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Character is hugeif you dont have the ability to make decisions for the right reasons, it wont work, Jensen said. As we gather more evidence, we expect to file more charges against more individuals in the coming weeks. Capt. Its a small town community I like interacting with.. Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonsen said he wants to apply his experience working in the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department to fix some of the long-time issues in Santa Clara Countys office. Urena has a wealth of patrol experience, he told the five-member city council. Comments are moderated and approved by administrators. Comments are moderated and approved by administrators. All rights reserved, Santa Clara County Sheriff's Campaign Scandal Widens, Donors to Sheriff's Political Campaigns Far More Likely to Get Concealed Gun Permits, Los Gatos Mom Accused of Hosting Alcohol-Fueled Teen Parties Attacked in Jail, Hospitalized, Viral Kids' Star Ms. Rachel Is Taking a Break From Social Media After Backlash Over Co-Star Who Uses They/Them Pronouns, Another Bay Area Storm This Weekend: Rain and Snow Forecast. Rosen wanted to make it clear his office will hold any public official accountable for misconduct. He touts his experience working as a correctional officer at Elmwood Correctional Facility, starting in the mid-1980s. You do the math. "You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law.". Long, who created a blog to document the CCW process in Santa Clara County, said he was unsurprised by the indictments. Jensen, 58, retired in 2013. 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. Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriff's. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. 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. There is only ONE job in the United States that has the job description of defending the US Constitution and protecting We the People. Rick Sung as commander of the patrol division. We are not done.". Friday afternoon the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office told ABC7 News that Jensen was officially placed on administrative leave. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Its going to be an easy election for voters to choosetheyre either going to choose somebody in the organization, or theyre going to choose for change, Jonsen said. 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 . She would combat this by setting up a retention program. Rosen reiterated Monday that his offices investigation is still active, but declined to comment on whether prosecutors are any closer to implicating the sheriff. 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. We are not done, he said. As a detective he was assigned to the West Valley division, he was also one of our tactical flight observers up in our sheriffs helicopter, a field training officer and recruit training officer at the academy.. Woman found fatally shot on I-580 off-ramp Kevin Jensen, a retired captain with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, is running to replace Laurie Smith. If you care about your Constitutional rights, vote for the person who UNDERSTANDS and actually WILL uphold the US Constitution and your unalienable rights! Whats next for the former Frys HQ in San Jose? "We will follow the evidence where it leads. San Jos Spotlight is the citys first nonprofit, community-supported digital news organization. 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. Between 2014 and 2019, only about 150 permits were issued or renewed in Santa Clara County. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. Contact Eli Wolfe at[emailprotected]or@EliWolfe4on Twitter. Your email address will not be published. All Rights Reserved. Essentially, just be out there for the community to ask us questions and get suggestions from the community about where the problems are, he added. about the scheme. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges on Aug. 31. Sung is now the assistant sheriff for the administrative division. Local News | "And it's very clear that that's not the case under Sheriff Smith and her office. We know hes the best candidate to address these issues (in the office).. 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. How safe is your neighborhood? 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. His career in law enforcement with the sheriffs office began in 2002, and since then he has worked a wide range of assignments, which include patrolling the West Valley cities, as well as performing law enforcement duties for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authoritys transit patrol division. Former Santa Clara County sheriff's captain throws hat in - KRON4 As the I-Team reported last September, the man suffered brain damage and his parents are suing the county and the Sheriff's Department. Thankfully, SJS usually gives the names of those who voted against a proposal. No other candidate mentioned the Constitution. They should not be for sale.". Closed on Santa Clara County holidays. The investigation is active and ongoing," said Rosen. "If she's doing something that's unfair and unjust, she owes it to this community to step down," said Moore. Daily Post Staff Writer. Custody Division - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara 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. 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 think people should be treated fairly and equally under this system," Long said. 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. Capt. He served various roles for the next three decades, including as an assistant chief in the department of corrections and as jail administration commander. With Californias soaring mountains steep in snow, heres how to avoid an avalanche Jensen's attorney Harry S. Stern released the following statement to ABC7 News: James is devastated by this development. That is the County Sheriffs ultimate job duty. He is unlikely to be any better than the current Sherriff. 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. Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. 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. "They should not be for sale. Hes raised $72,398 through campaign donations and a loan. Though Wasserman is mentioned in the Aug. 6 indictment of Jensen, Schumb, Nahal and Nichols, he too has not been charged. The I-Team also reached out to Reggie Cooks, a public affairs officer for the sheriff's department, and he has not responded at the time this story was reported. The DA's Office said it is continuing to investigate additional crimes and individuals in relation to the issuing of CCW licenses. Your email address will not be published. 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.. He said its important to increase the offices transparency. Only 62 applicants received a permit, according to the records. Kevin Jensen, who announced his run for sheriff last September. 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. 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. 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. It is extremely painful to have his integrity questioned after spending years dedicated to serving the people of Santa Clara County. 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. 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. Smiths tenure as sheriff has been marred by scandals and political investigations. 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. Among the charges he faces, Jensen, along with AS Solution program manager Jack Stromgren, is accused of instructing AS Solution security employees to falsify their home addresses or employer to meet in-county residency requirements for the sheriffs CCW permits. He spent the bulk of his career27 yearsin the LA County Sheriffs Department, retiring as captain of Lancaster Station. Coroner releases autopsy report for man shot by deputies San Jos Spotlight is the citys first nonprofit, community-supported digital news organization. Local News | 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. After Smith won that race, she promoted Le to captain. public and her constituents and say what's going on. 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. Emergency Contact Information . 