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Brentwood Police Nab Residential Burglary Suspect

by ECT
written by ECT

The Brentwood Police Department reported that officers were called to a residence located on the 4600 block of Balfour Road, for a report of a burglary in progress last week.

The reporting party, who was watching via live feed video surveillance reported someone had broken into the home. When officers arrived at the residence, the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Agustin Martinez of Brentwood, was found hiding right outside of the home.

Officers quickly located Martinez and he was detained. They also found thousands of dollars of jewelry and other items on Martinez, which officers confirmed was stolen from the home.

Martinez, who is on active probation, was placed under arrest for burglary, possession of stolen property, probation violation, and other charges.

He was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

Martinez Also Arrested on November 8 in Stolen Vehicle

According to the Brentwood Police Department, they arrested Martinez after a traffic stop in a stolen vehicle on November 8. Martinez, who is currently on felony probation, was also under the influence of alcohol and drugs. He was placed under arrest for vehicle theft, felony probation violation, DUI, and other related charges.

He was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

 

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Contra Costa CountyCrime

Antioch Duo Arrested in Thanksgiving Day Homicide in Bay Point

by ECT
written by ECT

On Thursday, November 24, 2022, at about 3:40 PM, Muir Station deputy sheriffs were dispatched to a report of a shooting on Wharf Drive in Bay Point.

Deputies arrived on scene finding a shooting victim on the street. The fire department and an ambulance arrived to treat the victim. He was later pronounced deceased at the scene. He is not being identified at this time.

Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives and crime lab personnel responded to the location.

Deputies later detained two subjects nearby. After being interviewed by detectives, they were both booked into the Martinez Detention Facility where they are currently being held.

18-year-old Emmanuel Morales of Antioch was booked on two charges: murder and possession of an assault weapon.

38-year-old Arturo Morales of Antioch was booked on an accessory charge.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: [email protected] or call (866) 846-3592to leave an anonymous voice message.

Homicide on Mountain View Avenue

On Thursday morning at about 8:47, Muir Station deputy sheriffs were dispatched to a report of a shooting at a residence on Mountain View Avenue in Bay Point.

Deputies arrived on scene where they located a shooting victim and detained one person. Deputies immediately performed life-saving measures on the victim. The fire department and an ambulance arrived on scene. The victim was later pronounced deceased. The 62-year-old Bay Point resident is not being identified at this time.

Detectives from the Homicide Unit and crime lab staff arrived on scene.

After interviewing the person who was detained, detectives booked him into the Martinez Detention Facility (MDF) for murder. He is identified as 63-year-old Donald Robbins of Bay Point. He currently remains in custody at MDF.

No other information was released on either case.

 

 

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Contra Costa CountyCrime

Contra Costa Sheriff Investigating Two Bay Point Homicides on Thanksgiving Day

by ECT
written by ECT

On Thursday morning at about 8:47, Muir Station deputy sheriffs were dispatched to a report of a shooting at a residence on Mountain View Avenue in Bay Point.

Deputies arrived on scene where they located a shooting victim and detained one person. Deputies immediately performed life-saving measures on the victim. The fire department and an ambulance arrived on scene. The victim was later pronounced deceased. The 62-year-old Bay Point resident is not being identified at this time.

Detectives from the Homicide Unit and crime lab staff arrived on scene.

After interviewing the person who was detained, detectives booked him into the Martinez Detention Facility (MDF) for murder. He is identified as 63-year-old Donald Robbins of Bay Point. He currently remains in custody at MDF.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: [email protected] or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

According to the Sheriffs Office, they are investigating a separate homicide that occurred later in the afternoon, those details have not yet been released.

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AntiochCrime

Antioch Police Nab Suspects Involved in Stockton Carjacking

by ECT
written by ECT

On Friday, November 18, 2022, at approximately 10:41 pm, a Brentwood Police officer spotted a carjacked Dodge Challenger taken from Stockton and pursued it into Antioch on Highway 4.

The suspects who carjacked the vehicle were reportedly armed with handguns. An Oakley Police officer picked up the pursuit and the vehicle was lost in the area of Mission Drive in Antioch. Antioch Police officers located the vehicle parked on Los Altos Way near Monterey Drive and detained one suspect standing nearby.

A second suspect foot bailed into the adjacent yards and a perimeter was quickly established.

An Antioch Police drone operator spotted an individual hiding in a backyard shed, who eventually gave up (without incident) after hearing police canine warning announcements. A third suspect called 9-1-1 to report he was a runaway juvenile and had been in the carjacked vehicle.

He surrendered himself to officers, eventually admitting to being involved in the incident. All three suspects were turned over to the Stockton Police Department, who responded to the scene.

The suspects were identified as:

  • Anthony Pier, 19-years-old, resident of Richmond, California
  • Angel Oliva, 18-years-old, resident of Richmond, California
  • A 16-year-old juvenile resident of Riverbank, California

Officers spent several hours working this high-risk incident utilizing their training, tactics, a police canine and drone equipment to deliver an outcome resulting in no injuries to anyone.

Police thanked residents of Los Altos Way and Monterey Drive for assisting officers throughout the operation.

No other information was released.

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Contra Costa CountyCrime

Suspect Photo Released in El Cerrito Hate Crime Incident

by ECT
written by ECT

The El Cerrito Police Department has been investigating an alleged hate crime that occurred on November 9 involving a shoplifter and an employee at a local business.

According to police, On November 9th, 2022 at approximately 6:30 PM an employee at a local business contacted a habitual shoplifter inside the business.

Upon contacting the shoplifter, the suspect became confrontational and verbally aggressive towards the employee. The employee called 911 to report the incident during which time the suspect punched the employee and fled the scene. During the incident the suspect used derogatory language that was based on the perceived gender of the employee.

The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 38 years old, 6’3”, heavy set, 250-260lbs, bald headed, wearing a black beanie, black jacket, black plants, black shoes and white mask.

On Thursday, police released a suspect photograph.

If you can identify the suspect or have any information about the above incident, please call the dispatch non-emergency line at 510-237-3233 and ask to speak with an officer or email [email protected].

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District Attorney
Contra Costa CountyCrime

Unlicensed Contractor Faces 38 Charges in Defrauding Scheme

by ECT
written by ECT

Martinez, Calif. – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has filed felony and misdemeanor charges against an unlicensed contractor for defrauding multiple victims in Contra Costa County.

41-year-old Modesto resident Adan Contreras Rivas is currently being held on $600,000 bail in the Martinez Detention Facility on 38 charges for financial elder abuse, theft by false pretense, theft with specified priors, and violations related to his fraudulent contracting practices.

Since June 2022, Rivas has been under investigation since his initial offenses were reported by a victim in Walnut Creek. When authorities arrested Rivas in Morgan Hill on November 8th, he was operating under the name “Gutierrez Tree Services”— though he has used various business names like “New View Tree Care.” Rivas is alleged to have posed as a licensed contractor in the landscaping and paver industry and taken thousands of dollars from unsuspecting consumers. Many of his victims tend to fit a particular profile: often elderly and residing in affluent neighborhoods in Walnut Creek and Concord. Investigators also believe there are additional victims in Contra Costa County, the South Bay, and the Central Valley.

Unlicensed contractors pose a threat to consumers by failing to acquire skills and licensure when hired to perform home improvement or construction projects. Some unlicensed contractors illegally require excessive down payments for construction or landscaping projects, and frequently fail to begin or complete projects once they receive money. Consumers are often unaware unlicensed contractors do not have completed background checks and usually do not carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees – which increases liability risks to consumers.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has taken a proactive stance in protecting consumers in the county by partnering with multiple government agencies including the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and the California Department of Insurance (CDI). This partnership conducts undercover sting operations and investigations involving unlicensed contractors who fail to obtain workers’ compensation insurance.

