Including 7 traffickers in Contra Costa County; Contra Costa DA’s Office, Pittsburg PD participate
By Lt. Joshua Singleton, Task Force Commander, Human Trafficking Task Force, Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office
Days after the Super Bowl, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force reported its own statistics: numbers that showed enhanced investigations resulted in the arrests of 29 traffickers and the recovery of 73 sex trafficking victims, including 10 minors. One of the victims, who was being trafficked in Oakland, was 12 years old.
Law enforcement operations were held throughout 11 Bay Area counties during the lead up to one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Similar enforcement is being prepared for the deluge of fans coming to see the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament games at Levi’s Stadium between June 13 and July 1.
District Attorney Jeff Rosen said: “Beyond football, the Super Bowl was a triumph of Bay Area law enforcement planning, organization, cooperation, and safety. Human trafficking is not a game, it’s a tragedy. However, our team was very successful. Close to 70 agencies effectively discouraged traffickers from exploiting the game and victims. For traffickers that still came to the game from all over the world with bad intentions, many ended up behind bars.”
The HTTF helped organize the efforts of 67 law enforcement agencies from Sacramento to Monterey.
For two weeks before the Big Game, the Task Force set up a command center in Sunnyvale populated with more than 20 analysts from various agencies, such as the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, the DA’s Crime Strategies Unit, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, Pittsburg Police Department, federal agencies, and partners from community-based organizations such as In Our Backyard, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The analysts worked on tips in real time and worked alongside agents in the field to do investigations and make arrests. Operations that often take weeks took minutes in the enhanced Human Trafficking Tactical Operations Center.
Launching almost 40 operations, investigators recovered 20 victims from San Mateo County alone. Seven traffickers were arrested in Contra Costa; six in Monterey and Solano counties. In Santa Clara County, seven victims were recovered, two traffickers arrested and a firearm was seized.
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) encourages seniors to be aware of real estate and mortgage fraud targeting older adults. Scammers increasingly target seniors with real estate and mortgage-related deception, exploiting their trust and financial vulnerability.
The following tips aim to help Californians safeguard themselves before harm is done, as well as how to report this type of fraud.
Fraud Avoidance Tips
Be vigilant, diligent, and suspicious, and proceed very cautiously, when contacted by strangers.
Use only licensed professionals when engaging the services of people or companies offering rental, home loan, foreclosure rescue, or other real estate services on your behalf. Check licensing at dre.ca.gov and dfpi.ca.gov.
Never pay in cash, or wire cash to anyone, in connection with real estate transactions; Also, be certain to protect your personal information, such as social security number, so scammers cannot steal your identity.
Never pay anyone for home loans or foreclosure relief services in advance of successfully completing the work you wanted them to do for you.
Never sign an agreement for a real estate transaction (including a Rental) or a home loan that you cannot afford.
Never sign a real estate (including Rental) or home loan agreement that you do not understand or have not read, or which contains blank spaces.
Anyone (including scammers without an appropriate or legitimate California license) can advertise on television or radio, in newspapers, magazines or on the Internet.
Just because someone looks professional, sounds like an expert, and/or gives you confidence in their real estate knowledge, does not mean that you can or should trust them.
Never transfer or sign your home over to any third party or anyone else who claims that such a transfer can or will help you repair your credit or keep you in your home. Also, never sign a “power of attorney” giving rights to your property or money to any individual – or any company – you do not personally know and trust.
Monitor and periodically check the title to your real estate holdings, just like you check your credit reports; and act immediately if you detect fraud.
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Current Types of Real Estate Fraud
Foreclosure Rescue Schemes
Scammers promise to save a homeowner’s property from foreclosure in exchange for fees or title transfer. Victims often lose both their homes and money when no real help is provided.
Unlicensed Prepaid Rental Listing Services Fraud
Scammers offer rental property lists for a fee without proper licensing. Victims often pay upfront but receive outdated or nonexistent listings, leaving them without a rental and no recourse.
Timeshare Resale and Rental Schemes
Fraudsters promise to sell or rent timeshares for a fee but either fail to deliver, exaggerate property value, or sell nonexistent interests, exploiting owners’ desire to liquidate or monetize their timeshare.
Online Rental Fraud
Scammers advertise fake rental properties online, often requesting deposits or personal information before disappearing, targeting people searching for homes or vacation rentals.
Unlicensed Property Managers
Individuals manage rental properties without the necessary real estate license, potentially leading to mismanagement, legal issues, or financial loss for property owners and tenants.
Real Property Recordation Fraud
Fraudsters forge or falsify deeds and record them against properties without the owner’s consent, potentially leading to disputes over property ownership.
Real Property Investment Schemes
Scammers promote high-return real estate investments that are either nonexistent or misrepresented, leading to financial losses for investors.
