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. Whats next for the former Frys HQ in San Jose? "If she's doing something that's unfair and unjust, she owes it to this community to step down," said Moore. For a look at more stories and videos by the ABC7 News I-Team go here. Number of employees at Santa Clara County with job title Sheriff's Correctional Captain is 35. The Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. "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.". (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group;. San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. Your email address will not be published. Earlier this year, the NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit analyzed five years' worth of data and found that donors to Smith's political campaigns were about 14 times more likely to get a concealed weapons permit than those who did not contribute. 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. Woman found fatally shot on I-580 off-ramp 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. No other candidate mentioned the Constitution. 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. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Capt. 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. 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 San Jose native, he graduated from UCLA with a BA degree in history and from the University of Maryland with a MA degree in journalism. Smiths office granted concealed gun permits to 22 of those 28 applicants, an approval rate of about 79%. 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. 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. Get San Jos Spotlight headlines delivered to your inbox. public and her constituents and say what's going on. Hes raised $72,398 through campaign donations and a loan. Last . 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. How the scandal-plagued Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office will operate in a post-Laurie Smith era will be determined by the vote of the people in the Nov. 8 election. "My concern is not whether the sheriff grants many or few CCW licenses, but whether they are being granted or denied for the wrong reasons," said Rosen. Instead, it will be tossed in a filing cabinet and forgotten. Click hereif you are having trouble viewing the slideshow on a mobile device. She is now on paid administrative leave. Im the only candidate who has called out the bad behavior and served all the major functions in the Sheriffs Office.. Here are the five candidates running for sheriff in alphabetical order. 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. Per a plea agreement, his charges will be downgraded to misdemeanors and a maximum 18-month jail sentence in exchange for his cooperation with the district attorney. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Long, who created a blog to document the CCW process in Santa Clara County, said he was unsurprised by the indictments. In addition Robert Johnson has done his best to avoid transparency. 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. Daily Post Staff Writer. 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. (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). 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. In Santa Clara County, there's only room for one sheriff in town. 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. Capt. Local News | Were changing the face of journalism by providing an innovative model for delivering reliable, truthful news to the nations 10th largest city. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Capt. With Californias soaring mountains steep in snow, heres how to avoid an avalanche Hes worked in every area of sheriffs office jurisdiction. Jensen, 58, retired in 2013. Reverend Jeff Moore, the head of the NAACP Silicon Valley Chapter had a CCW permit, but it was never renewed for reasons unknown. 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. He previously reported in Washington, D.C., Salinas and the East Bay, and is a middling triathlete. They should not be for sale.". 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.. The associations members voted overwhelmingly to support endorsing him. In addition to bribery, the indictment accuses Jensen of conspiring with AS Solution employees to put false information in their CCW license applications. 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 . Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriff's. Urena has a wealth of patrol experience, he told the five-member city council. "I know they used a lot of that money on social media, slamming me," he said. Source: https://nationallibertyalliance.org/files/sheriffmemo/Power%20and%20Authority%20of%20The%20County%20Sheriff.pdf. 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. 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. Rosen reiterated Monday that his offices investigation is still active, but declined to comment on whether prosecutors are any closer to implicating the sheriff. Election 2022 candidates for Santa Clara County Sheriff: retired Palo Alto police chief Bob Jonsen (left) and retired sheriff's captain Kevin Jensen. Urena will oversee a division that serves the communities of Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Altos Hills and unincorporated areas of the county, bringing 14 years of experience into the role. 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. hoped you would put name in hat .Thanks for running !! Shes concerned about declining morale in the office,notingstaffing levels are lowwhich means many employees work mandatory overtime, separating them from their families. CBS. Capt. "I think people should be treated fairly and equally under this system," Long said. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations," Rosen said. 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. | All donations are tax-deductible. Jonsen, 59, spent the last four years working as police chief in Palo Alto. 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.. All of these people do not feel safe, and they feel threatened, Nagaye told San Jos Spotlight. Smith has not filed papers for reelection or said publicly whether she intends to run. 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. Nagaye said she wants the Sheriffs Office to improve its relationship with diverse communities in Santa Clara County, and would set up a commission to jumpstart this process. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges August 31, 2020 at the Hall of Justice in San Jose. Jail reform is one of the key issues in the Sheriff's race, pitting former Palo Alto Police Chief Bob Jonsen against former . FILE - Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith walks to a news conference in Cupertino, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011. "Our concern is not whether the Sheriff grants many or few CCW licenses, but whether they are being granted or denied for the wrong reasons," District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a press release. He may be contacted at 408-868-6612 or email at email Rich Urena. He also plans to improve the treatment for mentally ill inmatesand overall conditions in the jail system. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Jonsen couldnt even run Palo Alto PD. A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? "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.". Rick Sung as commander of the patrol division. The race is between two candidates: Bob Jonsen and Kevin Jensen. 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. 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. 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. When I had asked him in one of those early conversations I got, like I dont remember the words it was, basically, Dont ask.'. . She has been working for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers since 2015. Office Hours. I am the only candidate who has addressed these issues for 30 years, Allen said. 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. They could spend time in prison if they are convicted. 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. Look at all the officers that left for other agencies under his tenure. In a statement, attorney Harry S. Stern said: "James is devastated by this development. 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. She also served in the offices operational standards and inspections unit and worked at both Elmwood and the main jail. 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. 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. Public File for KBCW-TV / KBCW 44 Cable 12. 