California law requires contractors to be licensed in their chosen specialty and to obtain workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. Licensed Contractors are only allowed to request a down payment of $1,000 or 10% of the contract (whichever is less).

For more information on how you can protect yourself and verify a contractor’s license, go to cslb.ca.gov.

01-198386-5, 01-22-01155, 01-22-01272 | The People of the State of California vs. Rivas, Adan

CSLB Works with Bay Area Law Enforcement to Target Unlicensed Contractors

One of CSLB’s prior Most Wanted caught

SACRAMENTO, CA – An unlicensed contractor who had been among the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) Most Wanted was recently arrested again, accused of defrauding multiple victims in Contra Costa County.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has filed 38 charges against 41-year-old Modesto resident Adan Contreras Rivas related to financial elder abuse, theft by false pretense, theft with specified priors, and violations related to his fraudulent contracting practices.

Since June 2022, Rivas has been under investigation since his initial offenses were reported by a victim in Walnut Creek. When authorities arrested Rivas in Morgan Hill on November 8, he was operating under the name “Gutierrez Tree Services”— though he has used various business names like “New View Tree Care.” Rivas is alleged to have posed as a licensed contractor in the landscaping and paver industry and taken thousands of dollars from unsuspecting consumers. Many of his victims tend to fit a particular profile: often elderly and residing in affluent neighborhoods. Investigators also believe there are additional victims in Contra Costa County, Santa Clara County, and the Central Valley. Rivas had previously been convicted of charges related to unlicensed contracting.

Ahead of Rivas’ arrest, CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) worked on a sting with the Contra Costa DA’s Office and the California Department of Insurance to target unlicensed contractors. Among those who bid at the sting were Rivas’ parents, which helped investigators contact him.

During the sting in October, 14 suspects came to the sting property and provided bids on a variety of projects. The highest bid received was $58,400 for paver installation and tree work. Investigators issued nine Notices to Appear in court, initiated four non-licensee citations, and wrote two Stop Orders. Two of the suspects had outstanding warrants (for $100,000 and $25,000) and were arrested and transported to jail.

Unlicensed contractors pose a threat to consumers by failing to acquire skills and licensure when hired to perform home improvement or construction projects. Some unlicensed contractors illegally require excessive down payments for construction or landscaping projects and frequently fail to begin or complete projects once they receive money. Consumers are often unaware unlicensed contractors do not have completed background checks and usually do not carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees – which increases liability risks to consumers.

“Consumers should be sure to take some simple steps before hiring anyone to work in or around their home,” said CSLB Registrar David Fogt. “The fastest way is to make sure they have a state license and to check the license status using CSLB’s License Check. Homeowners should also use CSLB’s Find My Licensed Contractor feature to download and/or print a list of qualified licensed contractors in their area.”

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

  • Hire only California-licensed contractors. Ask to see the license. The license number must be on all ads, contracts, and business cards.
  • Get three bids, check references, and get a written contract.
  • Don’t rush into decisions and don’t hire the first contractor who comes along.
  • Don’t pay more than 10 percent down or $1,000 — whichever is less.
  • Don’t pay cash, and don’t let the payments get ahead of the work. Only pay for work as it is completed to your satisfaction.
  • Keep a job file of all project papers, including correspondence and copies of all payments.
  • Avoid making the final payment until you’re satisfied with the job.

For more information, visit CSLB’s website, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

About CSLB: CSLB operates under the umbrella of the Department of Consumer Affairs and licenses and regulates nearly 285,000 contractors in California. In 2021, CSLB helped consumers recover more than $44 million in ordered restitution.

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Contra Costa CountyCrime

San Pablo Police Investigating Armed Robbery of Jewelry Store

by ECT
written by ECT

The San Pablo Police Department is investigating an armed robbery at a jewelry store after armed suspects made off with more than $100k in merchandise in the City of San Pablo.

The incident occurred at 4:00 pm Saturday when at least five people entered the H Bee Jewelry business in the San Pablo Town Center. The crew was believed to be larger than those who entered the business.

Captain Brian Bubar confirmed Tuesday that the suspects entered wearing masks and gloves while being armed with guns. They came in and held up the owner and multiple  employees while they committed the robbery.

Initial reports were that more than $500k in merchandise was stolen, however, Bubar said Tuesday they are still working to determine a total loss but did say the amount was more than $100k.

“They accessed through a back door,” said Bubar. “They followed an employee coming through a back door and forced their way through the back of the store. No one was injured and no one was shopping at the time.”

The investigation is still active and no suspect information or vehicle description was provided.

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CaliforniaCrime

Tehama County Sheriff’s Department Set to Cut All Daytime Patrols

by ECT
written by ECT

The Tehama County Sheriffs Office said in a news release this week that it will be suspending its daytime deputy patrol services beginning November 20th.  The are citing staffing levels which is caused by pay disparities.

Tehama County has a population of approximately 65,000 people.

The  Tehama County Deputy Sheriff’s Association on Facebook which says they have “warned the county board of supervisors for several years” that staffing levels are low, and that the board has delayed in responding and “allowed too many good employees to leave.”

According to a job posting, a deputy at the department can make $25.23 to $32.27 per hour depending on experience–$52,000 to $62,000 without overtime.

Here is the full statement:

Beginning November 20, 2022, the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office will suspend day-time patrol services to its designated area of responsibility within Tehama County. This added reduction of services is necessary to manage a catastrophic staffing shortage throughout the agency.

Over the past several years, the Sheriffs Office has had difficulties with recruitment and retention of employees, which has been directly linked to pay disparities. A drastic rise in attrition, couple with the inability to present enticing recruitment efforts have resulted in an unprecedented staffing shortage.

Most recently, staffing shortages in the custody division have forced the Sheriffs Office to reassign Deputies from the operations division to fill vacancies within the courts and jail facility. This is unfortunate, but necessary restricting has left the operations division with insufficient staff to sustain 24-hour patrol services.

Sheriff’s officials have met with officials from the California Highway Patrol to discuss the parameters of emergency response within Tehama County. While the final details are still underway, the CHP will be responding to life threatening emergencies during the hours that the Sheriffs Office is unable to provide patrol services.

The Sheriff’s Office will maintain patrol services during the night-time hours. Deputies assigned to night shift patrol will triage and response to the open, non-emergency calls for services that come in throughout the day.

The Sheriff’s Office is committed to continuing all recruitment efforts and working towards restoring patrol services, when staffing levels permit.

Tehama County Deputy Sheriff’s Association says they have warned the Board for several years of low staffing and say rather than taking swift and decisive action, they have delayed and allowed too many good employees to leave. Several housing units within the Jail have been shut down, the Dispatch Center was temporarily shut down and now Dayshift Patrol will be shut down.

You can contact the County Administration and Board of Supervisors at the phone numbers and email below.

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Gabriel Hydrick, CAO – (530) 527-4655
  • Bill Moule, District 1 – (530) 527-4655 ext 3015
  • Candy Carlson, District 2 – (530) 527-4655 ext 3014
  • Dennis Garton, District 3 – (530) 527-4655 ext 3017
  • Bob Williams, District 4 – (530) 527-4655 ext 3018
  • John Leach, District 5 – (530) 527-4655 ext 3016
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Crime

Richmond Man Indicted In Connection With Attempted Kidnapping And Assault At Pelosi Residence

by ECT
written by ECT

SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Richmond man with assault and attempted kidnapping in connection with the break in at the Pelosi residence on Oct. 28 in San Francisco.

The indictment supersedes the federal criminal complaint filed on Oct. 31.

According to the indictment, David DePape, 42, was arrested on Oct. 28 inside the Pelosi residence by San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) police officers responding to a 911 call from Paul Pelosi, husband of U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Paul Pelosi later described to police that he had been asleep when DePape, whom he had never seen before, entered his bedroom looking for Nancy Pelosi.

