On Saturday, April 30, 2016, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 11th opportunity in six years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal at the following sites. The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

DROP OFF LOCATIONS:

-Oakley Police Department, 3231 Main Street, Oakley

-Office of the Sheriff Muir Station, 1980 Muir Road, Martinez (Field Operations Building)

-Office of the Sheriff Bay Station, 5555 Giant Highway, Richmond (West County Detention Facility)

-Danville Police Department, 510 La Gonda Way, Danville

-Lafayette Police Department, 3675 Mt. Diablo Way, Suite 130, Lafayette

-Orinda Police Department, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda

Last September, Americans turned in over 702,000 pounds of prescription drugs at over 5,000 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,800 of its state and local law enforcement partners. When those results are combined with what was collected in its ten previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 5.5 million pounds—more than 2,750 tons—of pills.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 30, 2016 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Office of Diversion Control website at: www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov.

OAKLAND – Anthony Keslinke, 48, of Danville, was sentenced to four years in prison today for his leadership role in a large-scale bank fraud conspiracy and a separate money laundering conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge John J. Martin, and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Batdorf.

Keslinke pleaded guilty in May of 2015 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  In pleading guilty, Keslinke admitted that he used straw buyers to purchase real estate throughout Northern California between 2011 and 2014.  Keslinke identified properties, including his own properties, that were potential candidates for a “short sale.”  A “short sale” is a sale of real estate in which the sale proceeds are less than the balance owed on the mortgage loan pertaining to the property and often occurs when a borrower cannot pay the mortgage loan.

In furtherance of the scheme, Keslinke submitted offers to the financial institutions on behalf of straw buyers.  In order to induce a bank to accept a short sale offer, Keslinke would draft fraudulent financial hardship letters and submit them on behalf of the seller of a property.  In addition, in order to give the appearance to the financial institutions that the properties were worth significantly less than true fair market value, Keslinke often altered engineering and pest reports associated with the properties.  Moreover, in furtherance of his scheme, Keslinke often altered bank account documents to create the appearance that the straw buyers had sufficient funds to purchase the properties in cash.  Once a financial institution accepted a particular property for a short sale, Keslinke used his own funds to purchase the property in the name of the straw buyer.  After a short sale was completed on a particular property, Keslinke maintained control of the property and often sold the property for a significant financial gain.  Keslinke admitted using this mortgage fraud scheme to orchestrate the short sale of properties in Danville, Walnut Creek, and Kings Beach, California.

Keslinke also admitted that between August of 2013 and February of 2014, he met on multiple occasions with an undercover agent purporting to be a drug dealer.  Keslinke accepted a total of $550,000 from the undercover agent.  In an attempt to conceal the true source of the funds, Keslinke repeatedly deposited the money received from the undercover agent into business bank accounts under his control.  Keslinke then attempted to launder the money by wiring it from his business bank accounts to an account controlled by the undercover agent.  Keslinke routinely kept 8-10% of the money provided to him from the undercover agent as a fee for his services.

The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Jon S. Tigar.  In addition to the prison term, Judge Tigar also ordered the defendant to pay a forfeiture judgment in the amount of $2,086,405 and a fine of $50,000.  Keslinke also agreed to forfeit $1,722,426 in cash seized from his residence and his bank accounts.  Judge Tigar also ordered Keslinke to pay $1,427,916 in restitution to the victims of the charged crimes.  Judge Tigar also sentenced Keslinke to a three-year period of supervised release.

At the time of the investigation, Keslinke was in the midst of trying to buy the card room license from the owners of the closed Kelly’s in Antioch. He was seeking approval from the California Gambling Control Commission, after receiving conditional approval from the Antioch City Council in November, 2013.

However, the City and council members were unaware of the FBI investigation at the time and weren’t informed until after Keslinke’s arrest.

Antioch Councilwoman Mary Rocha, who attended Keslinke’s sentencing hearing on Friday, submitted a letter on his behalf, telling the court of the things he had done in Antioch, including buying and renovating the ABC Building on A Street and the Friendship Care Home on Cavallo. She didn’t speak, but said about 30 others did in support of Keslinke.

Also in attendance was Linda King, the daughter Al Cianfichi, the  owner of Kelly’s. For years, she worked in the restaurant and bar part of the family-owned and operated business, which is named after King’s daughter and because her mother, Mrs. Cianfichi is Irish. She said the family didn’t know Keslinke when someone brought him into their place in 2013 and he decided to buy it. However, King stated “there has never been a purchase and sales agreement” for the business from him.

