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. A contender for the top law enforcement job in Santa Clara County has won a coveted endorsement. Sheriff of Santa Clara County, California. Christine Nagaye wants to transform theoffice into a national role model. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! In 2017, another captain had used inmate labor to build arbors and a storage shed. He plans to implement greater civilian oversight in the jail systeman outstanding concern among county officials. 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. 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 has been working for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers since 2015. We know hes the best candidate to address these issues (in the office).. Nagayes major endorsement is from the Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley, and she says she has strong support among deputies and residents. Jensen lost that election, but he believes the time is right for a new run and cites the support from the association. Moreover, he doesnt have the authority to grant permits nor did he receive anything for processing them. Between 2014 and 2019, only about 150 permits were issued or renewed in Santa Clara County. Click hereif you are having trouble viewing the slideshow on a mobile device. He previously reported in Washington, D.C., Salinas and the East Bay, and is a middling triathlete. She was the first female County Sheriff in the history of the state. I live in Palo Alto, am happy that Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonson is leaving his Palo Alto position. He replaces Capt. . Harry Stern, Jensens attorney, reiterated that Jensen did not have the power to grant the concealed-gun permits. The associations members voted overwhelmingly to support endorsing him. Jail reform is one of the key issues in the Sheriff's race, pitting former Palo Alto Police Chief Bob Jonsen against former . NBC Bay Area called or emailed each of the four defendants in the case Friday, but so far, only Jensen's attorney has responded. Capt. Jonsen said the county should offer more skill-based programs in the jails for inmates so they can find employment upon release. We have seen such words used when the City Council has voted. I will let people know this department is going to be run based on performance and rewards for performance.. Allowing her team to continually bully and brutalize mentally challenged inmates is disgusting. By comparison, Sacramento County has more than 5,000 active permits. 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 half of the agreed-upon donation amount wasstymied by the DA investigation, authorities said. Hes raised $72,398 through campaign donations and a loan. Donors accounted for fewer than 4% of all CCW applicants over that time period, but constituted about 35% of those awarded permits, according to the records. 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. Hannah Kanik is a Bay Area News Group reporter covering Santa Clara County's West Valley for The Mercury News, East Bay Times, The Los Gatos Weekly and The Saratoga News. 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.. He touts his experience working as a correctional officer at Elmwood Correctional Facility, starting in the mid-1980s. "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.". He served various roles for the next three decades, including as an assistant chief in the department of corrections and as jail administration commander. 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.. 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. 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. Urena was promoted to the position Aug. 1. The investigation is active and ongoing," said Rosen. "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. I worked with S. Allen at Elmwood (I am nurse). Its a small town community I like interacting with.. Sheriff spokesman Sgt. She has spent months fending off attacks from the Board of Supervisors, which voted no confidence in her leadership. Sean Allen. Your email address will not be published. Isnt that what Sheriff Laurie Smith had/has been saying? He also notedhes implemented community advisory groups in every command position hes held. Kevin Jensen said Tuesday that it was "humbling" that two unions want him to run against Sheriff Laurie . 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. August 7, 2020 / 11:34 AM Election 2022 candidates for Santa Clara County Sheriff: retired Palo Alto police chief Bob Jonsen (left) and retired sheriff's captain Kevin Jensen. 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. Capt. 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. We believe that working with the community, together we achieve great things and Im hoping to carry on that tradition and continue to provide the city of Cupertino with the best law enforcement services that we can.. 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 . San Jos Spotlight is the citys first nonprofit, community-supported digital news organization. "If she's doing something that's unfair and unjust, she owes it to this community to step down," said Moore. Saturday and Sunday through Closed. In addition to bribery, the indictment accuses Jensen of conspiring with AS Solution employees to put false information in their CCW license applications. Suspect arrested in Palo Alto home burglary, Info stolen in Oakland ransomware attack set to be released, In fentanyl overdose case, police uncovered video evidence Martinez man molested multiple girls, feds say, Popular East Bay taco truck at risk of being uprooted from spot it has occupied for 16 years, Dear Abby: I love my wife but I think I better get divorced, Harriette Cole: She has gone too far with the remote work option, Bobcat seen using Highway 17 wildlife crossing hours after it opens, Dear Abby: My wife said she doesn't like it, but it's