Monthly Archives: December 2015

Army looking for volunteers to eat packaged meals for 21 days


Three weeks, nothing but packaged, ready-to-eat meals. 

It’s not a far-flung mission, nor is it a lost wager — it’s how Army researchers hope to discover how new knowledge of the digestive process could improve future Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs.) The work could even help protect soldiers from sickness while deployed.

Here’s what you need to know about the ongoing study, run by the Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine’s military nutrition division:

1. “Gut health” goals. Researchers want to learn how MREs effect the trillions of bacteria housed in soldiers’ digestive systems — microorganisms that, when fed properly, can benefit overall wellness.

By finding a base level of these bacteria under study conditions, researchers can determine how to improve MREs when it comes to minding what study head Dr. J. Philip Karl calls “gut health.”

“There’s a lot of interesting and new research looking at gut bacteria, and how those gut bacteria interact with the human body,” Karl said, adding that an “explosion” in research technology over the last decade allows researchers to “really get an understanding that we never have before.”

2. Nutrient addition. As the study continues into 2016, Karl’s team plans to determine what bacteria fuel — indigestible carbohydrates, for instance — might be lacking in the MRE menu.

By working with fellow researchers at the Army’s Combat Feeding Directorate, they can begin to incorporate these nutrients into the meals. Plant-based materials proven to benefit the bacteria could be extracted and included in a First Strike energy bar, for example.

“Research will give us some idea of what we think will work, we’ll go and test do make sure it’s doing what I think it’s doing, and at that point it starts to get incorporated into the rations,” Karl said.

3. Reaping the rewards. Soldiers may not notice the tweaks made to MRE recipes, but the changes could effectively weaponize the rations for use against other digestive threats, Karl said.

“We think we can manipulate the bacteria in a way that helps the bacteria fight foreign pathogens — things that could cause food-borne illness, for example,” he said.

“Oftentimes, war fighters are overseas and they eat something off the local economy that can cause [gastrointestinal] distress. Potentially, what we could do by increasing the amount of beneficial gut bacteria is to help prevent some of that.”

Karl also pointed to emerging research into the cognitive benefits of “gut health,” which could improve soldier readiness in the often-extreme conditions that require a regular diet of MREs.

 

4. Study basics. Participants must be within a reasonable drive to ARIEM’s Natick, Massachusetts, location, and be willing to go without anything but MREs, water and black coffee for three weeks — no other food or drink, including no alcohol.

The study, which includes multiple blood draws and other medical scans, requires a six-week commitment. Full details and registration information are available here.

Not all of the 60 or so participants will be asked to change their diets — half will be part of a control group subject to medical screenings but maintaining their regular eating habits for a month.

5. MRE makeover. Even the most dedicated prepackaged-food fan might sour on the offerings during a 21-day trial, so Natick research dietitians Adrienne Hatch and Holly McClung came up with a book of recipes pulling from multiple MRE offerings.

Study participants can craft everything from specialty beverages (“Canteen Irish Cream Latte”) to main dishes (“Bunker Hill Burritos”) to desserts (“Fort Bliss-ful Pudding Cake”) as they try to keep their palates fresh.

Hatch, who had little experience with MREs before the study kicked off over the summer, said she’d heard a few negative comments from soldiers enforcing negative MRE stereotypes, but “working with this cookbook project has shown me a lot about what the MRE can offer.”

DOJ response To Dawgs Blog request to investigate DA’s office sharing of classified information

 

Today I received this letter in response to my letter sent to the DOJ about the activities of The DA’s office and Linda Taylor.

The letter was the same I had posted here about who I have affectionately called the copsucker See posted letter here .

As you can see the response received from the DOJ does not address the issues I pointed out about classified information being given to a citizen to aid them in an investigation they could not do themselves It only says the DA’s office has the discretion to file charges as they see fit. Again that is not what my issue presented to them entailed.

This was a proverbial kiss off in telling me to contact the local agency involved. I will respond to this letter and post same.

 

 

KAMALA D. HARRIS    State of California

Attorney General    DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

PUBLIC INQUIRY UNIT

P.O. BOX 944255

 

RE: Stanislaus County District Attorney

Dear Martin Carlson:


Thank you for your correspondence to the Office of the Attorney General regardino the handling of criminal cases by the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office.

