“Records detailed (Officer Santiago) Castillo’s involvement in sharing confidential police information with an informant, improper handling of evidence and showing dishonesty during the internal affairs investigation.”

By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Today, Thursday, December 19, 2019, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office announced 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” stated Becton. “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.”

Our Office notified Police Chief Tammany Brooks of the results of the review and Public Defender Robin Lipetzky.

By Sergeant James Stenger #3604, Antioch Police, Violent Crimes Unit (Investigations Bureau)

On December 18, 2019, a 23-year-old male was taken into custody regarding the shooting murder of one man and injuring another on May 21, 2019. (See related article) The Antioch Police Investigations Bureau has been diligently working on this case which lead to the arrest of the suspect. It was determined that the suspect and victims met at Memorial Park, at 1 Spartan Way at Putnam Street in Antioch, to conduct an illegal gun transaction. During the gun deal a shooting occurred, resulting in the death of 19-year-old Donovan Heard and injuring an 18-year-old male. The suspect was interviewed and later booked into the County Jail in Martinez regarding this case.

The Antioch Police Department is not releasing the names of the suspect or the injured male at this time.

This information is made available by the Investigations Bureau. Anyone with information regarding this case can contact Detective Bledsoe at (925) 779-6884. Any further information or additional press releases will be provided by the Investigations Bureau. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

By Allen Payton and Antioch Police Department

Christmas came early to Antioch on Monday with the addition of three more police officers to the force. Although it took six years, that brings the total to 112 sworn officers, finally fulfilling and surpassing the commitment from Measure C of the then-mayor and Antioch City Council in 2013. At that time, when there were 89 sworn officers on the force, they promised in the ballot argument hiring 22 officers “immediately” if the voters approved the Measure C half-cent sales tax on the November ballot. It passed overwhelmingly by just over 68% of the vote.

Antioch Police Chief Tammany Brooks also gave the oath of office to a new Community Service Officer (CSO) and a new Crime Analyst, during the ceremony in the Community Room of the Antioch Police Facility.

“I’m excited about the great new additions to our APD family and look forward to increasing the level of service we provide to this community,” said Chief Brooks.

“We have one more (officer) coming the Monday after Christmas too,” he added.

Mayor Sean Wright was happy and shared his thoughts about the achievement.

“This is huge. We are investing in public safety for our community,” he said when reached for comment. “I’m glad we have 112 officers. I’m still pushing to get to 115 which gets us to one officer per 1,000 population which is a great investment in the public safety of our community.” “We also have nine CSO’s, now. We were down to just a couple a few years ago,” Wright continued.

“Chief Brooks has been phenomenal in pushing a great environment and morale for our police officers and we’re excited to have him at the helm,” he added.

Officer Nathanael Novello

Nathanael Novello was born and raised in Orange County. After graduating high school, Nathanael earned an associate degree from Fullerton College. He then transferred to Sacramento State where he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. After college, he was hired by the Nevada Department of Corrections. Nathanael then transferred to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He worked as a Correctional Officer and Special Operations Response Team operator at the maximum-security federal penitentiary in Atwater, CA for four years. He then pursued his vision of becoming a police officer and was hired by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. During his three years at the sheriff’s office, Nathanael served as a patrol deputy, detective, and member of the SWAT team.

For the last two years, Nathanael has had the desire to work as a police officer for the City of Antioch and he is thrilled about serving our community.

In his free time, Nathanael enjoys watching the Chicago Bears almost make it to the playoffs, woodworking, and volunteering at the food bank.

Fun Fact: The name Nathanael, with a “a-e-l” at the end has the Biblical meaning of “Gift from God”.

Officer Darryl Saffold

Darryl Saffold was born at Camp Pendleton and raised in Oceanside, CA. Darryl moved to the Bay Area in 2007 and put himself through the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Academy in 2009. Darryl was eventually hired by the Contra Costa Community College District in 2013 and worked there for two-and-a-half years. He then went to the Walnut Creek Police Department, where he worked for four years prior to joining to the City of Antioch. Darryl is currently attending National University to obtain his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

In his free time, he enjoys watching his kids play sports and working out.

Fun Fact: Darryl was hired by the Contra Costa Community College District Police Department 20 days prior to his Academy Certificate expiring.

Officer Brendan Lassas

Brendan Lassas was born in Tracy and raised in Stockton. When he was a senior in high school, he took a class taught by a retired San Joaquin County Sheriff’s detective. He enjoyed the class so much that he applied for and was hired as a cadet at the San Joaquin Sheriff’s Office when he turned 18. After attending CSU Stanislaus, and working as a cadet, he was sponsored to attend the San Joaquin Delta College Police Academy with San Joaquin SO. He graduated the Academy in September 2014.

Brendan’s assignments have included patrol and K9. He was partnered with K9 Rony for two years. Brendan is excited to work for the City of Antioch and is looking forward to this new chapter in his Law enforcement career.

In his free time, Brendan enjoys playing softball and spending time with his girlfriend and family.

Fun Fact: Brendan is a member of the 2019 Police Softball World Series Champion team, Stanislaus Combo.

CSO Melissa Adams

CSO Melissa Adams was born at Stanford and was raised in Redwood City. She graduated from Sequoia High School in 1996. Prior to working for APD she worked in Oakland in the Environmental Engineering field. Melissa was also a Police Report Transcriber for Richmond PD, which started her love for working in law enforcement.

During her free time Melissa volunteers at her children’s schools and is an avid gardener. She also enjoys cooking and hanging out with her three dogs, two poodles and one German Shepherd, all three previous residents of Antioch Animal Shelter.