According to the indictment, minutes after the 911 call, two police officers responded to the Pelosi residence where they encountered Paul Pelosi and DePape struggling over a hammer. Officers told the men to drop the hammer, and DePape allegedly gained control of the hammer and swung it, striking Pelosi in the head. Officers immediately restrained DePape, while Pelosi was injured on the ground. As set forth in the indictment, once DePape was restrained, officers secured a roll of tape, white rope, a second hammer, a pair of rubber and cloth gloves, and zip ties from the crime scene, where officers also observed a broken glass door to the back porch.

DePape is charged with one count of assault upon an immediate family member of a United States official with the intent to retaliate against the official on account of the performance of official duties, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. DePape is also charged with one count of attempted kidnapping of a United States official on account of the performance of official duties, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds, Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp of FBI San Francisco, and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the U.S. Capitol Police made the announcement.

The charges contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Special Prosecutions Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California is prosecuting the case. FBI San Francisco, the U.S. Capitol Police, and the San Francisco Police Department are investigating the case.

Updated November 9, 2022

Attachment

DePape Indictment   [PDF, 521 KB]
Component
USAO – California, Northern
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CaliforniaCrime

Settlement Bans Paul Blanco’s Good Car Company from Operating in California

by ECT
written by ECT

Paul Blanco’s Good Car Company admits to hundreds of thousands of violations of state consumer protection laws 

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced a settlement with the now-defunct Paul Blanco’s Good Car Company, a network of auto dealerships, and its principal executives Paul Blanco and Putu Blanco.

The settlement resolves allegations that the Blancos, who are a married couple, and their company engaged in unlawful business practices, including false advertising about credit and discount programs, making false statements on credit applications, and deceiving customers into purchasing add-on products. Through a judgment entered today with the court, the dealerships admitted to and agreed to be held liable for 670,000 violations of California’s Unfair Competition and False Advertising Laws. The corporations will be permanently banned from the auto sales industry in California, and Paul Blanco will personally face a 10-year ban on participating in the auto industry in California. Should the Blancos ever return to the auto business in California, they would be required to adhere to strong injunctive terms.

“Many Californians rely on their car to travel to work, school, and to see their loved ones — it is an essential tool and one of the largest and most important purchases many families make,” said Attorney General Bonta. “While Paul Blanco’s claimed to be a “good car company,” in reality they were in the business of putting Californians at risk, using deceitful advertising and illegal sales and lending practices. Today’s settlement ensures that Paul Blanco’s will no longer be able to operate in California and no longer be able to prey on people already struggling to make ends meet. It also, unfortunately, demonstrates a need for legislation establishing a restitution fund to make it easier for Californians to recoup their losses when they are harmed by predatory companies that later become insolvent. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to do all we can to protect our people from deceptive and unlawful practices that harm Californians working hard to make ends meet.”

Prior to the Attorney General’s lawsuit, Paul Blanco’s Good Car Company was one of the largest independent used car dealership networks in California, operating seven dealership locations in the state. In September 2019, following an investigation, the California Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Paul Blanco’s Good Car Company and its two individual owners, alleging violations of the Unfair Competition Law and False Advertising Law. The lawsuit alleged, and the Court has now found, that Paul Blanco’s made extensive use of deceptive radio and television advertisements. Paul Blanco’s advertisements targeted vulnerable, predominantly low-income consumers with subprime credit, deceptively promising easy approval for unrealistically low interest rates to lure unsuspecting consumers to their dealerships. For many of these consumers, a vehicle is a necessity and can be the most expensive one-time purchase they ever make.

The 2019 lawsuit also charged Paul Blanco’s with making false statements on credit applications, including by deceiving lenders about the value of vehicles and the consumer’s ability to repay the loans. This allowed the company to boost their profits through improperly financed sales and increased the risk that the consumers would be saddled with loans that they could not afford. The complaint also alleged that Paul Blanco’s tricked customers into paying thousands of dollars for extra add-on products, such as service contracts, by telling customers that these add-ons were included in the vehicle price or required by law, or by simply concealing the extra charge. These practices increased the cost of an already substantial purchase, almost always made by taking out an expensive loan.

As part of the settlement, filed in the Alameda County Superior Court, the 14 corporations making up the Paul Blanco’s Good Car Company Auto Group admitted to, and the judgment finds them liable for, publishing 650,000 false advertisements, defrauding auto lenders by misrepresenting vehicle values on 20,000 occasions, and deceiving consumers regarding add-on products. In addition, Mr. Blanco admitted, and agreed to liability for, creating and publishing a false advertising campaign that targeted senior citizens with deceptive promises of special interest rates, prices, and credit conditions. The judgment finds that all of this conduct violated the Unfair Competition Law and False Advertising Law.

To resolve the lawsuit, Paul Blanco’s companies have agreed to entry of a $20 million judgment, and the Blancos agreed to entry of a further $7.5 million judgment against them individually. Consistent with their current demonstrated ability to pay, the Blancos may satisfy the judgment against them by making payments totaling $1.7 million. The defunct corporations are insolvent and are not expected to be able to pay their portion of the judgment.

A copy of the judgment is available here.

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Contra Costa CountyCrime

Pleasant Hill Police Make Several Retail Theft Arrests

by ECT
written by ECT

In the last several days, the Pleasant Hill Police Department have made several arrests relating to retail theft incidents within the City of Pleasant Hill.

Officers Make Pair of Arrests Thursday

First, Pleasant Hill Police nabbed a thief who stole $800 of merchandise from Dick’s Sporting goods.

Second,  they provided a photo of the  $4,250 worth of stolen over-the-counter medication they recovered from a suspect after he committed a separate shoplift at the Michael’s store. The photo shows an officer returning it to Safeway after removing it from the suspect’s vehicle.

The suspect was booked into county jail.

Officers Recover $7,200 in Stolen Property

On November 2, the Pleasant Hill Police Department announced that last night while officers were walking through the Target shopping center on Contra Costa Blvd, they discovered a grab-and-run theft had just occurred.

Police say after a brief foot pursuit and a bold escape attempt, two females and one male subject from San Jose were arrested with over $7,200 of stolen property from Burlington in their car and in tow as they were running from the store.

  • Juan Carlos Fierros (age 30 resident of San Jose)
  • Juana Jimenez (age 28 resident of San Jose)
  • Cecilia Sandoval (age 26 resident of San Jose)

All three subjects were booked at Martinez Detention Facility for warrants and theft-related charges.

Officers Prevent Theft in Progress

On October 25, Officers responded to Party City for the report of a theft in progress. Officers quickly arrived and prevented any thefts from occurring. During the investigation one of the involved individuals had an outstanding felony warrant and was on probation.

Officers conducted a probation search and located a loaded pistol in the vehicle. Two people were arrested and booked into county jail on multiple charges. The pistol was taken off the street and the investigation will continue to identify the owner.

  • Demario Cage (age 42 resident of San Francisco)
  • Hailey Sager (age 21 resident of Oregon)

 

 

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Crime

Livermore Police Arrest Man on Homicide and Child Abuse Charges

by ECT
written by ECT

On August 18, 2022 at 4:30 p.m., Livermore Police responded to a report of a 23-month-old not breathing at the 200 block of Turnstone Drive. When officers arrived, they found the baby unresponsive.

Officers performed life-saving measures until relieved by paramedics. Unfortunately, the baby was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

An investigation revealed that the child’s biological father, 22-year-old Justin Pittman of Livermore, was the sole caretaker of the baby on the day of her death. During an interview with detectives, Pittman admitted he was a Fentanyl addict.

After a thorough investigation and review of the autopsy and toxicology reports, it was determined that the baby had toxic levels of fentanyl in her blood at the time of her death. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office issued a warrant for Pittman’s arrest.

On Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 5 p.m., detectives from Livermore Police’s Criminal Investigations Bureau and Crime Prevention Unit located and arrested Pittman in a business parking lot in the city of Martinez without incident. Pittman has been booked on charges for homicide and child abuse causing death. He is currently being held at Santa Rita Jail with no bail and is set to be arraigned Friday morning.

Police are not releasing more information at this time as the investigation is ongoing.

“Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous drug and impacts the lives of many,” said Livermore Police Chief Jeramy Young. “Fentanyl use and the illegal distribution of the drug is a nationwide epidemic. This is a tragic loss for the family and our community, and I look forward to justice being served so there is some closure.”

So far this year, there have been four fentanyl-related deaths in the City of Livermore.

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CaliforniaCrimeNational News

Justice Department Announces Takedown of Nationwide Catalytic Converter Theft Ring

by ECT
written by ECT

Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners from across the United States executed a nationwide, coordinated takedown today of leaders and associates of a national network of thieves, dealers, and processors for their roles in conspiracies involving stolen catalytic converters sold to a metal refinery for tens of millions of dollars.

Arrests, searches, and seizures took place in California, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, and Virginia. In total, 21 individuals in five states have been arrested and/or charged for their roles in the conspiracy.

The 21 defendants are charged in two separate indictments that were unsealed today in the Eastern District of California and the Northern District of Oklahoma following extensive law enforcement arrest and search operations. In addition to the indictments, over 32 search warrants were executed, and law enforcement seized millions of dollars in assets, including homes, bank accounts, cash, and luxury vehicles.

“Amidst a rise in catalytic converter thefts across the country, the Justice Department has today carried out an operation arresting 21 defendants and executing 32 search warrants in a nation-wide takedown of a multimillion-dollar catalytic converter theft network,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We will continue to work alongside our state and local partners to disrupt criminal conspiracies like this one that target the American people.”

“This national network of criminals hurt victims across the country,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “They made hundreds of millions of dollars in the process—on the backs of thousands of innocent car owners. Today’s charges showcase how the FBI and its partners act together to stop crimes that hurt all too many Americans.”

“With California’s higher emission standards, our community has become a hot bed for catalytic converter theft,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “Last year approximately 1,600 catalytic converters were reportedly stolen in California each month, and California accounts for 37% of all catalytic converter theft claims nationwide. I am proud to announce that we have indicted nine people who are at the core of catalytic theft in our community and nationwide.”

“In Tulsa alone, more than 2,000 catalytic converters were stolen in the past year,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “Organized criminal activity, including the large-scale theft of catalytic converters, is costly to victims and too often places citizens and law enforcement in danger. The collective work conducted by federal prosecutors and more than 10 different law enforcement agencies led to the filing of charges in the Northern District of Oklahoma against 13 defendants operating an alleged catalytic converter theft operation.”

“The success of this national takedown highlights the importance and necessity of dynamic law enforcement partnerships that we foster at DHS every single day,” said Deputy Secretary John K. Tien of the Department of Homeland Security. “This calculated, cooperative whole-of-government approach across multiple states illustrates our commitment to protecting the homeland from those who seek to profit from sophisticated schemes. Homeland Security Investigations [HSI] will continue to focus its efforts on keeping these types of criminal elements off our streets while dismantling the groups behind these and other thefts.”

“Just like the precious metal inside every catalytic converter, there’s a money trail at the core of every criminal scheme,” said Chief Jim Lee of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “Our IRS-CI special agents and partners are incredibly well-versed at unraveling financial trails, and this case is not unique. There are real victims here – friends, neighbors, and businesses – and our hope is that today’s arrests will deter similar criminal activity.”

Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters are a component of an automotive vehicle’s exhaust device that reduce the toxic gas and pollutants from a vehicle’s internal combustion engine into safe emissions. Catalytic converters use precious metals in their center, or “core”, and are regularly targeted for theft due to the high value of these metals, especially the precious metals palladium, platinum, and rhodium. Some of these precious metals are more valuable per ounce than gold and their value has been increasing in recent years. The black-market price for catalytic converters can be above $1,000 each, depending on the type of vehicle and what state it is from. They can be stolen in less than a minute. Additionally, catalytic converters often lack unique serial numbers, VIN information, or other distinctive identification features, making them difficult to trace to their lawful owner. Thus, the theft of catalytic converters has become increasingly popular because of their value, relative ease to steal, and their lack of identifying markings.

Eastern District of California Case

A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of California returned a 40‑count indictment charging nine defendants with conspiracy to transport stolen catalytic converters, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and other related charges.

According to court documents, brothers Tou Sue Vang, 31, and Andrew Vang, 27, and Monica Moua, 51, all of Sacramento, California, allegedly operated an unlicensed business from their personal residence in Sacramento where they bought stolen catalytic converters from local thieves and shipped them to DG Auto Parts LLC (DG Auto) in New Jersey for processing. The Vang family allegedly sold over $38 million in stolen catalytic converters to DG Auto.

Defendants Navin Khanna, aka Lovin Khanna, 39; Tinu Khanna, aka Gagan Khanna, 35; Daniel Dolan, 44; Chi Mo, aka David Mo, 37; Wright Louis Mosley, 50; and Ishu Lakra, 24, all of New Jersey, operated DG Auto in multiple locations in New Jersey. They knowingly purchased stolen catalytic converters and, through a “de-canning” process, extracted the precious metal powders from the catalytic core. DG Auto sold the precious metal powders it processed from California and elsewhere to a metal refinery for over $545 million.

Northern District of Oklahoma Case

A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Oklahoma returned a 40‑count indictment charging 13 defendants with conspiracy to receive stolen catalytic converters, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and other related charges.

According to court documents, together the defendants bought stolen catalytic converters from thieves on the street, then re-sold and shipped them to DG Auto in New Jersey for processing. Over the course of the conspiracy, defendant Tyler James Curtis received over $13 million in wired funds from DG Auto for the shipment of catalytic converters and received over $500,000 from Capital Cores for catalytic converters. Defendant Adam G. Sharkey received over $45 million in wired funds from DG Auto. And defendant Martynas Macerauskas received over $6 million in payments from DG Auto for catalytic converters. In all these incidents, most of the catalytic converters sold to DG Auto were stolen, and DG Auto knew or should have known that when they paid for them.

The 13 defendants are Navin Khanna, 39, of Holmdel, New Jersey; Adam Sharkey, 26, of West Islip, New York; Robert Gary Sharkey, 57, of Babylon, New York; Tyler James Curtis, 26, of Wagoner, Oklahoma; Benjamin Robert Mansour, 24, of Bixby, Oklahoma; Reiss Nicole Biby, 24, of Wagoner, Oklahoma; Martynas Macerauskas, 28, of Leila Lake, Texas; Kristina McKay Macerauskas, 21, of Leila Lake, Texas; Parker Star Weavel, 25, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Shane Allen Minnick, 26, of Haskell, Oklahoma; Ryan David LaRue 29, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma; Brian Pate Thomas, 25, of Choteau, Oklahoma; and Michael Anthony Rhoden, 26, of Keifer, Oklahoma.

Trial Attorney Danbee C. Kim of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica M.A. Alegría for the Eastern District of California, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan Reininger and David Nasar for the Northern District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the cases.

The FBI Sacramento, IRS-CI Sacramento, HSI Tulsa, and IRS-CI Tulsa are investigating the cases.

