Jensen started working as a deputy at Elmwood Correctional Facility in 1985. Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. The recently released autopsy report of Thomas Phan, a 40-year-old homeless man shot and killed by deputies with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on Nov. 16, provided new details . All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! "You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law.". Then I suggest you educate other voters so more people are aware. 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Rosen reiterated Monday that his offices investigation is still active, but declined to comment on whether prosecutors are any closer to implicating the sheriff. 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. We know hes the best candidate to address these issues (in the office).. 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. "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. Over the next 30 years he worked in numerous roles in the county jail and Sheriffs Office. Southern California mountain residents head home, for many its the first time in days That is what we are doing here.. In a statement, the sheriff's office said Jensen will be placed on administrative leave immediately. The remaining four defendants, who were indicted on conspiracy and bribery charges, put off entering pleas until Sept. 21. Monday through Friday through 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Closed on Santa Clara County holidays. She is now on paid . | All donations are tax-deductible. A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? 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. 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 cited a internal solutions group he helped create inPalo Alto to address issues like morale and promotions. 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: [email protected] 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. She needs to leave and take the stench shes created with her. Rick Sung as commander of the patrol division. 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. "I think people should be treated fairly and equally under this system," Long said. Sean Allen. I was at the sheriff forum and only one candidate said she would uphold the US Constitution. Kevin Jensen, a retired captain with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, is running to replace Laurie Smith. Sheriff of Santa Clara County, California. 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. Smiths tenure as sheriff has been marred by scandals and political investigations. Ricardo "Rich" Urena has been tapped to replace . "I think as an elected official, she needs to come forward and tell the After Smith won that race, she promoted Le to captain. Comments are moderated and approved by administrators. Election 2022 candidates for Santa Clara County Sheriff: retired Palo Alto police chief Bob Jonsen (left) and retired sheriff's captain Kevin Jensen. County Sheriff's Captain, Prominent Lawyer Charged with Gun Permit Bribery Scheme. Related Articles 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Were changing the face of journalism by providing an innovative model for delivering reliable, truthful news to the nations 10th largest city. A contender for the top law enforcement job in Santa Clara County has won a coveted endorsement. Jensen lost that election, but he believes the time is right for a new run and cites the support from the association. The DA's Office said it is continuing to investigate additional crimes and individuals in relation to the issuing of CCW licenses. 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. 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. 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. 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. Whether applicants received a permit depended on which group they belonged to. 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.. Last . Look at all the officers that left for other agencies under his tenure. 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. I feel the right person for the job is not the smoothest talking person that sounded good. The morale will get better, then the whole department, Jensen told San Jos Spotlight. (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). 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. 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. 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. 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. The culture of management can no longer be one of fear and intimidation.. 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.. Jensen, 58, retired in 2013. The Civil Warrants Division serves Civil process in the manner prescribed by law. But the sheriff position is not just any typical management job. "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. Colton is a latecomer to the race, having filed her nomination papers in March. So he is also a liar. 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. Kevin Jensen, who announced his run for sheriff last September. Christian West, AS Solutions CEO at the time of the alleged scheme, was charged separately on two felony conspiracy counts. 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. We have seen such words used when the City Council has voted. Before that, he was chief of police in Menlo Park for five years. She resigned as sheriff on . Hiscampaign filings do not reflect a total amount raised to date, but the candidate himself says hes raised about $50,000. Your email address will not be published. NBC Bay Area called or emailed each of the four defendants in the case Friday, but so far, only Jensen's attorney has responded. I am the only candidate who has addressed these issues for 30 years, Allen said. Contact Eli Wolfe at[emailprotected]or@EliWolfe4on Twitter. 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. Santa Clara County Sheriff candidates Kevin Jensen and Bob Jonsen. Santa Clara Sheriffs gun-permit process: public safety or politics? "I'm feeling very hopeful and optimistic, cautiously. 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.. She is a San Jose State University alumna and enjoys hiking and camping in her spare time. 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. NIchols owns a company called The Gun Co., which manufactures firearms parts. / CBS San Francisco. 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. Allowing her team to continually bully and brutalize mentally challenged inmates is disgusting. Sheriff Bob Jonsen has been in law enforcement since 1986. Christine Nagaye, Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonsen and sheriff Sgt. He previously reported in Washington, D.C., Salinas and the East Bay, and is a middling triathlete. I will not vote for him for Sheriff. Reverend Jeff Moore, the head of the NAACP Silicon Valley Chapter had a CCW permit, but it was never renewed for reasons unknown. 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 . None of the PIOs who testified could recall an instance where they personally witnessed Smith signing an approved permit, according to the transcripts. 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. 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 Deputy Sheriffs Association of Santa Clara County is throwing its support behind retired sheriff Capt. Emergency: 9-1-1; Emergency and Non-Emergency Number from all phones: (408) 299 - 2311; General Information from cellular phone: (408) 808 - 4400 SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office announced Friday that four people -- including a Santa Clara County Sheriff's captain -- have been indicted by. Every captain thats worked on this side of town has made an impact with the community. 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. 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. Sheriffs Capt. Our jail is among the 100 systems nationwide with an inmate population of more than 1,000. There were 44 reported burglaries from January to October of 2021, while 59 burglaries were reported in the same time period in 2022. The state attorney general is investigating possible civil rights violations in the jail system, and Smith is fighting a political corruption accusation brought by a civil grand jury that claims she granted concealed firearm licenses to political supporters. