Judge McElfresh Sets Bail in Minor-Targeting Sex Assault Case… Then Drops the Hammer

by ROGER GITLIN, Eye on Del Norte

Jonathan Brandon Gokey, 24, of Crescent City, was arrested on November 18 after deputies say he attempted to meet a juvenile female for sexual purposes following online communication. He was taken into custody at a local motel and charged with felony PC 288.3 — contacting a minor with the intent of committing a sexual act. Authorities confirm that no physical contact occurred between Gokey and the juvenile.

Gokey was transported to the Jail Court Chambers for arraignment, where bail was initially set at $125,000. But that decision did not stand for long.

Judge Revokes Bail After Reviewing Gokey’s Past

During proceedings, Superior Court Judge Darren McElfresh reviewed details about Gokey’s criminal history — information that dramatically shifted the direction of the case.

According to publicly reported records, Gokey is a registered sex offender, listed on California’s Megan’s Law database as a transient in Del Norte County. He also has two previously reported convictions:

• 2019: At age 18, Gokey was reportedly convicted of contacting a minor for a sexual offense and sentenced to three years in state prison.
• 2022: At age 20, he was reportedly convicted of threatening a crime with intent to terrorize and making annoying or harassing telephone calls. He was sentenced to two years in jail, fined, and later given an additional 180-day sentence for violating parole.

These past offenses — both publicly documented through regional reporting and the sex-offender registry — weighed heavily on the court.

After reviewing the information, Judge McElfresh ruled that Gokey posed a significant safety risk and was not suitable for release. In a decisive move, the judge revoked bail entirely, ensuring Gokey will remain in custody throughout the upcoming court process.

Defense Arguments Rejected

Gokey, represented by Public Defender David O. Cooper, entered a plea of Not Guilty. Cooper argued for alternative arrangements, including the possibility of assigning a specialist to help address Gokey’s impulse-control issues. Judge McElfresh declined to consider those options.

Deputies also seized multiple electronic devices at the time of arrest. Their contents have not yet been disclosed.

Next Court Date

Gokey is scheduled to return to court on December 9 at 1:15 PM in Department 2 for his Preliminary Hearing.

Sheriff Issues Community Warning

In response to the case, Sheriff Garrett Scott urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s computer use and online interactions, emphasizing the importance of digital vigilance.