Jonsen said he also values transparency in law enforcement. Southern California mountain residents head home, for many its the first time in days 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. She is now on paid administrative leave. 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Kristi Myllenbeck covers all things Cupertino, from crime and breaking news to education and development. 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. Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. Long, who created a blog to document the CCW process in Santa Clara County, said he was unsurprised by the indictments. If elected, Jensen said he will focus on addressing staffing and morale decline in the sheriffs office, including the correctional facilities. Over the next 30 years he worked in numerous roles in the county jail and Sheriffs Office. Hiscampaign filings do not reflect a total amount raised to date, but the candidate himself says hes raised about $50,000. "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. There has been a changing of the guard at the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office West Valley Division. 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. An inquiry from the Metro Silicon Valley weekly about executive security licensing and an extremely large campaign donation -- which was reported in public filings -- spurred the DA to start an investigation shortly after the general election in 2018. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. She would combat this by setting up a retention program. She is now on paid . Take a look at more stories and videos by the ABC7 News I-Team. 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.. We were all stuck at home for COVID, and we didnt have really any kind of property crime because everyone was home. Like his opponents, Jensen said hes concerned about the lack of transparency in the office, which he blames on Smiths managerial style. And its not because I can give them any promotions or instantly solve their problemsits because Ive earned their trust over a long period of time.. 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 . With all of the county's 754 precincts reporting as of 5 p.m. Wednesday,. "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. Were partnering with you the readers to make it happen. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. Last . 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. 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. She was the first female County Sheriff in the history of the state. Capt. 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. Kevin Jensen said Tuesday that it was "humbling" that two unions want him to run against Sheriff Laurie . I think its a trend that were seeing, property crimes increasing, now that were going back to work, Valenzuela said. It is extremely painful to have his integrity questioned after spending years dedicated to serving the people of Santa Clara County. Hiscampaign filings dont reflect a total amount raised to date, but Allen said hesraised $21,000. Instead, it will be tossed in a filing cabinet and forgotten. Moreover, he doesnt have the authority to grant permits nor did he receive anything for processing them. 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. 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. He also notedhes implemented community advisory groups in every command position hes held. After Smith won that race, she promoted Le to captain. As we gather more evidence, we expect to file more charges against more individuals in the coming weeks. 2 brothers found guilty of murdering groom at California wedding party "On August 7, 2020, the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office publicly announced that Captain James Jensen has been formally charged with felony bribery, conspiracy and falsifying public documents by a Grand Jury.". Now, Long said he wants to a see a system that treats all applicants equally. 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. My resolutions are not something Im just sayingits something Ive been doing my entire career.. And if she feels that California law requires candidates for county sheriff to have experience as certified law enforcement officers. 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. "If she's doing something that's unfair and unjust, she owes it to this community to step down," said Moore. The division commander is Captain Rich Urena, who serves as the Chief of Police for the Town of Los Altos Hills. Between 2014 and 2018, 749 Santa Clara County residents applied for a new CCW permit, according to records provided by the sheriffs department. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! we have been without one, https://www.kevinjensen4sheriff.com/endorsements. Reach him the low-tech way at 408-920-5002. 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. Your email address will not be published. There has been a changing of the guard at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office West Valley Division. 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. 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. Emergency Contact Information . 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 gun parts manufacturer and two South Bay lawyers were the other three individuals named in the indictment. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Whats next for the former Frys HQ in San Jose? 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). 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. Allen has received endorsements fromReverend Jeff Moore, former president of the Silicon Valley NAACP, and several retired sheriff employees. 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. "The DA's office is continuing to investigate more crimes and more individuals related to Sheriff Smith's issuance of CCW licenses. Transcripts show the county supervisor blamed a chronically bad memory for his inability to recall whether he fulfilled the proficiency requirements. 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. (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. Allen says he stands out from his opponents because hes spent much of his career openly criticizing the office. Moreover, he doesn't have the authority to grant permits nor did he receive anything for processing them. 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 . Capt. "They should not be for sale. That is what we are doing here.. He cited a internal solutions group he helped create inPalo Alto to address issues like morale and promotions. 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. The investigation is active and ongoing," said Rosen. Ricardo Rich Urena has been tapped to replace Capt. If convicted could get 11 years in prison. 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. Christine Nagaye wants to transform theoffice into a national role model. Jensen has also received endorsements from retired county supervisor Blanca Alvarado, Gilroy Mayor Marie Blankley, Milpitas Mayor Rich Tran and former sheriff Robert Winter. Kevin Jensen, who announced his run for sheriff last September. 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. A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? Its not clear if Colton qualifies for sheriff. "I know they used a lot of that money on social media, slamming me," he said. He served various roles for the next three decades, including as an assistant chief in the department of corrections and as jail administration commander. From there, he was promoted to lieutenant and came back to Saratoga as the assistant commander of the West Valley Patrol Division. There is only ONE job in the United States that has the job description of defending the US Constitution and protecting We the People. 