Look at all the officers that left for other agencies under his tenure. 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. The second installment was forestalled by the DA investigation. Harry Stern, Jensens attorney, reiterated that Jensen did not have the power to grant the concealed-gun permits. Ricardo "Rich" Urena has been tapped to replace . 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. Reggie Cooks said he couldn't disclose why that happened and offered the following official response: "In . The 16-page indictment, which you can read here , lays out each defendant's alleged role in the scheme to secure a massive campaign contribution for Smith in exchange for concealed gun permits. 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. 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. There is only ONE job in the United States that has the job description of defending the US Constitution and protecting We the People. 1:45 p.m. He spent the bulk of his career27 yearsin the LA County Sheriffs Department, retiring as captain of Lancaster Station. Nagayes major endorsement is from the Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley, and she says she has strong support among deputies and residents. Saratoga hosts LAW-tes and Coffee with a Cop events to keep the community engaged with the Sheriffs Office, Valenzuela said. "We will follow the evidence where it leads. Len Ramirez and Kiet Do contributed to this story. He started his law enforcement career with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office in 1989. The ABC7 News I-Team asked Le to provide a comment but she declined. The department also said it's monitoring the situation and has no additional information to provide at this time. 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 second half of the agreed-upon donation amount wasstymied by the DA investigation, authorities said. Your email address will not be published. I will let people know this department is going to be run based on performance and rewards for performance.. Santa Clara County Salaries - Sheriff's Correctional Captain Highest salary at Santa Clara County in year 2021 was $472,633. "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 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. Robert Salonga is a Bay Area News Group reporter who covers criminal justice and public safety for The Mercury News and East Bay Times. Capt. 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. 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. Urena told the council that he is prepared to take on the challenge. I was at the sheriff forum and only one candidate said she would uphold the US Constitution. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. From there, he was promoted to lieutenant and came back to Saratoga as the assistant commander of the West Valley Patrol Division. 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 other three members of her command staff including former Mountain View . "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. 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. 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. Smiths office granted concealed gun permits to 22 of those 28 applicants, an approval rate of about 79%. Permits to carry a concealed weapon can be difficult to obtain in Santa Clara County, as they are in most of the Bay Area. In addition to conspiracy and bribery charges, Jensen is accused of falsifying public records. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations," Rosen said. After Smith won that race, she promoted Le to captain. When I got my prints taken here, it was my third fingerprinting in probably ten months, as all my jobs involve(d) either working with minors or with school districts that serve minors. San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. "CCW licenses should not be given out in exchange for campaign donations. "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.". FILE - Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith walks to a news conference in Cupertino, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. He joined the Bay Area News Group in 2014. Thats why his chances a slim. 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. Im the candidate that brings the fresh perspective and greatest opportunity for change.. The Deputy Sheriffs' Association of Santa Clara County is throwing its support behind retired sheriff Capt. (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. "You don't even need to live in the county, which is required by law.". Last . Kevin Jensen said Tuesday that it was "humbling" that two unions want him to run against Sheriff Laurie . "I'm feeling very hopeful and optimistic, cautiously. Before that, he was chief of police in Menlo Park for five years. And Captain Jenson will even wave the mandated gun testing at a gun range," said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. 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. Both Smith and Undersheriff Rick Sung invoked their Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination when they appeared before a criminal grand jury Aug. 3, and refused to answer any questions about the scandal, according to transcripts of the proceedings. In 2017, another captain had used inmate labor to build arbors and a storage shed. Election 2022 candidates for Santa Clara County Sheriff: retired Palo Alto police chief Bob Jonsen (left) and retired sheriff's captain Kevin Jensen. 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. 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. 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. They should not be for sale.". (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. In a statement, attorney Harry S. Stern said: "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. My resolutions are not something Im just sayingits something Ive been doing my entire career.. 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. He may be contacted at 408-868-6612 or email at email Rich Urena. If elected, Jensen said he will focus on addressing staffing and morale decline in the sheriffs office, including the correctional facilities. Every captain thats worked on this side of town has made an impact with the community. "CCW licenses should not be given in exchange for campaign donations. The complete transcript of the grand jury's findings will be released in the coming weeks. 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. 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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. Jail reform is one of the key issues in the Sheriff's race, pitting former Palo Alto Police Chief Bob Jonsen against former . Capt. This is my favorite place to work. By comparison, Sacramento County has more than 5,000 active permits. She is a San Jose State University alumna and enjoys hiking and camping in her spare time. Santa Clara Sheriffs gun-permit process: public safety or politics? In addition to bribery, the indictment accuses Jensen of conspiring with AS Solution employees to put false information in their CCW license applications. If they dont get this then they are oblivious and are incapable of doing a good job if elected. 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. Long, who created a blog to document the CCW process in Santa Clara County, said he was unsurprised by the indictments. 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. "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. 