News & Columns > G.T. Houts > Mistrial Declared Again In Extortion Case (Update 10)

Mistrial Declared Again In Extortion Case (Update 10)

Next Trial Date for Former Deputy Now August 31

By G.T. Houts
Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Update 10 - Tuesday 3:56 a.m.

San Bernardino, CA - The jury in the extortion trial of former Sheriff's Deputy John Thomas Laurent, 31, reached an impasse and a second mistrial was declared.

The foreperson of the Laurent jury explained to Judge Brian McCarville that the jury was unable to reach a verdict and was deadlocked at 11-1.

Judge McCarville then polled the jurors individually before declaring the second mistrial. The first was July 7 when a law enforcement witness testified about the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's internal investigation that led to Laurent's dismissal.

Deputy District Attorney William Lee told Judge McCarville his office would continue to pursue the felony count of extortion against Laurent.

McCarville then established a trial readiness hearing for Thursday, August 27. The third trial was scheduled for Monday, August 31.

Update 9 - Saturday 4:09 a.m.

San Bernardino, CA - The jury deliberating the fate of former Sheriff's deputy John Laurent took Friday off, The extortion trial will resume at 11 a.m. today, July 20, in Department S-12.

On Thursday, the sixth day of the trial, the jury resumed deliberations at 9:40 a.m. and sent several notes to the court through the bailiff. Jurors also asked the court reporter to read back a section of testimony.

The San Bernardino County Superior Courthouse in San Bernardino was built in 1926. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Update 8 - Thursday 4:25 a.m.

San Bernardino, CA - The jury in the extortion trial of former Sheriff's Deputy John Thomas Laurent, 31, will resume deliberations at 9:30 a.m. today.

Day 5 of the trial began with several procedural hearings before Judge Brian McCarville at 9:22 a.m. yesterday.

At 9:36 a.m., the jury panel was brought into the court room and the defense rested its case. No rebuttal witnesses were presented by the people and McCarville provided pre-instructions to jurists.

At 10 a.m., Deputy District Attorney William Lee offered his closing arguments followed at 10:34 by the defense's closing arguments by attorney Michael Schwartz. His remarks concluded at 11:56 a.m.

After a lunch recess, court reconvened at 1:30 p.m. and Lee presented his rebuttal to Schwartz' closing arguments, according to court documents.

Judge McCarville gave the jury its instructions at 1:51 p.m. and five minutes later began its deliberations. The jury notified the court it had selected a foreperson and deliberated until 4 p.m. when the jury panel recessed for the day.

Update 7 - Wednesday 5:15 a.m.

San Bernardino, CA - Both the prosecution and defense have rested their cases involving former Deputy John Laurent, 31, who is charged with extortion.

Today at 8:30 a.m., closing arguments are expected to begin in Department S-12 and the jury could begin deliberations later today. If convicted, Laurent faces anywhere from 16 months to three years in prison, according to court documents.

Yesterday, defense attorney Michael Laurent used witnesses to testify that Laurent is honest and trustworthy. Laurent did not take the stand in his own defense.

No rebuttal witnesses were called by Deputy District Attorney William Lee. Lee's case against Laurent centers on the alleged extortion of Ray Carr Green from Twin Peaks.

Green, a San Manuel Band of Mission Indians tribal member, contends Laurent tried to extort cash and vehicles from him in late 2007 and early 2008.

Update 6 - Tuesday 5:20 a.m.

San Bernardino, CA - The prosecution has rested in the jury trial involving former Sheriff's Deputy John Thomas Laurent, 31. The defense will start its case at 9:30 a.m. today.

Deputy District Attorney William Lee presented several witnesses yesterday including investigator John Gaffney.

One of the key pieces of evidence presented yesterday was a CD that was played for the jury relating to Laurent's discussions with the victim, Ray Carr Green.

The trial recessed at 4:15 p.m.

Update 5 - Monday 3:55 a.m.

San Bernardino, CA - The jury trial involving former Sheriff's Deputy John Thomas Laurent, 31, is scheduled to continue today at 9:30 a.m. However, the case, involving extortion charges, may not resume until Tuesday due to a court conflict.

Judge Brian McCarville told all parties in the case late Friday that they would be notified over the weekend whether the trial will resume today or tomorrow.