California law gives discretionary authority to a locally elected prosecutor in filing criminal actions. The decision whether or not to file charges calls for consideration of the prospects of obtaining a conviction against a particular defendant. In making that decision, the district attorney must evaluate the likelihood that a jury, after weighing all of the conflicting evidence, would find the defendant guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt. ”

We understand it is not uncommon for members of the public to differ with the district attorney on the question of whether the filing of criminal charges is warranted. However, that decision rests with the locally elected official responsible for such a decision, the district attorney.

The Attorney General’s intervention is discretionary and is appropriate only where there is a demonstrated conflict of interest that would disqualify the district attorney from a particular case. Also, if there is an obvious abuse of the district attorney’s legal discretion in the decision whether to file a criminal charge, the Attorney General may intervene. The fact that an incident has created strong feelings within the community does not provide a basis for intervention by the Attorney General, especially since the district attorney is the official elected by the people of the county to make prosecutorial decisions, including those which may be controversial or unpopular.

The primary authority to file criminal charges rests with the local district attorney. We suggest you contact that office for further assistance and information.

Sincerely,

C/Ccc—Cn.
Kimberly McCrickard Public Inquiry Unit

For KAMALA D. HARRIS Attorney General

Any suggestions here:

Dawgs Blog 2015 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2015 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The Louvre Museum has 8.5 million visitors per year. This blog was viewed about 150,000 times in 2015. If it were an exhibit at the Louvre Museum, it would take about 6 days for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Bill Cosby arrested…….

It was nearly 12 years ago when Bill Cosby allegedly drugged Andrea Constand and sexually assaulted her in his suburban Philadelphia home.

Authorities had just days remaining under Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations when they charged Cosby Wednesday with felony aggravated indecent assault in the alleged January 2004 incident. Constand’s story is similar to those of the dozens of women who have accused Cosby of sexual assault, but advocates say statutes of limitation have prevented charges from being filed in many of those cases.

Constand’s case is the first to result in an arrest.

A criminal complaint released Wednesday details how a two-year-long friendship ended with Constand contacting police about the man she considered a mentor.

It turns out, prosecutors say, that mentorship wasn’t the actor and comedian’s goal when he befriended the former Director of Operations for Temple University’s women’s basketball team.

“Cosby testified that he developed a romantic interest in Constand the very first time he saw her at the Temple basketball game and that he found her good looking,” investigators wrote in the affidavit, which includes a summary of recently released depositions from a 2005 civil suit.

“He testified that before he acted upon that interest, he needed to develop a friendship with her.”

Constand allegedly told police that she and Cosby developed what she “believed to be a sincere friendship.”

CBS News does not typically identify the alleged victims of sexual assault unless they indicate their willingness to be named, as Constand has.

She told police that before the alleged attack in early 2004, she twice rejected Cosby’s sexual advances.

“She never thought he would hit on her, especially since Cosby is much older than her father,” according to the affidavit.

But at some point between mid-January and mid-February 2004, Cosby allegedly invited her to his house to talk about her career plans.

He greeted her in a sweat suit, she told police. She “told Cosby she felt ‘drained,’ and ’emotionally occupied.'”

Cosby allegedly left the room and came back with three blue pills. Cosby later told detectives he gave Constand Benadryl, according to the affidavit.

“These will make you feel good. The blue things will take the edge off,” he allegedly said.

She said she asked if they were herbal.

“Yes. Down them. Put ’em down,” he allegedly replied. “Put them in your mouth.”

“Cosby then told the victim to “taste the wine,” according to the affidavit. “When she resisted and told him that she hadn’t eaten anything that day, Cosby again directed her to ‘just taste the wine.'”

Constand said that 2o to 30 minutes later her vision blurred, and she had difficulty speaking. She told police she lost strength in her legs, which felt “like jelly.”

“She could not keep her eyes open, was not aware of any sounds, had no sense of time, and was ‘in and out,'” according to the affidavit.

She said she was unable to move or speak, was “frozen” and “paralyzed” as he allegedly fondled her, penetrated her with his fingers, and placed her hand on his genitals.

Constand said when she awoke at 4 a.m., Cosby, dressed in a robe, “gave her a muffin, walked to the front door, opened it, and said, ‘Alright.'”

Constand soon moved back to her parents home in Canada, according to the affidavit. And in 2005, after telling her mother about the allegations, she contacted police.