FBI Las Vegas (NV), FBI Richmond (VA), FBI Charlotte (NC), FBI Newark (NJ), FBI Dallas (TX), HSI Dallas (TX), HSI Houston (TX), HSI Amarillo (TX), HSI St. Paul (MN), HSI Long Island (NY), HSI Newark (NJ), IRS-CI Chicago Field Office (IL), IRS-CI Oakland Field Office (CA), IRS-CI Dallas Field Office (TX), IRS-CI Newark Field Office (NJ), Tulsa Police Department (OK), Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office (OK), Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OK), Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office (OK), Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office (OK), Houston Police Department (TX), Amarillo Police Department (TX), Broken Arrow Police Department (OK), Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department (CA), Sacramento Police Department (CA), Davis Police Department (CA), Auburn Police Department (CA), Livermore Police Department (CA), San Bernardino County Sherriff’s Department (CA), Customs and Border Protection (NJ), Port Authority Police Department of New York and New Jersey (NY; NJ), Hudson County Sheriff’s Office (NJ), Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office (NJ), Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office (NJ), Morris Township Police Department (NJ), Springfield Police Department (NJ), New Jersey State Police (NJ), Union County Prosecutor’s Office (NJ), Port Authority of NY & NJ (NY; NJ), Howell Police Department (NJ), Warren Township Police Department (NJ), Freehold Borough Police Department (NJ), Middletown Police Department (NJ), Marlboro Police Department (NJ), Manalapan Police Department (NJ), Ocean County Sheriff’s Office (NJ), Burlington Police Department (NJ), Willingboro Police Department (NJ), Waterfront Commission of NY Harbor (NY), Nassau County Police Department (NY), Suffolk County Police Department (NY), Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (NV), Greensville County Sheriff’s Office (VA), Emporia Police Department (VA), Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office (VA), Halifax County Sheriff’s Office (NC), Saint Paul Police Department (MN), Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau (MN), Blaine Police Department (MN), McLeod County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Anoka County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Carver County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Roseville Police Department (MN), Plymouth Police Department (MN), Bloomington Police Department (MN), Eagan Police Department (MN), Woodbury Police Department (MN), Brown County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Brooklyn Park Police Department (MN), Fridley Police Department (MN), Mendota Heights Police Department (MN), Chaska Police Department (MN), and Coon Rapids Police Department (MN) provided assistance.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Source: www.justice.gov

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Contra Costa CountyCrime

Richmond Police Say Suspect Arrested for the Fourth Time for Murder

by ECT
written by ECT

On Thursday, July 14th just before 10:00 pm, Emari Cook, a 26-year-old male from Vallejo was shot and killed near S. 49th St. and Cutting Blvd in the City of Richmond.

A suspect exited the driver seat of a vehicle holding an assault rifle. The suspect confronted Cook and ultimately shot and killed him. Bullet casings to an assault rifle were located at the scene and a description of a vehicle was obtained from nearby commercial video surveillance cameras.

With the assistance of San Pablo Police Department detectives, an extensive search was done of the local License Plate Reader systems. Using these systems, homicide detectives were able to identify a vehicle believed to be used in the crime. The investigation continued that developed additional information linking the registered owner of the vehicle as being the suspect responsible for this senseless murder.

On October 19, 2022 the Richmond Police Department SWAT team served a search warrant in the 1300 block of Palm Ave. Martinez, Ca. for additional evidence related to the case. The suspect was located inside of the residence and arrested on an outstanding, unrelated firearm, warrant. A search of the residence located two firearms, one being a short-barreled AR-15 pistol and a semi-automatic handgun with an attached selector switch to make the firearm a fully automatic weapon.

The Contra Costa Crime Lab examined the AR-15 pistol and determined the firearm was a match to the weapon used to kill Emari Cook on July 14th .

On Thursday, October 20th, the Contra Costa County District Attorney filed one count of murder and firearm violations against Bobby Dee Dozier, 37-year-old male, who has extensive ties to Richmond. Bobby Dozier has three previous arrests for murder and was convicted in 2010 of manslaughter. He was paroled in September 2020.

The City of Richmond Police Department is committed to solving crimes that occur in our city. We ask that any person, who may have any information related to this crime please contact Homicide Detective Brian Hoffman at (510) 621-1755, email him at [email protected] or contact Richmond’s anonymous tip line at (510) 307- T1PS (8177).

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AntiochCrime

CHP Investigating Sunday Morning Shooting on Highway 4 Near Hillcrest in Antioch

by ECT
written by ECT

On Sunday, October 30, at approximately 1:20 AM, officers assigned to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Contra Costa Area Office were dispatched to a possible freeway shooting on the Hillcrest off ramp from eastbound SR-4.

During the shooting, the driver and sole occupant of a vehicle struck and sustained non-life threatening injuries.  He was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Detectives assigned to the CHP Golden Gate Division Investigative Services Unit have assumed lead on this case and are currently investigating.  Currently, no motive has been determined, and a suspect has not been located.  Any assistance from the public in gathering additional details surrounding this shooting is appreciated.

If you or someone you know have information regarding this incident, please call the CHP Investigation Tipline at (707)917-4491.

No additional information is being released at this time.

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Crime

Former Santa Rita Jail Inmate Sentenced To 7 Years For Distributing Fentanyl That Killed Fellow Inmate

by ECT
written by ECT

OAKLAND – A federal judge today sentenced Kameron Patricia Reid to 84 months in prison for distributing fentanyl that killed an inmate at the Santa Rita Jail, announced United States Attorney Stephane M. Hinds, FBI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp, and Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris.  The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Jon S. Tigar.

In a written plea agreement entered earlier, Reid, 38, of San Leandro, described the events that led to her fellow inmate’s death on May 16, 2021.  Reid was incarcerated at the time in Santa Rita Jail located in Dublin, Alameda County.  She admitted that during her incarceration she distributed fentanyl within the jail, hiding the fentanyl from correctional officers by concealing it in a cavity of her body.  On May 16, Reid provided fentanyl to two inmates identified in the plea agreement as “Victim 1” and “Inmate 2.”  She saw both inmates ingest the fentanyl, and each became visibly intoxicated.  Reid suspected Victim 1 was overdosing.  In her plea agreement Reid admitted she did not call for assistance for fear of getting into trouble.  Instead, she flushed the rest of her fentanyl down a toilet.  Another inmate eventually called for assistance, but Victim 1 died.  Reid admitted in her plea agreement that she then lied to investigators about her role in Victim 1’s death.

The government described in its sentencing memo filed for today’s hearing that Reid distributed fentanyl to multiple inmates at Santa Rita Jail from approximately April 23, 2021, when Reid was arrested by San Leandro police officers and found with fentanyl, until her release in May 2021.  The day before Victim 1’s death, Reid distributed pink-colored fentanyl to Victim 1 and Inmate 2. After learning the pink fentanyl created little effect on the inmates, the next day – May 16 – Reid provided Victim 1 and Inmate 2 with white-colored fentanyl.  According to the government’s sentencing memo, Reid knew the white-colored fentanyl was stronger and referred to it as the “big dog.”  The sentencing memo further describes that once Victim 1 ingested the white fentanyl and showed signs of overdosing, Reid checked on the victim multiple times but never summoned help.  Hours later another inmate summoned assistance, and a half hour after that Victim 1 was pronounced dead.  The government argued in its sentencing memo that Reid’s distribution of fentanyl was reckless and her failure to summon help was callous, selfish, and cruel.

In addition to the 84 month sentence, United States District Judge Tigar ordered Reid to serve a three year period of supervision when she leaves prison.  Reid was in custody at her sentencing hearing and begins serving her sentence immediately.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly K. Priedeman of the Oakland Branch of the United States Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Leeya Kekona.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, DEA, and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.

One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl is a highly potent opiate that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs.  Fentanyl is used because it’s cheap.  Small variations in the quantity or quality of fentanyl in a fake  prescription pill can accidentally create a lethal dosage.  Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of drug poisoning deaths in the United States.  Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies, like Percocet and Xanax.  For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These particular pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors.  They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill.  Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
Updated October 28, 2022

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Crime

Fairfield Police Arrest Oakland Man for Armed Robbery and Sexual Assault

by ECT
written by ECT

On Friday, Fairfield Police officers arrested 37-year-old Dewayne Allen Wright, an Oakland resident, for an armed robbery and sexual assault that occurred in the 1800 block of West Texas Street on Thursday.

