San Jose? "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. He is my choice. 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. Every captain thats worked on this side of town has made an impact with the community. "I'm feeling very hopeful and optimistic, cautiously. 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. It is extremely painful to have his integrity questioned after spending years dedicated to serving the people of Santa Clara County. about the scheme. He previously reported in Washington, D.C., Salinas and the East Bay, and is a middling triathlete. 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 Laurie Smith, the District Attorney's Office said Friday. Permits to carry a concealed weapon can be difficult to obtain in Santa Clara County, as they are in most of the Bay Area. Sung is now the assistant sheriff for the administrative division. 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. The second installment was forestalled by the DA investigation. Hes also interested in growing the jails mental health resources by potentially enlisting interns and clinicians in training from local universities. He became captain in 2004 and retired in 2013. . 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. 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. Stromgren, who oversaw the security firms Facebook protection team, has not been charged, and testified to the grand jury that he was uneasy about the arrangement. "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. Its not clear if Colton qualifies for sheriff. "CCW licenses should not be given out in exchange for campaign donations. 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. Luis later supervised the Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team working regional investigations with local, county, state and federal public safety partners. There were 44 reported burglaries from January to October of 2021, while 59 burglaries were reported in the same time period in 2022. Urena has a wealth of patrol experience, he told the five-member city council. Ricardo "Rich" Urena has been tapped to replace . 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. My resolutions are not something Im just sayingits something Ive been doing my entire career.. California law requires candidates for county sheriff to have experience as certified law enforcement officers. In addition to bribery, the indictment charges Jensen with conspiring with AS Solution employees to put false information in their CCW license applications. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. 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. Civil process includes restraining orders, bench warrants, arrest warrants, evictions and any other notice or order from the courts. Kevin Jensen, who announced his run for sheriff last September. Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office issued the following comment to ABC7 News. Here are the five candidates running for sheriff in alphabetical order. I would love to serve in that role.. "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. 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. Hiscampaign filings dont reflect a total amount raised to date, but Allen said hesraised $21,000. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! If you care about your Constitutional rights, vote for the person who UNDERSTANDS and actually WILL uphold the US Constitution and your unalienable rights! Your email address will not be published. Take a look at more stories and videos by the ABC7 News I-Team. 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 . 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. 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. The associations members voted overwhelmingly to support endorsing him. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. 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. 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. 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. 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. We are not done.". 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. Monday through Friday through 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Santa Clara County Sherif 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. Detectives pursue all cases to conclusion from reports generated by patrol deputies, except those cases dealing with homicide, sex, or narcotics, which are . A San Jose native, he graduated from UCLA with a BA degree in history and from the University of Maryland with a MA degree in journalism. In a statement, the sheriff's office said Jensen will be placed on administrative leave immediately. 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. 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. ", 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. No other candidate mentioned the Constitution. The culture of management can no longer be one of fear and intimidation.. Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriff's. The race is between two candidates: Bob Jonsen and Kevin Jensen. 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. 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. 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. From there, he was promoted to lieutenant and came back to Saratoga as the assistant commander of the West Valley Patrol Division. They could spend time in prison if they are convicted. (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. Smiths tenure as sheriff has been marred by scandals and political investigations. Rosen wanted to make it clear his office will hold any public official accountable for misconduct. 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. Election 2022 candidates for Santa Clara County Sheriff: retired Palo Alto police chief Bob Jonsen (left) and retired sheriff's captain Kevin Jensen. We are not done, he said. "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. | All donations are tax-deductible. Hes worked in every area of sheriffs office jurisdiction. Schumb is a prominent political backer of the Sheriff and served as Assistant Treasurer for the Santa Clara County Public Safety Alliance, an independent expenditure committee that supported Smith's election bid. 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. Contact Eli Wolfe at[emailprotected]or@EliWolfe4on Twitter. Hirokawa said Jensen's quick rise to captain after Smith's re-election raised eyebrows in the office at the time. Allen says he stands out from his opponents because hes spent much of his career openly criticizing the office. Amy Le, who led the Santa Clara County Correctional Peace Officers' Association (CPOA) and went to bat for Sheriff Laurie Smith in her last election, was served a letter charging her with wrongdoing, stripped of her badge and escorted off the job Friday. Sheriff of Santa Clara County, California. Jensen's attorney Harry S. Stern released the following statement to ABC7 News: James is devastated by this development. 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. In addition to bribery, the indictment accuses Jensen of conspiring with AS Solution employees to put false information in their CCW license applications. Closed on Santa Clara County holidays. Urena was promoted to the position Aug. 1. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges on Aug. 31. 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. We know Kevin Jensen as a person and we understand his leadership qualities, Ryan Elder, president of the association, told San Jos Spotlight. And were here to provide it. All of these people do not feel safe, and they feel threatened, Nagaye told San Jos Spotlight. In Santa Clara County, there's only room for one sheriff in town. 