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 Demetrius “Boo” Jeffrey attempted to sell assault rifle, faced up to 15 years
By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California
SAN FRANCISCO – Timothy Demetrius Jeffrey, aka “Boo,” 44, of Antioch, Calif., was sentenced today to 92 months in federal prison, following his conviction on March 12, 2025, by a federal jury on two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Alsup handed down the sentence. Judge Alsup also sentenced Jeffrey to concurrent 24-month terms for violating the terms of his supervised release in two other federal cases.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 25, 2023, Jeffrey drove into a shopping plaza parking lot in Pittsburg, CA, parked, and fled on foot from a pursuing police 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 posted bond after his arrest but absconded soon thereafter. Following an investigation by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service, law enforcement officers located Jeffrey at a relative’s home in Antioch on March 27, 2024. After U.S. Marshals arrested Jeffrey, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the residence, where 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.
Judge Alsup also found that enhancements were appropriate under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (i) due to Jeffrey’s obstruction of justice resulting from perjury during his trial testimony; and (ii) because one of the guns Jeffrey possessed had previously been stolen.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Buenaventura made the announcement.
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 prosecuted 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.
Antioch Police Chief Joe Vigil administers the Oath of Office to three new officers (left) and four department leaders upon their promotions (right) on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. All photos by Allen D. Payton unless noted.
Brings total sworn officers to 90
By Allen D. Payton
On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Antioch Police Department promoted four leaders in and added three officers to their ranks in front of family, friends and fellow officers at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center theater in historic, downtown Rivertown. One of the new officers is a lateral from Oakland PD and the other two are recruits fresh out of the academy. It brings the total number of sworn officers on the force to 90 out of 117 in the City’s budget.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Chief Joe Vigil shared a few thoughts about the process as well as the promotions and new officers.
Chief Vigil speaks to those in attendance about the three new officers and the four leaders being promoted.
“I would like to recognize a few people in the audience today and thank them for their time and for being here with us today,” he said. “I want to take a moment and personally thank our hiring, recruiting, and training staff. They have been instrumental in our hiring and training efforts for the last year.
“I would also like to take a moment and congratulate Sergeants Mulholland and Chandler and Corporals Duffy and Downie on being promoted. The promotional process is hard and composed of a written assessment, oral panels, and chief panels. This process is not easy, very stressful, and time consuming. Thes four individuals have been pivotal in helping move the department forward and I thank them for their service and commitment to the department and the city.
“Along with the promotions, we are thankful to welcome lateral officer Wilson and congratulate our two recent Contra Costa Academy graduates.
“Completing the Police Academy is not an easy task. Your loved ones and co workers have endured six months of training in a host of different and complex areas. Their real training will begin as they learn to take what the academy has taught them and apply it to the real world. I encourage you and your families to continually support you as you all progress through training and begin their policing career.
“Today, in front of their loved ones and co-workers all the officers will take the oath of office and be sworn in as Antioch Police Officers and supervisors. Their policing careers will continue as they move through field training and learn to apply everything they have learned in the last six months. Our supervisors will continue to grow and lead the next generation and existing officers into a bright future. All of our officers today will also take the International Association of Police Chiefs Oath of Honor, which is our pledge to uphold ethical standards and serve the community.”
Vigil then introduced each of the seven and shared information about their backgrounds.
New Sgt. Matthew Mulholland is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by his mother.
Sergeant Matthew Mulholland
Sgt. Mulholland began his law enforcement career as a deputy with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and worked there for over seven years. While there he worked in patrol, at the Eden Township Substation and in custody operations at Santa Rita Jail. Sgt. Mulholland would come to the Antioch Police Department just over five years ago. Throughout his time here he has held a variety of assignments. He has been a field training officer, a crisis negotiator, a drug recognition expert, and a corporal.
In addition to his law enforcement career, Sgt. Mulholland is a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve, currently assigned to the 351st Civil Affairs Command in Mountain View, CA. He specializes in Civil Affairs. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2011–2012 and continues to serve his country with the same commitment he brings to the community.
