In this new Oakland News, Joel Young, the AC Transit Board Member and candidate for the Oakland 18th District Assembly Seat in the California Assembly, was cleared of sex attack charges.
Alameda County Judge Judge Jacobson cleared AC Transit Director Joel Young of any wrongdoing in a peculiarly complicated case where, as the story now comes out, his ex-girlfriend Jessica Juarez allegedly broke into his home and attacked Young and another women in the middle of the night.
Judge Jacobson dismissed a request from Ms. Juarez, for a request for a restraining order with prejudice after she refused to take the stand and testify.
That was the breaking point because sources report Ms. Juarez credibility had been at issue throughout the trial as she had given inconsistent testimony about the events on March 7. The story is somewhat different than what she claimed in her statement to this blogger:
During the early morning hours of March 7th, 2011, I drove to Joel’s place to be with him. I was feeling sick after a long trip and felt the need to be close to him. I entered Joel’s apartment with keys he had given me and which I had used on countless occasions. Upon entering, I found Joel in bed with another woman. In shock, I reacted by immediately slapping Joel, which I admit was a mistake.
Maybe that last line is an indication of why Jessica didn’t take the stand?
Whatever the case, Judge Jacobson observed “I’ve reached the conclusion that she has significant credibility issues.”
Ouch.
Well, so ends a sad story that started over at Indy Bay, posted by someone too afraid of revealing their name, then picked up in this space because it’s an Oakland political story. It led to contact from Young and his lawyer, and a call from Jessica Juarez, and with each providing their own versions of what happened.
Now, Young can turn his attention toward the 18th District Assembly Seat race. He’s up against Kathy Neal and Able Guillen for the seat in the new district that still mostly serves Oakland. Joel was considered the front runner before this matter, and it’s fair to say he still is until some polling can reveal that he’s not.
Stay tuned for more Oakland news.