During Friday's court session, people's witness Ray Carr Green was sworn and testified. Several CD's were played for the jury representing discussions reportedly made between Laurent and Green.

The defense counsel was given a copy of a CD marked "exhibit E". A condensed and printed copy will be provided to the court at the next hearing.

The trial recessed Friday at 4:06 p.m.

Update 4 - Thursday 5:20 a.m.

San Bernardino, CA - A new jury has been empaneled in the case involving former Sheriff's Deputy John Thomas Laurent, 31. The case involves extortion charges and reconvenes at 9:30 a.m. today.

Yesterday, counsel interviewed (voir dire) prospective jurors from a field of 80 candidates and at 3:09 p.m. the panel of 12 jurors and two alternates was seated and a recess taken.

At 3:32 p.m., the court reconvened and Judge Brian McCarville gave the jury preliminary instructions and both the prosecution and defense presented opening comments.

Judge McCarville declared a recess at 4:27 p.m. and admonished the jury not to discuss the case outside the courtroom.

Update 3 - Wednesday 6:16 a.m.

San Bernardino, CA - A mistrial has been declared in the case involving former Sheriff's Deputy John Thomas Laurent, 31. The case involves extortion charges and a new jury will be picked starting at 9:30 a.m. today.

Yesterday, Judge Brian McCarville started the proceedings in San Bernardino Superior Court with pre-jury instruction and opening arguments both both sides.

People's witness John Gaffney was sworn at 10:26 a.m. and testified about the Sheriff's Department's internal administrative investigation and subsequent dismissal of Laurent.

Shortly after Gaffney's testimony, the court and counsel conferred in McCarville's chambers and a recess was declared at 10:41 a.m. The original jury was excused until 1:30 p.m.

Defense attorney Michael Schwartz argued during the break that the jury shouldn't have heard about the internal investigation. Prosecutor William Lee urged Judge McCarville to allow the trial to proceed.

However, at 1:36 p.m., the jury was thanked and dismissed after McCarville announced the mistrial.

So a new jury panel will be selected with opening arguments tentatively slated for tomorrow morning. The actual trial is expected to last 7 days.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Witness Ray Carr Green failed to show up for the trial yesterday morning and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. However, he was present yesterday afternoon and Judge McCarville ordered the warrant recalled. Green will be arraigned on the new charge tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-15. Green is the alleged victim in the extortion case.

Update 2 - Tuesday 4:20 a.m.

San Bernardino, CA - The jury has been seated for the trial of former Sheriff's Deputy John Thomas Laurent, 31. The case involves extortion charges and reconvenes at 9:30 a.m. today.

Judge Brian McCarville is presiding over the trial. Voir Dire was conducted by the court and counsel yesterday with the jury seated about 4:30 p.m. Voir Dire is the process by which attorneys select jurors to hear a case.

One ruling was made during yesterday's opening proceedings to allow the defense to start the case without people (prosecutors) resting due to witness scheduling issues.

Update - Sunday 3:50 a.m.

San Bernardino, CA - The start of the jury trial for former Sheriff's deputy John Thomas Laurent is scheduled to begin today, July 6.

The proceedings, originally set to start Wednesday, July 1, are set for 8:30 a.m. in Department S-12.

Laurent, 31, is charged with extortion involving a Twin Peaks resident—Ray Carr Green, 46.

The former officer, who was terminated from the Sheriff's Department in June 2008, remains free on his own recognizance.

Original Story

San Bernardino, CA - The jury trial of former Sheriff's Deputy John Thomas Laurent, 30, is tentatively set for today. The case involves extortion charges.

The trial is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., July 1, in Department S-15. However, the defendant has agreed that his case will trail any case currently in trial in S-15, even if it does not start until after July 7 when time runs on the proceedings.

Last month, testimony from the alleged victim, Ray Carr Green, 46, was heard during a court proceeding. Green, a San Manuel tribal member, was reportedly approached by Laurent in January 2008 and promised no charges would be filed against him from a recent arrest in exchange for money and vehicles.

Following testimony by Green and an investigating officer, the court ordered Laurent held to answer in Superior Court to all counts and allegations.

Laurent, who is free on his own recognizance, was terminated from the Sheriff's Department in July 2008.