Sgt. Mulholland has a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a minor in History and is completing his master’s degree in organizational leadership with a concentration in Emergency Management and Disaster Science.
Sgt. Mulholland lives locally with his wife Samantha, their newborn son Shane, and his daughter Savannah.
Mulholland was pinned by his mother.
New Sgt. Joseph Chandler is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by his wife.
Sergeant Joseph Chandler
Sgt. Chandler began his Law Enforcement career in 2016 in the south bay and lateralled to Antioch in 2020. While at APD he has served as a Field Training Officer, he’s a Team Leader for our Crisis Negotiation Team, and a Post certified instructor for many de-escalation courses. Joe enjoys serving the Antioch community and is dedicated to helping APD grow.
Chandler had his wife pin on his new badge.
New Corporal Adam Duffy is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by his wife and son.
Corporal Adam Duffy
Corporal Duffy was born and raised in Antioch, the city he proudly serves today. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is a U.S. Navy veteran, having served six years as a Master-at-Arms. Before joining the Antioch Police Department, he worked as a Deputy Sheriff with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. Since joining the Antioch Police Department, he has served as a Field Training Officer, is a current member of the Crisis Negotiation Team, and for the past four years, he has been assigned to the department’s Investigation Bureau’s Violent Crime Unit.
Duffy was pinned with his new badge by his wife and son.
New Corporal Jonathan Downie is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by his wife. (Right photo by Antioch PD)
Corporal Jonathan Downie
Corporal Downie grew up in Martinez, where he attended Alhambra High School. After graduating in 2002, he joined the United States Marine Corps as an MV-22 crew chief. John became certified as an EMT and worked for AMR in Alameda County for seven years.
In 2013, he began his policing career with the Sheriff’s office before becoming an officer in Antioch. Since joining the Antioch Police Department, Cpl. Downie has held a variety of assignments. He has served as an officer in patrol, been on the recruiting and social media teams, and served as a drone operator.
When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Helen, his two sons, Dominic and Trevor, and his daughter, MacKenzie.
Fun fact: His most recent trainee, whom he had never met before joining the department, was in the same Marine Corps boot camp company as Cpl. Downie. After learning this, Cpl Downie and Officer Siemietkowski both went home, looked through their USMC boot camp yearbooks, and confirmed that they had trained together back in 2002.
Downie’s wife pinned him with his new badge.
New Officer Markendra Wilson is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by her daughter.
Officer Markendra Wilson – Lateral
Officer Wilson was born in Oakland. Growing up she played a lot of sports which included volleyball, basketball, softball and track. In her free time, she enjoys fishing, hiking, and travelling. She also enjoys spending time with her daughter. Prior to joining APD, Officer Wilson worked at Oakland PD for two years.
Fun fact: Officer Wilson is currently rebuilding a 1989 Chevy Caprice that was formerly a police car and has been featured in Almost Got Away With It.
Wilson’s daughter pinned her new badge to her uniform.
New Officer Daniel Cabada is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by his father.
Officer Daniel Cabada – Academy Graduate
Officer Cabada was born in Pittsburg and grew up in Brentwood. He graduated from Liberty High School. His favorite subjects in school were history and science. Growing up he enjoyed learning martial arts and watching combat sports. He is excited and honored to start a career with APD!
Fun Fact: Daniel is a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
Cabada’s father pinned the new officer’s badge.
New Officer Larry Alamilla is introduced and then pinned by Chief Vigil.
Officer Larry Alamilla – Academy Graduate
Officer Alamilla was born in Martinez and raised in Concord. Growing up he played soccer and practiced Kung Fu and he’s a first-degree brown belt. He attended Concord High School and shortly after attended Diablo Valley Community College. He received his AA in Administration of Justice. His hobbies include going to the gym, hiking, kayaking, and being outdoors. He enjoys travelling and has been to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.
Fun fact: His favorite soccer team is the San Jose Earthquakes.
Alamilla chose Chief Vigil for his badge pinning.
Chief Vigil with the three new officers (left) and four promoted department leaders (right).
