These cameras capture vehicle license plates and compare them with Sheriffs Office databases to alert authorities when a plate matches a listing. Jensen is also accused of signing off on seven permit recipients who did not complete mandatory firearms proficiency exams including a permit renewal for county Supervisor Mike Wasserman. 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. 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. Five candidates are jockeying for Smiths seat. A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Rosen did say that his office had reviewed phone and computer records and interviewed dozens of witnesses to determine whether there had been communication between Jensen and the Sheriff regarding the bribery scheme. 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. The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters told San Jos Spotlight Colton is a registered voter in the county, and submitted a signed declaration swearing she meets the requirements of the position. Hope Now we get a real sherriff elected. 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. Now, Long said he wants to a see a system that treats all applicants equally. (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. Jensen is competing with three other candidates: sheriff Sgt. There were 44 reported burglaries from January to October of 2021, while 59 burglaries were reported in the same time period in 2022. Kevin Jensen, who announced his run for sheriff last September.The association's members voted overwhelmingly to support endorsing him. "I'm feeling very hopeful and optimistic, cautiously. 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. There has been a changing of the guard at the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office West Valley Division. The second half of the payment was forestalled by the DA investigation. 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. In Santa Clara County, there's only room for one sheriff in town. 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. Were partnering with you the readers to make it happen. Public File for KBCW-TV / KBCW 44 Cable 12. 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.. 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. Public Safety Alliance ("PSA"), an independent expenditure committee supporting Sheriff Smith. As the I-Team reported last September, the man suffered brain damage and his parents are suing the county and the Sheriff's Department. Jensen said he is also proud to have the support of former county Supervisor Blanca Alvarado. The following month, Nielsen and AS Solution, Inc. CEO Christian West met with Nichols, Hahal, and attorney Christopher Scumb at the Sainte Claire Club in San Jose, where Schumb described his fundraising work for Sheriff Smith and told Nielsen to seek out then Sheriff's Lieutenant James Jensen at the Best in the West SWAT competition. 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. 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. With all of the county's 754 precincts reporting as of 5 p.m. Wednesday,. we have been without one, https://www.kevinjensen4sheriff.com/endorsements. Over the next 30 years he worked in numerous roles in the county jail and Sheriffs Office. As of January, he has raised $72,398. 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. Ricardo "Rich" Urena has been tapped to replace . Kevin Jensen, who announced his run for sheriff last September. 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. 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. After Smith won that race, she promoted Le to captain. The associations members voted overwhelmingly to support endorsing him. Monday through Friday through 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. "They should not be for sale. Hirokawa said Jensen's quick rise to captain after Smith's re-election raised eyebrows in the office at the time. | All donations are tax-deductible. Moreover, he doesnt have the authority to grant permits nor did he receive anything for processing them. 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. If you care about your Constitutional rights, vote for the person who UNDERSTANDS and actually WILL uphold the US Constitution and your unalienable rights! Allen has been in the trenches for bit and dont think he is a good ol boy either. "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.". "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.". Local News | Its not clear if Colton qualifies for sheriff. This is your newsroom. He said its important to increase the offices transparency. She is now on paid . So he is also a liar. The Santa Clara County District Attorney said the defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges August 31, 2020. at San Jose's Hall of Justice. None of the PIOs who testified could recall an instance where they personally witnessed Smith signing an approved permit, according to the transcripts. 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. Related Articles Christine Nagaye, Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonsen and sheriff Sgt. 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. Smiths office granted concealed gun permits to 22 of those 28 applicants, an approval rate of about 79%. . Instead, it will be tossed in a filing cabinet and forgotten. 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. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. 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. Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriffs Offices Detective Division. In 2017, another captain had used inmate labor to build arbors and a storage shed. Then I suggest you educate other voters so more people are aware. So I can ask them about the SJ Search and Rescue team and how we can support the new sherriff. I will not vote for him for Sheriff. That is what we are doing here.. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges August 31, 2020 at the Hall of Justice in San Jose. Our jail is among the 100 systems nationwide with an inmate population of more than 1,000. In response to a list of questions, Colton referred San Jos Spotlight to aquestionnaireshe filled out for a recent sheriff candidate forum. "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. This is my favorite place to work. 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. In the 20 years that Neil Valenzuela has worked for the Sheriffs Office, he keeps coming back to Saratoga. To avoid the perception of impropriety, Jensen said he wont take any financial contributions from employees. The new sheriff of San Mateo County, Christina Corpus, has been assembling a command staff that includes a former Realtor who has little law enforcement experience, though he has volunteered with the Woodside Mounted Patrol. 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. 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. 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. I feel the right person for the job is not the smoothest talking person that sounded good. 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. Urena was promoted to the position Aug. 1. Were changing the face of journalism by providing an innovative model for delivering reliable, truthful news to the nations 10th largest city. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters, SAN JOSE, CA - AUGUST 31: Christian West, left, the former CEO and Founder of the security company AS Solution is photographed outside of the Hall of Justice on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, in San Jose, Calif. West pleaded guilty to two conspiracy charges involving concealed weapon permits in Santa Clara County. If convicted, the defendants could receive prison time. We are a bit troubled by the words overwhelmingly and unanimously (and others) when it comes to any voting. He plans to implement greater civilian oversight in the jail systeman outstanding concern among county officials. 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. Jensen, 58, retired in 2013. County Sheriff's Captain, Prominent Lawyer Charged with Gun Permit Bribery Scheme. 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. Kristi Myllenbeck covers all things Cupertino, from crime and breaking news to education and development. Your email address will not be published. Photo courtesy of Kevin Jensen. I am a mom, wife, a veteran, LGBTQ+ ally and I understand the diversity of Santa Clara County, Nagaye said. When I had asked him in one of those early conversations I got, like I dont remember the words it was, basically, Dont ask.'. Saratoga hosts LAW-tes and Coffee with a Cop events to keep the community engaged with the Sheriffs Office, Valenzuela said. How safe is your neighborhood? Transcripts show the county supervisor blamed a chronically bad memory for his inability to recall whether he fulfilled the proficiency requirements. August 7, 2020 / 11:34 AM "My concern is not whether the sheriff grants many or few CCW licenses, but whether they are being granted or denied for the wrong reasons," Rosen said. Capt. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Im the only candidate who has called out the bad behavior and served all the major functions in the Sheriffs Office.. I worked with S. Allen at Elmwood (I am nurse). 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. Saying yes, but doing NO. The department also said it's monitoring the situation and has no additional information to provide at this time. 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 is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Allen, 51, has mostly worked in the jail system. If theres problems with speeding or people running stop signs, (these events) give them more direct access to us and assist them in a better way.. In a statement, attorney Harry S. Stern said: "James is devastated by this development. "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. MILPITAS, Calif. (KGO) -- Santa Clara County Sheriff's Captain Amy Le got walked off the job at Elmwood Jail this past Friday in tears, her badge and county vehicle taken away. He served various roles for the next three decades, including as an assistant chief in the department of corrections and as jail administration commander. Ricardo Rich Urena has been tapped to replace Capt. Jensen has also received endorsements from retired county supervisor Blanca Alvarado, Gilroy Mayor Marie Blankley, Milpitas Mayor Rich Tran and former sheriff Robert Winter. Rosen said his office's probe was triggered by a San Jose Inside article focusing on a large 2018 contribution to Smith's campaign. 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. Whats next for the former Frys HQ in San Jose? Moreover, he doesn't have the authority to grant permits nor did he receive anything for processing them. The division commander is Captain Rich Urena, who serves as the Chief of Police for the Town of Los Altos Hills. SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Former Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith has been found guilty on all six corruption and misconduct counts in her civil corruption trial. Jensen started working as a deputy at Elmwood Correctional Facility in 1985. "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. San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. As we gather more evidence, we expect to file more charges against more individuals in the coming weeks. Local News | The investigation is active and ongoing," said Rosen. 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. She has spent months fending off attacks from the Board of Supervisors, which voted no confidence in her leadership. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges on Aug. 31. Sheriff Robert Jonsen Sheriff's Office Facebook Page Sheriff's Office Twitter Feed Sheriff's Office Instagram Feed Contact Us 55 West Younger Avenue San Jose, CA 95110-1721 Phone: (408) 808-4400 Toll Free: (800) 211-2220 Fax: (408) 294-2467 Email: so.website@shf.sccgov.org 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. They should not be for sale.". All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! The ABC7 News I-Team asked Le to provide a comment but she declined. 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. 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.. Nagayes major endorsement is from the Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley, and she says she has strong support among deputies and residents. If elected, Jensen said he will focus on addressing staffing and morale decline in the sheriffs office, including the correctional facilities. Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. All of these people do not feel safe, and they feel threatened, Nagaye told San Jos Spotlight. ", #Breaking Four people including SantaClara Co Sheriffs Captain indicted in concealed carry pay to play scheme MORE @nbcbayarea. 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. 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. 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. 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 . The morale will get better, then the whole department, Jensen told San Jos Spotlight. Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonsen remained on track Wednesday to be elected Santa Clara County's next sheriff. 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. He touts his experience working as a correctional officer at Elmwood Correctional Facility, starting in the mid-1980s. 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. Hes raised $72,398 through campaign donations and a loan. 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.. Sean Allen. This is your newsroom. A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? He is unlikely to be any better than the current Sherriff. Comments are moderated and approved by administrators. He wants to prioritize building morale in the office, which he said has been low for many years, and to rebuild relationships with the San Jose Police Departmenthe claims Smith neglected. 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. In addition to bribery, the indictment accuses Jensen of conspiring with AS Solution employees to put false information in their CCW license applications. 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. Palo Alto police are out-of-control and Palo Alto has lots of payouts to victims. 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.
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