Reverse Mortgage Scams
Fraudulent schemes target seniors, offering reverse mortgages with misleading terms or fees, potentially leading to loss of home equity or foreclosure.
Vacant Land Scams
Scammers or bad actors posing as owners of vacant land and contact real estate agents for their assistance to sell a property they do not own.
How Consumers Can Report Suspected Fraud
If you believe you have been a victim of a mortgage crime or have a concern or complaint about a real estate salesperson or broker, you can file a complaint with DRE: https://dre.ca.gov/Consumers/FileComplaint.html
ABOUT DRE
The Department of Real Estate is the regulatory agency that enforces the Real Estate Law, Subdivided Lands Law, and Vacation Ownership and Timeshare Act. DRE oversees the licensure of approximately 434,000 licensees. The Department’s mission is to safeguard and promote the public interests in real estate matters through licensure, regulation, education, and enforcement. Consumer protection is its highest priority. For more information, visit: www.dre.ca.gov.
(Above) Video screenshots of body-worn camera of officer involved shooting of knife-wielding suspect, David Bahrami as he ran toward officers and after he was shot with both lethal and non-lethal rounds showing him still holding a knife. Source: Antioch PD. (Below) Bahram in a photo posted on his Facebook page on Sept. 17, 2024.
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, CA – The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office (CCCDAO) issued a public report on a use of force incident in Antioch that resulted in the shooting death of David Wali Bahrami on June 30th, 2025, and finds the officers acted in reasonable self-defense/defense of others.
When a law enforcement officer or civilian is shot, killed or dies during an interaction involving a Contra Costa County police agency, the District Attorney’s Office launches an independent investigation. When no criminal charges are filed, the District Attorney’s Office will publish a public report detailing the facts and explaining the legal reasoning for this decision.
District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Transparency and accountability are fundamental to maintaining public trust. When a fatal incident occurs, my office is committed to conducting a comprehensive, independent investigation and sharing our findings with the community in a detailed public report.”
The knife Bahrami was carrying during the incident. Source: Contra Costa DA’s report
As previously reported, at approximately 6:16 am on June 30th, 2025, Antioch Police Department Dispatch received multiple 911 calls from David Bahrami, who lived with his family in Antioch and had a history of mental illness. He told dispatch he was about to kill someone, gave his address, and hung up the phone.
Multiple Antioch Police Officers staged nearby and called Bahrami to open a line of communication and to de-escalate the situation. At approximately 7:40 am, he threatened to kill his neighbor if officers did not come to his house. As a result, officers asked him to come outside to draw him away from family members inside the home.
Emerging from his residence, Bahrami walked toward the officers’ location approximately four houses away. Officers ordered him to stop and get on his knees, but instead he pulled out a large kitchen knife from his waistband and began running toward them. One officer fired a single less lethal round, which had no effect.
Bahrami continued running in a semi-circular path, then changed course and ran toward the police with the knife in his hand. When he was approximately 15–20 feet away, officers discharged their firearms to prevent themselves from potentially suffering great bodily injury or death from an imminent knife attack. He sustained multiple gunshot injuries and fell to the ground with the knife still in his hand. Officers immediately began administering medical aid, but Bahrami died at the scene.
During this encounter, responding officers repeatedly attempted de-escalation tactics by staging nearby and establishing communication with Bahrami. When confronted with an armed individual, Antioch officers elected to use less-lethal force. Officers resorted to lethal force only when Bahrami continued to wield his knife in direct proximity to the officers. Under the applicable legal standards, the District Attorney’s Office has determined that the officers acted in lawful self-defense/defense of others.
About the Report
The report is the final step in the CCCDAO investigation of the Antioch Police Department’s officer involved fatal incident of David Wali BAHRAMI on June 30th, 2025. The CCCDAO and every law enforcement agency in Contra Costa County follows the Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol (“the Protocol”)2 when investigating incidents where officers or civilians are shot, killed, or die during an encounter with law enforcement. Under the Protocol, the CCCDAO investigates all in-custody deaths in Contra Costa County for the purpose of making an independent determination of criminal liability. The sole purpose of the District Attorney investigation is to determine if there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt that an individual involved in the law enforcement involved fatality committed a crime.
Pursuant to the Protocol, immediately after an in-custody death, the involved law enforcement agency is required to notify the appropriate district attorney personnel. Once notified, trained and experienced members of the District Attorney’s Office respond to the scene and begin the criminal investigation. In addition, criminal investigators from the law enforcement agency involved in the incident and from the jurisdiction where the incident occurred, if different, respond to the scene as well. It is important to note that although these investigations happen simultaneously, each agency conducts its own independent investigation.
As part of the criminal investigation, law enforcement officers and civilians who witnessed the incident may be interviewed. Evidence is collected at the scene and may be submitted to the county crime lab for testing and analysis, in addition to any other relevant investigative work necessary to complete the investigation. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab responds to every incident and is responsible for evidence collection of all in-custody deaths.