part of my life, Authorities: Man bombed PG&E transformers in South San Jose, Ask Amy: I didn't ask for what I wanted, and I'm sad they couldn't guess, William backed Harry and Meghan's eviction, prefers brother never 'set foot in England again', Ask Amy: I feel guilty for not speaking up about my co-worker's activities, Miss Manners: I felt bad that they all skipped her baby shower -- and then I found out why, Brawl forces end of NorCal high school basketball playoff game, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Smiths office granted concealed gun permits to 22 of those 28 applicants, an approval rate of about 79%. You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law. The Deputy Sheriffs' Association of Santa Clara County is throwing its support behind retired sheriff Capt. Urena told the council that he is prepared to take on the challenge. No other candidate mentioned the Constitution. 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. From there, he was promoted to lieutenant and came back to Saratoga as the assistant commander of the West Valley Patrol Division. We know Kevin Jensen as a person and we understand his leadership qualities, Ryan Elder, president of the association, told San Jos Spotlight. 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. There has been a changing of the guard at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office West Valley Division. Ricardo "Rich" Urena has been tapped to replace . 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. If the Sheriff lacks a full understanding of the Constitution it would stand to reason that he is vulnerable to violation of his oath. Closed on Santa Clara County holidays. Hiscampaign filings dont reflect a total amount raised to date, but Allen said hesraised $21,000. Hiscampaign filings do not reflect a total amount raised to date, but the candidate himself says hes raised about $50,000. 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. Reach him the low-tech way at 408-920-5002. "The DA's office is continuing to investigate more crimes and more individuals related to Sheriff Smith's issuance of CCW licenses. My resolutions are not something Im just sayingits something Ive been doing my entire career.. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. This is my favorite place to work. And were here to provide it. 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. 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. The second installment was forestalled by the DA investigation. Smith has not filed papers for reelection or said publicly whether she intends to run. 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. In 2017, she received $449,767.49 with overtime and benefits, on a $142,530.12 base salary. Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriff's. He joined the Bay Area News Group in 2014. 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. With all of the county's 754 precincts reporting as of 5 p.m. Wednesday,. Sheriff Bob Jonsen has been in law enforcement since 1986. 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. I will always remember my oath to protect and servethat will be my ultimate oath, and thats why Im running for sheriff.. Here are the five candidates running for sheriff in alphabetical order. 5:45 p.m. Lake County sheriff declares a local emergency due to snow. Hes also interested in growing the jails mental health resources by potentially enlisting interns and clinicians in training from local universities. 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. 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 . He spent the bulk of his career27 yearsin the LA County Sheriffs Department, retiring as captain of Lancaster Station. She is now on paid . 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. I am a mom, wife, a veteran, LGBTQ+ ally and I understand the diversity of Santa Clara County, Nagaye said. 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. Santa Clara County Sherif Robert Salonga is a Bay Area News Group reporter who covers criminal justice and public safety for The Mercury News and East Bay Times. 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. The second half of the payment was forestalled by the DA investigation. Daily Post Staff Writer. 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. Before that, he was chief of police in Menlo Park for five years. 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. In response to a list of questions, Colton referred San Jos Spotlight to aquestionnaireshe filled out for a recent sheriff candidate forum. ", 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. Over the next 30 years he worked in numerous roles in the county jail and Sheriffs Office. In addition to conspiracy and bribery charges, Jensen is accused of falsifying public records. 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. Capt. Office Hours. Jensen, 58, retired in 2013. The culture of management can no longer be one of fear and intimidation.. Number of employees at Santa Clara County with job title Sheriff's Correctional Captain is 35. I am the only candidate who has addressed these issues for 30 years, Allen said. Santa Clara County Sheriff candidates Kevin Jensen and Bob Jonsen. We also levy on wages, bank accounts, vehicles or any asset of the judgment debtor. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges on Aug. 31. Colton is a latecomer to the race, having filed her nomination papers in March. There were 44 reported burglaries from January to October of 2021, while 59 burglaries were reported in the same time period in 2022. 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 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. To avoid the perception of impropriety, Jensen said he wont take any financial contributions from employees. BY EMILY MIBACH. These cameras capture vehicle license plates and compare them with Sheriffs Office databases to alert authorities when a plate matches a listing. A gun parts manufacturer and two South Bay lawyers were the other three individuals named in the indictment. If they dont get this then they are oblivious and are incapable of doing a good job if elected. