Part of automatic record clearance partnership

By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton and Code for America today announced that 3,264 marijuana convictions eligible for relief under Proposition 64 will be dismissed and sealed as part of their cutting-edge partnership.

“I am grateful the partnership with Code for America has given us the ability to deliver tangible results for members of our community by dismissing old marijuana convictions allowed under the law. Far too often old criminal convictions for minor drug offenses can leave a lasting mark on an individual’s life. The removal of these convictions effectively reduces barriers to licensing, education, housing and employment. It is imperative that we continue to be innovative in our approach to reforming and strengthening the criminal justice system,” said Diana Becton, District Attorney for Contra Costa County.

“At Code for America, we believe government can work dramatically better than it does today; the criminal justice system is one of the areas in which we are most failing the American people. We must make sure that California lives up to the obligation of Proposition 64 and now AB 1793,” said Jennifer Pahlka, Founder and Executive Director, Code for America. “I’d like to thank Contra Costa District Attorney Becton for her leadership on this issue. Through our partnership, we will remove barriers to employment, housing, health and education for thousands of Californians. By reimagining existing government systems through technology and user-centered design, we can rethink incarceration, reduce recidivism and restore opportunity.”

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s office used Code for America’s Clear My Record technology, which reads bulk criminal history data from the California Department of Justice, and securely and accurately analyzes eligibility for record remediation under state law.  This technology can analyze eligibility for thousands of convictions in just a few minutes, alleviating the need for DA staff to go through state criminal records one by one to evaluate eligibility, a time and labor-intensive process.

This partnership helps address wrongs caused by the failed war on drugs, felt most strongly by communities of color. Approximately 2,400 individuals will receive conviction relief through this partnership. Of those, approximately 36% are Black or African American, 45% are White, 15% are Latinx, 2% are Asian/Pacific Islander, and 2% are other or unknown.

Contra Costa is the fifth California District Attorney’s Office to announce a pilot partnership with Code for America and use Clear My Record Technology to clear marijuana-related convictions eligible under Proposition 64.  The other counties include San Francisco, Sacramento, San Joaquin and Los Angeles.   In total, these five pilots will help reduce or dismiss approximately 75,000 Proposition 64 eligible convictions.

Earlier this year, Code for America also launched its new Clear My Record Application and Implementation Blueprint, available at no cost and open source to all California counties.  These resources allow all District Attorneys’ offices to follow the lead of DA Becton and expedite and streamline review of Prop 64 convictions.

Record Clearance for the Digital Age

Record clearance was not built for the digital age.  Previously, each person seeking relief had to petition the court on their own to clear their records, but this is a time-consuming, expensive, and confusing process.  Because of these barriers, the vast majority of those eligible for relief have not received it.

With the aid of Code for America’s Clear My Record technology, a DA’s office can automatically and securely evaluate eligibility for record clearance for thousands of convictions in just a few minutes.

This requires no action on the part of the individual, and minimal staff time and resources from the DA’s office — two obstacles for record clearance. Streamlining conviction data processing will also make it easier for courts to update records, ensuring that individuals can obtain relief as soon as possible.

These partnerships set the standard for the statewide implementation of Assembly Bill 1793, which tasks prosecutors with affirmatively reviewing convictions eligible for dismissal or reduction under Proposition 64.  This novel approach also creates a blueprint for the future of record clearance for remedies beyond Proposition 64 — the development of policy and technology that expands, streamlines and automates the record clearance process at scale.

Code for America has been making it easier for people to remove eligible convictions from their records through Clear my Record technology since 2016.

About Code for America

Code for America believes government must work for the people, and by the people, in the digital age, starting with the people who need it most. We build digital services that enhance government capabilities, and we help others do the same across all levels of government. We organize thousands of volunteers across nearly 80 chapters nationwide who improve government in their local communities. Our goal: a 21st century government that effectively and equitably serves all Americans. Learn more at codeforamerica.org.

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

On October 28, 2019, at approximately 10:21 AM, the Antioch Police Department responded to the Williamson Ranch Plaza located in the 4800 block of Lone Tree Way for the report of a shooting victim in the parking lot. Officers located a 20-year-old male who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. It was determined that the victim and 20-year-old Kevion Blocker were involved in a verbal altercation and during the argument Blocker shot the victim several times. The victim suffered life altering injuries as a result of this shooting. (See related article)

On January 7, 2020, The Antioch Police Department SWAT team and Investigations Bureau conducted a high-risk search and arrest warrant in the 1800 block of Foster Mountain Court in an attempt to take Blocker into custody. Blocker was not located but an illegal firearm was located during the search of the residence.

The Antioch Police Department currently holds a warrant for Blocker’s arrest for attempted murder. Anyone who has information on where Blocker may be is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department Dispatch at (925) 778-2441 or Detective Tom Smith at (925)779-6876. Blocker should be considered armed and dangerous. If Blocker is seen please call 911 immediately and do not approach him.

The Antioch Police Department is not releasing the name of the injured male.

This information is made available by the Investigations Bureau. Anyone with information regarding this case can contact Detective Smith at (925) 779-6876. 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 Antioch Police Department

We would like to welcome the newest member of our APD family, Matthew Contreras. Matthew is a Lateral Officer who comes to us from San Joaquin County. He was sworn in on Monday, Jan. 6, 2020.

Matthew was born and raised in Stockton, California. After graduating high school, Matthew joined the U.S. Army and deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait. Matthew is active in the California Army National guard and has 17 years of total time in service in the National Guard, Reserves and Active Army. Matthew is currently in the master’s program at Colorado Technical University. Matthew attended the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Academy. Matthew worked at the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department for three years before coming to work for the City of Antioch.

Matthew has been married to Erika for 10 years and they have three children together. Nathan who is 7, Sophia is 2 and Erik is 8 months. In his free time, Matthew enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his family.

Fun Fact: Matthew has been collecting shoes since the 9th grade and has a collection of about 250-300 pairs of shoes.

Welcome Matthew!

By Antioch Police Department

On Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020 shortly after noon, Antioch PD received a call of a possible armed robbery at the Lucky’s store on E. 18th St. The caller was reporting a male suspect approached him in the parking lot, armed with a handgun and demanded his money. A short struggle ensued over the gun, and the suspect fled on foot from the area of the store. The victim wasn’t hurt, and the suspect fled before taking any property from him.

A short time later, while officers checked the area, witnesses began calling reporting a subject matching the description on E. 16th St. on foot. Officers converged on the area, and a male juvenile was located hiding behind a vehicle in an apartment complex carport. After numerous commands to surrender were given, he was eventually taken into custody and found to be in possession of a realistic looking BB gun. The victim and witnesses positively identified the male juvenile, and he was later booked into Juvenile Hall on attempted robbery charges.

We were happy this call ended with no one seriously injured and cannot thank diligent witnesses enough. Without you, finding this person may have been much more difficult, if not impossible!

“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.