Archive for March, 2025

Antioch man, a convicted felon found guilty of unlawful firearm possession

Thursday, March 13th, 2025
U.S. Marshals and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Deputies on the scene of the arrest of Timothy Demetrius “Boo” Jeffrey on Almondwood Drive in Antioch on Wed., March 27, 2024. He was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney and convicted on March 12, 2025. Herald file photo.

Timothy “Boo” Jeffrey attempted to sell an assault rifle; became fugitive, later captured by U.S. Marshals and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies; faces 15 years in prison

By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California

SAN FRANCISCO – On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, a federal jury found Timothy Demetrius Jeffrey, aka “Boo,” 44, of Antioch, Calif. (born 4/24/80), guilty of two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, following a trial before Senior U.S. District Judge William Alsup.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 25, 2023, a Pittsburg Police Department officer attempted to stop the vehicle that Jeffrey was driving. Jeffrey drove into a shopping plaza parking lot, parked, exited the car, and fled on foot away from the officer. Jeffrey threw a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine and 19 rounds of ammunition over a fence behind the shopping plaza before he was arrested.

Jeffrey became a fugitive soon after his arrest, and his whereabouts were unknown until an investigation by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service led law enforcement to suspect Jeffrey’s presence at a relative’s home in Antioch. On March 27, 2024, the United States Marshals Service surveilled the address and spotted Jeffrey entering the home. U.S. Marshals arrested Jeffrey, after which the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the residence.

According to Abigail Meyer of the United States Marshals Service Office of Public Affairs, “The Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force (PSWRFTF) arrested Timothy Jeffrey, 43, on both his federal Supervised Release Violation warrant and Pittsburg PD Failure to Appear (FTA) warrant, the original charges for both were distribution of dangerous drugs. In addition, his FTA included charges for felon in possession of a firearm, possession of large capacity magazine, and resisting arrest. (See Fugitive task force arrests Antioch man for violating federal supervised release, failure to appear on gun, drug charges)

Sheriff’s deputies located and seized an Aero Precision AR-style rifle with a magazine and 25 rounds of ammunition from under a couch in the living room. They also seized a cell phone that had been used by Jeffrey. The phone contained multiple text messages in which Jeffrey attempted to sell the AR rifle and sent a photo of it.

At the time of his April 2023 and March 2024 arrests, Jeffrey was on federal supervised release following past felony convictions for being a felon-in-possession of a firearm, escape from custody, and conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

“The defendant, a convicted felon, not only possessed a semi-automatic pistol and assault rifle but also attempted to sell the rifle on the black market. His actions endangered the community, and law enforcement’s work on this case helped prevent this deadly weapon from falling into the wrong hands,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins. “We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to combat the presence of illegal firearms in our communities.”

“ATF works closely with our partners to track the illegal movement of firearms,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The defendant is a convicted felon who attempted to illegally sell firearms. ATF will continue to work side by side with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to ensure that our communities are safe. We will continue to focus on reducing gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking and ensuring that firearms stay out of the hands of prohibited persons.”

Jeffrey was convicted of two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). His sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2025. The defendant faces a maximum statutory sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. Any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aseem Padukone and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jillian Harvey are prosecuting this case, with the assistance of Claudia Hyslop, Nina Burney, and Yenni Weinberg. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the ATF, the United States Marshals Service, the Pittsburg Police Department, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

In addition to the two aforementioned arrests, according to localcrimenews.com, the five-feet, eleven-inch tall, 200-pound Jeffrey is Black and was previously arrested on Feb. 29, 2016, by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department for federal (21 U.S. Code Section 846) attempt and conspiracy charges and again on Nov. 16, 2020, by Alameda County Sheriff’s Department for unspecified charges. He was also arrested in Jan. 2010 by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for vehicle theft.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Delta Vacuum & Sewing Center going out of business

Wednesday, March 12th, 2025

After 45 years in business and 41 years in Antioch, Delta Vacuum & Sewing Center is going out of business and hosting a great sale! Owner Mike Bates says, “No reasonable offer will be refused.”

