The People vs Justin Oliveria: When Politics overrides the oath of office
Santa Cruz County’s Sheriff~Coroner is Jim Hart. A man that once said that “Public safety is local government's primary responsibility.” He ran for this elected office in 2014, won office, and has been the county’s Sheriff ever since. He took an oath of office. He swore that he would “protect and defend” the law and its citizens. Did he really mean them, or was it just so many words…
On November 30th, 2022, at or about 7:11am, SCPD Patrol Officers responded to the 2200 Block of Mission Street after being dispatched to a theft report from a business.The responding officers were advised that the suspect was last seen on Almar Ave, and was described as a White male adult wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. He was said to be carrying the stolen item in a paper bag.
At 7:22am, the Officers caught up with the thief behind a business on the 1100 Block of Fair Ave… in an alley with RR Tracks. The thief- later identified as 32 year old Justin Oliveria resisted arrest. His actions led to an officer injury (dislocated knee), and AMR was requested.
Also requested were shackles and possibly a WRAP (full body restraint device), as Oliveria continued to resist while in handcuffs. Needless to say, lots of Patrol Officers responded to the scene, all running with lights and sirens. Their cars flooded the alleyway.
select image to hear the 911 audio
Jim Hart: Santa Cruz County Sheriff~Coroner
The Officer was taken to Dominican via AMR, and the suspect (also in need of medical clearance prior to being booked at the county jail) was also taken to the hospital. His ride there was in the back of a patrol vehicle. Oliveria was positively identified as the shoplifter.
A records check (wants/ warrants) later revealed that Oliveria had 3 outstanding warrants. All local (Felony warrant for burglary, and 2 misdemeanor warrants for receiving stolen property and battery on a peace officer).
Fresh charges against Oliveria include inflicting serious injury to a peace officer while resisting arrest. That's a felony. That, along with theft ,and misdemeanor obstruction.
A bail increase was sought from the on-call Judge. Booking records show that the bail increase to $50,000.00 was granted.
Arrest logs show that Oliveria was released not under bail or bond being posted, but with a promise to appear (aka: free). Needless to say, Oliveria was not present at the promised court date.
At some point after that missed court date on January 3rd, 2023, an “ORable” warrant (not to arrest, but to reschedule a court date) was issued. On February 8th, 2023, Officers located Oliveria and attempted to complete the court’s order and serve the warrant.
As Officers began this warrant service detail, Oliveria attacked them, and had to be subdued with a taser deployment. With the assistance of responding Officers, Oliveria was placed in a canvas wrap and taken to the hospital for a post less lethal force exam.
Officers once again transported Oliveria to the County jail, and once again called upon the judge for a bail increase. The judge once again granted the request, and bail has been set once again at $50,000.00. Charges include the fresh Battery on a Peace Officer (felony/ PC 243c2), and the 10 ORable warrants.
select image to hear 911 audio
Bail is not discretionary, it’s the Law, and to circumvent the law is to go against the direct wishes of the voters of California. To “fail to appear” is also against the law. A crime in and of itself, yet it’s met with “ORable” warrants and more “promises.” Re-offending while released on OR, Bail, Bond, etc, is also a crime. This is used as an enhancement to the overriding charge. All have consequences under law.
Yet, none of these violations are ever pursued. Bonds are never forfeited because no bonds were necessary under “promise to appear.” New offenses are filed under separate criminal cases and enhancements, as a matter of policy, are dealt away in plea bargains. Oliveria isn't alone. There are hundreds of people at any given time being treated similarly. Chaos is the result: The jail has a turnstile, criminal cases are not filed, and nobody is beholden to the wishes of the court. In short: Santa Cruz is a breeding ground for repeat offenders... and it all starts with the operations at the Main Jail's Booking Desk, courtesy of Sheriff Hart.
To protect and defend the laws of the state and its citizens, or placate those that endorse him for office, and contribute to his re-election campaign coffers. He’s your Sheriff. You must decide which is more important to him. Do actions speak louder than words?
~Big Joe 77