Wright, who has a history of violent offenses, was booked into Solano County Jail on several charges including Forced Oral Copulation, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Felon in possession of a Firearm, possession of an illegal firearm, and violation of parole. He had three outstanding felony warrants, one out of San Francisco for assault, one out of Oakland for Robbery, and one for Violation of Parole out of the Department of Corrections.

Wright was arrested without incident after officers were alerted to his vehicle’s location through the FLOCK Automated License Plate Reader system. Officers saw the car and stopped it just after 2:00 pm at the Eastbound I-80 Truck Scales in Cordelia. At the time of his arrest, Wright was under state supervised parole.

Due to the nature of this case, no further details will be released.


Update: The person of interest is now in police custody.

Original Release:

The Fairfield Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a person of interest in an armed robbery and sexual assault that occurred in the 1800 Block of West Texas Street on October 27 at 7am.

The attached are photos of a possible suspect and the car he was driving.  The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information regarding the identity and/or whereabouts of this person or the car is asked to call Fairfield Police at 707-428-7600. This is still an open and active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time

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Contra Costa CountyCrime

Former Danville Cop Not Charged in Killing of Tyrell Wilson

by ECT
written by ECT

Martinez, Calif. – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office will not file criminal charges against Deputy Andrew Hall in the 2021 fatal shooting of Tyrell Wilson, as detailed in a Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident (LEIFI) report released today.

The report is part of Contra Costa County’s protocol that investigates when police officers or civilians are shot or die during an encounter with law enforcement. The document summarizes the District Attorney’s independent investigative report of the incident, contains a legal analysis, and concludes with a charging decision.

The incident involving Deputy Andrew Hall and Tyrell Wilson occurred on March 11, 2021, in the Town of Danville. On that date around 11:45 am, the California Highway Patrol received multiple calls reporting that someone on the Sycamore Valley Road overpass was throwing rocks onto Interstate 680. Deputy Hall responded to the location and saw a man, later identified as Tyrell Wilson, who matched the description of the suspect.

Deputy Hall exited his vehicle and followed Wilson into the intersection while engaging in a verbal back-and-forth. During the encounter, Wilson told Deputy Hall: “No. Don’t [explicative] touch me!” Then, Wilson retrieved a folding knife from his jacket and held the blade by his right thigh  — which was oriented forward. Hall then proceeded to take five steps away from Deputy Hall while saying, “Touch me and see what’s up. Touch me and see what’s up.”

Deputy Hall unholstered his firearm, pointed it at Wilson, and ordered him to “Drop the knife” three times. Wilson took 2-3 steps towards Deputy Hall, raised the knife up to his chest, looked up at the sky, and said, “Kill me.” Deputy Hall then took approximately three steps backward and shot Wilson once in the head, causing him to collapse to the ground.

Wilson was transported by ambulance to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek. He died from a fatal gunshot wound two days later.

The LEIFI report details the encounter between Deputy Hall and Tyrell Wilson, summarizes the opinions and analyses of two use-of-force experts, and includes an extensive legal analysis that led to a charging decision. The full report is available on the District Attorney’s Office’s website. The Wilson family was advised in person before the report was published, and a copy of the report has been sent to state Attorney General Rob Bonta.

D.A. Becton notes that “This was a difficult and challenging case. My legal team and I spent a considerable amount of time and resources evaluating the evidence before coming to this conclusion. As a community, we need to find ways to de-escalate law enforcement encounters where the use of force leads to tragic outcomes. The loss of Tyrell Wilson’s life weighs on our community and I express my deepest condolences to the Wilson family.”

 

April 21: Sheriffs Office Release Critical Incident Video on Danville Officer Involved Shooting

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is releasing series of critical incident videos depicting the officer involved shooting involving Tyrell Wilson that occurred in Danville on March 11, 2021.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Sheriff continue to investigate this incident pursuant to the countywide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol. The Sheriff’s Office is committed to a thorough investigation, transparency of all the facts, and is releasing these videos to provide the public with facts, evidence and information surrounding this incident.

“Any loss of life is tragic, but the community can now see the truth,” said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. “Tyrell Wilson did in fact threaten the lives of passing motorists by throwing objects, possibly rocks, from the overpass down onto Highway 680. He was found with numerous rocks in his jacket pocket.  He did pull a knife on Officer Hall. He did threaten Officer Hall. And he did start advancing toward Officer Hall in the middle of a major intersection. Officers are forced to make split second decisions to protect themselves and the public and that’s what happened here.”

They contain graphic content and language that may be disturbing and not appropriate for all viewers

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Crime

Former Correctional Officer Admits To Abusive Sexual Contact With Inmate

by ECT
written by ECT

OAKLAND – Enrique Chavez pleaded guilty in federal court today to abusive sexual contact with a female prison inmate while he was employed as a correctional officer at the Federal Correctional Institute Dublin (FCI Dublin) in Alameda County.

“Correctional institutions play a vital role in securing the safety and welfare of our communities, and its officers must ensure the same for prisoners under their custody and control,” said United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds.  “Correctional officers are trained and required to act with integrity and professionalism towards the prisoners they supervise.  Any officer who breaches those responsibilities and violates the law in doing so should expect a federal criminal investigation and prosecution to follow.”

“The public trusts correctional officers to act with integrity, but instead, Chavez used his position of power to sexually abuse an inmate under his supervision.  The DOJ Office of the Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate allegations of abuse, including sexual abuse, across the BOP,” said Zachary Shroyer, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Los Angeles Field Office.

“Employees of federal prisons who abuse their authority are not above the law,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp.  “The FBI and our partners will continue to identify correctional officers like Chavez who violated federal law and hold them accountable.”

According to the plea agreement he entered today, Chavez, 50, formerly of Manteca, California, was employed in October 2020 as a correctional officer at FCI Dublin.  FCI Dublin is a correctional institution operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons that houses female prisoners.  A female prisoner identified only as Victim 1 in the plea agreement was in detention at FCI Dublin.  Victim 1 was under Chavez’s supervision and disciplinary authority at the time.

Chavez admitted today in his plea agreement that during October 2020 he met Victim 1 in the food service pantry at FCI Dublin.  After they met in the pantry, Chavez locked the door.  The lights were turned off.  Chavez admitted to putting his hand inside Victim 1’s underwear and touching her genitals.  Chavez also admitted to touching the victim’s breasts.

Chavez pleaded guilty today to one count of abusive sexual contact with a prisoner in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2244(a)(4).  The count carries a maximum statutory sentence of two years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, with a minimum period of supervision following release from prison of five years and a maximum of a lifetime of supervision.  However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by a court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

United States District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers set a sentencing hearing for Chavez on February 2, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.  Chavez remains out of custody on bond while awaiting his sentencing hearing.

U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds, DOJ Office of the Inspector General Los Angeles Field Office Special Agent in Charge Zachary Shroyer, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp made the announcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Paulson, Mohit Gourisaria, and Molly K. Priedeman are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of Kay Konopaske and Leeya Kekona.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DOJ Office of the Inspector General and the FBI.

Updated October 27, 2022
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Crime

Fairfield School Resource Officer Arrests Student With Firearm on Campus

by ECT
written by ECT

On Tuesday, a Fairfield Police School Resource Officer (SRO) arrested a male student with a weapon on campus.

On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at around 2:52 pm, Officer Lewis, a School Resource Officer assigned to Armijo High School, learned of an ongoing issue between two male students (both minors), in which one student threatened to physically harm the other. A school administrator escorted the student who made the threatening remarks to the main office and, based upon information that he was in possession of a firearm, a search of his backpack was conducted.

Inside the backpack, Officer Lewis found a second, cross-body bag from which he recovered a loaded Polymer 80 Glock-style pistol, with an extended magazine inserted into the magazine well. No other weapons were found.