Virtuous Voices Singers (left to right) Ivan Stewart, Lydia Stewart, Elise Culberson, Roma Desilva and Mya King perform at the Brentwood Juneteenth Festival June 19, 2025. Academy Founder, Tiffany Stewart with her students. Photos by Virtuous Voices
The City of Brentwood joyfully celebrated its Second Annual Juneteenth Festival this past Thursday with a powerful showcase of culture, unity, and artistic expression. Opening the event with a moving performance was Antioch-based Virtuous Voices Music Academy, whose singers delivered a heartfelt tribute to freedom through song.
As the first act of the day, Virtuous Voices set an inspiring tone for the festival, reminding attendees of the power of music to uplift, connect, and reflect on our shared history. Their performance underscored the importance of celebrating freedom – especially in today’s world where unity and expression remain essential.
The Virtuous Voices Singers performing at the event were Ivan Stewart, Lydia Stewart, Elise Culberson, Roma Desilva, and Mya King.
Virtuous Voices Music Academy, known for cultivating confidence and creativity through vocal performance and music theory, was honored to be part of this meaningful community event.
“We are so proud of our young singers,” said Tiffany Stewart, founder of Virtuous Voices Music Academy, a vocal coach and Music Theory Teacher. “To open a celebration as important as Juneteenth is a true honor. Our students sang not only with skill, but with heart.”
The Juneteenth Festival in Brentwood continues to grow as a cherished local tradition, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrating Black culture, resilience, and excellence.
Almost half of cuts from Police Department staffing, overtime savings
Plus, $165.3 million 5-Year Capital Improvements budget and $2.4 million in federal community funds
By Allen D. Payton
Following all the special budget session meetings over the past several months, the Antioch City Council, during their meeting Tuesday night, June 24, 2025, is expected to approve the 2025-26 budget with over $11.5 million in spending cuts and using $5 million from the Budget Stabilization Fund. The City was facing a $24.3 million deficit for the coming fiscal year and if the budget is approved as recommended, will have a net deficit of $7.7 million which will be covered from reserves.
Almost half of the savings, $5.5 million, will be in the Police Department budget from Vacancy Savings and Overtime Reductions. UPDATE: That’s due to the current staffing vacancies of approximately 30 sworn officers and the chief informing the council that they expect to add 15 more officers in the next year. So, instead of determining the savings from the staff vacancies during a mid-year budget review and spending the one-time funds on other City budget items, the council chose to account for it in the budget up front to reduce the deficit.
In spite of the cuts, future fiscal years still show the City facing projected deficits of $10,629,642 in 2026-27 and $25,396,400 in 2028-29.
The proposed budget also includes an allocation from the Measure W 1% City sales tax of 70-15-15 or 70% for Police, 15% for Quality of Life and 15% for Youth. (See page 6 of the Budget)
According to the City staff report for item #5, “Since March, City Council and staff have been diligently scrutinizing the budget to close a starting point fiscal year 2026 deficit of $24,270,240. Initially, staff was able to shave $8,603,792 from that number, for a fiscal year 2026 deficit of $15,666,448 as presented at the March 4th budget session. Upon further collaboration with the Council, City Manager and departments as we moved through the exhaustive budget process, and through a series of further adjustments, a General Fund budget with a net deficit of $7,737,331, after a $5M infusion from the Budget Stabilization Fund.”
In addition, under item #3 the Council is expected to approve the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program budget for 2025-2030 for Community Facilities, Parks & Trails, Roadway Improvements, Traffic Signals, Wastewater & Storm Drain System and the City’s Water System. Currently, there are $163.3 million of projects in progress which includes $6,238,209 of projects that the Council added to the list.
Finally, in other budget action, under item #4 the Council will consider approving the recommendations of the City Council’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Subcommittee for a total of $2,369,318 in federal funds for the coming fiscal year. Mayor Pro Tem Louie Rocha, representing District 2, and Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, representing District 1, served on the CDBG Subcommittee for this funding cycle.