It’s been nearly 11 years since detectives in Cheltenham, Penn., first interviewed Cosby. Detectives say his story matched Constand’s on a lot of details, even the muffin she was given the next day. But they said he described the incident as consensual.

“When directly asked if he ever had sexual intercourse with the victim, Cosby gave the unusual answer, ‘never asleep or awake,'” according to the affidavit.

Bruce Castor, the previous District Attorney in Montgomery County, Penn., declined to charge Cosby in 2005. But the case was reopened in July after a judge ordered depositions from Constand’s civil case released.

As the 12-year deadline to file charges approached, the case became a political issue in the county. In November, when Kevin Steele was elected district attorney, defeating Castor, he told supporters, “You made a choice to take it forward, to fight for victims.”

Cosby’s attorney Monique Pressley said in a statement to The Associated Press Wednesday that she was not surprised by the charges, but called them unjustified.

“Make no mistake: We intend to mount a vigorous defense against this unjustified charge, and we expect that Mr. Cosby will be exonerated by a court of law,” Pressley said.

The Pennsylvania Office of Victim Advocate said in a statement that the charges are “vindication” for other alleged victims, seven of whom Cosby recently sued for defamation.

“Sometimes justice moves slowly and often for victims in high profile sexual assault cases, it never comes,” the office said.

Attorney Glorida Allred represents 29 women who have brought accusations against Cosby, none of which resulted in criminal charges. At a press conference Wednesday she criticized statute of limitations laws that may have prevented authorities from filing charges in those cases, and kept all but one out of civil court.

“Unfortunately, for most of the women who allege that they are victims of Mr. Cosby, it is too late for their allegations to be the subject of a criminal prosecution or a civil case because of the arbitrary and restrictive time limits set by law,” Allred said.

Cosby made a brief appearance at a Pennsylvania courtroom Wednesday. Bond was set at $1 million. He posted $100,000 and left soon after.

City manager works two months get massive severance after quitting…….

 

Livingston city manager to get severance

Served two months with city

Resigned of his own accord, according to city leaders

City will begin search for replacement in coming months


Eddie Duque, 48, speaks to residents of Livingston after being named the next city manager in July. He served two months before calling it quits.

 

Despite spending just two months on the job in Livingston before making the decision to leave, the former city manager will be paid more than $55,000 in severance, his separation agreement shows.

The agreement signed this month by Eddie Duque and Mayor Rodrigo Espinoza states that the city will give the former city manager $52,466 on Jan. 5 to “assist him in his career transition.”

Another $2,636 – the value of two months’ worth of medical coverage – will also be paid out to Duque, the agreement states. Those payouts come on top of the regular salary he was being paid during his short time with the city.

Duque officially left the job Dec. 18, the agreed upon separation date for his employment after he decided to resign, according to city leaders. He was to make $140,000 a year plus benefits as the city’s top administrator after beginning work Sept. 30.

$55,102

Amount of severance to be paid to city manager on top of salary

The payouts are set to be made in January, under the agreement, assuming Duque also waives his right to demand any further payment or rescind his resignation.

Livingston’s City Council held two closed-door meetings earlier this month related to the city manager’s performance and employment, records show.

The reasons behind the sudden departure remain unclear. Duque has not responded to requests for comment.

Livingston underwent several months of searching before picking Duque, who replaced Jose Ramirez as city manager.

Before Duque began working for the city, Sun-Star inquiries found he had a bankruptcy filing and a domestic-violence conviction in his background. Both had been cleared from his record, he said, but the council admitted to not being aware of either when he was hired.

The agreement signed this month by Eddie Duque and Mayor Rodrigo Espinoza states that the city will give the former city manager $52,466 on Jan. 5 to ‘assist him in his career transition.’

The city continues to crawl back to where it was before the Great Recession and the bursting of the housing bubble, which was particularly tough on Merced County cities.

City coffers are expected to end this fiscal year with the first budget surplus in four years. With general fund revenues of $5.18 million, the city projects a surplus of about $320,000.

Though the surplus is relatively small, city leaders have said it’s a sign of an improving economy in Livingston. The next city manager will inherit that surplus, and the residents’ calls for economic development.

More taxpayer money squandered and people are always blaming unions and retirements when these things are going on. Then cities are always asking for more in tax measures.