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. Known for. It is extremely painful to have his integrity questioned after spending years dedicated to serving the people of Santa Clara County. San Jos Spotlight is the citys first nonprofit, community-supported digital news organization. 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. The culture of management can no longer be one of fear and intimidation.. We know hes the best candidate to address these issues (in the 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. "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. She has spent months fending off attacks from the Board of Supervisors, which voted no confidence in her leadership. Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriffs Offices Detective Division. Valenzuela said Saratogas spike in residential burglaries is on his radar. 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. 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. Sheriff Bob Jonsen has been in law enforcement since 1986. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. Allen has been in the trenches for bit and dont think he is a good ol boy either. She is also a veteran, having served for five years as a combat medic and training officer in the army. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. Kevin Jensen, who announced his run for sheriff last September.The association's members voted overwhelmingly to support endorsing him. Jonsen said he also values transparency in law enforcement. Saying yes, but doing NO. Were partnering with you the readers to make it happen. 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. He plans to implement greater civilian oversight in the jail systeman outstanding concern among county officials. 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. A grand jury has indicted Santa Clara County Undersheriff Rick Sung and added an additional indictment against a captain linked to a concealed weapons permit scandal that has rocked the Sheriff's . Robert Salonga is a Bay Area News Group reporter who covers criminal justice and public safety for The Mercury News and East Bay Times. If convicted, all four defendants could face prison time. Jensen is also accused of signing off on seven permit recipients who did not complete mandatory firearms proficiency exams including a permit renewal for county Supervisor Mike Wasserman. You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law. He is my choice. Christine Nagaye wants to transform theoffice into a national role model. 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. Contact Eli Wolfe at[emailprotected]or@EliWolfe4on Twitter. How safe is your neighborhood? He was promoted to captain and was assigned to Stanford University before requesting to come back to Saratoga and serve as the division commander. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. 38 reviews of Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department "Thankfully, my only experience with the Santa Clara County Sheriffs has been getting fingerprinted at this station in San Jose. He is unlikely to be any better than the current Sherriff. 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. Santa Clara Sheriffs gun-permit process: public safety or politics? The county has a similar program, but Jonsen wants to expand it to meet greater demand. 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. He touts his experience working as a correctional officer at Elmwood Correctional Facility, starting in the mid-1980s. He wants to dismantle the system of nepotism that he claims took root in the Sheriffs Office during Smiths tenure. "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. Jensen has also received endorsements from retired county supervisor Blanca Alvarado, Gilroy Mayor Marie Blankley, Milpitas Mayor Rich Tran and former sheriff Robert Winter. Were partnering with you the readers to make it happen. Every captain thats worked on this side of town has made an impact with the community. West Valley Detectives. She is now on paid . San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. 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. The Deputy Sheriffs Association of Santa Clara County is throwing its support behind retired sheriff Capt. She needs to leave and take the stench shes created with her. 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. We were all stuck at home for COVID, and we didnt have really any kind of property crime because everyone was home. I would love to serve in that role.. Santa Clara County Sheriff Sgt. Jensen, 58, retired in 2013. Urena has also served as a field training officer, recruit training officer, detective in the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement team, a sergeant in the West Valley detective division, as a tactical flight observer aboard the sheriffs office helicopter, STAR 1, and as a mentor and leader to deputies. Christine Nagaye, Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonsen and sheriff Sgt. "This investigation revealed the sad reality that at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office there are 2 policies for those seeking CCW licenses. Reggie Cooks said he couldn't disclose why that happened and offered the following official response: "In . The second half of the agreed-upon donation amount wasstymied by the DA investigation, authorities said. Stromgren recalled a conversation he had with Nielsen: I told him on a couple of occasions I didnt feel comfortable. 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. My unique experience speaks for myself. "And it's very clear that that's not the case under Sheriff Smith and her office. 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. Thankfully, SJS usually gives the names of those who voted against a proposal. Between 2014 and 2018, 749 Santa Clara County residents applied for a new CCW permit, according to records provided by the sheriffs department. Now, Long said he wants to a see a system that treats all applicants equally. Rosen said his office's probe was triggered by a San Jose Inside article focusing on a large 2018 contribution to Smith's campaign. I think its a trend that were seeing, property crimes increasing, now that were going back to work, Valenzuela said. Our jail is among the 100 systems nationwide with an inmate population of more than 1,000. 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. He said after Friday's news, Sheriff Smith needs to go. It is extremely painful to have his integrity questioned after spending years dedicated to serving the people of Santa Clara County. If they dont get this then they are oblivious and are incapable of doing a good job if elected. Kevin Jensen, a retired captain with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, is running to replace Laurie Smith. 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. Schumbs attorney Joe Wall also filed a motion to remove the DAs office from the case, citing that Schumb has been a friend and fundraiser for District Attorney Jeff Rosen. He started his law enforcement career with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office in 1989. After submitting seven concealed weapon permit applications to Jensen at a meeting, AS Solution manager Martin Nielsen donated $45,000 -- half of the agreed amount -- to the Santa Clara County Public Safety Alliance, an independent expenditure committee supporting Sheriff Smith. All Rights Reserved. Friday afternoon the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office told ABC7 News that Jensen was officially placed on administrative leave. 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. He says it's time for Sheriff Smith to speak out if she knows anything 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? 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. 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. 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. she can't talk freely, then she needs to step down," Hirokawa said. Hiscampaign filings do not reflect a total amount raised to date, but the candidate himself says hes raised about $50,000. The morale will get better, then the whole department, Jensen told San Jos Spotlight. We have seen such words used when the City Council has voted. 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. 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 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This is my favorite place to work. Comments are moderated and approved by administrators. If convicted, the defendants could receive prison time.

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