The meeting begins at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers inside City Hall at 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown. It can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast Local Cable Channel 24 or on AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
Live music, spoken word, art, kids’ games, food and vendor booths at Grace Bible Fellowship of Antioch
Grace Arms’ annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 21, 2025, will feature live performances from two headliners, Kevin Ross and Klassic Man & The Klique. Plus, Spoken Word Artist Arielle Deseré and Gospel Artist Evangelist Bean. In addition, the event will offer kids’ games, food and vendor booths from 12 Noon to 5:00 PM.
Ross is a dynamic force in modern R&B, seamlessly blending timeless soul with a fresh, contemporary flair. Klassic Man, known for capturing the highs and lows of love through his melodic voice and sensual style, the evening’s performance will speak to the soul and extend far beyond the close of the evening.
Spoken Word Artist Arielle Deseré is a poet and spoken word artist born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the HBCU, Norfolk State University and Master of Art in TV and Film from San Diego State University.
Gospel Artist Evangelist Bean. Growing up in the cold streets of Richmond and Oakland, Evangelist Bean has always envisioned himself gracing some of the same platforms as Fred Hammond, Kelly Price, Regina Bell and Bishop Paul Morton to name a few. Well, it is now safe to say, “Mission Accomplished”.
Event MC Mickel London is a prolific songwriter, producer, philanthropist and the founder of Music Medicine, a benefit concert & music event organization.
Presented by Grace Arms of Antioch and Makin Moves Motorcycle Club, and sponsored by Hilltop Ford Kia, East Bay Community Foundation, Rocketship Public Schools and Art by Angela.
Grace Arms of Antioch a 5013c grass roots community organization needs your financial support. Please contribute via the donate button to support not only our upcoming Juneteenth 2025 festival as well as the amazing programs we offer in the Contra Costa, CA area. You can make an impact, whether you contribute $5 or $500, every dollar helps.
Click the donate button to give today! Thank you for your support.
By Warren Cox, Market Manager, California Farmers’ Market Assocation
Antioch CA…It’s here! The new Farmers’ Market in Antioch, in the middle of the Rivertown District in historic downtown, opens Sunday, June 22, 9am-1pm. Conveniently located in the parking lot at the corner of I Street and W. 3rd Street near City Hall, the market will host plenty of free nearby parking in several public lots within 2 blocks of the market.
Join us on Opening Day, Sunday June 22, where 25 truckloads of fresh produce from local family farms will gather featuring the famous super sweet white corn from Brentwood, tree- ripened apricots from Patterson, peaches and nectarines from Hughson, vine-ripe strawberries and organic vegetables from Hollister. Farm fresh eggs, Asian vegetables, freshly baked breads and pastries from Little Sky Bakery are sure to be a hit.
Opening Day highlights include a ribbon cutting with the Mayor Ron Bernal at 10am. Bring the children for kids’ crafts, balloon art, and live music. Customers can also Guess the Number of Cherries in the Giant Jar for a chance to win a Market Basket packed with $200 worth of goodies from the vendors.
“Our farm is thrilled to have a farmers’ market in Antioch every Sunday, opening just in time for our first pick of the sweet corn in Brentwood. Picked in the morning, we will bring a truck loaded to the brim” says Glenn Stonebarger of G&S Farms.
This market is made possible from the springtime volunteer work of dedicated community groups.
“Sunday mornings in Antioch are a perfect time to meet up with neighbors, celebrate good food, and access the bounty of our local harvest season in one place!” says Joy Motts, President, Celebrate Antioch Foundation one of the partners for the farmers’ market, along with the City of Antioch.
THIS LOCATION IS CERTIFIED BY THE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER, WHERE FARMERS OFFER FOR SALE ONLY THOSE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES THEY GROW THEMSELVES. IT IS OPERATED BY CALIFORNIA FARMERS’ MARKETS ASSOCIATION, SPONSORED BY CELEBRATE ANTIOCH FOUNDATION, AND HOSTED BY THE CITY OF ANTIOCH. FOR MORE INFO: @ANTIOCHFARMERSMKT, 800-806-FARM , CAFARMERSMKTS.COM.