Justice in America: Frank Carson et al

AT A SNAIL’S PACE 12/30/2015

By William Thomas Jensen (Tom)

Court resumed today at 9:44 AM in the Frank Carson murder trial. Judge Zuniga had been able to have a lengthy conversation with a lawyer in Stockton with the name of Jeff Hirschfield on the legal issues concerning the fact that Defense Attorney Martha Carlton Magana had represented prosecution witness Patrick Hampton back in 1993. After much discussion, Martha’s client which is one of the Athwal brothers asserted that he still wants Martha to represent him in this trial, and has waived his right to use this in his defense in the future if he were to be convicted. Hampton was his usual self today. We had the F Bombs, and wise cracks from the stand like always. Judge Zuniga has allowed him to get away with a bunch. I wonder why he has not had a couple of contempt of court citations already.

Patrick Hampton took the stand at 10:00 AM. Martha started out asking him questions. Hampton testified that he was wearing the orange and white striped jail outfit the 1st time he met Frank Carson. He was asked by Martha why he was wearing that color uniform, and he told her it was none of her business. It was brought out that he has worn this color combo for 10 to 12 years while in custody. Martha pressed Hampton for the reason why he wears this color of uniform. Martha went over the categories of inmates that wear this color, and asked Hampton which category would apply to him.

Hampton was asked to step down from the stand, and was taken out of the courtroom. A side bar was done, and Prosecuting DA Attorney Marlissa Fereirra kept saying that the question was not relevant, and would put Mr. Hampton’s life in jeopardy. Judge Zuniga got upset, and stated that Marlissa Fereirra’s arguments were offensive.

Patrick Hampton was put back on the stand and Martha again asked Hampton what category he fit into for wearing the orange and white striped uniform. Sex? No. Gang? No. Attack in jail? No. Enemies? Yes. Prison politics? Yes. Patrick Hampton made a comment to Martha that she sounded like a broken record. Marlissa Fereirra made arguments that again angered Judge Zuniga, and the judge said “Mam, you are making this much more complicated than it needs to be. The judge then said “Mam, would you let me handle this.”

Hampton was back on the stand again after having to step down. He was asked by Martha if in 2014 he was incarcerated with Michael Cooper. Hampton said he did not remember. Hampton said that he was in DVI with Michael Cooley. He denied knowing Tony Cooley, Ronald Cooley, Linda Burns, Johnny Padilla, Kevin and Keith Hobbs, Kevin Pickett. When asked if he knew Kimberly Stout, he said “I don’t think so.” He denied knowing Eula Keyes and Robert Woody. Hampton stated that he has known officer Sheldon for several years. He denied knowing Mary Bronco, Brian Woody, and Tina Carlos. He said the name Toby Anoti sounded familiar. Hampton denied knowing Dawn Poma, or anybody in the Woody family.

Public Defender Rosenstein made it to court. He was summoned to court to consult with Patrick Hampton about his rights concerning Martha’s attempt to find out exactly why he wears orange and white jail uniforms. It is brought out that the reason is because he has known enemies in the jail and prison system. Martha pressed Hampton for specifics. There were many objections by Marlissa Fereirra on this concerning relevance and Patrick Hampton’s safety. It was brought out that the reason he wore orange and white stripes was because of some prison violence that he had been involved in. Hampton denied acting as an informant. Hampton denied volunteering information to law enforcement. Hampton was asked if he was paid for his cooperation in the Carson trial, and he said no. He denied wearing a wire. Hampton admitted that he had made a threat to Paul Singh when he looked at Singh’s wife through a rifle scope and read the license number of her car to Paul Singh over a cell phone. He had called it in testimony a “Terrorist fact.”

It was brought out that Hampton had told investigators he told Singh he was going to kill Paul Singh. “I fucking threatened to kill him.” He said this to DA Investigator Steve Jacobson. Martha asked Hampton why he thought he had immunity over these things. There was an objection that was sustained. Martha went into the incident where he threw 30 lbs of marijuana into a neighbor’s yard from his pickup truck while being chased by the police. He was afraid that his truck was going to be impounded. Hampton told Martha that he did not have a scale, and was not really sure how much marijuana he actually threw into the neighbor’s yard.