Fun fact: Melissa “borrows” jokes she hears from her kids to tell at work. They don’t like it one bit.

Crime Analyst Michael Raney

Crime Analyst Michael Raney was born in Greenbrae and was raised in Marin County. He graduated from Redwood High School in 1997 and from San Diego State University in 2005. He also obtained a certificate in Criminal Intelligence and Analysis from Cal State Fullerton. Prior to working for APD, he has worked for Anaheim PD, Concord PD, and San Jose PD. During his free time, Mike likes to watch crime shows and sports.

Fun Fact: Mike got lost in the woods for three days and had to be airlifted using a Navy helicopter.

Bail set at $1.3 million

By Sergeant James Stenger #3604, Antioch Police Violent Crimes Unit (Investigations Bureau)

On December 12, 2019, the case of the Brentwood woman driving her car into a barbershop owner on Dec. 4 was reviewed by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. Ruby Delgadillo was charged with attempted murder with a great bodily injury enhancement, felony hit and run and child endangerment. Delgadillo’s bail was set at $1.3 million dollars and she is currently in custody at the Contra Costa County Jail. (See related articles, here and here).

No further information will be released regarding this case at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Tom Smith at (925) 779-6876, or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

By Sergeant James Stenger #3604, Antioch Police Violent Crimes Unit (Investigations Bureau)

On December 11, 2019, 26-year-old Demario Brown came to the Antioch Police Department after he learned of the SWAT operations that were conducted regarding the case of the shooting murder in Antioch on Wednesday, December 4. Brown was arrested on a probable cause warrant for this murder and later booked into the Contra Costa County Jail in Martinez. (See related article)

On December 12, 2019, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office charged Brown with Garrison’s murder along with a firearms enhancement.

Louisville and Brown are both being held in the Contra Costa County Jail and both have a bail set at two million dollars.

No further information will be released regarding this case at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Brogdon at 925-779-6895, or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925)778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

By Sergeant James Stenger #3604, Antioch Police Violent Crimes Unit (Investigations Bureau)

On December 4, 2019 at 11:40 PM, APD dispatch received several calls about shots being fired in the 2100 block of Peppertree Way and a male down on the sidewalk. Officers arrived on scene and found a 35-Year-Old male on the sidewalk suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. The male was pronounced dead at the scene. The Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau responded and took over the investigation. (See related article)

On Wed., Dec. 11, the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office identified the victim in this shooting murder as 35-year-old Joseph Garrison.

Antioch Police Department Detectives were able to identify 45-Year-Old Vernon Louisville as a suspect in case within a few hours of the shooting. On December 5, 2019, Antioch Police Department detectives tracked Vernon Louisville to a residence in the 600 block of Daniels Street in Vallejo California. During surveillance, Louisville was seen getting into a vehicle and when Antioch Police Department detectives and patrol officers attempted to contact Louisville a short vehicle pursuit ensued. Louisville intentionally rammed a police vehicle in his attempt to escape. Louisville attempted to flee on foot at the end of the pursuit and was apprehended by Antioch Officer Amiri and his police K-9 Purcy.

On December 9, 2019, this case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and Louisville was charged with Garrison’s murder along with a firearms enhancement.

On December 11, 2019, the Antioch Police Department and Pittsburg Police Department SWAT teams successfully conducted two high-risk search warrants for evidence related to this case. The Antioch SWAT team conducted a search at a residence in the 2900 block of Honeynut Street in Antioch. The Pittsburg SWAT team conducted a search at a residence in the 400 block of 12th Street in Pittsburg.

No further information will be released regarding this case at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Brogdon at 925-779-6895, or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925)778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

By Sergeant James Stenger #3604, Antioch Police Violent Crimes Unit (Investigations)

On Wednesday, December 11, 2019, Ruby Delgadillo, the suspect in the felony hit-and-run of an Antioch barber shop owner on Dec.  4, turned herself in with an attorney to Detective Tom Smith. Delgadillo, a Brentwood resident, refused to provide a statement and was booked into the County Jail in Martinez.

The case will be presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office tomorrow Dec. 12. (See related article). 

No further information will be released regarding this case at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Tom Smith at 925-779-6876, or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925)778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Firearm never recovered after Super Bowl Sunday shooting

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

OAKLAND – David Leigh Cook was sentenced Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2019 to 41 months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable James Donato, U.S. District Judge.

Cook, 51, of Antioch, Calif., pleaded guilty to the charge on July 17, 2019. According to the plea agreement, Cook admitted that at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday, February 3, 2019, he was in possession of a firearm and ammunition in Antioch, Calif., when he became involved in a dispute with another person. The dispute escalated, and the defendant fired his gun at the other man, striking him at least once. The defendant walked away, returned to his vehicle, and drove off. The defendant was arrested the next day. At the time of his arrest, the defendant did not possess a firearm; the firearm used in the Super Bowl Sunday shooting has never been recovered. The defendant acknowledged that at the time of the Super Bowl Sunday shooting, he knew he previously had been convicted of felonies in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014, and therefore was not eligible to possess a firearm or ammunition.

A federal grand jury indicted Cook on April 11, 2019. He was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).

The investigation began when emergency medical personnel responded to the scene of the Super Bowl Sunday shooting and rendered emergency medical treatment to stem the victim’s life-threatening blood loss. Emergency medical personnel and responding law enforcement officers observed spent ammunition casings in close proximity to the victim’s location.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Donato sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release. After today’s sentencing hearing, the defendant was returned to state custody where he faces additional charges.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan U. Lee is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Jessica Rodriguez Gonzalez and Kathleen Turner. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Antioch Police Department.