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.. In Santa Clara County, there's only room for one sheriff in town. Oakland police investigating spate of shootings that left one dead, five wounded 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. "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.". 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.. Santa Clara County Undersheriff Rick Sung Indicted; New Indictment For Election 2022 candidates for Santa Clara County Sheriff: retired Palo Alto police chief Bob Jonsen (left) and retired sheriff's captain Kevin Jensen. 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. I would make every attempt and work tirelessly with community leaders to let them know the Sheriffs Office, or law enforcement as a whole, is here for you.. The race is between two candidates: Bob Jonsen and Kevin Jensen. ", 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. ALL RIGHT K J!!!!! She has been working for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers since 2015. But the sheriff position is not just any typical management job. He wants to dismantle the system of nepotism that he claims took root in the Sheriffs Office during Smiths tenure. Allen also wants to address the homophobia and racial inequitieshe sees in the office. 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. Jensen, 58, retired in 2013. He supports the Board of Supervisors decision to build a new 500-person jail, and he favors adding more mental health resources for inmates. Santa Clara County Sheriffs Captain James Jensen among 4 people indicted by grand jury yesterday according to DA Jeff Jensen @nbcbayarea. And were here to provide it. 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 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. He previously reported in Washington, D.C., Salinas and the East Bay, and is a middling triathlete. Its not clear if Colton qualifies for sheriff. Moreover, he doesnt have the authority to grant permits nor did he receive anything for processing them. 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. 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. 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. He cited a internal solutions group he helped create inPalo Alto to address issues like morale and promotions. 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 became captain in 2004 and retired in 2013. Sean Allen. So I can ask them about the SJ Search and Rescue team and how we can support the new sherriff. A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? 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. 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. 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. Santa Clara County Corrections Capt. Amy Le Put on Paid Leave I am the only candidate who has addressed these issues for 30 years, Allen said. Sheriffs Capt. hoped you would put name in hat .Thanks for running !! Public Safety Alliance ("PSA"), an independent expenditure committee supporting Sheriff Smith. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Sheriff Smith herself was not among those indicted Friday, but Rosen said his office's investigation is wide ranging and far from over. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. 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.. She is a San Jose State University alumna and enjoys hiking and camping in her spare time. Now, Long said he wants to a see a system that treats all applicants equally. Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. 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. 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 . 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. Rosen said his office's probe was triggered by a San Jose Inside article focusing on a large 2018 contribution to Smith's campaign. She has spent months fending off attacks from the Board of Supervisors, which voted no confidence in her leadership. Sheriff Bob Jonsen has been in law enforcement since 1986. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Ricardo Rich Urena has been tapped to replace Capt. If the Sheriff lacks a full understanding of the Constitution it would stand to reason that he is vulnerable to violation of his oath. 2 brothers found guilty of murdering groom at California wedding party West Valley: Rich Urena is new captain of sheriff office's West Valley Le reportedly wanted to create a break space for correctional staff. As of January, shes raised $8,400. You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law. In the 20 years that Neil Valenzuela has worked for the Sheriffs Office, he keeps coming back to Saratoga. "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. Urena told the council that he is prepared to take on the challenge. Between 2014 and 2018, 749 Santa Clara County residents applied for a new CCW permit, according to records provided by the sheriffs department. We are a bit troubled by the words overwhelmingly and unanimously (and others) when it comes to any voting. Headquarters Patrol - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. Reverend Jeff Moore, the head of the NAACP Silicon Valley Chapter had a CCW permit, but it was never renewed for reasons unknown. Im the candidate that brings the fresh perspective and greatest opportunity for change.. 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. Allen has received endorsements fromReverend Jeff Moore, former president of the Silicon Valley NAACP, and several retired sheriff employees. Harry Stern, Jensens attorney, reiterated that Jensen did not have the power to grant the concealed-gun permits. Local News | Whether applicants received a permit depended on which group they belonged to. The Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. Sheriff Campaign Scandal: 4 Indicted in Concealed Carry 'Pay to Play The DA's investigation began shortly after the general election in 2018, sparked by an inquiry from the Metro Silicon Valley weekly about executive security licensing and an extremely large campaign donation, which was reported in public filings. (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. 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. 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. West Valley Detectives. If they dont get this then they are oblivious and are incapable of doing a good job if elected. Jonsen said the county should offer more skill-based programs in the jails for inmates so they can find employment upon release. Here are the five candidates running for sheriff in alphabetical order. Valenzuela said Saratogas spike in residential burglaries is on his radar. In a statement, the sheriff's office said Jensen will be placed on administrative leave immediately. 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. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges August 31, 2020 at the Hall of Justice in San Jose. 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. Smith has not filed papers for reelection or said publicly whether she intends to run. Report an Issue to the Sheriff | Los Altos Hills, CA FILE - Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith walks to a news conference in Cupertino, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011. 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. "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.". He replaces Capt. Emergency: 9-1-1; Emergency and Non-Emergency Number from all phones: (408) 299 - 2311; General Information from cellular phone: (408) 808 - 4400 Capt. Neil Valenzuela takes over Sheriff's West Valley Patrol Division 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 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. 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. Santa Clara Co. sheriff's captain among 4 indicted on conspiracy charges Over the next 30 years he worked in numerous roles in the county jail and Sheriffs Office. Known for. Sheriff of Santa Clara County, California. 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. She is now on paid . 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. CBS. 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. The division commander is Captain Rich Urena, who serves as the Chief of Police for the Town of Los Altos Hills. That is what we are doing here.. 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.. 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 Sheriff Sgt.