During the course of the criminal investigation, an officer or deputy has the right to be represented by an attorney. They may voluntarily choose to provide a statement, physical evidence, or other relevant information during the criminal and administrative investigations. Under the law, neither an officer nor civilian can be compelled to give a statement as part of a criminal investigation. However, an officer may be compelled to provide a statement during the law enforcement agency’s administrative investigation only.
The report includes a timeline of the actions of Bahrami and each officer. Witnesses included Bahrami’s sister, brother, father and mother.
A copy of the report has been sent to the Antioch Police Department, the California Department of Justice and is available to the public on the Contra Costa District Attorney’s website. (WARNING: The report contains graphic images)
Following an armed robbery of the FoodMaxx store where the suspect smashed into the front door and then drove across town with an APD Officer inside, he fled his vehicle on Southwood Way, Friday morning, Feb. 20, 2026. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Officer trapped inside suspect’s car while driving high-speed across town
By Allen D. Payton
According to Lt. William Whitaker of the Antioch Police Investigations Bureau, this morning, Friday, February 20, 2026, at 5:16 a.m., Antioch Police officers were dispatched to the 4500 block of Lone Tree Way for a report of a robbery in progress. While officers were en route, the reporting party stated that one of the suspects was armed with a firearm and had threatened him.
According to Captain Desmond Bittner, “The suspect vehicle backed into the FoodMaxx store before the officers arrived,” smashing in the front glass doors. One employee said store employees heard the crash, saw some of the commotion, called police who arrived quickly, and that there was more than one suspect who entered the store and attempted to steal alcohol.
When officers arrived, they confronted a suspect at the scene. During the encounter, the suspect rammed his vehicle into an occupied patrol car. An officer who was outside the suspect’s vehicle then came into contact with the driver, and a physical struggle ensued.
During the altercation, the officer was pulled into the vehicle as the suspect drove forward, striking both a patrol car and the nearby store.
The officer gave the driver multiple commands to stop the car, but he did not comply. The suspect continued driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed with the officer trapped inside. The officer then discharged his service weapon, striking the suspect. The suspect exited the vehicle on the sidewalk in front of a house on the corner of Southwood Way at Field Brook Court and fled on foot but was apprehended a short time later. Bittner confirmed, “The suspect was arrested in the area of the Southwood Way location.”
Two K9 Officers could be seen searching the perimeter and a Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Investigator could be seen leaving Southwood Way before detectives arrived.
According to Con Fire Captain Daniel, his agency was called by Antioch Police and Con Fire “transported one individual” to an area hospital. A photographer from Emergency Spotlight who heard the call said, “I woke up early to sirens then turned on the scanner and heard them request a fire engine and ambulance for a person on that street who was shot in the leg.”
Officers provided medical aid at the scene. The suspect sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and the officer suffered minor injuries.
In accordance with department policy, the officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave.
The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is leading the investigation in partnership with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, pursuant to the Contra Costa County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information regarding the incident, is encouraged to contact Detective Becerra at (925) 779-6866 or via email: abecerra@antiochca.gov or by calling the Investigations Bureau at (925) 779-6926.
Details about the suspect have been requested. Please check back for any updates to this report.
By Acting Sgt. John Cox #5705, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
Antioch police officers responded to a reported shooting in the 2200 block of Sycamore Drive on February 19, 2026, at 7:17 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers located a 20-year-old woman who was suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Officers immediately rendered medical aid; however, she died at the scene.
The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, including Crime Scene Investigators and detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit, responded to the scene and assumed responsibility for the investigation. The suspect is known to police.
This case remains active, and no additional information is being released at this time.
The Investigations Bureau will provide additional updates as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Shaffer at (925) 779-6944 or via email at cshaffer@antiochca.gov.
Nathaniel Leon Yancey, III was arrested by Antioch Police for a robbery in Benicia on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. Photo: Benicia PD
Nathaniel Leon Yancey, III fled with two others sought by police; faces multiple charges, bail set at $101,667
By Benicia Police Department
Yesterday, Feb. 18, 2026, around 12:00 p.m., our dispatch center received a call from a resident that had been robbed of her purse and phone (note: no weapons used) as she approached the front door of her home. The incident happened in a neighborhood near Rose Drive and Columbus Parkway in Benicia. Three suspects were involved and fled the scene in a vehicle that had stolen plates. Using the stolen plate number, we were able to confirm through our ALPR system (Flock) that the vehicle was in the area of the robbery at the time it happened and also discover that the vehicle had entered the City of Antioch shortly after the robbery.
