Sheriff spokesman Sgt. Contact Eli Wolfe at[emailprotected]or@EliWolfe4on Twitter. Nagaye, 51, has served in the Sheriffs Office for 20 years, with the last seven as a supervising sergeant. 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. The culture of management can no longer be one of fear and intimidation.. it's safer than driving," said Marin County Fire Captain Matt Watson. "You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law.". we have been without one, https://www.kevinjensen4sheriff.com/endorsements. "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," Rosen said. Daily Post Staff Writer. I will always remember my oath to protect and servethat will be my ultimate oath, and thats why Im running for sheriff.. about the scheme. Sheriff Bob Jonsen has been in law enforcement since 1986. His command experience includes serving as the assistant director of the protective services department at Valley Medical Center, the assistant division commander of the investigations division and the division commander of the court security division. Every captain thats worked on this side of town has made an impact with the community. 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. Capt. 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. A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? 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. Jonsen said the county should offer more skill-based programs in the jails for inmates so they can find employment upon release. Kevin Jensen, a retired captain with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, is running to replace Laurie Smith. 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.. Palo Alto police are out-of-control and Palo Alto has lots of payouts to victims. Smiths office granted concealed gun permits to 22 of those 28 applicants, an approval rate of about 79%. (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. 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. Urena was promoted to the position Aug. 1. NIchols owns a company called The Gun Co., which manufactures firearms parts. As of January, shes raised $8,400. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. 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. He touts his experience working as a correctional officer at Elmwood Correctional Facility, starting in the mid-1980s. Captain James Jensen, attorney Christopher Schumb, attorney Harpaul Nahal, and business owner Michael Nichols are accused of 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. 2 brothers found guilty of murdering groom at California wedding party The second installment was forestalled by the DA investigation. 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. In 2017, another captain had used inmate labor to build arbors and a storage shed. 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. Allen has received endorsements fromReverend Jeff Moore, former president of the Silicon Valley NAACP, and several retired sheriff employees. 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. We are not done, he said. Jensen said he is also proud to have the support of former county Supervisor Blanca Alvarado. Hope Now we get a real sherriff elected. The DA's Office said it is continuing to investigate additional crimes and individuals in relation to the issuing of CCW licenses. San Jos Spotlight was unable to find record of Colton serving in law enforcement. 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. Jensen later instructed AS Solutions Inc. to have their executive protection agents falsify the names of their employer on their CCW applications, and for those agents living outside the county, to falsify their addresses as well, according to the indictment. San Jos Spotlight is the citys first nonprofit, community-supported digital news organization. Santa Clara County Sherif 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. Local News | 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. Between 2014 and 2019, only about 150 permits were issued or renewed in Santa Clara County. As we gather more evidence, we expect to file more charges against more individuals in the coming weeks. He says it's time for Sheriff Smith to speak out if she knows anything 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. "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. You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law. Closed on Santa Clara County holidays. He was promoted to captain and was assigned to Stanford University before requesting to come back to Saratoga and serve as the division commander. 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. Len Ramirez and Kiet Do contributed to this story. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges on Aug. 31. 1:45 p.m. 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. In 2020, Luis was selected as the Acting Captain of the Special Operations Division and officially became fulltime Captain of this same division in September of 2021. 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. 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. My resolutions are not something Im just sayingits something Ive been doing my entire career.. Now, Long said he wants to a see a system that treats all applicants equally. 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. Allen was firm, fair and integrity was not an issue. Hirokawa said Jensen's quick rise to captain after Smith's re-election raised eyebrows in the office at the time. Comments are moderated and approved by administrators. 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. 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. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. 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. Emergency: 9-1-1; Emergency and Non-Emergency Number from all phones: (408) 299 - 2311; General Information from cellular phone: (408) 808 - 4400 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.. Reach him the low-tech way at 408-920-5002. There is only ONE job in the United States that has the job description of defending the US Constitution and protecting We the People. 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. Rosen said his office's probe was triggered by a San Jose Inside article focusing on a large 2018 contribution to Smith's campaign. The Deputy Sheriffs' Association of Santa Clara County is throwing its support behind retired sheriff Capt. Prosecutors allege that Nielsen and West were connected to Jensen by Schumb, Nahal and Nichols to get $90,000 split between the Santa Clara County Public Safety Alliance whose assistant treasurer was Schumb, a veteran South Bay litigator and the Sheriffs Advisory Board. Hes worked in every area of sheriffs office jurisdiction. The morale will get better, then the whole department, Jensen told San Jos Spotlight. 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. 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. "It's been something of an open secret within the firearms community," Long said. 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He spent the bulk of his career27 yearsin the LA County Sheriffs Department, retiring as captain of Lancaster Station. CBS. Rick Sung as commander of the patrol division. The other three members of her command staff including former Mountain View . Jensen, 58, retired in 2013. From there, he was promoted to lieutenant and came back to Saratoga as the assistant commander of the West Valley Patrol Division. The activity took place in 2018 while Sheriff Laurie Smith -- who had the authority to grant the permits -- was in a tough battle race for reelection in both the primary and general elections. By comparison, Sacramento County has more than 5,000 active permits. I am a mom, wife, a veteran, LGBTQ+ ally and I understand the diversity of Santa Clara County, Nagaye said. Allen also wants to address the homophobia and racial inequitieshe sees in the office. 