The student was taken into custody and transported to the Solano County Juvenile Hall Detention Facility, where he was booked on several weapons related charges.

Many thanks to Officer Lewis, Armijo High’s vice principal and school administration. Due to their quick thinking and collaborative partnership, a potentially dangerous situation was avoided.

For any media inquiries, please contact Fairfield Police Department’s Public Information Officer (PIO) Jennifer Brantley at (707)428-7444 or via email at [email protected] .

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Contra Costa CountyCrime

Concord Police Say Arrests Made After Two Wounded in Gunfire Sunday

by ECT
written by ECT

The Concord Police Department say two people were wounded in gunfire Sunday night and say two adult males have been arrested and charged.

According to Police:

Last night at 10pm, Officers responded to a shooting on Haller Ct. Two gunshot victims were located and are hospitalized with serious injuries. The investigation revealed it was a gang related drive-by shooting and information was obtained about the suspect car. Officers later located that car and have arrested and charged two adult males with attempted murder.

The case is still under active investigation and we cannot release any more information at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this case may contact Detective Anthony Perry or Detective Davin Roberts with CPD’s Violence Suppression Unit at 925-603-5873 or 925-603-5857. CPD Case #22-11138 -352/596

No other information was released.

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AntiochCrime

Burglary Suspect in Custody After Chased Down by Lumpy’s Diner Owner

by ECT
written by ECT

On Friday at approximently 9:30 pm, a male burglary broke through the glass window to gain access into Lumpy’s Diner on Lone Tree Way in the City of Antioch.

The entry set off their alarm system and video surveillance of the burglary in progress which alerted the owners of Lumpy’s diner who within a few minutes arrived at the diner. A foot pursuit occurred where the owner chased down the burglar where he was captured across the street in front of Walgreens Drug Store.

The burglary suspect was arrested by Antioch Police and sustained injuries to his head while the owner of Lumpy’s sustained minor injuries. The burglary suspect did leave the cash registered scattered all over the floor while trying to make his escape.

UPDATE
The Antioch Police Department identified the suspect as Victor Malaki, 28.

Per City of Antioch recent crime reports, here is the list of recent business burglaries since September 1:

Burglary – Business

  • 9/1 – 1000 block Fitzuren Rd.
  • 9/2 – 500 block Auto Center Dr.
  • 9/5 – 2100 block Wilbur Lane
  • 9/5 – 2600 block Somersville Rd
  • 9/5 – 2300 block Buchanan Rd
  • 9/5 – 2300 block Buchanan Rd
  • 9/5 – 2600 block Somersville Rd.
  • 9/6 – 3500 block Deer Valley Rd.
  • 9/11 – 1400 block Auto Center Dr.
  • 9/13 – 3400 block Deer Valley Rd.
  • 9/15 – 3400 block Deer Valley Rd.
  • 9/20 – 1700 block Cavallo Rd.
  • 9/20 – 1800 block A St.
  • 9/21 – 2100 block A St.
  • 9/24 – 4500 block Lone Tree Way
  • 9/29 – 2100 block A St.
  • 10/3 – 3000 block Wilbur Ave
  • 10/4 – 2000 block A St.
  • 10/5 – 300 block E 18th St.
  • 10/5 – 2900 block Delta Fair Blvd.
  • 10/5 – 100 block Railroad Ave.
  • 10/5 – 1600 block A St.
  • 10/5 – 1600 block A St.
  • 10/5 – 1800 block A St.
  • 10/6 – 1600 block W 10th St.
  • 10/6 – 5200 block Trimonti Cir.
  • 10/6 – 1300 block Aster Dr.
  • 10/9 – 2800 block Lone Tree Way
  • 10/11 – 3400 block Deer Valley Rd.
  • 10/15 – 3300 block Deer Valley Rd
  • 10/15 – 4000 block Lone Tree Way
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Crime

Alameda County DA’s Office Announces Naked Wines Settles Consumer Protection Lawsuit

by ECT
written by ECT

Lawsuit alleged automatic renewal violations

OAKLAND – Alameda County District Attorney Nancy E. O’Malley announced today that her office, together with the District Attorneys of San Diego, Napa, Shasta, and Sonoma counties, settled a consumer protection action against Nakedwines.com, Inc. (Naked Wines), an online seller of wine.

The complaint, which was filed in San Diego County Superior Court, alleges that Naked Wines violated California’s Automatic Renewal Law.

The Automatic Renewal Law is an important consumer protection statute.  With some businesses, consumers can continue to receive and pay for a product through “automatic pay.” However, the consumer must agree to that form of payment.  In other words, if a business is going to keep billing the consumer’s credit card or other means of payment, the business is required to make certain disclosures both before and after enrolling customers in automatic renewal agreements, which automatically renews payment on a regular basis unless further action is taken.

The complaint alleges that Naked Wines violated the Automatic Renewal Law with respect to two programs:

  • “Wine Angel,” a program in which consumers pay $40 per month and can use the accrued money for future purchases of select wines; and
  • “Wine Genie,” a program in which customers pay on a monthly basis for automatic wine shipments.

The complaint alleges that the enrollment process for both programs failed to include the required pre-purchase disclosures, provided insufficient post-payment acknowledgments, and failed to offer a simple online mechanism for consumers to stop recurring charges.

“My office is committed to and continues to take all measures to protect consumers from businesses that fail to follow the law.  In this case, we are enforcing the California Automatic Renewal Law, which has proven to be an important protection and benefit to Californians,” said DA O’Malley.  “Consumers should always receive the required disclosures before and after agreeing to any contract that may result in months or years of recurring charges.” 

Under the terms of the judgment, Naked Wines must comply with the Automatic Renewal Law going forward and, without admitting liability, pay $650,000 in costs and civil penalties. Also, under the judgement, any California customer who participated in the Wine Angel or Wine Genie program since April 2017 may be entitled to a full refund by making a written request to Naked Wines. Naked Wines cooperated fully in the investigation and has taken steps to improve its disclosures and sign-up process.

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District Attorney
CrimePittsburgWalnut Creek

Pittsburg Man Charged for Attacking Woman at Walnut Creek BART

by ECT
written by ECT

Martinez, Calif. –  A Pittsburg man has been charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office for attacking a female victim at the Walnut Creek BART station.

35-year-old Richard Lee McDowell faces a three-count felony complaint for kidnapping, attempted rape, and assault of a 20-year-old Jane Doe who resides in Daly City.

On October 7th, McDowell and the victim were on the same BART train around midnight when the train stopped at the Walnut Creek Station. The victim exited onto the platform and McDowell followed. No one else was on the platform when McDowell grabbed the victim and forced her into an elevator where the two struggled. At one point, the victim was able to activate the emergency alarm in the elevator and McDowell fled while BART Police were en route.

With images from security camera footage and a description, law enforcement put out a bulletin on the McDowell. On October 15th, he was arrested by BART police at the North Concord Station.

McDowell has been booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. He will be arraigned on October 21st at 1:30 pm in Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa in Martinez.

01-22-01894 | The People of the State of California v. McDowell, Richard Lee

 

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CaliforniaCrime

LA County Sheriff Says 12,000 Fentanyl Pills Packaged in Candy

by ECT
written by ECT

On October 19, 2022, at approximately 7:30 am, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Narcotics Bureau Detectives and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agents assigned to a task force at the Los Angeles International Airport seized approximately 12,000 suspected fentanyl pills.

The suspect attempted to go through TSA screening with several bags of candy and miscellaneous snacks with the intent of boarding a plane. However, it was discovered that inside the “Sweetarts”, “Skittles”, and “Whoppers” candy boxes were fentanyl pills and not candy.

The suspect fled prior to being detained by law enforcement but has been identified and the investigation is on-going.