Travis Credit Union Foundation extends financial coaching grants applications

Wednesday, March 12th, 2025

Program will empower a Northern California nonprofit with up to $39,000 in grant funding

By Michelle Sabolich, AVP, Corporate Communications, Travis Credit Union

Travis Credit Union Foundation announces the application deadline has been extended for its 2025 Financial Coaching Grants program until March 31. This initiative is an opportunity for one Northern California nonprofit organization to access $30,000 in unrestricted funding and up to $9,000 to train its staff to become financial coaches. Those interested in applying can start here.

“Our hope is that through this grant, we can create a ripple effect of positive financial behaviors that will benefit not only the individuals directly involved but the broader community,” said Damian Alarcon, president of Travis Credit Union Foundation. “Financial stability is a cornerstone of a thriving community, and we are committed to making a lasting impact.”

Eligibility requirements are:
• Organizations benefiting people in Napa, Solano, Yolo, Contra Costa and Merced counties.
• Organizations classified as public charities.
• Organizations with the ability to reach diverse communities, including those that are unbanked/underserved.
• Organizations that do not discriminate by race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or military status.
• Organizations with the capacity to allocate time and resources for two staff members to become financial coaches (self-study) and provide 10 or more one-hour financial coaching sessions to beneficiaries each month.
• Organizations that are willing to promote their participation in the Financial Coaching Grant Program and acknowledge funding received from Travis Credit Union Foundation in traditional and social media.

Those who apply and are selected as coaches will undergo comprehensive, three- to five-month long, self-study training through the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and/or Financial Counseling for Empowerment Program (FICEP). Upon completing the course, coaches will be equipped to address a wide range of financial topics, from summarizing saving principles to educating community members about credit reports, credit scores and the wise use of tax refunds.

The TCU Foundation is committed to supporting nonprofits throughout the grant’s lifetime, ensuring that financial wellness outcomes are achieved. The foundation will monitor financial coaching goals, metrics and outcomes related to reduced debt, increased savings and established and/or improved credit scores. Renewal preferences are given to nonprofits with a demonstrated record of coaching more beneficiaries.

The grant application will close on March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

About Travis Credit Union Foundation
The Travis Credit Union Foundation supports financial education and wellness initiatives and is the philanthropic arm of Travis Credit Union. The Foundation is committed to making a positive impact in the communities it serves through financial education, charitable giving, and community support. Travis Credit Union generously funds the administrative costs of the Travis Credit Union Foundation, allowing for 100% of funds raised to go back to the community. To learn more about the Travis Credit Union Foundation’s mission and how to participate in all it’s doing to build financial wellness in the communities it serves, visit tcufund.org.

The Foundation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Tax ID #82-4159040

Tonight! Antioch Council to consider water rate increases of 45-93% over next 3 years

Tuesday, March 11th, 2025

Depending on tier and zone
Lone Tree Retail Project next to In-Shape
Also, creating Sycamore police substation; will study budget

By Allen D. Payton

It will cost you more to take a shower, brush your teeth, do the dishes and laundry, water your yard and flush the toilet if the Antioch City Council approves significant water rate increases during their meeting tonight, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. The mayor and council members will consider raising rates for the first time since 2019, by 45 to 93 percent for different tiers and zones over the next three years. But before the vote the council will hear from members of the public.

They will also consider leasing space in the Sycamore Square shopping center for a Police Substation during a 5:00 p.m. Closed Session and discuss the 2025-27 budget at 6:00 p.m. During the regular session beginning at 7:00 p.m., the Council will also discuss the creation of a Homeless/Unhoused Ad Hoc Committee from the Councilmembers’ 90-Day Request List. Finally, the Council will consider approving the Lone Tree Retail Project next to the In-Shape Fitness health club.

Source: City of Antioch

Proposed Water Rate Increases
Under Item 5 on their regular meeting agenda, the Council will hold a public hearing to consider annual water rate increases through July 1, 2028, keeping the current tiered structure. If approved, Non-Single Family Zone 1 rates would be raised from $4.44 to $6.42 per hundred cubic feet (HCU), a 44.6% increase and Zone IV would increase 82.5% from $4.86 to $8.87.

