LAKEPORT >> The arraignment hearing for Merissa Leigh James, the first person arrested by the Lake County District Attorney’s new perjury investigation unit, is scheduled for today in superior court.
James, 38, is charged with lying about mailing in her required monthly reports during her trial for probation violation. Additionally, DA Don Anderson said, she stands accused of doctoring the documents — she allegedly created them after August — and submitting them as evidence.
According to Anderson, James’s arrest is just the beginning for the new unit, which is not found in any county across the state.
“There will be a few more arrests made in the near future,” he said.
Some have criticized the program for its potential to make people scared of testifying, an implication the DA denied.
“It’s going to deter people from wanting to lie,” he added. “It has to be substantial evidence [to pursue the perjury charge]. For each case, we need to have corroboration.”
The trial begins at 8:15 a.m. If convicted, she faces up to six years in state prison. Komnith Moth was appointed as her attorney.
Plea Hearing for Pashilk
The plea hearing for accused Clayton Fire arsonist Damin Pashilk is also scheduled for today in Lake County Superior Court.
He faces 21 total charges: 17 counts of arson ranging back to July 2015 (including two special allegations), one for methamphetamine possession, another for destroying evidence, and two counts for driving with a suspended license.
Represented by J. David Markham, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of 25 to 30 years in prison.
The hearing begins at 8:15 a.m. in department four at the Lake County Courthouse in Lakeport.
