Judge Follett Downgrades Felony Recommendation to Ensure Hooper Retains His County Position

by ROGER GITLIN

Del Norte County Assistant Administrative Officer Randy Hooper and his attorney George Mavris were all smiles Thursday as Superior Court Judge William Follett delivered a partial sentence that effectively rejects Trinity County’s recommendation that Hooper remain a felon.

Hooper, 44, exited Elk Valley Casino last April in an inebriated condition. Casino staff attempted to stop him and urged him to take a taxi home. Their efforts failed as Hooper sped down the hill, exceeding the 21 mph limit, before striking the parked vehicle of Megan Postma, 35, of Grants Pass and then leaving the scene of the accident.

The court appearance revealed a striking contrast between Trinity County’s recommendation and Judge Follett’s decision. Trinity County Probation—assigned to avoid conflict of interest due to Hooper’s high-ranking role in Del Norte County—recommended that Hooper remain on felony status and serve three years of felony probation.

However, Judge Follett rejected that recommendation, stating that Hooper’s family would suffer if he lost his job as Assistant County Administrative Officer. Under the judge’s ruling, Hooper will instead remain on “felony status” only temporarily. If he completes the First Time DUI Offender Program, the charge will be reduced to a misdemeanor—allowing him to retain his county position.

Trinity County Probation reported Hooper’s blood alcohol level at .225, higher than the .189 reflected in the CHP breathalyzer. The .225 reading was taken at Sutter Coast Hospital. Hooper also hired a private investigator who attempted to dispute the cause of Postma’s right-arm injury. Postma has undergone one surgery and faces an additional nerve-block procedure in Medford.

Judge Follett acknowledged the leniency of California’s DUI laws and his obligation to sentence within those parameters. Still, the court’s decision means Hooper—Del Norte County’s second-in-command administrator—avoids the more serious felony consequences recommended by an outside county.

Here is Judge Follett’s sentencing statement:
“It is my intention that he (Hooper) will have to serve time in jail (Del Norte)—90 days is recommended, but it’s not the final decision—but it’s what I’m leaning toward.”

Here is Megan Postma’s impact statement:
“When a DUI that caused bodily injury to me is reduced to misdemeanors, it does not diminish the danger to everyone else on the road. As a result of this incident and I’ve exhausted all my sick days, I have been unable to work at my state job. Trinity Probation recommended three years of felony probation for good reason. Without accountability, the next person Mr. Hooper happens upon while drunk driving may not be as fortunate as I was to survive.” — Megan Postma