Sunset Beach Man Pleads Not Guilty To Role In Riots Following US Open Of Surfing

WESTMINSTER (CBSLA.com) — A Sunset Beach man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges stemming from the riots that followed the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach July 28.

Eliyahu Jackson, 20, is accused of felony vandalism to newspaper stands and city trucks. He also faces charges of misdemeanor assault, inciting a riot and failure to disperse.

Investigators say information provided by the public helped to identify Jackson as a participant. He later turned himself in to police.

Orange County Deputy District Attorney Barbara Kim said video clearly shows Jackson taking part in the riot, including participating in an assault on a good Samaritan trying to put out a fire.

"Absolutely 100 percent, via social media and the videos that the Huntington Beach Police Department received directly to them, and which they obtained off of websites such as YouTube and Facebook," said Kim.

Citing his local ties, lack of criminal record and the fact that Jackson turned himself in, Superior Court Judge Debra Carillo dropped the $20,000 bail requirement.

"At this time I'm going to take a chance on you, for the time being," Judge Carillo said at the arraignment.

KNX 1070's Ron Kilgore reports prosecutors opposed the judge's decision.

"It does not appear that Mr. Jackson has any stable employment history, he's not attending school right now, he's 20-years-old," said Kim. She also said that it does not appear that Jackson "has a stable place to live right now."

As part of the decision, Jackson is required to get a paying job, enroll in school and attend a daily self-help group. He is due to return to court August 15.

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