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. "If she's doing something that's unfair and unjust, she owes it to this community to step down," said Moore. Hiscampaign filings do not reflect a total amount raised to date, but the candidate himself says hes raised about $50,000. My intent is to change not only whats happening at the top of the organization, but some of whos at the top of the organization, Allen told San Jos Spotlight. 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 conspiracy . "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. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office issued the following comment to ABC7 News. 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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 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. By Bay City News Published July 16, 2013. Get San Jos Spotlight headlines delivered to your inbox. Jensen lost that election, but he believes the time is right for a new run and cites the support from the association. Sung is now the assistant sheriff for the administrative division. A gun parts manufacturer and two South Bay lawyers were the other three individuals named in the indictment. 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. 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. . Whether applicants received a permit depended on which group they belonged to. 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. In an interview described in testimony from DA investigator Mike Montonye, Jensen said he received direction from Sung, the undersheriff, in brokering the illicit deal. (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. But now people are returning back to work, returning to normal life and going on vacations, so folks are starting to take advantage of that.. If the Sheriff lacks a full understanding of the Constitution it would stand to reason that he is vulnerable to violation of his oath. Friday afternoon the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office told ABC7 News that Jensen was officially placed on administrative leave. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Santa Clara County is getting a new sheriff for the first time in more than two decades, following Laurie Smiths decision to not run for a seventh term. 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. A California sheriff was suspended after she had inmates at a jail in Santa Clara county make her a BBQ for a break space used by corrections staff, a report said Tuesday. The ABC7 News I-Team asked Le to provide a comment but she declined. 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. Last . He got his start in the West Valley working as a patrol deputy and detective before he was assigned as the investigator for the county councils office. The race is between two candidates: Bob Jonsen and Kevin Jensen. 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. Rosen reiterated Monday that his offices investigation is still active, but declined to comment on whether prosecutors are any closer to implicating the sheriff. 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. Urena has a wealth of patrol experience, he told the five-member city council. There were 44 reported burglaries from January to October of 2021, while 59 burglaries were reported in the same time period in 2022. BY EMILY MIBACH. Thankfully, SJS usually gives the names of those who voted against a proposal. We are not done.". Christian West, AS Solutions CEO at the time of the alleged scheme, was charged separately on two felony conspiracy counts. Photo courtesy of Kevin Jensen. Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriff's. 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. 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. They could spend time in prison if they are convicted. 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. Allen, 51, has mostly worked in the jail system. Related Articles Thats why his chances a slim. In a statement, attorney Harry S. Stern said: "James is devastated by this development. 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. Hes raised $72,398 through campaign donations and a loan. Local News | Civil process includes restraining orders, bench warrants, arrest warrants, evictions and any other notice or order from the courts. 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. 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 . Sheriff Smith has consistently declined to comment on year-and-a-half-long probe. Like his opponents, Jensen said hes concerned about the lack of transparency in the office, which he blames on Smiths managerial style. It is extremely painful to have his integrity questioned after spending years dedicated to serving the people of Santa Clara County. Were changing the face of journalism by providing an innovative model for delivering reliable, truthful news to the nations 10th largest city. 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. Le reportedly wanted to create a break space for correctional staff. Were partnering with you the readers to make it happen. 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. 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. My unique experience speaks for myself. Valenzuela said Saratogas spike in residential burglaries is on his radar. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Local News | "This investigation revealed the sad reality that at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office there are 2 policies for those seeking CCW licenses. She previously worked as a reporter for PhillyVoice in Philadelphia and freelanced for The Seattle Times and The Whiskey Wash. She grew up in Sacramento, California, and graduated with a BA degree from the University of Oregon where she majored in journalism and minored in political science. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Capt. 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. Ricardo "Rich" Urena has been tapped to replace . I will let people know this department is going to be run based on performance and rewards for performance.. All of these people do not feel safe, and they feel threatened, Nagaye told San Jos Spotlight. 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. 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. He also notedhes implemented community advisory groups in every command position hes held. He is unlikely to be any better than the current Sherriff. Though Wasserman is mentioned in the Aug. 6 indictment of Jensen, Schumb, Nahal and Nichols, he too has not been charged. 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.. Nagayes major endorsement is from the Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley, and she says she has strong support among deputies and residents. 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. "And it's very clear that that's not the case under Sheriff Smith and her office. This is your newsroom. Over the next 30 years he worked in numerous roles in the county jail and Sheriffs Office. 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. ", 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. Santa Clara County sheriff faces grand jury accusation, no plea yet, Former opponent challenges embattled Santa Clara County sheriff, UPDATE: Santa Clara County pursues investigation of sheriff, 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. This is your newsroom. He said its important to increase the offices transparency. The Sheriff's Office Parks Patrol Unit provides law enforcement services for the 28 regional parks and lakes managed by the Santa Clara County Parks Department. (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.
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