Court: Woman charged with arson to be hospitalized
Re-setting of jury trial for Lakeport man who threatened girlfriend
LAKEPORT >> In July of this year, deputies from the LCSO responded to assist the members of the Northshore Fire Protection District with evacuations related to a structure fire in the 60th block of Hoover Street in Clearlake Oaks. Five structures and six out buildings were damaged or destroyed as a result of the fire.
The following day deputies were dispatched to the 60th block of Hoover Street for a report of a woman walking up and down the street shouting at neighbors in regards to the fire that occurred the previous evening.
Deputies spoke to a neighbor in the area that reported their neighbor, Tori Brannon, was shouting she did not owe anyone an apology for starting the fire the previous night. Brannon also made statements she would burn down all of the neighbors’ homes before leaving the area.
Deputies searched the area and made contact with Brannon at a nearby business. Brannon told deputies she was attempting to dispose of old gasoline by pouring it on the ground and soaking it up with an old blanket. Brannon attempted to put the gas soaked blanket into a trash bag when a Bic lighter she was holding in her hand spontaneously sparked and ignited the blanket, causing the fire to get out of her control. Brannon said the flames blew up in her face and began shouting for someone to call 9-1-1.
Deputies and an investigator from the Northshore Fire Protection District continued to receive voluntary statements from Brannon and consent to search /collect evidence. Deputies established probable cause to arrest Brannon for 452 (B) PC- Unlawful Starting of a Fire resulting in destruction of an inhabited structure, and 454(A) PC- Unlawful Starting of a fire During a State of Emergency.
Brannon was taken to the Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked on the aforementioned charges. A bail enhancement was requested from a Lake County Superior Court judge and granted in the amount of $500,000.
The defendant was recently present by remote
When deputies attempted to make contact with Jack and place him under arrest, he refused to exit the home. Deputies entered the residence and attempted to contact Jack. While inside, the deputies heard metallic noises they recognized as a firearm being manipulated and believed Jack was armed.
appearance and in custody for a placement hearing.
The Court received, read and considered the placement report from the Lake County Community Program Director/Designee.
The Court ordered the defendant be committed/ transported within 60-days of the receipt of the 1370(a) (3) packet (mentally incompetent) to the Department of State Hospitals for inpatient treatment.
The Court authorizes the treatment facility to involuntarily administer antipsychotic medications as prescribed by the defendant’s treating psychiatrist.
Without further order from the Court, upon filing a Certificate of Restoration, the Sheriff is directed to return the defendant to the Lake County jail and continue the involuntary administration of anti-psychotic medications as prescribed by the defendant’s treating psychiatrist.
The Court orders bail set in the amount of No Bail.
The matter has been set for a review hearing on November 16, 2021 to ascertain if the defendant has been transported.
The defendant is ordered to appear, unless she has been transported.
The value of the combined property loss and damage was estimated at approximately $613,500.
Re-setting of jury trial for Lakeport man
Morgan Matthew Jack, 45, of Lakeport, was arrested in May after Lake County Sheriff’s Office received reports he had threatened to kill his girlfriend.
Jack remains in custody and was present at the Lake County Superior Court for a re-setting of the jury trial hearing.
The attorney representing Jack, Steven Spiegelman, requested the matter be continued and the defendant’s mental competency be evaluated by a private doctor, regarding his not guilty by reason of insanity plea.
There will be an offer conveyed at the next hearing, which will be the resetting of the jury trial with a possible NGI (not guilty by reason of insanity) plea on Nov. 16, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. in Department 2.
This incident occurred on Mission Rancheria Road, in Lakeport. The girlfriend was able to leave the home prior to Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies arriving.
When deputies attempted to make contact with Jack and place him under arrest, he refused to exit the home. Deputies entered the residence and attempted to contact Jack. While inside, the deputies heard metallic noises they recognized as a firearm being manipulated and believed Jack was armed.
Deputies saw Jack raise a rifle type firearm in the doorway at the front of the home and fire one shot in their direction. The deputies secured the area and requested additional units respond. Officers from Lakeport Police Department, Clearlake Police Department and California Highway Patrol responded to assist.
The Sheriff’s Office Crisis Response and SWAT Teams responded to the location. While trying to speak with Jack he challenged deputies several times telling them he was not coming out and they would have to kill him. After two hours, Jack exited his residence challenging one of the negotiators to approach him.
Jack was taken into custody with the assistance of a police K-9 unit from the Clearlake Police Department and SWAT Team members. Some of the officers as well as Jack received minor injuries during the arrest. Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit served a search warrant at Jack’s residence, locating a pellet rifle that reassembled an assault type rifle.
Jack was transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital for treatment and later booked at the Lake County Jail for charges of criminal threats, assault on a peace officer with an instrument not a firearm and obstruction. His bail was set at $50,000.
The Sheriff’s Office had prior contact with Jack in 2008 when he was arrested related to the death of Paul Womachka, a “Hey Taxi” driver whose body was found in a submerged taxi at the Big Valley Rancheria. Jack later plead no contest to voluntary manslaughter related to the killing.
During a settlement/ trial readiness conference last month, Attorney Steven Spiegelman, who has been retained to represent the defendant, requested a hearing for a not guilty by reason of insanity plea.
During a bail review hearing in September, three defense witnesses were sworn in and testified.
The Court took judicial notice of the court reporter’s transcript of the preliminary hearing held earlier this year. The issue of bail was argued and the following factors were considered: safety of the public and/or victims, criminal history/violence, ability to pay and record of past court appearances.
Bail remained set at no bail.
During the felony preliminary hearing/bail review in June, the Court found Jack, the defendant, is held to answer to one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Other than a Firearm), two counts of Exhibiting Firearm/Deadly Weapon — Resisting Arrest, two counts of Resisting an Executive Officer, two counts of Threatening School Officer/Employee, Threaten to Commit a Crime, Discharge BB Device in Negligent Manner, two counts of Exhibiting Imitation Firearm and Assault on a Peace Officer.
Count 1 — Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Other than a Firearm) was dismissed.