Office Hours. If convicted could get 11 years in prison. 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. California sheriff suspended after inmates make her a BBQ grill Sheriff Campaign Scandal: 4 Indicted in Concealed Carry 'Pay to Play 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. 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. Sheriff of Santa Clara County, California. Ex-CEO of security firm pleads guilty in Santa, 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, Ex-CEO of security firm pleads guilty in Santa Clara County gun-permit bribery case, Sheriff and undersheriff plead the Fifth, supervisor blames bad memory in Santa Clara County gun-permit probe, Ex-CEO of security firm charged in Santa Clara County sheriff concealed-gun permit bribery case, Four indicted in Santa Clara County Sheriff concealed gun permit scandal, Big donor to Santa Clara County sheriffs campaign was issued rare concealed gun permit. Saratoga hosts LAW-tes and Coffee with a Cop events to keep the community engaged with the Sheriffs Office, Valenzuela said. I will not vote for him for Sheriff. I think its a trend that were seeing, property crimes increasing, now that were going back to work, Valenzuela said. August 7, 2020 / 11:34 AM Jonsen or Jensen: Who will be Santa Clara County's new sheriff? He touts his experience working as a correctional officer at Elmwood Correctional Facility, starting in the mid-1980s. Moreover, he doesnt have the authority to grant permits nor did he receive anything for processing them. Santa Clara County sheriff candidate secures key endorsement public and her constituents and say what's going on. 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. The Deputy Sheriffs Association of Santa Clara County is throwing its support behind retired sheriff Capt. Custody Division - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara Detectives pursue all cases to conclusion from reports generated by patrol deputies, except those cases dealing with homicide, sex, or narcotics, which are . 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. 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. SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office announced Friday that four people -- including a Santa Clara County Sheriff's captain -- have been indicted by a grand jury on felony bribery and conspiracy charges in a scheme tied to Sheriff Laurie Smith's reelection campaign. Palo Alto police are out-of-control and Palo Alto has lots of payouts to victims. "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. Emergency: 9-1-1; Emergency and Non-Emergency Number from all phones: (408) 299 - 2311; General Information from cellular phone: (408) 808 - 4400 Urena told the council that he is prepared to take on the challenge. In a statement, the sheriff's office said Jensen will be placed on administrative leave immediately. 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. 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. This is my favorite place to work. He is unlikely to be any better than the current Sherriff. 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. Christine Nagaye, Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonsen and sheriff Sgt. Le has been one of the most well-paid Santa Clara County employees for years. . He also notedhes implemented community advisory groups in every command position hes held. West Valley Detectives. 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. All Rights Reserved. He wants to dismantle the system of nepotism that he claims took root in the Sheriffs Office during Smiths tenure. 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. 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. Im the candidate that brings the fresh perspective and greatest opportunity for change.. "CCW licenses should not be given out in exchange for campaign donations. This is your newsroom. In addition to bribery, the indictment charges Jensen with conspiring with AS Solution employees to put false information in their CCW license applications. "We will follow the evidence where it leads. 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. My unique experience speaks for myself. 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. 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. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges on Aug. 31. Sheriff Smith has consistently declined to comment on year-and-a-half-long probe. Local News | 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. 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 . 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.. This is your newsroom. Sheriff Bob Jonsen has been in law enforcement since 1986. Only 62 applicants received a permit, according to the records. The Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. "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. 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.. An experienced set of fresh eyes is going to help pave the way toward putting an appropriate spotlight on transparency, and building trust within the community, Elder said. When asked if Jensen was acting on his own or working with Sheriff Smith, Rosen said that because the investigation was ongoing, it was not appropriate for him to comment on the possible roles of other individuals. 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. And if she feels that 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. He may be contacted at 408-868-6612 or email at email Rich Urena. If convicted, the defendants could receive prison time. In 2017, another captain had used inmate labor to build arbors and a storage shed. "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. Reach him the low-tech way at 408-920-5002. Between 2014 and 2018, 749 Santa Clara County residents applied for a new CCW permit, according to records provided by the sheriffs department. Whether applicants received a permit depended on which group they belonged to. 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. 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. 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 needs to leave and take the stench shes created with her. I feel the right person for the job is not the smoothest talking person that sounded good. The culture of management can no longer be one of fear and intimidation.. Smith has not filed papers for reelection or said publicly whether she intends to run. Le reportedly wanted to create a break space for correctional staff. Oakland police investigating spate of shootings that left one dead, five wounded The second installment was forestalled by the DA investigation. 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. 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. We are a bit troubled by the words overwhelmingly and unanimously (and others) when it comes to any voting. In a statement, attorney Harry S. Stern said: "James is devastated by this development. They should not be for sale.". Allen says he stands out from his opponents because hes spent much of his career openly criticizing the office. Hes raised $72,398 through campaign donations and a loan. He said its important to increase the offices transparency. 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. And Captain Jenson will even wave the mandated gun testing at a gun range," said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. 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. Jonsen, 59, spent the last four years working as police chief in Palo Alto. she can't talk freely, then she needs to step down," Hirokawa said. We are not done, he said. I was at the sheriff forum and only one candidate said she would uphold the US Constitution. Closed on Santa Clara County holidays. Urena has a wealth of patrol experience, he told the five-member city council. Election 2022 candidates for Santa Clara County Sheriff: retired Palo Alto police chief Bob Jonsen (left) and retired sheriff's captain Kevin Jensen. The side of a Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office vehicle is pictured in this file photo. You do the math. Comments are moderated and approved by administrators. 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. Local News | 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.. She has been working for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers since 2015. Source: https://nationallibertyalliance.org/files/sheriffmemo/Power%20and%20Authority%20of%20The%20County%20Sheriff.pdf. It is extremely painful to have his integrity questioned after spending years dedicated to serving the people of Santa Clara County. No other candidate mentioned the Constitution. 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. 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.. 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. I worked with S. Allen at Elmwood (I am nurse). 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. Local News | Like his opponents, Jensen said hes concerned about the lack of transparency in the office, which he blames on Smiths managerial style. 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. There is only ONE job in the United States that has the job description of defending the US Constitution and protecting We the People. 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 county has a similar program, but Jonsen wants to expand it to meet greater demand. Local News | Election 2022: The vote for a new South Bay sheriff First published on August 7, 2020 / 11:34 AM. The Santa Clara County District Attorney said the defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges August 31, 2020. at San Jose's Hall of Justice. Allen, 51, has mostly worked in the jail system. We were all stuck at home for COVID, and we didnt have really any kind of property crime because everyone was home. 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. Law Enforcement. 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. However, if you are in the words of sheriff's Captain James Jenson a VIP, then he will meet you at Starbucks, personally review your application and help you fill it out. He said after Friday's news, Sheriff Smith needs to go. 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. Its not clear if Colton qualifies for sheriff. Santa Clara County Sheriff Race - NBC Bay Area Were changing the face of journalism by providing an innovative model for delivering reliable, truthful news to the nations 10th largest city. And were here to provide it. 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. 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. Monday through Friday through 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. 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. 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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. 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. Allen also wants to address the homophobia and racial inequitieshe sees in the office. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Luis later supervised the Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team working regional investigations with local, county, state and federal public safety partners. He joined the Bay Area News Group in 2014. 2 brothers found guilty of murdering groom at California wedding party San Jos Spotlight is the citys first nonprofit, community-supported digital news organization. BY EMILY MIBACH. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Capt. FILE - Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith walks to a news conference in Cupertino, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011.

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