The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges on Aug. 31. "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. "CCW licenses should not be given out in exchange for campaign donations. 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. Local News | 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. 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. They could spend time in prison if they are convicted. Get San Jos Spotlight headlines delivered to your inbox. Valenzuela said Saratogas spike in residential burglaries is on his radar. Local News | There has been a changing of the guard at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office West Valley Division. "And it's very clear that that's not the case under Sheriff Smith and her office. Daily Post Staff Writer. He says it's time for Sheriff Smith to speak out if she knows anything 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. If convicted could get 11 years in prison. 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. 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. 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. Contact Eli Wolfe at[emailprotected]or@EliWolfe4on Twitter. The testimonies confirm an earlier report from this news organization that found CCW permits were most frequently granted to high-profile applicants, and that the most common condition for approvals was a reference or order from Smith or one of her top commanders. Allen has been in the trenches for bit and dont think he is a good ol boy either. 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. Southern California mountain residents head home, for many its the first time in days He replaces Capt. 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. She previously worked as a reporter for PhillyVoice in Philadelphia and freelanced for The Seattle Times and The Whiskey Wash. She grew up in Sacramento, California, and graduated with a BA degree from the University of Oregon where she majored in journalism and minored in political science. Jensen is competing with three other candidates: sheriff Sgt. 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. He said after Friday's news, Sheriff Smith needs to go. "I think as an elected official, she needs to come forward and tell the 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. These cameras capture vehicle license plates and compare them with Sheriffs Office databases to alert authorities when a plate matches a listing. "You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law.". Jensen's attorney Harry S. Stern released the following statement to ABC7 News: James is devastated by this development. 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. You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law. 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. 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. she can't talk freely, then she needs to step down," Hirokawa said. I am a mom, wife, a veteran, LGBTQ+ ally and I understand the diversity of Santa Clara County, Nagaye said. 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. Local News | Le reportedly wanted to create a break space for correctional staff. we have been without one, https://www.kevinjensen4sheriff.com/endorsements. Shes concerned about declining morale in the office,notingstaffing levels are lowwhich means many employees work mandatory overtime, separating them from their families. She is a San Jose State University alumna and enjoys hiking and camping in her spare time. I was at the sheriff forum and only one candidate said she would uphold the US Constitution. Palo Alto police are out-of-control and Palo Alto has lots of payouts to victims. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group), SAN JOSE, CA - AUGUST 31: Attorney Christopher Schumb, right, is photographed outside of the San Jose Hall of Justice on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, in San Jose, Calif. Schumb was arraigned on conspiracy and bribery charges involving concealed weapon permits in Santa Clara County. 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. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations. She also served in the offices operational standards and inspections unit and worked at both Elmwood and the main jail. The DA's Office said it is continuing to investigate additional crimes and individuals in relation to the issuing of CCW licenses. Sean Allen. The $45,000 personal check, which Nielsen gave to Schumb -- the PSA's assistant treasurer -- represented more than half of the funds raised by the organization prior to the election that year. Ricardo Rich Urena has been tapped to replace Capt. Over the next 30 years he worked in numerous roles in the county jail and Sheriffs 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. "The DA's office is continuing to investigate more crimes and more individuals related to Sheriff Smith's issuance of CCW licenses. Hiscampaign filings do not reflect a total amount raised to date, but the candidate himself says hes raised about $50,000. Smiths tenure as sheriff has been marred by scandals and political investigations. 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. Emergency: 9-1-1; Emergency and Non-Emergency Number from all phones: (408) 299 - 2311; General Information from cellular phone: (408) 808 - 4400 Santa Clara County Salaries - Sheriff's Correctional Captain Highest salary at Santa Clara County in year 2021 was $472,633. BY EMILY MIBACH. But the sheriff position is not just any typical management job. 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. Kevin Jensen, who announced his run for sheriff last September. "I know they used a lot of that money on social media, slamming me," he said. 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. Allen says he stands out from his opponents because hes spent much of his career openly criticizing the office. It is extremely painful to have his integrity questioned after spending years dedicated to serving the people of Santa Clara County. 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. 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. We know Kevin Jensen as a person and we understand his leadership qualities, Ryan Elder, president of the association, told San Jos Spotlight. Isnt that what Sheriff Laurie Smith had/has been saying? Detectives pursue all cases to conclusion from reports generated by patrol deputies, except those cases dealing with homicide, sex, or narcotics, which are . 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. The citys residential burglary rate is up 34%. Only 62 applicants received a permit, according to the records. / CBS San Francisco. Look at all the officers that left for other agencies under his tenure. If convicted, all four defendants could face prison time. Rosen reiterated Monday that his offices investigation is still active, but declined to comment on whether prosecutors are any closer to implicating the sheriff. We are a bit troubled by the words overwhelmingly and unanimously (and others) when it comes to any voting. Sheriffs Capt. 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 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.. Allen said in his first 100 days in office he wants to meet with every politician in the county and glean ideas about how to improve his office. I think its a trend that were seeing, property crimes increasing, now that were going back to work, Valenzuela said. And if she feels that According to the transcripts, Deputy District Attorney Matt Braker asked Montonye, (Jensen) said that Sung was the individual who brought Martin Nielsen to his attention? to which the investigator replied, Correct. Montonye also testified that Jensen said he was directed by Sung to give the money tell him to give the money to Schumb.. The associations members voted overwhelmingly to support endorsing him. Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriffs Offices Detective Division. Then I suggest you educate other voters so more people are aware. Sources close to the case tell the ABC7 News I-Team that the removal stems from an unpermitted arbor and barbecue grill Amy Le built at the jail with her own money, but using inmate labor. Thankfully, SJS usually gives the names of those who voted against a proposal. In addition Robert Johnson has done his best to avoid transparency. Long, who created a blog to document the CCW process in Santa Clara County, said he was unsurprised by the indictments. 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. Election 2022 candidates for Santa Clara County Sheriff: retired Palo Alto police chief Bob Jonsen (left) and retired sheriff's captain Kevin Jensen. In the 20 years that Neil Valenzuela has worked for the Sheriffs Office, he keeps coming back to Saratoga. Five candidates are jockeying for Smiths seat. "I think people should be treated fairly and equally under this system," Long said. "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.". Capt. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges August 31, 2020 at the Hall of Justice in San Jose. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. Contact Eli Wolfe at[emailprotected]or@EliWolfe4on Twitter. Whats next for the former Frys HQ in San Jose? As of January, shes raised $8,400. Friday afternoon the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office told ABC7 News that Jensen was officially placed on administrative leave. We know hes the best candidate to address these issues (in the office).. Related Articles "We will follow the evidence where it leads. 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. Your email address will not be published. Sheriff Bob Jonsen has been in law enforcement since 1986. "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. Luis later supervised the Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team working regional investigations with local, county, state and federal public safety partners. A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? Prosecutors allege that Nielsen and West were connected to Jensen by Schumb, Nahal and Nichols to get $90,000 split between the Santa Clara County Public Safety Alliance whose assistant treasurer was Schumb, a veteran South Bay litigator and the Sheriffs Advisory Board. Our jail is among the 100 systems nationwide with an inmate population of more than 1,000. Were changing the face of journalism by providing an innovative model for delivering reliable, truthful news to the nations 10th largest city. 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. The ABC7 News I-Team asked Le to provide a comment but she declined. The Deputy Sheriffs Association of Santa Clara County is throwing its support behind retired sheriff Capt. The division commander is Captain Rich Urena, who serves as the Chief of Police for the Town of Los Altos Hills. 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. Rosen said his office's probe was triggered by a San Jose Inside article focusing on a large 2018 contribution to Smith's campaign. Santa Clara County sheriff faces grand jury accusation, no plea yet, Former opponent challenges embattled Santa Clara County sheriff, UPDATE: Santa Clara County pursues investigation of sheriff, Helen Chapman fights to save San Joses open space, Bejarano: Why I quit my East San Jose school board, Out of work: Beloved San Jose reverend faces uphill climb, Silicon Valley students stranded by shuttered schools, San Jose legislator wants to raise foster age. The 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. He also notedhes implemented community advisory groups in every command position hes held. In an interview described in testimony from DA investigator Mike Montonye, Jensen said he received direction from Sung, the undersheriff, in brokering the illicit deal. Local News | They should not be for sale.". 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. I feel the right person for the job is not the smoothest talking person that sounded good. Like his opponents, Jensen said hes concerned about the lack of transparency in the office, which he blames on Smiths managerial style. it's safer than driving," said Marin County Fire Captain Matt Watson. 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. Between 2014 and 2019, only about 150 permits were issued or renewed in Santa Clara County. Capt. 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. DA Jeff Rosen alleged conspirators solicited $90,000 in campaign contributions for Sheriff Laurie Smiths political campaign in exchange for 10-12 concealed carry gun permits MORE @nbcbayarea. 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. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! 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. 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. He touts his experience working as a correctional officer at Elmwood Correctional Facility, starting in the mid-1980s. 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. Before that, he was chief of police in Menlo Park for five years. By Bay City News Published July 16, 2013. The morale will get better, then the whole department, Jensen told San Jos Spotlight. 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. 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. Saratoga hosts LAW-tes and Coffee with a Cop events to keep the community engaged with the Sheriffs Office, Valenzuela said. 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. 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. 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. He spent the bulk of his career27 yearsin the LA County Sheriffs Department, retiring as captain of Lancaster Station. Character is hugeif you dont have the ability to make decisions for the right reasons, it wont work, Jensen said. Reverend Jeff Moore, the head of the NAACP Silicon Valley Chapter had a CCW permit, but it was never renewed for reasons unknown. She would combat this by setting up a retention program. This is your newsroom. Hes also interested in growing the jails mental health resources by potentially enlisting interns and clinicians in training from local universities. 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. There are some very strong advocates for changes in the jail system, and Im among them, Jensen said. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. Known for. And were here to provide it. 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. 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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. In addition to bribery, the indictment charges Jensen with conspiring with AS Solution employees to put false information in their CCW license applications. Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonsen remained on track Wednesday to be elected Santa Clara County's next sheriff. 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.. 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 has spent months fending off attacks from the Board of Supervisors, which voted no confidence in her leadership. 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. 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. Permits to carry a concealed weapon can be difficult to obtain in Santa Clara County, as they are in most of the Bay Area. 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. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group;. With all of the county's 754 precincts reporting as of 5 p.m. Wednesday,. Nagayes major endorsement is from the Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley, and she says she has strong support among deputies and residents.