It was brought out that Hampton has been a 3 striker since 1995. Martha went into the instance where Hampton had told DA Investigator Steve Jacobson that he had an AR-15 assault rifle. Hampton admitted that he had told Jacobson this, and Martha read the transcript of this meeting to Hampton when he tried to say that the gun was only a replica. Martha brought out that Hampton should have been given a Felony for that. It was brought out that Hampton had stolen marijuana from a grow at the corner of Stearns Rd and Sierra. Hampton called that harvesting, and said he did a lot of harvesting as a way of making money.

Martha asked Hampton if he had told Steve Jacobson that he took dope into jail, and he answered yes. Hampton said the dope was no good, and must have been cut. Martha told Hampton that “You know Jacobson has the power to arrest you. In this interview with Jacobson, Hampton confessed to criminal activity after criminal activity. Martha listed them: Dope in jail, Fire Arm, threat to kill Paul Singh, stealing marijuana. “You told Jake all of this” Hampton then said “Am I incriminating myself?

Public defender Rosenstein was allowed to consult with Hampton in another room. When they came back into the courtroom, Rosenstein announced that Hampton was asserting his 5th Amendment rights to protect himself from self-incrimination. Hampton was allowed to step down from the stand, and was taken out of the courtroom.

At 1:42 PM Defense Attorney Robert Forkner spoke about a motion of his that if granted would bring in facts about a homicide, home invasion robbery, and other issues that Patrick Hampton was involved in. Much time was taken after that trying to ascertain where a file from the California Department of Corrections was that was supposed to be overnight delivered by now. Judge Zuniga came into the courtroom with a thick sealed envelope that she had the court clerk unseal. Judge Zuniga took a look at the contents, and made a comment that the file contained items that she had not expected. She handed this file to Martha Carlton Magana, who was going to provide to the other defense attorneys. Prosecuting DA Attorney Marlissa Fereirra was told that she could not have a copy of this file. This should be interesting when court resumes on Monday at 9:30 AM

Sincerely;

William Thomas Jensen (Tom)

ATF Changes Rules for Dealers Importing Firearms


Officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has advised Reeves & Dola that the agency is now requiring licensed dealers who regularly import firearms on behalf of customers to obtain a Type 08 federal firearms license (FFL) as an importer.

This is a significant change in policy that will require dealers to obtain an importer’s license and to mark the firearms they import with their name, city, and state.

Background – GCA Requirements for Persons Engaged in Business of Importing

The Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) requires persons “engaged in the business” of importing firearms to obtain a license as an importer. The term “engaged in the business” as applied to importers is defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(21)(E) as follows:

“…as applied to an importer of firearms, a person who devotes time, attention, and labor to importing firearms as a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through the sale or distribution of the firearms imported;…”

Persons engaged in the business of importing firearms must comply with all marking requirements specified in ATF regulations, and also register with ATF for a fee pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act.

Historically, from 1968 until the recent change in policy, licensed dealers who occasionally imported firearms on behalf of a specific customer were able to obtain ATF approval on a Form 6 permanent import permit without also becoming a licensed importer. This policy is set forth in multiple ATF publications: (1) ATF Guidebook – Importation and Verification of Firearms, Ammunition, and Implements of War in the section “Policies and Procedures,” page 3, paragraph 5 (last visited 12-29-15); (2) the Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide, ATF Pub. 5300.4, Question M1, pg. 208 (last visited 12-29-15); and (3) question and answer posted on ATF’s website (last visited 12-29-15).

In the past, ATF has not defined the term “occasionally” nor has it placed limitations on the quantity of firearms a dealer may import, as long as the dealer imports the firearms on behalf of a particular customer and is not engaged in the business of importing firearms for resale. Consequently, licensed dealers were able to import firearms on behalf of specific customers without obtaining the additional license, registration, and without having to mark such firearms with importer identification.

Recent ATF Guidance

ATF has confirmed that unless a licensed dealer’s importations on behalf of customers are infrequent, the dealer must obtain a Type 08 license as an importer of firearms. ATF views a dealer’s regular importations as fitting within the definition “engaged in the business,” even when importations are undertaken on behalf of specific customers, because the dealer in fact engages in regular import activities through the distribution of firearms to their customers. According to ATF, a sale of the firearms is not required for the importer’s license to be required. ATF also advised that dealers who import must mark the imported firearms in accordance with the law and regulations and must maintain records of importation as specified in the regulations.