Our partners at Antioch Police Department were able to locate and stop the vehicle at which time all three suspects fled on foot. One of the suspects, Nathaniel Leon Yancey, III, a 22-year-old male from Antioch, was captured at 2:09 p.m. in the 2100 block of Peppertree Way in Antioch, brought back to Benicia PD, positively identified and subsequently transported to County Jail for booking. The suspect’s vehicle was towed back to Benicia PD and the stolen possessions were located inside.
According to the Benicia Police Department’s Citizen RIMS, the five-foot, nine-inch tall, 170-pound Yancey is Black and is charged with felony robbery, felony causing injury to an elder or dependent adult, felony conspiracy to commit a crime, violating civil rights by force or threat of force, receiving/etc. known stolen property and petty theft – all other larceny. He is currently being held in the Justice Center Detention Facility in Fairfield.
According to the Solano County Sheriff’s Department, he was born 10/23/2003, and also faces one felony charge of probation violation, rearrest/revoke. Yance’s bail is set at $101,667 and his court date is scheduled for Feb. 20 at 1:30 p.m. in Superior Court, Fairfield.
According to localcrimenews.com, while a resident of Rodeo, he was arrested on Sept. 16, 2025, in Solano County by Solano CHP, for evasion of a peace officer on the wrong side of the median and evasion with wanton disregard for safety.
Detectives continue to follow leads in order to locate and arrest the other individuals involved. Case #26-00236.
By Nicole Holmes, Founder & Owner, The Lemon Tree Antioch
On Saturday, Feb. 28, The Lemon Tree will host an evening of live magic and illusion, perfect for families, couples, and anyone who enjoys creativity and surprise. Guests can expect an engaging performance filled with incredible illusions, interactive moments, and plenty of “How did they do that?!” reactions.
Illusion & Intuition is an intimate, family-friendly evening of magic and mystery featuring magician Michael Nguyen and mind reader Dennis Thompson. Guests will experience engaging illusions, mind-reading moments, and interactive surprises in a welcoming atmosphere. Complimentary lemonade and popcorn will be available throughout the evening.
The show, presented by The Girl Gang Tribe Pop-Up Events, begins at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:30 PM and will last until 9:00 PM. Popcorn and lemonade are included with admission, creating a fun and welcoming night out for the community.
Whether bringing the kids, planning a date night, or gathering friends, this promises to be an unforgettable evening of wonder.
Tickets are $25 each or $40 for two, plus fee and available on Eventbrite.
The Lemon Tree is “A Creative Community Built on Connection, Culture & Care” offering a space for unique experiences including drop-ins, curated events and retail finds. We’re located at 514 W. 2nd Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. For more information visit www.thelemontreeantioch.com.
Jarmaya Tillman of Antioch (left) and Allen Charles Benjamin Foster of Oakland (right) were arrested for bank robbery on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Photos: CCC Sheriff’s Office
Each with history of arrests
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at about 1:01 PM, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Valley Station deputy sheriffs responded to a report of a robbery at a bank on the 3100 block of Danville Boulevard in Alamo.
The suspect and vehicle descriptions were broadcast to area law enforcement agencies. Danville police were able to identify a license plate associated with the suspect vehicle and began searching for it.
Lafayette police officers also began searching for the suspect vehicle in the downtown area and witnessed an attempted robbery outside a bank on the 3600 block of Mt. Diablo Blvd. The suspect ran to a waiting vehicle, which fled toward Lafayette Circle. Lafayette police later located the unoccupied car parked on Lafayette Circle.
A replica firearm found in one of the suspects’ backpacks. Photo: CCC Sheriff’s Office
Lafayette police were able to detain two suspects near East Street and determine they were the suspects in the Lafayette attempted robbery and the Alamo robbery. A search of the suspect’s backpack found a replica Glock firearm. Another police department in the area is investigating a similar incident just prior to the Alamo robbery.
Jarmaya Tillman, 23-years-old from Antioch (born 4/13/2002) and 20-year-old Allen Charles Benjamin Foster of Oakland (born 3/28/2005), were arrested for robbery, attempted robbery and two counts of conspiracy.
Both suspects were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
Tillman is being held in lieu of $200,000 bail, while Foster’s bail is set at $150,000.
During the search for the suspects, Valley Station deputy sheriffs and Lafayette police were assisted by Danville PD, Orinda PD, Moraga PD and Concord PD.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Tillman is five-feet, 11-inches tall and 160-pounds and Foster is five-feet, 10-inches tall and 195-pounds.
According to localcrimenews.com, Tillman is Black and while an Oakland resident was arrested three times in 2020 and 2021 for burglary, with one arrest including charges for minor in possession of live ammunition and minor shall not be in possession of any concealed firearm. Foster is Black and this is his ninth arrest since 2023 by five other agencies for crimes including multiple counts of vehicle theft, grand theft, robbery, receiving stolen property and gun charges.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
