Local News | The race is between two candidates: Bob Jonsen and Kevin Jensen. 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. Woman found fatally shot on I-580 off-ramp Im the only candidate who has called out the bad behavior and served all the major functions in the Sheriffs Office.. Smiths tenure as sheriff has been marred by scandals and political investigations. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! The second half of the agreed-upon donation amount wasstymied by the DA investigation, authorities said. 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.. Hiscampaign filings do not reflect a total amount raised to date, but the candidate himself says hes raised about $50,000. Daily Post Staff Writer. / CBS San Francisco. Like his opponents, Jensen said hes concerned about the lack of transparency in the office, which he blames on Smiths managerial style. 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. 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. After Smith won that race, she promoted Le to captain. Le apparently ran into trouble when her superiors did not like her project, and when they learned she didn't have a building permit. 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. 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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.. 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. Transcripts show the county supervisor blamed a chronically bad memory for his inability to recall whether he fulfilled the proficiency requirements. 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. 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Capt. As NBC Bay Area first reported more than a week ago, a criminal grand jury has been looking into allegations of "pay to play" for concealed gun permits in the South Bay. There has been a changing of the guard at the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office West Valley Division. The second installment was forestalled by the DA investigation. He became captain in 2004 and retired in 2013. James Jensen, attorney Christopher Schumb, attorney Harpaul Nahal and business owner Michael Nichols allegedly conspired with the CEO and a middle manager of an international security company to offer a $90,000 bribe in exchange for concealed weapons permits, District Attorney Jeff Rosen said. Only 62 applicants received a permit, according to the records. West Valley: Rich Urena is new captain of, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Los Gatos: Hundreds still without power as Black Road repair project finishes early, West Valley: Rich Urena is new captain of sheriff offices West Valley division. 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.. Capt. Thats why his chances a slim. This all took place in 2018, while Sheriff Laurie Smith, who had the authority to grant the CCW licenses, was in a race for reelection, both in the primary and general elections. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group;. "I think people should be treated fairly and equally under this system," Long said. So he is also a liar. No other candidate mentioned the Constitution. Your email address will not be published. I am the only candidate who has addressed these issues for 30 years, Allen said. Jensen's attorney Harry S. Stern released the following statement to ABC7 News: James is devastated by this development. 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. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Were partnering with you the readers to make it happen. 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. 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. Now, Long said he wants to a see a system that treats all applicants equally. 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. 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. Source: https://nationallibertyalliance.org/files/sheriffmemo/Power%20and%20Authority%20of%20The%20County%20Sheriff.pdf. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. Stromgren recalled a conversation he had with Nielsen: I told him on a couple of occasions I didnt feel comfortable. In a surprise turn, West used the defendants Monday arraignment to plead guilty. 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. Hiscampaign filings dont reflect a total amount raised to date, but Allen said hesraised $21,000. By Bay City News Published July 16, 2013. The Deputy Sheriffs' Association of Santa Clara County is throwing its support behind retired sheriff Capt. 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. With all of the county's 754 precincts reporting as of 5 p.m. Wednesday,. Im the candidate that brings the fresh perspective and greatest opportunity for change.. Between 2014 and 2018, 749 Santa Clara County residents applied for a new CCW permit, according to records provided by the sheriffs department. 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.. 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. 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. There were 44 reported burglaries from January to October of 2021, while 59 burglaries were reported in the same time period in 2022. If you care about your Constitutional rights, vote for the person who UNDERSTANDS and actually WILL uphold the US Constitution and your unalienable rights! FILE - Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith walks to a news conference in Cupertino, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011. 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. So I can ask them about the SJ Search and Rescue team and how we can support the new sherriff. 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 served various roles for the next three decades, including as an assistant chief in the department of corrections and as jail administration commander. Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriffs Offices Detective Division. "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. A veteran staff trainer, Allen wants to change how officers apply use of force, saying there need to be more alternatives for de-escalating situations and preventing harm to inmates. The division commander is Captain Rich Urena, who serves as the Chief of Police for the Town of Los Altos Hills. "I'm feeling very hopeful and optimistic, cautiously. 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. 1:45 p.m. "And it's very clear that that's not the case under Sheriff Smith and her office. Local News | Before that, he was chief of police in Menlo Park for five years. Sheriffs Capt. CBS. 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.. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! "It's very unusual for a captain to be walked off in that manner for a project that wasn't for personal gain, on jail property. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. 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. Hes raised $72,398 through campaign donations and a loan. Occupation. Urena told the council that he is prepared to take on the challenge. 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. Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. This is my favorite place to work. To address the offices transparency, Nagaye said she would provide the Board of Supervisors and Office of Correction and Law Enforcement Monitoring with all materials that have been requested. 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. Nate Gartrell covers crime and corruption in Contra Costa County. Sheriff Smith has consistently declined to comment on year-and-a-half-long probe. "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. I will let people know this department is going to be run based on performance and rewards for performance.. 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. By comparison, Sacramento County has more than 5,000 active permits. The other three members of her command staff including former Mountain View . 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.. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. If convicted could get 11 years in prison. Sources have told this news organization that Nielsen a central figure in the scheme, who wrote the $45,000 check that touched off the investigation after Smith was re-elected in 2018 cooperated with investigators early on. 