The reason for ATF’s change in policy is its concern that significant quantities of firearms have been imported into the United States without importer markings. The lack of such markings makes it difficult or impossible to trace diverted firearms or firearms recovered as crime guns. ATF has informed our office that it will post guidance on this new policy in the near future, although a specific date has not yet been communicated.

ATF officials have advised that the Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch will not deny import applications submitted by licensed dealers when it is clear the importations are on behalf of particular customers. However, the Branch will refer information concerning dealer importations to the appropriate ATF field division. It is important to note that Field Division personnel may then take steps to advise dealers that they must obtain an importer’s license, register as an importer, and mark the firearms they import.

ATF officials also advised the agency will entertain requests for marking variances from importers who are bringing collector type firearms into the U.S. on behalf of a particular customer. ATF recognizes that applying importer markings to such firearms may affect their value and will consider alternatives to the importer markings specified in the regulations.

Marking variance requests must be submitted to the Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division at fatd@atf.gov.

About Reeves & Dola:

Reeves & Dola is a Washington, DC law firm that specializes in helping clients navigate the highly regulated and complex world of manufacturing, sales and international trade of defense and commercial products. We have a deep understanding of the Federal regulatory process, and use our expertise in working with a variety of Federal agencies to assist our clients with their transactional and regulatory needs.

For more information, visit: www.ReevesDola.com.

 

 

California law allowing seizure of guns without notice begins Jan. 1

Gun control legislation going into effect in California next week will allow authorities to seize a person’s weapons for 21 days if a judge determines there is potential for violence.

Proposed in the wake of a deadly May 2014 shooting rampage by Elliot Rodger, the bill provides family members with a means of having an emergency “gun violence restraining order” imposed against a loved one if they can convince a judge that this person’s possession of a firearm “poses an immediate and present danger of causing personal injury to himself, herself or another by having in his or her custody or control.”

“The law gives us a vehicle to cause the person to surrender their weapons, to have a time out, if you will,” Los Angeles Police Department Assistant Chief Michael Moore told a local NPR affiliate. “It allows further examination of the person’s mental state.”

“It’s a short duration and it allows for due process,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for mental health professionals to provide an analysis of a person’s mental state.”

Rodger, 22, killed six people and injured 14 others before taking his own life during a wave of attacks across Isla Vista near the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, that he carried out with two knives and three handguns that he legally purchased.

The rampage was prefaced by a video uploaded to YouTube of Rodger discussing his plans, as well as a 107,000-word manifesto, both of which were circulated minutes before he began killing.

“This is almost the kind of event that’s impossible to prevent and almost impossible to predict,” Janet Napolitano, the university’s president and a former homeland security secretary, said in the aftermath of Rodger’s ambush.

Twenty months later, implementation of the bill is expected to give family members a mechanism for having loved ones briefly lose access to their own, legally acquired weapons in hopes of stopping similar rampages.

“It’s the family members, it’s the people closest to the perpetrator, who are in the best position to notice red flags,” Wendy Patrick, a San Diego State University professor and lawyer, told San Diego’s CBS affiliate this week.

Second Amendment advocates have cried foul, however, and insist that legislation is not the answer in a state already ripe with gun rules that are more restrictive than most anywhere else in America.

“We don’t need another law to solve this problem,” Sam Paredes, executive director of Gun Owners of California, told The Associated Press. “We think this just misses the mark and may create a situation where law-abiding gun owners are put in jeopardy.”

Justice in America: Frank Carson et al

By William Thomas Jensen (Tom)

It is 9:42 AM on 12/29/2015, and I am here in court again to experience the continuing testimony of Patrick Hampton. Mr. F Bomb was in fine form today, and did not disappoint me with his performance. Defense Attorney Robert Forkner announced that he was done with Mr. Hampton, and it was Defense Attorney Percy Martinez asking the questions as things got started.

Hampton denied being a snitch, and asked Percy if he was one. This is really quite entertaining. Mr. Hampton really needs to be on TV. He was asked if he was offered consideration, and answered that he didn’t remember. He was questioned about a man named Micah Disney, and was asked if Frank Carson was his attorney at that time. He said yes. Percy asked Hampton if he talked to Disney. “I don’t remember.” Did you lie to the officers? No was his answer. “I have always been honest with law enforcement.” Yea sure Patrick. Percy asked Hampton if he was dressed in his orange and white striped outfit. He answered yes. The defense is trying to stress that he is actually a gang member, who always wear orange and white in jail. He was asked if he has gotten any money from law enforcement. No. Percy then asked Hampton if he was gambling at Chicken Ranch Casino last night. He answered yes. OBJECTION. Hampton was asked to leave the courtroom. It was determined by Judge Zuniga that there was no foundation for this line of questioning.

