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. Monday through Friday through 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. 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.. Law Enforcement. Kevin Jensen said Tuesday that it was "humbling" that two unions want him to run against Sheriff Laurie . We know Kevin Jensen as a person and we understand his leadership qualities, Ryan Elder, president of the association, told San Jos Spotlight. Stromgren, who oversaw the security firms Facebook protection team, has not been charged, and testified to the grand jury that he was uneasy about the arrangement. That is the County Sheriffs ultimate job duty. Santa Clara County sheriff candidate secures key endorsement A contender for the top law enforcement job in Santa Clara County has won a coveted endorsement. Jensen's attorney Harry S. Stern released the following statement to ABC7 News: James is devastated by this development. No other candidate mentioned the Constitution. 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. Santa Clara County sheriff-elect Bob Jonsen will take office early She also served in the offices operational standards and inspections unit and worked at both Elmwood and the main jail. Santa Clara County Sheriff Sgt. "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. 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. Jensen lost that election, but he believes the time is right for a new run and cites the support from the association. A sheriff sergeant with almost 30 years of service in the office, Sean Allen said his platform boils down to transparency, accountability and reform. As of January, he has raised $72,398. Capt. 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. 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. Allowing her team to continually bully and brutalize mentally challenged inmates is disgusting. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. Command Staff - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara And were here to provide it. 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. If convicted, the defendants could receive prison time. I worked with S. Allen at Elmwood (I am nurse). She is now on paid . Allen, 51, has mostly worked in the jail system. He touts his experience working as a correctional officer at Elmwood Correctional Facility, starting in the mid-1980s. Most of those applicants did not donate to the Sheriffs political campaign over that time period and fewer than 6% of those non-donors were awarded a concealed gun permit, according to sheriffs office records and publicly available campaign contribution data. 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. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges August 31, 2020 at the Hall of Justice in San Jose. 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. San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. Hiscampaign filings dont reflect a total amount raised to date, but Allen said hesraised $21,000. she can't talk freely, then she needs to step down," Hirokawa said. "It's a sad day for the Sheriff's department," said retired Undersheriff John Hirokawa, who was defeated in a runoff by Sheriff Smith in the election that year and wonders what role the money played. The 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. Smith has not filed papers for reelection or said publicly whether she intends to run. Whats next for the former Frys HQ in San Jose? Jonsen said he has experience stabilizing organizations bleeding staff, noting he helped staunch the flow of people leaving the Menlo Park and Palo Alto police departments, in part by raising salaries to a competitive level. 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. Office Hours. This is my favorite place to work. Urena was promoted to the position Aug. 1. "They should not be for sale. Santa Clara County sheriff's captain among 4 indicted on felony bribery Southern California mountain residents head home, for many its the first time in days hoped you would put name in hat .Thanks for running !! We were all stuck at home for COVID, and we didnt have really any kind of property crime because everyone was home. There is only ONE job in the United States that has the job description of defending the US Constitution and protecting We the People. 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. Transcripts show the county supervisor blamed a chronically bad memory for his inability to recall whether he fulfilled the proficiency requirements. To avoid the perception of impropriety, Jensen said he wont take any financial contributions from employees. NBC Bay Area called or emailed each of the four defendants in the case Friday, but so far, only Jensen's attorney has responded. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations. August 7, 2020 / 11:34 AM public and her constituents and say what's going on. Your email address will not be published. FILE - Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith walks to a news conference in Cupertino, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011. 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. 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.. Sheriffs Capt. Santa Clara County Sherif 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. I am a mom, wife, a veteran, LGBTQ+ ally and I understand the diversity of Santa Clara County, Nagaye said. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. A gun parts manufacturer and two South Bay lawyers were the other three individuals named in the indictment. Allen says he stands out from his opponents because hes spent much of his career openly criticizing the office. 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. Prior to being elected as the 29th Sheriff of Santa Clara County, he was the Chief of Police for Palo Alto Police Department (2018-2022). The second installment was forestalled by the DA investigation. Former Santa Clara Co. Sheriff Laurie Smith found guilty on all 6 Former Santa Clara County sheriff's captain throws hat in - KRON4 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. California law requires candidates for county sheriff to have experience as certified law enforcement officers. 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. 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. Local News | He touts his experience working as a correctional officer at Elmwood Correctional Facility, starting in the mid-1980s. As we gather more evidence, we expect to file more charges against more individuals in the coming weeks. He says it's time for Sheriff Smith to speak out if she knows anything Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. So I can ask them about the SJ Search and Rescue team and how we can support the new sherriff. Sean Allen. 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.. 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. 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. They should not be for sale.". There are some very strong advocates for changes in the jail system, and Im among them, Jensen said. Here are the five candidates running for sheriff in alphabetical order. In a surprise turn, West used the defendants Monday arraignment to plead guilty. "If you made a campaign donation and if Captain Jensen knew you to be a VIP, then you got special treatment and you got a CCW license," Rosen said. Saying yes, but doing NO. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department - Yelp "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. 5:45 p.m. Lake County sheriff declares a local emergency due to snow. Ricardo Rich Urena has been tapped to replace Capt. The sheriff's race: What they'd do if elected | News | Palo Alto Online The division commander is Captain Rich Urena, who serves as the Chief of Police for the Town of Los Altos Hills. He became captain in 2004 and retired in 2013. Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriffs Offices Detective Division. Election 2022 candidates for Santa Clara County Sheriff: retired Palo Alto police chief Bob Jonsen (left) and retired sheriff's captain Kevin Jensen. Click hereif you are having trouble viewing the slideshow on a mobile device. From there, he was promoted to lieutenant and came back to Saratoga as the assistant commander of the West Valley Patrol Division. (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. Civil/Warrants - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara Saratoga hosts LAW-tes and Coffee with a Cop events to keep the community engaged with the Sheriffs Office, Valenzuela said. Christine Nagaye wants to transform theoffice into a national role model. 1:45 p.m. The complete transcript of the grand jury's findings will be released in the coming weeks. County Sheriff's Captain, Prominent Lawyer Charged with Gun Permit Bribery Scheme. Stromgren recalled a conversation he had with Nielsen: I told him on a couple of occasions I didnt feel comfortable. 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. Known for. Isnt that what Sheriff Laurie Smith had/has been saying? 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. Hirokawa said Jensen's quick rise to captain after Smith's re-election raised eyebrows in the office at the time. Jonsen, who filed his papers to run in January, has received endorsements from former state Sen.Jim Bell, the Democratic Asian Pacific American Club and the Sunnyvale Democratic Club. 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. Then I suggest you educate other voters so more people are aware. Neil Valenzuela takes over Sheriffs West Valley Patrol Division, 2 brothers found guilty of murdering groom at California wedding party, With Californias soaring mountains steep in snow, heres how to avoid an avalanche, Southern California mountain residents head home, for many its the first time in days, Oakland police investigating spate of shootings that left one dead, five wounded, Woman found fatally shot on I-580 off-ramp. He wants to dismantle the system of nepotism that he claims took root in the Sheriffs Office during Smiths tenure. This is your newsroom. As the I-Team reported last September, the man suffered brain damage and his parents are suing the county and the Sheriff's Department. 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. Between 2014 and 2019, only about 150 permits were issued or renewed in Santa Clara County. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Captain to Run Against Incumbent Sheriff Moreover, he doesnt have the authority to grant permits nor did he receive anything for processing them. Headquarters Patrol - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); A contender for the top law enforcement job in Santa Clara County has won a coveted endorsement. Thats why his chances a slim. 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.. We are not done, he said. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. we have been without one, https://www.kevinjensen4sheriff.com/endorsements. 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. Nagaye, 51, has served in the Sheriffs Office for 20 years, with the last seven as a supervising sergeant. 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. 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. 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 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. In addition Robert Johnson has done his best to avoid transparency. "I think as an elected official, she needs to come forward and tell the I will not vote for him for Sheriff. 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 . He said its important to increase the offices transparency. 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 County Sheriff candidates weigh in on plans for jail reform Instead, the application would be filed away and forgotten. She needs to leave and take the stench shes created with her. Jail reform is one of the key issues in the Sheriff's race, pitting former Palo Alto Police Chief Bob Jonsen against former . 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. We also levy on wages, bank accounts, vehicles or any asset of the judgment debtor. 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. Daily Post Staff Writer. He joined the Bay Area News Group in 2014. He replaces Capt. With all of the county's 754 precincts reporting as of 5 p.m. Wednesday,. Allen has received endorsements fromReverend Jeff Moore, former president of the Silicon Valley NAACP, and several retired sheriff employees. Jensen has also received endorsements from retired county supervisor Blanca Alvarado, Gilroy Mayor Marie Blankley, Milpitas Mayor Rich Tran and former sheriff Robert Winter. San Jos Spotlight was unable to find record of Colton serving in law enforcement. "However, if you are -- in the words of Sheriff's Captain James Jenson -- a 'VIP,' then he'll meet you at Starbucks, personally review your application and help you fill it out," said Rosen. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group), SAN JOSE, CA - AUGUST 31: Santa Clara County Sheriff's Captain James Jensen is photographed outside of the Hall of Justice on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, in San Jose, Calif. Jensen was arraigned on conspiracy and bribery charges involving concealed weapon permits in Santa Clara County. The Sheriff's Office provides a high level of proactive police services to residents, schools, and the businesses within our jurisdiction with a strong emphasis on community service. Smiths tenure as sheriff has been marred by scandals and political investigations. Custody Division - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara The ABC7 News I-Team asked Le to provide a comment but she declined. Local News | San Jos Spotlight is the citys first nonprofit, community-supported digital news organization. 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. She would combat this by setting up a retention program. (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). Were partnering with you the readers to make it happen. Whether applicants received a permit depended on which group they belonged to. Detectives pursue all cases to conclusion from reports generated by patrol deputies, except those cases dealing with homicide, sex, or narcotics, which are . In 2017, she received $449,767.49 with overtime and benefits, on a $142,530.12 base salary. Le reportedly wanted to create a break space for correctional staff. He is my choice. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations," Rosen said. I was at the sheriff forum and only one candidate said she would uphold the US Constitution. Sheriff spokesman Sgt. You do the math. Sheriff Smith herself was not among those indicted Friday, but Rosen said his office's investigation is wide ranging and far from over. Prosecutors expected to get alleged De Anza rape case We are a bit troubled by the words overwhelmingly and unanimously (and others) when it comes to any voting. The DA's Office said it is continuing to investigate additional crimes and individuals in relation to the issuing of CCW licenses. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges on Aug. 31. He said after Friday's news, Sheriff Smith needs to go. He also plans to improve the treatment for mentally ill inmatesand overall conditions in the jail system. We know hes the best candidate to address these issues (in the office).. The Deputy Sheriffs Association of Santa Clara County is throwing its support behind retired sheriff Capt. 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. "It's been something of an open secret within the firearms community," Long said. 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