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. 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. 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. 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. As of January, he has raised $72,398. I will always remember my oath to protect and servethat will be my ultimate oath, and thats why Im running for sheriff.. Allen, 51, has mostly worked in the jail system. These cameras capture vehicle license plates and compare them with Sheriffs Office databases to alert authorities when a plate matches a listing. 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. In addition Robert Johnson has done his best to avoid transparency. 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. Hes worked in every area of sheriffs office jurisdiction. In addition to bribery, the indictment charges Jensen with conspiring with AS Solution employees to put false information in their CCW license applications. Jensen, 58, retired in 2013. Essentially, just be out there for the community to ask us questions and get suggestions from the community about where the problems are, he added. As of January, shes raised $8,400. 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. There are some very strong advocates for changes in the jail system, and Im among them, Jensen said. (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. Allen says he stands out from his opponents because hes spent much of his career openly criticizing the office. Instead, the application would be filed away and forgotten. 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. "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. 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. But the sheriff position is not just any typical management job. Now, Long said he wants to a see a system that treats all applicants equally. He cited a internal solutions group he helped create inPalo Alto to address issues like morale and promotions. She is also facing a civil grand jury accusation for corrupt misconduct and a state attorney general investigation into possible civil rights violations in the county jail. CBS. Take a look at more stories and videos by the ABC7 News I-Team. We are not done, he said. Le reportedly wanted to create a break space for correctional staff. A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? He said after Friday's news, Sheriff Smith needs to go. Sheriff Bob Jonsen has been in law enforcement since 1986. Oakland police investigating spate of shootings that left one dead, five wounded 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. Stromgren recalled a conversation he had with Nielsen: I told him on a couple of occasions I didnt feel comfortable. From there, he was promoted to lieutenant and came back to Saratoga as the assistant commander of the West Valley Patrol Division. He replaces 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. Rosen said his office's probe was triggered by a San Jose Inside article focusing on a large 2018 contribution to Smith's campaign. She needs to leave and take the stench shes created with her. 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. 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.. "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.". He also plans to improve the treatment for mentally ill inmatesand overall conditions in the jail system. 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. Comments are moderated and approved by administrators. 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. Sheriff spokesman Sgt. Instead, it will be tossed in a filing cabinet and forgotten. A veteran staff trainer, Allen wants to change how officers apply use of force, saying there need to be more alternatives for de-escalating situations and preventing harm to inmates. He says it's time for Sheriff Smith to speak out if she knows anything 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. 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 think people should be treated fairly and equally under this system," Long said. He previously reported in Washington, D.C., Salinas and the East Bay, and is a middling triathlete. The county has a similar program, but Jonsen wants to expand it to meet greater demand. 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. If elected, Jensen said he will focus on addressing staffing and morale decline in the sheriffs office, including the correctional facilities. 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. 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. A former manager for a security company who implicated a Santa Clara County Sheriff's captain and others in an alleged bribery scheme to trade political donations supporting the sheriff in exchange for concealed-carry weapons has testified in the civil corruption trial . 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. Sheriffs Capt. A San Jose native, he graduated from UCLA with a BA degree in history and from the University of Maryland with a MA degree in journalism. Reach him the low-tech way at 408-920-5002. "My concern is not whether the sheriff grants many or few CCW licenses, but whether they are being granted or denied for the wrong reasons," said Rosen. In response to a list of questions, Colton referred San Jos Spotlight to aquestionnaireshe filled out for a recent sheriff candidate forum. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! 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. 2 brothers found guilty of murdering groom at California wedding party Le has been one of the most well-paid Santa Clara County employees for years. Law Enforcement. Shes concerned about declining morale in the office,notingstaffing levels are lowwhich means many employees work mandatory overtime, separating them from their families. 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. All Rights Reserved. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the charges August 31, 2020 at the Hall of Justice in San Jose. The division commander is Captain Rich Urena, who serves as the Chief of Police for the Town of Los Altos Hills. Robert Salonga is a Bay Area News Group reporter who covers criminal justice and public safety for The Mercury News and East Bay Times. 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. She also served in the offices operational standards and inspections unit and worked at both Elmwood and the main jail. "It's been something of an open secret within the firearms community," Long said. My unique experience speaks for myself. Colton is a latecomer to the race, having filed her nomination papers in March. 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.
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