With Halloween approaching, parents need to make sure they are checking their kids candy and not allowing them to eat anything until it has been inspected by them. If you find anything in candy boxes that you believe might be narcotics, do not touch it and immediately notify your local law enforcement agency.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Narcotics Bureau at (562) 946-7125.

If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

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Wesley Brownlee Stockton
Crime

Murder Charges Filed Against Alleged Stockton Serial Killer

by ECT
written by ECT

San Joaquin County District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar announced the initial charges against defendant Wesley Brownlee, 43, in connection with a series of homicides in Stockton. The defendant is charged with three counts of murder, one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, and one count of possession of ammunition by a felon.

“Today, our community can breathe a sigh of relief. The man suspected of taking multiple lives is behind bars,” said District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar.  “There is sufficient evidence to pursue three counts of murder and we are confident additional charges will be added to the complaint as the investigation progresses. My administration will prosecute the defendant to the full extent of the law. Our sincerest condolences are with the victims’ families during this extremely difficult time, and my office will continue to offer support and services as these families process their loss.”

“I am grateful for the work of the Stockton Police Department and law enforcement agencies who lent their support to this investigation, including the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Firearms and Bureau of Forensic Services,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “When we face a challenge or threat to the safety of Californians, we stand stronger when we stand together. Because of our collaborative work, the citizens of Stockton and California communities can feel comfort in knowing that this suspect is off our streets and out of their neighborhoods. With today’s charges filed by San Joaquin County District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar, we take an important step forward in our efforts to hold this suspect accountable and in healing the trauma experienced by the Stockton community.”

According to the Stockton Police Department, Officers were conducting surveillance on a person of interest in connection to the recent series of homicides. Due to the behavior pattern exhibited by the individual, Stockton Police Department officers had reasonable suspicion and initiated contact. During the inventory of his vehicle and person, a firearm of a similar caliber to the weapon used in the homicides was found and Wesley Brownlee was arrested. Due to the partnership with ATF, the firearm was processed and it is with high confidence the same firearm was used in three of the recent homicides- Jonathan Hernandez on August 30, Juan Carlos Carranza Cruz on September 21, and Lawrence Lopez on September 27.

The defendant has been remanded to custody by the Honorable Judge Soldati. The investigation is ongoing and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office will continue to dedicate resources to assisting law enforcement in the successful prosecution of the defendant.

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office would like to recognize Chief Deputy District Attorney Robert Himelblau and his team, Stockton Police Department, fellow local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including ATF and California DOJ, and the Bureau of Investigations for the collaboration and partnership in the investigation and apprehension of the suspect.

In addition, the Office would like to thank the Stockton community for their assistance in the capture of the defendant. This case is a prime example of how community partnership and engagement with law enforcement results in increased public safety.

A copy of the filed complaint can be found below.

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Crime

San Pablo Police Arrest Armed Robbery Suspects

by ECT
written by ECT

The San Pablo Police Department announced the arrest of two individuals in connection with an armed robbery that occurred Monday.

Police said officers responded to an armed robbery call on Market Ave at approximately 11:20 am. Officers arrived to the call within less than a minute and found the victim and some witnesses.

The elderly victim informed Officers that she heard someone run up behind her and then a man forcibly pulled her gold necklace off from around her neck and pushed her. The man then went up to the second victim, which was a juvenile, while holding a gun in his waistband, and pulled her purse from her arm.

The man then ran down the street where witnesses saw him get into a yellow sports car.  Minutes later, Officers who were circulating the area found the yellow sports car occupied by two men.

The passenger matched the description of the suspect seen by witnesses and Officers also located the victim’s purse on the floorboard of the car. Officers then also saw a black pistol wedged between the passenger seat and door. The passenger was positively identified as the main suspect.

Two subjects were taken into custody:

  • 17 year old Hispanic Male juvenile, Richmond resident
  • 27 year old Hispanic Male adult, San Pablo resident

Both men were arrested and transported to jail. The pistol was later determined to be an airsoft gun.

Information released by San Pablo Police

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AntiochCrimePittsburg

Antioch Man Arrested in Shooting that Wounded 8-Year-Old and Mother in Pittsburg

by ECT
written by ECT

The Pittsburg Police Department announced the arrest in a Friday shooting that left an 8-year-old boy and his mother wounded.

According to Pittsburg Police, they located and arrested the suspect in the shooting incident that occurred on Friday, October 14th near the intersection of Davi Ave. and Civic Ave. Officers identified the suspect as 35 year old Javier Gonzalez of Antioch. Various investigative leads aided in the identifying and locating of Gonzalez, who was booked and is being held for attempted murder and child endangerment charges.

This is still an active investigation and we ask anyone with information to please contact the Pittsburg Police Department at 925-646-2441.

On Friday, October 14th at 9:06 PM, Officers responded to the area of Davi Avenue and Civic Avenue for a report of a shooting that just occurred. When officers arrived they located a mother and her 8-year-old boy that were both suffering from gunshot wounds.

The child had a single non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the left shoulder and the woman had multiple gunshot wounds. Officers and paramedics provided medical aid to both victims and both were later transported to area hospitals. Both victims are currently hospitalized and recovering in stable condition.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were traveling on Civic Avenue when another car collided with them. The driver of that car fired multiple rounds into their vehicle. The victim’s car became incapacitated and the suspect vehicle fled the scene.

This was not a random act of violence. Investigators learned this was a domestic violence-related crime as the suspect and victim knew each other and the suspect specifically targeted her.

Officers interviewed multiple witnesses to the incident and are using our city-wide surveillance system to identify and locate the suspect.

The investigation is still in its preliminary stages, and we ask anyone with information to please contact the Pittsburg Police Department at 925-646-2441.

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Crime

Yuba County Sheriff Says Parents Arrested After Attack on Principal

by ECT
written by ECT

On Friday, the Yuba County Sheriffs Department released information regarding a September 28 incident at a Lindhurst High school where after a fight between juveniles, parents went to the school and assaulted the principal.

Here is the information released:

On September 28, 2022, around 1 PM, Yuba County Sheriff Deputies responded to Lindhurst High School regarding several juveniles fighting. During the fight, one juvenile sustained injuries that required treatment at a hospital.

In hearing about the fight, the parents of the injured juvenile, James Renshaw Sr. and Tabitha Heidbreider, came to the school.

Renshaw Sr. entered the front office and immediately began assaulting the principal, who was able to defend himself until deputies arrived. Renshaw Sr. was arrested for the assault, and school staff advised that Heidbreider had left. Deputies went to their residence with a search warrant, located a firearm and confirmed the weapon was brought on school grounds by the parents. The firearm was determined to be self-manufactured and with no serial number affixed (commonly referred to as a ghost gun). Both Renshaw Sr. and Heidbreider were confirmed to be felons and prohibited from possessing firearms.

They were arrested and booked in the Yuba County Jail for the following:

  • Child Endangerment
  • Felon in possession of a firearm
  • Carrying a concealed firearm within a vehicle
  • Carrying a loaded firearm in a public place
  • Felon in possession of Ammunition
  • Possession of a weapon on a school campus
  • Manufacturing or assembling a firearm
  • Assault on a school employee (Renshaw Sr. only)

Information provided by Yuba County Sheriffs Department

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CrimeWalnut Creek

Walnut Creek Police Investigate Attempted Homicide

by ECT
written by ECT

The Walnut Creek Police Department is investigating an attempted homicide that occurred on October 15, 2022, at the 2700 block of Hutchinson Ct. in the City of Walnut Creek.

Police received multiple 911 calls at 11:20 PM regarding shots fired in the area with a gunshot victim who had just arrived at John Muir Hospital. The victim was determined to be involved in this incident and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect is still outstanding as investigators are actively following leads.

This is still an active investigation, so only limited information can be released at this time. There is no threat to the community as this was an isolated incident between the involved parties.

If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact Detective Gerstner at [email protected].

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