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office issued the following comment to ABC7 News. 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. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group), SAN JOSE, CA - AUGUST 31: Michael Nichols, right, is photographed outside of the San Jose Hall of Justice on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, in San Jose, Calif. Nichols was arraigned on conspiracy and bribery charges involving concealed weapon permits in Santa Clara County. She would combat this by setting up a retention program. Capt. Five candidates are jockeying for Smiths seat. All Rights Reserved. In response to a list of questions, Colton referred San Jos Spotlight to aquestionnaireshe filled out for a recent sheriff candidate forum. I will let people know this department is going to be run based on performance and rewards for performance.. Luis later supervised the Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team working regional investigations with local, county, state and federal public safety partners. "I know they used a lot of that money on social media, slamming me," he said. Source: https://nationallibertyalliance.org/files/sheriffmemo/Power%20and%20Authority%20of%20The%20County%20Sheriff.pdf. Local News | Instead, the application would be filed away and forgotten. | All donations are tax-deductible. Contact Eli Wolfe at[emailprotected]or@EliWolfe4on Twitter. The county has a similar program, but Jonsen wants to expand it to meet greater demand. Kevin Jensen, who announced his run for sheriff last September.The association's members voted overwhelmingly to support endorsing him. Occupation. The side of a Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office vehicle is pictured in this file photo. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! There is only ONE job in the United States that has the job description of defending the US Constitution and protecting We the People. 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. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. 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. 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.. 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. Allen says he stands out from his opponents because hes spent much of his career openly criticizing the office. These cameras capture vehicle license plates and compare them with Sheriffs Office databases to alert authorities when a plate matches a listing. The I-Team also reached out to Reggie Cooks, a public affairs officer for the sheriff's department, and he has not responded at the time this story was reported. 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. 1:45 p.m. They should not be for sale.". 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. Im the candidate that brings the fresh perspective and greatest opportunity for change.. 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. She also served in the offices operational standards and inspections unit and worked at both Elmwood and the main jail. Rosen wanted to make it clear his office will hold any public official accountable for misconduct. When I had asked him in one of those early conversations I got, like I dont remember the words it was, basically, Dont ask.'. Between 2014 and 2019, only about 150 permits were issued or renewed in Santa Clara County. Rich Urena, who will head the Sheriffs Offices Detective Division. 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. Comments are moderated and approved by administrators. 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. 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. Sheriff's Department Captain James Jensen, attorneys Christopher Schumb and Harpaul Nahal and business owner Michael Nichols are charged with conspiring with the CEO and a middle manager of AS Solution, Inc. -- an international security company -- to offer a $90,000 bribe to obtain concealed firearms permits (CCW licenses) for the company's executive protection agents. Allen, 51, has mostly worked in the jail system. 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. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. Law Enforcement. 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 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. 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. Jail reform is one of the key issues in the Sheriff's race, pitting former Palo Alto Police Chief Bob Jonsen against former . In 2017, she received $449,767.49 with overtime and benefits, on a $142,530.12 base salary. Sheriff Smith has consistently declined to comment on year-and-a-half-long probe. Known for. 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. 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. Nichols, CEO of The Gun Co. based in Milpitas, reportedly knew Nielsen as a buddy, and eventually worked with Nahal and Schumb to get the alleged quid pro quo in motion. CBS. Santa Clara County Sherif California law requires candidates for county sheriff to have experience as certified law enforcement officers. 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. 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. Saying yes, but doing NO. 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.". 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. Santa Clara County Salaries - Sheriff's Correctional Captain Highest salary at Santa Clara County in year 2021 was $472,633. You do the math. Jensen's attorney Harry S. Stern released the following statement to ABC7 News: James is devastated by this development. Shes concerned about declining morale in the office,notingstaffing levels are lowwhich means many employees work mandatory overtime, separating them from their families. Jensen has also received endorsements from retired county supervisor Blanca Alvarado, Gilroy Mayor Marie Blankley, Milpitas Mayor Rich Tran and former sheriff Robert Winter. 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. The race is between two candidates: Bob Jonsen and Kevin Jensen. Only 62 applicants received a permit, according to the records. To avoid the perception of impropriety, Jensen said he wont take any financial contributions from employees. A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? The second half of the agreed-upon donation amount wasstymied by the DA investigation, authorities said. 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.. Hope Now we get a real sherriff elected. Jonsen said he also values transparency in law enforcement. 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. Hes worked in every area of sheriffs office jurisdiction. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. She is now on paid administrative leave. No other candidate mentioned the Constitution. "CCW licenses should not be given out in exchange for campaign donations. 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. 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. "This investigation revealed the sad reality that at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office there are 2 policies for those seeking CCW licenses. The transcripts also contain testimony from three former and current sheriffs public information officers outlining a haphazard process with inconsistent criteria on who got the rarely-issued weapons permits. 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. Stromgren recalled a conversation he had with Nielsen: I told him on a couple of occasions I didnt feel comfortable. August 7, 2020 / 11:34 AM Detectives pursue all cases to conclusion from reports generated by patrol deputies, except those cases dealing with homicide, sex, or narcotics, which are . 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. If you care about your Constitutional rights, vote for the person who UNDERSTANDS and actually WILL uphold the US Constitution and your unalienable rights! 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). If convicted could get 11 years in prison. 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.
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