All eight tiers and zones for Single-Family residential rates would also be affected with Tier 2 Zone I given the lowest increase of 45.6%, from $6.22 to $9.06 per HCU. If approved, Tier 1 Zone IV would experience the greatest rate increase of 93%, from $4.20 to $8.11 per HCU over the three years.

Monthly Meter Service for single-family residential customers would also rise from $24.40 to $35.40, a 45% increase.

It will be the first water rate increase in the city since 2019. The first rate increases will begin May 1, 2025.

Lone Tree Retail Project location map. Source: City of Antioch

Lone Tree Retail Project Development
Under Item 6, the Council will consider approving the Final Development Plan, Use Permit and Design Review for development of the Lone Tree Retail project. The location is next to the In-Shape Fitness health club at 4099 Lone Tree Way, and will consist of a Mister Car Wash, Habit Burger & Grill and Chipotle or to be determined retail on 3.22 acres.

Meeting & Public Comments Details
Those in attendance at the meeting can speak during general Public Comments on items not on the agenda at the beginning of the meeting until 7:30 p.m. and again at the end of the meeting. They can also speak on any agendized item for up to three minutes except for public hearings, during which they can speak for up to five minutes.

The meetings are held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown or can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website or on Comcast local access cable Channel 24 of AT&T U-verse Channel 99.

See the complete Council Meeting Agenda packet.

Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch to host annual Romano Marchetti fundraising dinner March 29

Friday, March 7th, 2025

Donors, sponsors requested

In honor of our Past Distinguished Member, Romano Marchetti, the Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch is proud to host our Annual Tri-Tip / Chicken Dinner on March 29th, 2025. This event will take place at the Veterans of Foreign Wars located at 815 Fulton Shipyard Road in Antioch, CA. Come on down for 5PM Social with dinner starting promptly at 6PM.

Enjoy Garlic Butter Tri-Tip, Roasted Herb Chicken, Bam Beans made with no meat, fresh Bam Slaw, a fresh roll with butter, and a decadent ice cream cup catered by Archie’s S and Q Smoked Meats. All this for $40 per adult and only $20 for children. Plus, you will have the chance to win many great prizes in our opportunity drawing, live auction and Silent Auction.

All profits of this dinner, Opportunity Drawing, and Auction contribute to the support of the local Kiwanis Community, Youth Charities, and local Scholarships.

You can buy tickets from Kay Power, Allison Norris, or purchase them online at www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/romano-marchetti-memorial-tri-tip-chicken-dinner–2025.

Donors and sponsors will be announced that night. Please see donation and sponsorship letter from 2024-25 Club President Tom McNell.

For more information visit Kiwanis Club of The Delta-Antioch.

Antioch man sentenced to almost 12 years for child sexual abuse, possession of sexual abuse materials

Thursday, March 6th, 2025
Casey Millikin in a photo from his Facebook page posted on April 8, 2012.

52-year-old Casey Stuart Millikin arrested in 2023 must register for life as a sex offender upon release from state prison.

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – An Antioch resident was sentenced in a Martinez court after being convicted by a jury in Contra Costa County of sexual abuse of a child and possession of child sexual abuse material.

52-year-old Casey Stuart Millikin (born 3-9-72) was sentenced by the Honorable H. Glenn Kim on February 28th, 2025, to 11 years and 8 months in state prison. Millikin was further ordered to register for life as a sex offender upon his release from state prison.

In November 2024, after a three-week trial, Millikin was convicted by a jury of two counts of sexual abuse of a minor, one count of unlawful communications with a minor, and one count of aggravated possession of child sexual abuse material. The judge found that Millikin committed the offenses against a “particularly vulnerable victim” by using his position of trust.

Antioch Police began their investigation in March 2020 after a laptop was turned over to authorities by a homeowner who discovered Millikin looking at images of nude children. The police obtained a search warrant for Millikin’s laptop, which contained over 600 images of child sexual abuse material.