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. As of January, shes raised $8,400. He joined the Bay Area News Group in 2014. We are a bit troubled by the words overwhelmingly and unanimously (and others) when it comes to any voting. 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. 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. Rick Sung as commander of the patrol division. 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. Sheriff Smith has consistently declined to comment on year-and-a-half-long probe. He said its important to increase the offices transparency. 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. Three other AS Solution security employees at the time who got permits Leonard Lawrence, Rachael Paskvan and Jonathan Taunton were also described as listing home addresses or non-AS employers on their applications, and have not been charged. The DA's Office said it is continuing to investigate additional crimes and individuals in relation to the issuing of CCW licenses. 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. Public File for KBCW-TV / KBCW 44 Cable 12. Local News | "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations," Rosen said. In response to a list of questions, Colton referred San Jos Spotlight to aquestionnaireshe filled out for a recent sheriff candidate forum. Christian West, AS Solutions CEO at the time of the alleged scheme, was charged separately on two felony conspiracy counts. You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law. In addition Robert Johnson has done his best to avoid transparency. Robert Salonga is a Bay Area News Group reporter who covers criminal justice and public safety for The Mercury News and East Bay Times. A gun parts manufacturer and two South Bay lawyers were the other three individuals named in the indictment. It is extremely painful to have his integrity questioned after spending years dedicated to serving the people of Santa Clara County. Palo Alto police are out-of-control and Palo Alto has lots of payouts to victims. A sheriff sergeant with almost 30 years of service in the office, Sean Allen said his platform boils down to transparency, accountability and reform. 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. Saratoga hosts LAW-tes and Coffee with a Cop events to keep the community engaged with the Sheriffs Office, Valenzuela said. For the average member of the public, no matter how pressing or justified their need, if they follow the procedure laid out on the sheriff's website and mail in an application, it will will not be reviewed. 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. 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. 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. And if she feels that Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. 1:45 p.m. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Were partnering with you the readers to make it happen. San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. 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. 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. As we gather more evidence, we expect to file more charges against more individuals in the coming weeks. And Captain Jenson will even wave the mandated gun testing at a gun range," said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. Le has been one of the most well-paid Santa Clara County employees for years. Rosen said his office's probe was triggered by a San Jose Inside article focusing on a large 2018 contribution to Smith's campaign. West Valley Detectives. She also served in the offices operational standards and inspections unit and worked at both Elmwood and the main jail. He replaces Capt. She is now on paid . 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. Allen was firm, fair and integrity was not an issue. Jensen has also received endorsements from retired county supervisor Blanca Alvarado, Gilroy Mayor Marie Blankley, Milpitas Mayor Rich Tran and former sheriff Robert Winter. 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.. He says it's time for Sheriff Smith to speak out if she knows anything Long, who created a blog to document the CCW process in Santa Clara County, said he was unsurprised by the indictments. All Rights Reserved. Hope Now we get a real sherriff elected. By comparison, Sacramento County has more than 5,000 active permits. Allowing her team to continually bully and brutalize mentally challenged inmates is disgusting. 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 5:45 p.m. Lake County sheriff declares a local emergency due to snow. 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. 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 Smith herself was not among those indicted Friday, but Rosen said his office's investigation is wide ranging and far from over. "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. That is what we are doing here.. Jonsen, 59, spent the last four years working as police chief in Palo Alto. If convicted, the defendants could receive prison time. 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. 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. He also notedhes implemented community advisory groups in every command position hes held. The division commander is Captain Rich Urena, who serves as the Chief of Police for the Town of Los Altos Hills. I was at the sheriff forum and only one candidate said she would uphold the US Constitution. Allen has been in the trenches for bit and dont think he is a good ol boy either. Occupation. He said after Friday's news, Sheriff Smith needs to go. Santa Clara County Sheriffs Captain James Jensen among 4 people indicted by grand jury yesterday according to DA Jeff Jensen @nbcbayarea. 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.. 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. I will let people know this department is going to be run based on performance and rewards for performance.. 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.. 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. Last . Get San Jos Spotlight headlines delivered to your inbox. 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. "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.". Source: https://nationallibertyalliance.org/files/sheriffmemo/Power%20and%20Authority%20of%20The%20County%20Sheriff.pdf. We have seen such words used when the City Council has voted. Contact Eli Wolfe at[emailprotected]or@EliWolfe4on Twitter. 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. Get San Jos Spotlight headlines delivered to your inbox. Kevin Jensen, a retired captain with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, is running to replace Laurie Smith. He touts his experience working as a correctional officer at Elmwood Correctional Facility, starting in the mid-1980s. Reverend Jeff Moore, the head of the NAACP Silicon Valley Chapter had a CCW permit, but it was never renewed for reasons unknown. He supports the Board of Supervisors decision to build a new 500-person jail, and he favors adding more mental health resources for inmates. Smiths office granted concealed gun permits to 22 of those 28 applicants, an approval rate of about 79%. 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. Santa Clara County Sheriff candidates Kevin Jensen and Bob Jonsen. 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.
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