California law requires candidates for county sheriff to have experience as certified law enforcement officers. 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. And Captain Jenson will even wave the mandated gun testing at a gun range," said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. Sheriff Smith herself was not among those indicted Friday, but Rosen said his office's investigation is wide ranging and far from over. 5:45 p.m. Lake County sheriff declares a local emergency due to snow. 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. But the sheriff position is not just any typical management job. "It's been something of an open secret within the firearms community," Long said. He also notedhes implemented community advisory groups in every command position hes held. Then I suggest you educate other voters so more people are aware. A contender for the top law enforcement job in Santa Clara County has won a coveted endorsement. CBS. In a surprise turn, West used the defendants Monday arraignment to plead guilty. We also levy on wages, bank accounts, vehicles or any asset of the judgment debtor. 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. If convicted, the defendants could receive prison time. She has been working for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers since 2015. I am a mom, wife, a veteran, LGBTQ+ ally and I understand the diversity of Santa Clara County, Nagaye said. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. Now, Long said he wants to a see a system that treats all applicants equally. 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Closed on Santa Clara County holidays. Saturday and Sunday through Closed. Permits to carry a concealed weapon can be difficult to obtain in Santa Clara County, as they are in most of the Bay Area. Were changing the face of journalism by providing an innovative model for delivering reliable, truthful news to the nations 10th largest city. Saying yes, but doing NO. 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. To avoid the perception of impropriety, Jensen said he wont take any financial contributions from employees. Comments are moderated and approved by administrators. If the Sheriff lacks a full understanding of the Constitution it would stand to reason that he is vulnerable to violation of his oath. 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. Urena has a wealth of patrol experience, he told the five-member city council. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The associations members voted overwhelmingly to support endorsing him.. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! A grand jury has indicted Santa Clara County Undersheriff Rick Sung and added an additional indictment against a captain linked to a concealed weapons permit scandal that has rocked the Sheriff's . San Jos Spotlight is the citys first nonprofit, community-supported digital news organization. (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. San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. 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. After Smith won that race, she promoted Le to captain. The Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. The Deputy Sheriffs Association of Santa Clara County is throwing its support behind retired sheriff Capt. 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. A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? Law Enforcement. There are some very strong advocates for changes in the jail system, and Im among them, Jensen said. The citys residential burglary rate is up 34%. Im the candidate that brings the fresh perspective and greatest opportunity for change.. 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. And if she feels that So he is also a liar. 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. Hiscampaign filings do not reflect a total amount raised to date, but the candidate himself says hes raised about $50,000. Oakland police investigating spate of shootings that left one dead, five wounded 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. 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. Ricardo Rich Urena has been tapped to replace Capt. We are not done.". Jensen is competing with three other candidates: sheriff Sgt. The second half of the payment was forestalled by the DA investigation. By Bay City News Published July 16, 2013. Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriff's. Rosen wanted to make it clear his office will hold any public official accountable for misconduct. it's safer than driving," said Marin County Fire Captain Matt Watson. He touts his experience working as a correctional officer at Elmwood Correctional Facility, starting in the mid-1980s. Before that, he was chief of police in Menlo Park for five years. He served various roles for the next three decades, including as an assistant chief in the department of corrections and as jail administration commander. Allen says he stands out from his opponents because hes spent much of his career openly criticizing the office. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations. Kevin Jensen, who announced his run for sheriff last September.The association's members voted overwhelmingly to support endorsing him. Contact Eli Wolfe at[emailprotected]or@EliWolfe4on Twitter. she can't talk freely, then she needs to step down," Hirokawa said. "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. Your email address will not be published. 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.. Jail reform is one of the key issues in the Sheriff's race, pitting former Palo Alto Police Chief Bob Jonsen against former . She needs to leave and take the stench shes created with her. "I think people should be treated fairly and equally under this system," Long said. Capt. 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. 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. He wants to dismantle the system of nepotism that he claims took root in the Sheriffs Office during Smiths tenure. Between 2014 and 2018, 749 Santa Clara County residents applied for a new CCW permit, according to records provided by the sheriffs department. This is your newsroom. The exact terms of the deal were hammered out later that month, according to the indictment, when Nielsen and West met with Jensen, Nahal, and Nichols at a San Jose Jamba Juice and agreed upon an exchange of 10-to-12 CCW licenses for a $90,000 donation to Smith's campaign. If convicted could get 11 years in prison. Hirokawa said Jensen's quick rise to captain after Smith's re-election raised eyebrows in the office at the time. 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 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 side of a Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office vehicle is pictured in this file photo. 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. Smith has not filed papers for reelection or said publicly whether she intends to run. 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. Hes also interested in growing the jails mental health resources by potentially enlisting interns and clinicians in training from local universities. The Civil Warrants Division serves Civil process in the manner prescribed by law. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations," Rosen said. Election 2022 candidates for Santa Clara County Sheriff: retired Palo Alto police chief Bob Jonsen (left) and retired sheriff's captain Kevin Jensen. The race is between two candidates: Bob Jonsen and Kevin Jensen. County Sheriff's Captain, Prominent Lawyer Charged with Gun Permit Bribery Scheme. 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. He is unlikely to be any better than the current Sherriff. Hes worked in every area of sheriffs office jurisdiction. 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. Comment Policy (updated 11/1/2021): We reserve the right to delete comments or ban users who engage in personal attacks, hate speech, excess profanity or make verifiably false statements. We were all stuck at home for COVID, and we didnt have really any kind of property crime because everyone was home. In 2017, another captain had used inmate labor to build arbors and a storage shed. Contact Eli Wolfe at[emailprotected]or@EliWolfe4on Twitter. 