Around the same time, a minor victim disclosed to law enforcement that Millikin had sexually abused her at least two times in 2015. In April 2020, Antioch Police obtained an arrest warrant for Millikin, who was not located and arrested until April 17, 2023. Millikin has been in custody since his arrest and will begin to serve his sentence immediately. The Antioch Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Ashley Torres from the Sexual Assault Unit.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot nine-inch tall, 210 lb. Millikin is Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility. But according to localcrimenews.com, he is White and was previously arrested in August 2019 by Livermore Police for DUI with a blood alcohol level greater than .08 and in May 2012 by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for DUI alcohol/drugs.

According to Millikin’s Facebook page, he goes by Casey Vain and is a member of a band. Under his Intro, he wrote, “I don’t use this profile much. I’m usually logged in on my band page under Casey Vain.” Millikin’s last post was on June 6, 2014.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Millikin worked as an Office Coordinator in the architecture and planning industry for DPG in Oakley since January 2018.

Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety with their children, and can visit the website
kidsmartz.org, commonsensemedia.org or the Contra Costa District Attorney’s website for further information.

Case No. 04-23-00624 | The People of the State of California v. Millikin, Casey Stuart

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch man arrested in San Francisco for mail theft in San Mateo

Thursday, March 6th, 2025
The suspects’ U-Haul van was stopped and searched on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. Photo: San Mateo PD

One of two suspects attempted to flee from police; used U-Haul van

Has been arrested over 50 times since 2012

By San Mateo Police Department

San Mateo, CA – On February 28, 2025, at 1:01 a.m., the San Mateo Police Department received a call from a community member who was witnessing two suspects wearing masks breaking into an apartment complex’s mailbox, located on the 3000 block of La Selva Street. The witness saw the suspects get into a U-Haul van and leave the area.

Officers arriving in the area where able to quickly locate the U-Haul van and attempted a stop the van. The driver of the U-Haul van failed to stop and fled the area, driving northbound on Highway 101. Officers followed the suspects into San Francisco where the van finally stopped on the 900 block of Florida Street. Two suspects, James Spearman and Erika Martinez, were safely detained in handcuffs as they ran away from the U-Haul van.

As officers investigated this incident, officers found numerous pieces of stolen property in the suspect’s vehicle. Officers located the mailbox stolen from the apartment complex and other pieces of mail, identification cards, social security cards, and other property belonging to over 100 different people from different cities located throughout the greater Bay Area. Officers also located stolen property from an auto burglary that occurred in San Mateo approximately 30 minutes before the mail theft.

Spearman and Martinez were placed under arrest for multiple crimes and booked into San Mateo County Jail. This investigation is ongoing as we attempt to contact and locate additional victims from the recovered evidence.

We continue to need the community’s support in reporting crimes and being a good witness. If you witness a crime, contact police immediately. Try to remain as calm as possible and do your best to answer questions on the phone. Remember details such as the suspect’s appearance, clothing, any distinguishing features, and which direction they flee. Once the police arrive at the scene, cooperate fully, and provide the officers with all the information you have. Your observations can greatly assist law enforcement in their investigation.

ARRESTED
James Robert Spearman, 38-year-old Antioch resident. (Born 7/20/86)
CHARGES:
182(a)(1) PC- Conspiracy to commit a crime, 666.1 PC- Theft with prior convictions, 496(a) PC- Receive or possess stolen property, 530.5(c)(3) PC- Identity Theft of 10 or more people, 11377(a) HS- Possession of a controlled substance.

ARRESTED
Erika Martinez, 42-year-old San Francisco resident.
CHARGES:
182(a)(1) PC- Conspiracy to commit a crime, 666.1 PC- Theft with prior convictions, 496(a) PC- Receive or possess stolen property, 530.5(c)(3) PC- Identity Theft of 10 or more people, 11377(a) HS- Possession of a controlled substance.

According to localcrimenews.com, here, here and here, the six-foot tall, 180 lb. Spearman is Black and has been arrested at least 54 times dating back to 2012 by multiple agencies throughout the Bay Area for gun and drug charges, burglary, vehicle theft, forgery, using stolen ID, evading arrest and lying to police.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he is 175 lbs. and in custody in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Enjoy the 2025 Events by Celebrate Antioch Foundation and Downtown Rivertown Merchants

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

For more information visit www.CelebrateAntioch.org.