Le has been one of the most well-paid Santa Clara County employees for years. She needs to leave and take the stench shes created with her. 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. "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. He replaces Capt. The citys residential burglary rate is up 34%. My unique experience speaks for myself. 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. After Smith won that race, she promoted Le to captain. He spent the bulk of his career27 yearsin the LA County Sheriffs Department, retiring as captain of Lancaster Station. 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. 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). Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. ", 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. Le reportedly wanted to create a break space for correctional staff. Rosen wanted to make it clear his office will hold any public official accountable for misconduct. 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. Santa Clara Sheriffs gun-permit process: public safety or politics? 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. I live in Palo Alto, am happy that Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonson is leaving his Palo Alto position. Though Wasserman is mentioned in the Aug. 6 indictment of Jensen, Schumb, Nahal and Nichols, he too has not been charged. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Capt. 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. Get San Jos Spotlight headlines delivered to your inbox. Smiths office granted concealed gun permits to 22 of those 28 applicants, an approval rate of about 79%. 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. we have been without one, https://www.kevinjensen4sheriff.com/endorsements. So he is also a liar. Kevin Jensen said Tuesday that it was "humbling" that two unions want him to run against Sheriff Laurie . Long, who created a blog to document the CCW process in Santa Clara County, said he was unsurprised by the indictments. The 16-page indictment, which you can read here , lays out each defendant's alleged role in the scheme to secure a massive campaign contribution for Smith in exchange for concealed gun permits. And were here to provide it. 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. 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 . 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. 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. "If you made a campaign donation and if Captain Jensen knew you to be a VIP, then you got special treatment and you got a CCW license," Rosen said. 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. Office Hours. Hes raised $72,398 through campaign donations and a loan. Known for. 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. Then I suggest you educate other voters so more people are aware. 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. Rick Sung as commander of the patrol division. San Jos Spotlight is the citys first nonprofit, community-supported digital news organization. Sean Allen. I think its a trend that were seeing, property crimes increasing, now that were going back to work, Valenzuela said. Ricardo Rich Urena has been tapped to replace Capt. Over the next 30 years he worked in numerous roles in the county jail and Sheriffs Office. Urena was promoted to the position Aug. 1. For a look at more stories and videos by the ABC7 News I-Team go here. Rosen reiterated Monday that his offices investigation is still active, but declined to comment on whether prosecutors are any closer to implicating the sheriff. 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. As the I-Team reported last September, the man suffered brain damage and his parents are suing the county and the Sheriff's Department. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations," Rosen said. Like his opponents, Jensen said hes concerned about the lack of transparency in the office, which he blames on Smiths managerial style. 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. Sheriff Bob Jonsen has been in law enforcement since 1986. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! There were 44 reported burglaries from January to October of 2021, while 59 burglaries were reported in the same time period in 2022. Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriffs Offices Detective Division. 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. The new sheriff of San Mateo County, Christina Corpus, has been assembling a command staff that includes a former Realtor who has little law enforcement experience, though he has volunteered with the Woodside Mounted Patrol. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. 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. They should not be for sale.". 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 . 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. I feel the right person for the job is not the smoothest talking person that sounded good. 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. Were partnering with you the readers to make it happen. By Bay City News Published July 16, 2013. Were changing the face of journalism by providing an innovative model for delivering reliable, truthful news to the nations 10th largest city. But the sheriff position is not just any typical management job. Robert Salonga is a Bay Area News Group reporter who covers criminal justice and public safety for The Mercury News and East Bay Times. Nagaye, 51, has served in the Sheriffs Office for 20 years, with the last seven as a supervising sergeant. A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? Flood Advisory issued for Santa Clara Co. . 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. But the approval rate skyrockets for the 28 applicants who either gave campaign cash to Sheriff Laurie Smith directly or where a family member or employer donated. That is what we are doing here.. As a lieutenant, Le was the first female president of the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Correctional Peace Officers Association, and steered the union's endorsement to Sheriff Laurie Smith this past election. 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. I would love to serve in that role.. 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. 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.. 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. 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. 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. Jensen's attorney Harry S. Stern released the following statement to ABC7 News: James is devastated by this development. In a statement, attorney Harry S. Stern said: "James is devastated by this development. 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. Every captain thats worked on this side of town has made an impact with the community. 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. She also served in the offices operational standards and inspections unit and worked at both Elmwood and the main jail. 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. Transcripts show the county supervisor blamed a chronically bad memory for his inability to recall whether he fulfilled the proficiency requirements. 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 following month, Nielsen and AS Solution, Inc. CEO Christian West met with Nichols, Hahal, and attorney Christopher Scumb at the Sainte Claire Club in San Jose, where Schumb described his fundraising work for Sheriff Smith and told Nielsen to seek out then Sheriff's Lieutenant James Jensen at the Best in the West SWAT competition. If convicted, all four defendants could face prison time. Reggie Cooks said he couldn't disclose why that happened and offered the following official response: "In . 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"You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law.". Local News | 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. The second half of the agreed-upon donation amount wasstymied by the DA investigation, authorities said. I am a mom, wife, a veteran, LGBTQ+ ally and I understand the diversity of Santa Clara County, Nagaye said. The ABC7 News I-Team asked Le to provide a comment but she declined. Love to know the next forum is. Character is hugeif you dont have the ability to make decisions for the right reasons, it wont work, Jensen said. 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 Sheriff candidates Kevin Jensen and Bob Jonsen. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office issued the following comment to ABC7 News. Only 62 applicants received a permit, according to the records. He may be contacted at 408-868-6612 or email at email Rich Urena. In the 20 years that Neil Valenzuela has worked for the Sheriffs Office, he keeps coming back to Saratoga. 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. 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. A sheriff sergeant with almost 30 years of service in the office, Sean Allen said his platform boils down to transparency, accountability and reform. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations. Thats why his chances a slim. about the scheme. Whats next for the former Frys HQ in San Jose? From there, he was promoted to lieutenant and came back to Saratoga as the assistant commander of the West Valley Patrol Division. 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. Whether applicants received a permit depended on which group they belonged to. 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. First published on August 7, 2020 / 11:34 AM. 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. "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. "We will follow the evidence where it leads. Jensen is competing with three other candidates: sheriff Sgt. Capt. Number of employees at Santa Clara County with job title Sheriff's Correctional Captain is 35. With Californias soaring mountains steep in snow, heres how to avoid an avalanche He said after Friday's news, Sheriff Smith needs to go.