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. Law Enforcement. 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For a look at more stories and videos by the ABC7 News I-Team go here. Kevin Jensen, who announced his run for sheriff last September.The association's members voted overwhelmingly to support endorsing him. Urena was promoted to the position Aug. 1. Jensen has also received endorsements from retired county supervisor Blanca Alvarado, Gilroy Mayor Marie Blankley, Milpitas Mayor Rich Tran and former sheriff Robert Winter. 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. 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. 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. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. The remaining four defendants, who were indicted on conspiracy and bribery charges, put off entering pleas until Sept. 21. "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.". Palo Alto police chief enters race for Santa Clara County sheriff, Santa Clara County sergeant steps into sheriffs race, Second challenger joins race for Santa Clara County sheriff, Former opponent challenges embattled Santa Clara County sheriff, https://nationallibertyalliance.org/files/sheriffmemo/Power%20and%20Authority%20of%20The%20County%20Sheriff.pdf, 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. He touts his experience working as a correctional officer at Elmwood Correctional Facility, starting in the mid-1980s. Santa Clara Sheriffs gun-permit process: public safety or politics? we have been without one, https://www.kevinjensen4sheriff.com/endorsements. Your email address will not be published. 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. This is your newsroom. In a statement, the sheriff's office said Jensen will be placed on administrative leave immediately. 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. 5:45 p.m. Lake County sheriff declares a local emergency due to snow. Get San Jos Spotlight headlines delivered to your inbox. Long, who created a blog to document the CCW process in Santa Clara County, said he was unsurprised by the indictments. Ricardo Rich Urena has been tapped to replace Capt. When it comes to enforcing the law, which is to say enforcing the Constitution for the United States of America, the Sheriff, being the Chief Law Enforcement Officer, answers to We the People The County Sheriff is a Constitutional Officer elected by the People and bound by oath as guardian of the Peoples unalienable rights secured by the Constitution. Capt. I live in Palo Alto, am happy that Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonson is leaving his Palo Alto position. 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. 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. 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. She was the first female County Sheriff in the history of the state. 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. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. I think its a trend that were seeing, property crimes increasing, now that were going back to work, Valenzuela said. Reach him the low-tech way at 408-920-5002. It is extremely painful to have his integrity questioned after spending years dedicated to serving the people of Santa Clara County. They could spend time in prison if they are convicted. Rosen wanted to make it clear his office will hold any public official accountable for misconduct. 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. 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. hoped you would put name in hat .Thanks for running !! Love to know the next forum is. Thankfully, SJS usually gives the names of those who voted against a proposal. He touts his experience working as a correctional officer at Elmwood Correctional Facility, starting in the mid-1980s. There has been a changing of the guard at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office West Valley Division. The Deputy Sheriffs Association of Santa Clara County is throwing its support behind retired sheriff Capt. I feel the right person for the job is not the smoothest talking person that sounded good. 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. Were changing the face of journalism by providing an innovative model for delivering reliable, truthful news to the nations 10th largest city. The second half of the payment was forestalled by the DA investigation. 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. That was the first step in a conspiracy to "help AS Solution, Inc. manager Martin Nielsen procure hard-to-obtain CCW licenses for his company's executive protection agents," according to the indictment. We were all stuck at home for COVID, and we didnt have really any kind of property crime because everyone was home. 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. Colton is a latecomer to the race, having filed her nomination papers in March. 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. In response to a list of questions, Colton referred San Jos Spotlight to aquestionnaireshe filled out for a recent sheriff candidate forum. 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. Jensen said he is also proud to have the support of former county Supervisor Blanca Alvarado. She resigned as sheriff on . Though Wasserman is mentioned in the Aug. 6 indictment of Jensen, Schumb, Nahal and Nichols, he too has not been charged. With Californias soaring mountains steep in snow, heres how to avoid an avalanche First published on August 7, 2020 / 11:34 AM. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations," Rosen said. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Robert Salonga is a Bay Area News Group reporter who covers criminal justice and public safety for The Mercury News and East Bay Times. Over the next 30 years he worked in numerous roles in the county jail and Sheriffs Office. I will not vote for him for 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. BY EMILY MIBACH. In 2017, another captain had used inmate labor to build arbors and a storage shed. 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. As of January, shes raised $8,400. NBC Bay Area called or emailed each of the four defendants in the case Friday, but so far, only Jensen's attorney has responded. Sheriff Smith herself was not among those indicted Friday, but Rosen said his office's investigation is wide ranging and far from over. My resolutions are not something Im just sayingits something Ive been doing my entire career.. Jonsen said he has experience overseeing crime reduction from his time as a coordinator of the Antelope Valley crime fighting initiative run by the LA Sheriffs Department. Jensen lost that election, but he believes the time is right for a new run and cites the support from the association. Multiple sources said the year-long investigation has centered on accusations of the sheriff's office favoring people who apply for a concealed weapons permit if they donated to Smith's reelection campaigns. Len Ramirez and Kiet Do contributed to this story. Civil process includes restraining orders, bench warrants, arrest warrants, evictions and any other notice or order from the courts. The ABC7 News I-Team asked Le to provide a comment but she declined. Whether applicants received a permit depended on which group they belonged to. Rosen reiterated Monday that his offices investigation is still active, but declined to comment on whether prosecutors are any closer to implicating the sheriff. Allen was firm, fair and integrity was not an issue. 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.. "I know a definitive link to Sheriff Smith has not been established based on these indictments, but I'm interested to see how things develop as this investigation continues into the future," said Chris Long, who applied for a CCW permit in 2019, but was denied after months of waiting. Christine Nagaye wants to transform theoffice into a national role model. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. August 10, 2016 at 12:02 p.m. After submitting 7 CCW license applications to Jensen at a meeting, AS Solution manager Martin Nielsen donated the first half of that amount to the Santa Clara County. Local News | 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. 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.