LAKEPORT— Jeffery Scott Cramer, 59, of Lakeport, who entered a no contest plea to felony possession of child pornography in March, appeared for a sentencing hearing.
District Attorney Susan Krones informed the Court that she had one witness who would be providing testimony on a 17(b) Motion (to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor) and for sentencing purposes as well.
The witness was sworn and testified as the motion was argued and submitted.
The Court denied the Motion and arguments for sentencing were then heard.
The matter of sentencing was submitted with the Court taking the matter under submission, issuing an oral ruling.
Sentencing will now be held on Jan. 20, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 4.
During the sentencing hearing last month the defendant was not in custody and due to a COVID-19 situation in defense counsel’s home, the sentencing hearing was continued to December.
In September the Court made preliminary statements on the record, requiring evidence; including video, pictures, etc. before sentencing the defendant.
Deputy District Attorney Edward Borg was filling in for District Attorney Susan Krones and he was not able to obtain the evidence that morning.
The Court made a request for additional evidence which necessitated the continuance and Deputy District Attorney Borg stated he would have the evidence sent directly to the Court and to Defense Attorney Jane Gaskell.
There was a stipulation that the Court may view the evidence in chambers.
The defendant was charged with two counts of possessing obscene matter of a minor in a sexual act with count one being dismissed with a Harvey Waiver and convicted of count two on March 8, 2021.
A Harvey Waiver allows the Court to consider dismissed charges during the sentencing hearing in a criminal case.
Cramer’s arrest last year stems from an ongoing investigation over several months by the Lake County Sheriff’s investigators.
Search warrants were served at the defendant’s residence and Main Street Bicycles in Lakeport, which Cramer owned at the time, where items were confiscated.
During the investigation, investigators identified Cramer as a suspect, upon locating various social media accounts connected with the defendant and used to upload child pornography between August 2019 and February 2020.
As of earlier this year, Main Street Bicycles has been operating under new ownership.
The defendant has bailed out and is no longer in custody.
Settlement hearing of former Kelseyville High School teacher set for next year
Cory Michael Cunningham, who has been charged with sexual penetration of a minor, contacting minor with intent for sex and molesting child under 18 years, was present and not in custody for a settlement conference. The charge of abuse – endangering a child with gross bodily injury has been dismissed.
The charges stem from an incident in December of 2019 when the then 38-year-old Kelseyville High School music teacher was arrested for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old student. According to information released by the Kelseyville Unified School District, as a result he was placed on administrative leave and incarcerated.
During the recent settlement hearing, the People made an offer to the defendant that they believe the victim will approve of.
Pursuant to the request of the defendant, the Court ordered this matter be continued to Jan. 7, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. for a settlement conference in Department 3.
In October, during the arraignment on an information hearing, the defendant entered a not guilty plea to all counts, denying the special allegations.
An arraignment on an information hearing is held after the preliminary hearing in which a judge feels there is enough information to proceed with the case and the defendant is held to answer to the charges.
On the motion of the People, the Court ordered Count 2 (Abuse – Endangering a child with gross bodily injury) of the complaint dismissed.
On another motion of the People, the Court ordered Count 4 (Molesting a child under 18 years of age) of the complaint amended to a misdemeanor.
The People’s witness, Detective Jeffery Mora, was sworn in and testified. The matter was submitted and counsel provided arguments.
It appeared to the Court that the defendant’s felony violations have been committed and that there is sufficient cause to believe that the defendant is guilty thereof. It was ordered that the defendant be held to answer to the charges.
Superintendent Dave McQueen noted then, “As always, our first priority is to safeguard students. We will inform KHS students this week that their teacher will remain out of the classroom until this matter is resolved, and we have put our counselors on notice in case any students need extra support.”
McQueen added in 2020 that since the incarceration of Cunningham is a legal matter, the school district was collaborating with their legal counsel and local law enforcement. “We understand that people are curious about the details of the case; however, we will not share information that may jeopardize the legal investigation or compromise anyone’s right to privacy and/or due process,” said McQueen.
“This is a small, close-knit community and having a teacher arrested on such allegations can bring up a range of difficult emotions for students and the community. Rumors and public speculation are not helpful and can be harmful,” district officials noted.
According to public information from the high school, Cunningham previously taught band, jazz ensemble, choir, guitar and music appreciation.
School officials asked that any questions or information regarding the situation be addressed to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Cunningham was booked on multiple felony charges with bail set at $75,000.
The defendant has since bailed out.
The preliminary hearing that was set for April 27, 2020 was continued due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