Hampton was asked questions by Percy Martinez concerning a conversation he had with DA Investigator Kirk Bunch about Micah Disney. It was revealed that Hampton had told Bunch about a home invasion robbery he was involved with that Disney participated in. When pressed on this subject, Hampton told Percy Martinez that “It is none of your business.” Hampton admitted to a robbery on what sounded like Carver Rd that he was never prosecuted for.

Hampton was asked by Percy Martinez about a video recorded meeting with Bunch on 1/30/2015 where he asked Bunch for “An early kick (release) from jail because of his cooperation. “Get me an early kick.” Hampton said he didn’t recall if he got an early kick.

Martinez then asked Mr. Hampton about a 2/12/2015 Probation Dept. meeting where he described driving around with 30 lbs. of marijuana in the back of his truck, and throwing it over a neighbors fence so his truck would not be impounded. He was being chased by the police at the time. Hampton said that he did not remember telling Probation about that incident.

It was brought out that Patrick Hampton had met DA Investigator Steve Jacobson at High School when he was about 15 years old. Hampton said he met Frank Carson a long time ago. He had seen Frank in court around 10 years ago, and Frank had given him a card. Hampton testified that his “Lady Friend” had given Frank around $1500.00 to handle a violation of probation problem he was involved with. There was another “Why don’t you mind your own business” when asked about details of this case.

Percy Martinez then asked Hampton if he knows the Cooleys. He said he knows both Michael and Tony Cooley. Hampton was asked if Frank Carson had asked you for help in Turlock, and he answered yes.

Hampton testified that he had set up phony references so that he could show enough income to get Bail Bondsman Paul Singh to handle his bail. It was brought out that Hampton had bought a Jeep in Manteca. When Percy Martinez asked Hampton where the money for the Jeep came from Hampton said “None of your business.” He said that Paul Singh’s wife had him sign a contract, and gave him a business card. He was supposed to check in with them a couple times each week while on bail. He then jumped bail. On a cell phone, he called Paul Singh and said he was looking at Paul Singh’s wife through a rifle scope. Hampton said he was not telling Paul Singh the truth, and was not actually doing that.

Patrick Hampton was then asked by Martinez about a call he made to Georgia DeFellipo at Frank Carson’s office. He said that Georgia said that Frank was at the courthouse, and that he met Frank at the courthouse to talk to him. Hampton said he told Frank Carson that he had contacted some people in Turlock about the thefts, but that this was actually a lie.

Hampton testified that he had snorted some heroin after being released on bail, and had skipped a Probation meeting because he was too high, and that Frank Carson had told him to turn himself in.

Hampton was arrested again, and had a new public defender named Greg Spiering, and met with Frank Carson again in court. He said Frank told him he wanted the people that were stealing from him fucked up. It was brought out that Frank had not actually used those words in that conversation. Hampton dropped another F Bomb in that discussion.

Hampton was asked by Martinez if he was a paid informant, and he said no. Were you stabbed. No. Were you tazed? Yes. Hampton testified that nobody interviewed him while incarcerated in Riverbank, or when he was in the Stanislaus County Jail. He said that he was wearing the orange and white striped outfit again when incarcerated at the Stanislaus County Jail. Hampton blamed Paul Singh for the extra bail money that he owed, and that he had threatened to shoot Paul Singh. He owed around $5800.00 to Paul Singh, but only paid $800.00 on that amount. Hampton testified that he did not blame Frank Carson for the money he owed to Paul Singh.

We took a 15-minute break, and when Hampton got back on the stand, it was obvious to me and the people around me that he was high on something after the break. He was sniffing, and acting strange. He looked more “Down” than “UP”. I think he could have used some heroin while on break. Percy Martinez notices that Hampton is messed up at this time, and makes a comment about it.

It was brought out by Percy Martinez that Hampton had called someone of Indian decent a “Sand Nigger.” Hampton was asked if he was a white supremacist. No. Are you a Northern Rider? No. Are you a Crip? No. Hampton asks Percy if he is a Crip.