2007-03-13 12:18:00 PDT SAN JOSE -- Santa Clara County sheriff's investigators expect to go to prosecutors this week with their case against De Anza College baseball players suspected of having . 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. Take a look at more stories and videos by the ABC7 News I-Team. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! 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. A retired Santa Clara County sheriffs captain who ran for office in 2014 and lost, Kevin Jensen believes he has the momentum to take the seat. 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. 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. I will always remember my oath to protect and servethat will be my ultimate oath, and thats why Im running for sheriff.. 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 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. He spent the bulk of his career27 yearsin the LA County Sheriffs Department, retiring as captain of Lancaster Station. 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. 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. San Jos Spotlight was unable to find record of Colton serving in law enforcement. Saratoga hosts LAW-tes and Coffee with a Cop events to keep the community engaged with the Sheriffs Office, Valenzuela said. 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. Santa Clara County Sheriff Sgt. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! 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. In addition to bribery, the indictment accuses Jensen of conspiring with AS Solution employees to put false information in their CCW license applications. He replaces Capt. Le has been one of the most well-paid Santa Clara County employees for years. Jensen, 58, retired in 2013. And were here to provide it. 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. Daily Post Staff Writer. SAN JOSE The former CEO of an executive security firm charged in an alleged scheme to trade political donations for concealed-gun permits from the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office abruptly pleaded guilty in the case Monday, in what prosecutors called a significant development for a corruption probe that could threaten Sheriff Laurie Smiths two-decade tenure. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. 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.. Rick Sung as commander of the patrol division. I would love to serve in that role.. Related Articles Jensen has also received endorsements from retired county supervisor Blanca Alvarado, Gilroy Mayor Marie Blankley, Milpitas Mayor Rich Tran and former sheriff Robert Winter. The culture of management can no longer be one of fear and intimidation.. He started his law enforcement career with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office in 1989. 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.. Capt. "The DA's office is continuing to investigate more crimes and more individuals related to Sheriff Smith's issuance of CCW licenses. NIchols owns a company called The Gun Co., which manufactures firearms parts. Its a small town community I like interacting with.. In response to a list of questions, Colton referred San Jos Spotlight to aquestionnaireshe filled out for a recent sheriff candidate forum. August 10, 2016 at 12:02 p.m. (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. 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. Get San Jos Spotlight headlines delivered to your inbox. 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. Allen has been in the trenches for bit and dont think he is a good ol boy either. 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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. The investigation is active and ongoing," said Rosen. 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. ", 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. Local News | In a statement, the sheriff's office said Jensen will be placed on administrative leave immediately. 1:45 p.m. 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. Whats next for the former Frys HQ in San Jose? Kevin Jensen said Tuesday that it was "humbling" that two unions want him to run against Sheriff Laurie . Last . The DA's Office said it is continuing to investigate additional crimes and individuals in relation to the issuing of CCW licenses. All of these people do not feel safe, and they feel threatened, Nagaye told San Jos Spotlight. And were here to provide it. As of January, shes raised $8,400. 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. So I can ask them about the SJ Search and Rescue team and how we can support the new sherriff. "They should not be for sale. She also served in the offices operational standards and inspections unit and worked at both Elmwood and the main jail. Nagaye, 51, has served in the Sheriffs Office for 20 years, with the last seven as a supervising sergeant. | All donations are tax-deductible. Jensen started working as a deputy at Elmwood Correctional Facility in 1985. 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. 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). 2 brothers found guilty of murdering groom at California wedding party Occupation. Woman found fatally shot on I-580 off-ramp She would combat this by setting up a retention program. We are a bit troubled by the words overwhelmingly and unanimously (and others) when it comes to any voting. "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. Thats why his chances a slim. Shes concerned about declining morale in the office,notingstaffing levels are lowwhich means many employees work mandatory overtime, separating them from their families. Santa Clara County Sherif Local News | 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. Every captain thats worked on this side of town has made an impact with the community. That is what we are doing here.. She is now on paid administrative leave. 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. 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. 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. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office issued the following comment to ABC7 News. With all of the county's 754 precincts reporting as of 5 p.m. Wednesday,. 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. If they dont get this then they are oblivious and are incapable of doing a good job if elected. Robert was a member of the Bay Area News Group reporting team awarded the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting for East Bay Times coverage of the fatal "Ghost Ship" fire. "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. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriffs Offices Detective Division. 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.. Nagayes major endorsement is from the Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley, and she says she has strong support among deputies and residents. 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. 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. He may be contacted at 408-868-6612 or email at email Rich Urena. 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. Kristi Myllenbeck covers all things Cupertino, from crime and breaking news to education and development. I live in Palo Alto, am happy that Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonson is leaving his Palo Alto position. 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. It is extremely painful to have his integrity questioned after spending years dedicated to serving the people of Santa Clara County. 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. Sheriff spokesman Sgt. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges on Aug. 31. about the scheme. Hope Now we get a real sherriff elected. Rosen said his office's probe was triggered by a San Jose Inside article focusing on a large 2018 contribution to Smith's campaign. 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. / CBS San Francisco. 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Christine Nagaye wants to transform theoffice into a national role model. 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.