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. Palo Alto police are out-of-control and Palo Alto has lots of payouts to victims. Occupation. 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. (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). He was promoted to captain and was assigned to Stanford University before requesting to come back to Saratoga and serve as the division commander. In the 20 years that Neil Valenzuela has worked for the Sheriffs Office, he keeps coming back to Saratoga. At Best in the West, according to the indictment, Nichols introduced Nielsen to Jensen, where they agreed to a deal where AS Solution's agents would receive CCW permits in exchange for a large donation to the Sheriff's campaign. 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. 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. Kevin Jensen, who announced his run for sheriff last September. 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. And were here to provide it. Amy Le, who led the Santa Clara County Correctional Peace Officers' Association (CPOA) and went to bat for Sheriff Laurie Smith in her last election, was served a letter charging her with wrongdoing, stripped of her badge and escorted off the job Friday. 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 . Its a small town community I like interacting with.. "The DA's office is continuing to investigate more crimes and more individuals related to Sheriff Smith's issuance of CCW licenses. I worked with S. Allen at Elmwood (I am nurse). 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. None of the PIOs who testified could recall an instance where they personally witnessed Smith signing an approved permit, according to the transcripts. (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. With Californias soaring mountains steep in snow, heres how to avoid an avalanche The Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office named Valenzuela the new commander of the West Valley Patrol Division last month. BY EMILY MIBACH. Colton is a latecomer to the race, having filed her nomination papers in March. Emergency Contact Information . Sheriff Smith has consistently declined to comment on year-and-a-half-long probe. Between 2014 and 2019, only about 150 permits were issued or renewed in Santa Clara County. Rosen said his office's probe was triggered by a San Jose Inside article focusing on a large 2018 contribution to Smith's campaign. 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.. 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. it's safer than driving," said Marin County Fire Captain Matt Watson. If you care about your Constitutional rights, vote for the person who UNDERSTANDS and actually WILL uphold the US Constitution and your unalienable rights! How safe is your neighborhood? She would combat this by setting up a retention program. Reach him the low-tech way at 408-920-5002. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. 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. Public File for KBCW-TV / KBCW 44 Cable 12. He replaces Capt. Hes worked in every area of sheriffs office jurisdiction. She is also a veteran, having served for five years as a combat medic and training officer in the army. 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. Santa Clara County Sheriffs Captain James Jensen among 4 people indicted by grand jury yesterday according to DA Jeff Jensen @nbcbayarea. Sheriff spokesman Sgt. 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. Photo courtesy of Kevin Jensen. Law Enforcement. 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. 2 brothers found guilty of murdering groom at California wedding party I am the only candidate who has addressed these issues for 30 years, Allen said. 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. As the I-Team reported last September, the man suffered brain damage and his parents are suing the county and the Sheriff's Department. Le apparently ran into trouble when her superiors did not like her project, and when they learned she didn't have a building permit. Sheriff of Santa Clara County, California. Kevin Jensen, a retired captain with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, is running to replace Laurie Smith. August 7, 2020 / 11:34 AM | All donations are tax-deductible. We also levy on wages, bank accounts, vehicles or any asset of the judgment debtor. Sean Allen. There has been a changing of the guard at the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office West Valley Division. We are not done.". Christine Nagaye, Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonsen and sheriff Sgt. Shes concerned about declining morale in the office,notingstaffing levels are lowwhich means many employees work mandatory overtime, separating them from their families. San Jos Spotlight is a project of the San Jos News Bureau, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization | Tax ID: 82-5355128. Hes also interested in growing the jails mental health resources by potentially enlisting interns and clinicians in training from local universities. As of January, he has raised $72,398. 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. 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. 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. He touts his experience working as a correctional officer at Elmwood Correctional Facility, starting in the mid-1980s. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Jensen started working as a deputy at Elmwood Correctional Facility in 1985. 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. That is the County Sheriffs ultimate job duty. 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. 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. He served various roles for the next three decades, including as an assistant chief in the department of corrections and as jail administration commander. "I know they used a lot of that money on social media, slamming me," he said. Stromgren recalled a conversation he had with Nielsen: I told him on a couple of occasions I didnt feel comfortable. For a look at more stories and videos by the ABC7 News I-Team go here. Related Articles Between 2014 and 2018, 749 Santa Clara County residents applied for a new CCW permit, according to records provided by the sheriffs department. 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. Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. 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. Luis later supervised the Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team working regional investigations with local, county, state and federal public safety partners. Christine Nagaye wants to transform theoffice into a national role model. 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. Smiths tenure as sheriff has been marred by scandals and political investigations. 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.. All Rights Reserved. Rick Sung as commander of the patrol division. 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.. about the scheme. And were here to provide it. 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 avoid the perception of impropriety, Jensen said he wont take any financial contributions from employees. 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. Kristi Myllenbeck covers all things Cupertino, from crime and breaking news to education and development. Local News | In Santa Clara County, there's only room for one sheriff in town.
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