Percy Martinez asks Hampton if he was using heroin in 2015. He answered yes. Were you violated for this? Hampton said he was not sure if Probation violated him for that. Did you tell Probation about the 30 lbs of marijuana? Yes. Percy asks Hampton if he has gang tattoos. Hampton said no. Swastika? Yes. WP? No. Nortenos? No. White Supremacist? No. Wood? No. Norcal? No.

Hampton testified that he doesn’t know Robert Woody. He said that he had heard some rumors while in jail about Woody. Hampton said he did not know the Athwals.

Percy Martinez asked Hampton if he thought that heroin affected his memory. “Don’t Know.” How often did you use heroin while out of jail? Hampton said he used heroin occasionally. Hampton was asked how often he used methamphetamine. He testified that he uses 2 to 3 grams daily that he pays for with his criminal activities. Hampton was asked again about the Chicken Ranch gambling and said he used his criminally earned money to gamble. There was an objection to this again, and his answer was stricken.

Defense Attorney Hans Hjertenson (I can’t spell his name, Sorry Hans) took over asking questions. Hampton again denies being an informant. Hampton admitted knowing an officer named Michael Brody who had arrested him around ten years ago.

Defense Attorney Martha Carlton Magana then took over asking the questions to Patrick Hampton. She asked Hampton how long he has known Steve Jacobson. He said since he was around 15 years old. Hampton said that they are friends, and they speak to each other every few years. Hampton testified that he has sent Jacobson 1 to 2 letters while in custody. Hampton was asked if he was a regular meth user in 2011, and he said yes, but that he does not use it while in custody. Hampton was asked if he used heroin while in custody, and answered that “I don’t think so.” Hampton admitted smuggling drugs into jail and sharing them with a person he called “Flipper.” He testified that other jail inmates were upset with him for not sharing the drugs with them.

Martha went over several arrests and convictions that Hampton had including a Battery conviction. Hampton stated that he was currently wearing a GPS tracking device. I wonder what they thought about him leaving Stanislaus County to gamble at Chicken Ranch last night. It could be that nobody was watching, or maybe they did not care. It was brought out that Hampton is currently a 3 striker. It seems it really pays to be a police informant. Martha also got Hampton to admit that he currently uses 2 to 3 grams of meth daily, and heroin on a less frequent basis. He likes pills, cocaine, and stated that his last drug test was 1.5 to 2 months ago. Did this test turn our dirty? Don’t know. Hampton testified that he met Ronald Cooper at DVI 10 to 15 years ago, and was in Stanislaus County Jail with Cooper in 2015. Hampton was arrested for possession of hash (concentrated marijuana) in 2015.

Everything ground to a halt when Hampton blurted out to Martha Carlton Magana that she had represented him decades ago in a case in Oakdale. Martha had no memory at all of this case. This created a messy situation. Martha is representing one of the Athwall brothers in this case, and much discussion on this followed. The affected Athwall brother met privately with Martha, and when they came back into the courtroom, Mr. Athwall agreed that he still wanted Martha to represent him in this case. Many of us think that this was all set up by the prosecution in an effort to get Martha disqualified from this trial. Judge Zuniga wanted to consult with an expert on such matters, and we will continue this matter at 9:30 AM tomorrow.                                                      

Sincerely;

William Thomas Jensen (Tom)

Dipshidiot of the day apprehended


Ethan Couch, the North Texas teenager found responsible for a drunk driving crash that killed four people near Burleson in 2013, has been apprehended in Mexico along with his mother.

Tarrant County District Attorney Sharen Wilson told WFAA the two were nabbed in the Pacific resort city of Puerto Vallarta.

ABC News reports that Ethan Couch and Tonya Couch were detained Monday evening at 6 p.m., according to a spokesperson for the Jalisco state prosecutor’s office. They have been turned over to immigration authorities in Mexico.

Couch, now 18, has been the subject of an international manhunt after violating probation terms for his conviction on four counts of vehicular manslaughter.

Ethan and his mother disappeared earlier this month after he failed to appear for a scheduled meeting with his probation officer. A warrant was issued for the teen’s arrest.

The case gained worldwide notoriety when Couch’s attorneys claimed that their client suffered from “affluenza” after being shielded from the consequences of his actions by his well-to-do parents.

Gee moms picture is real flattering isn’t it?