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. Smiths tenure as sheriff has been marred by scandals and political investigations. 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. 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. Were changing the face of journalism by providing an innovative model for delivering reliable, truthful news to the nations 10th largest city. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations. 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. CBS. (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. 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. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! In 2017, another captain had used inmate labor to build arbors and a storage shed. 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. 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. 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. Saying yes, but doing NO. In addition Robert Johnson has done his best to avoid transparency. Isnt that what Sheriff Laurie Smith had/has been saying? Its a small town community I like interacting with.. He is unlikely to be any better than the current Sherriff. Between 2014 and 2019, only about 150 permits were issued or renewed in Santa Clara County. He may be contacted at 408-868-6612 or email at email Rich Urena. 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. Law Enforcement. 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. The county has a similar program, but Jonsen wants to expand it to meet greater demand. "We will follow the evidence where it leads. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. In addition to bribery, the indictment accuses Jensen of conspiring with AS Solution employees to put false information in their CCW license applications. Jonsen said the county should offer more skill-based programs in the jails for inmates so they can find employment upon release. San Jos Spotlight was unable to find record of Colton serving in law enforcement. 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. 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. 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.. 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. Occupation. 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. Local News | The complete transcript of the grand jury's findings will be released in the coming weeks. Oakland police investigating spate of shootings that left one dead, five wounded Reggie Cooks said he couldn't disclose why that happened and offered the following official response: "In . They could spend time in prison if they are convicted. Allen also wants to address the homophobia and racial inequitieshe sees in the office. Sheriff Bob Jonsen has been in law enforcement since 1986. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. Allen was firm, fair and integrity was not an issue. 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. Capt. Besides sketching out the donation-for-permits plan, he surreptitiously recorded a conversation with Jensen using a DA-provided phone app, at a meeting just days before the corruption probe became public knowledge when search warrants were served at the sheriffs office. Hes worked in every area of sheriffs office jurisdiction. 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. Office Hours. Robert Salonga is a Bay Area News Group reporter who covers criminal justice and public safety for The Mercury News and East Bay Times. I am a mom, wife, a veteran, LGBTQ+ ally and I understand the diversity of Santa Clara County, Nagaye said. 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. 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. Im the only candidate who has called out the bad behavior and served all the major functions in the Sheriffs Office.. All Rights Reserved. "You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law.". As the I-Team reported last September, the man suffered brain damage and his parents are suing the county and the Sheriff's Department. I will always remember my oath to protect and servethat will be my ultimate oath, and thats why Im running for sheriff.. "And it's very clear that that's not the case under Sheriff Smith and her office. 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. 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. He became captain in 2004 and retired in 2013. A sheriff sergeant with almost 30 years of service in the office, Sean Allen said his platform boils down to transparency, accountability and reform. As of January, he has raised $72,398. Sheriff of Santa Clara County, California. The department also said it's monitoring the situation and has no additional information to provide at this time. Rick Sung as commander of the patrol division. They should not be for sale.". Friday afternoon the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office told ABC7 News that Jensen was officially placed on administrative leave. August 7, 2020 / 11:34 AM She has been working for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers since 2015. Luis later supervised the Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team working regional investigations with local, county, state and federal public safety partners. 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. "I think as an elected official, she needs to come forward and tell the She is a San Jose State University alumna and enjoys hiking and camping in her spare time. Len Ramirez and Kiet Do contributed to this story. Colton is a latecomer to the race, having filed her nomination papers in March. "This investigation revealed the sad reality that at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office there are 2 policies for those seeking CCW licenses. You do the math. 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. San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. He said after Friday's news, Sheriff Smith needs to go. All Rights Reserved. I was at the sheriff forum and only one candidate said she would uphold the US Constitution. 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. The ABC7 News I-Team asked Le to provide a comment but she declined. 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. "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. The second half of the payment was forestalled by the DA investigation. She also served in the offices operational standards and inspections unit and worked at both Elmwood and the main jail. This is your newsroom. A contender for the top law enforcement job in Santa Clara County has won a coveted endorsement. 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. Though Wasserman is mentioned in the Aug. 6 indictment of Jensen, Schumb, Nahal and Nichols, he too has not been charged. Political action committees for the Deputy Sheriffs Association and the Santa Clara County Correctional Peace Officers Association supported Jensens campaign when he ran against Smith in 2014. Santa Clara County Sheriff candidates Kevin Jensen and Bob Jonsen. If the Sheriff lacks a full understanding of the Constitution it would stand to reason that he is vulnerable to violation of his oath. NBC Bay Area called or emailed each of the four defendants in the case Friday, but so far, only Jensen's attorney has responded. Urena was promoted to the position Aug. 1. In 2017, she received $449,767.49 with overtime and benefits, on a $142,530.12 base salary. 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. Kevin Jensen, a retired captain with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, is running to replace Laurie Smith. The DA's Office said it is continuing to investigate additional crimes and individuals in relation to the issuing of CCW licenses.

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