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group;. (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). He was promoted to captain and was assigned to Stanford University before requesting to come back to Saratoga and serve as the division commander. "This investigation revealed the sad reality that at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office there are 2 policies for those seeking CCW licenses. Were changing the face of journalism by providing an innovative model for delivering reliable, truthful news to the nations 10th largest city. James Jensen, Christopher Schumb, Harpaul Nahal and Michael Nichols were indicted in the alleged pay-to-play plot, in which they are accused of brokering a deal for the executive security firm AS Solution to receive up to a dozen concealed-carry weapon permits in exchange for $90,000 in campaign donations to committees supporting Smiths 2018 re-election bid. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group), SAN JOSE, CA - AUGUST 31: Attorney Christopher Schumb, right, is photographed outside of the San Jose Hall of Justice on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, in San Jose, Calif. Schumb was arraigned on conspiracy and bribery charges involving concealed weapon permits in Santa Clara County. Public File for KBCW-TV / KBCW 44 Cable 12. Capt. Jensen's attorney Harry S. Stern released the following statement to ABC7 News: James is devastated by this development. 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. 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. 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.. 2 brothers found guilty of murdering groom at California wedding party As we gather more evidence, we expect to file more charges against more individuals in the coming weeks. She needs to leave and take the stench shes created with her. 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. After Smith won that race, she promoted Le to captain. Like his opponents, Jensen said hes concerned about the lack of transparency in the office, which he blames on Smiths managerial style. When I got my prints taken here, it was my third fingerprinting in probably ten months, as all my jobs involve(d) either working with minors or with school districts that serve minors. Allen was firm, fair and integrity was not an issue. 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. Nagaye, 51, has served in the Sheriffs Office for 20 years, with the last seven as a supervising sergeant. Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. If theres problems with speeding or people running stop signs, (these events) give them more direct access to us and assist them in a better way.. He is my choice. 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. If elected, Jensen said he will focus on addressing staffing and morale decline in the sheriffs office, including the correctional facilities. But the sheriff position is not just any typical management job. 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. Comments are moderated and approved by administrators. CBS. When I had asked him in one of those early conversations I got, like I dont remember the words it was, basically, Dont ask.'. West, who Rosen said has given truthful testimony to date, similarly told the grand jury, with the number of CCWs that we were hoping to get, they believed that, $90,000 would be a reasonable donation, according to a July 31 transcript. 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. Sung is now the assistant sheriff for the administrative division. In Santa Clara County, there's only room for one sheriff in town. Whats next for the former Frys HQ in San Jose? 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. 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. Comments are moderated and approved by administrators. she can't talk freely, then she needs to step down," Hirokawa said. He supports the Board of Supervisors decision to build a new 500-person jail, and he favors adding more mental health resources for inmates. San Jos Spotlight is the citys first nonprofit, community-supported digital news organization. Were partnering with you the readers to make it happen. So I can ask them about the SJ Search and Rescue team and how we can support the new sherriff. 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. Im the candidate that brings the fresh perspective and greatest opportunity for change.. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. This DAs office has successfully prosecuted elected officials, correctional officers, sheriffs deputies, police officers, attorneys, business owners and other prominent residents, Rosen said in a statement to this news organization Monday. How safe is your neighborhood? "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. Look at all the officers that left for other agencies under his tenure. 2007-03-13 12:18:00 PDT SAN JOSE -- Santa Clara County sheriff's investigators expect to go to prosecutors this week with their case against De Anza College baseball players suspected of having . He may be contacted at 408-868-6612 or email at email Rich Urena. At a Cupertino City Council meeting on Aug. 2, Ken Binder, former division commander, introduced Urena and described him as an experienced officer, ready for the new role. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. 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? Valenzuela said Saratogas spike in residential burglaries is on his radar. She is also facing a civil grand jury accusation for corrupt misconduct and a state attorney general investigation into possible civil rights violations in the county jail.