Martinez, Calif. – Today, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office announces three cases will be dismissed as a result of a review done by the Conviction Integrity Unit involving former Antioch Police Officer Santiago Castillo.
In the interest of justice, two cases will be dismissed outright, and one case will have one count dismissed. Formal proceedings will be conducted on the record with the Contra Costa County Superior Court.
Officer Castillo’s subsequent conduct raises questions about the integrity of the underlying convictions in the three cases that will be dismissed. Records were released earlier this year by the Antioch Police Department concerning Castillo’s tenure with the agency, which prompted the Conviction Integrity Unit review. The records detailed Castillo’s involvement in sharing confidential police information with an informant, improper handling of evidence and showing dishonesty during the internal affairs investigation.
The dismissed cases and counts include the following
- Demetrius Sells, Docket 04-145620-1 (felony resisting an arrest by a peace officer)
- Joseph O’Neal, Docket 04-187933-7 (misdemeanor reckless driving, driving on suspended license)
- James McCullar, Docket 04-186384-4 (one count will be dismissed, misdemeanor reckless driving)
If a member of the public believes they have information regarding a prior conviction involving Castillo they may contact the unit and complete an application on our website: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/7187/Conviction-Integrity-Unit
The Conviction Integrity Unit was created by District Attorney Diana Becton. “I created the first ever standalone Conviction Integrity Unit for this Office as the public needs to have faith in our criminal justice system. A prior conviction with any impropriety causes a great disservice to our system. We will continue to review prior cases and conduct investigations as appropriate,” stated DA Becton.
Our Office notified Police Chief Tammany Brooks of the results of the review and Public Defender Robin Lipetzky.
Editors Notes:
Antioch Police fired Sgt. Castillo back in 2017 for tipping off drug dealers dating back several years while also mishandling evidence and showing dishonesty—including submitting false time sheets.
Back in July of 2018, Pittsburg Police was contact by Target Corporate Investigators related to an embezzlement investigation regarding Castillo for embezzling money and merchandise.
According to police, during an interview with Corporate Investigators, the Castillo admitted to stealing various items and was taken into custody. A search warrant for the man’s residence was authorized, which yielded several items of evidentiary value.
This past week, Castillo was arrested in Alameda County for a warrant.
5 comments
Get that dirty pig!!!
Went to high school with him. He was corrupt then too! Antioch come on now just because, they played football at Antioch High school doesn’t make them good cops!!
He could get a job with the FBI.
Cia
Homeland Security
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