“Keslinke’s money laundering scheme had nothing to do with his interest in buying Kelly’s and his attempt to buy the card room license,” she added. “What he did was separate from him trying to have business dealings with us. All he did was apply for his gaming license. We never entered into negotiations.”

“The local level cleared him on his background check and even the state level approved him, so they weren’t aware of the FBI investigation, either, to my knowledge, ” King continued. “We found out about his arrest in the newspapers.”

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Wegner and David Countryman are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Vanessa Vargas and Carolyn Jusay.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA and IRS.  The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and Livermore Police Department also provided assistance during the investigation. The investigation was conducted and funded by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a multi-agency task force that coordinates long-term narcotics trafficking investigations.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

District Attorney Mark Peterson announced that his office is collaborating with local law enforcement agencies, the County’s Zero Tolerance for Human Trafficking Coalition, Family Justice Centers, and community-based organizations to raise awareness of human trafficking and slavery, provide services and support to victims and bring traffickers to justice. Contra Costa County includes Human Trafficking in its “Zero Tolerance Initiative” and will coordinate with similar initiatives in neighboring counties such as Alameda.

Peterson notes that such coordinated efforts are important to combat the many forms of modern-day slavery and human trafficking. The FBI has identified California as one of the nation’s top four destination states for trafficked persons. According to Peterson, Contra Costa County is a natural corridor for human trafficking activities with its linkage to major metropolitan areas like Oakland and San Francisco via public transportation (BART) and its accessibility to Los Angeles and Sacramento via major highways such as 680, 80 and 5 (via Hwy 4). Though human trafficking is illegal, victims often do not know where to turn for help and community members may not know where to report suspicious situations.

As part of the County’s awareness-raising efforts, Peterson announced a “Day of Action” to enforce Senate Bill 1193 (SB1193). This law, which was passed in 2013, requires specified businesses including airports, train stations, truck stops, certain bars, urgent care centers, farm labor contractors, and certain massage parlors to post notices listing information about human trafficking and a hotline number for the National Human Trafficking Resource Center.

Today, Saturday, April 23, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and police agencies in Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill and Martinez are personally contacting some of the businesses covered by SB1193 and provide posters that include hotline numbers to seek help or report unlawful activity.

For additional information regarding SB 1193, please visit the Attorney General’s website at www.oag.ca.gov or contact your local law enforcement to report any possible slavery or human trafficking activity.

By Corporal Matthew Koch, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at approximately 9:20 p.m., Antioch Police Officers were dispatched to the Lowe’s located at 1951 Auto Center Drive for the report of a shooting that just occurred with a subject shot. Upon arrival, Officers located an adult male victim who suffered from a single gunshot wound. The male victim was treated by medical personnel and transported to a local hospital. The victim’s injuries were not life threatening. The investigation into the identity of the shooter is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

Antioch Police Department leaders join Detective Brian Rose (center) at a luncheon honoring him and other Community Champions, today. Standing: Detective Jim Perkinson, Rose, Chief Allan Cantando, Seated: Sergeant Tom Fuhrmann and Lieutenant Tony Morefield.

By Allen Payton

According to a post on the Antioch Police Department’s Facebook page, Detective Rose is being honored today, Wednesday, April 20, as a 2016 Community Champion by Community Violence Solutions, at a special luncheon in Pleasant Hill. The recognition is for those “who go above and beyond the call of duty to end sexual violence in our community.”

“I, along with everyone else here at the Antioch Police Department, am extremely proud of Detective Rose,” said Chief Allan Cantando. “Please join me in congratulating him.”

Founded in 1974, Community Violence Solutions, the umbrella organization for the Rape Crisis Center of Contra Costa and Marin Counties, is one of the oldest rape crisis centers in California, and one of the oldest in the country. The organization provides support services to child and adult victims of sexual assault and their families through seven main programs. For more information visit www.cvsolutions.org.

As published in City Manager Steve Duran’s Weekly Report dated April 15, 2016 and provided by Chief of Police Allan Cantando.

Calls for Service and Arrest Data Summary:

Time Period: 04/07/16 00:00:00 – 04/13/16 23:59:59

Number of Calls for Service: 1,637

Number of Case Reports: 335

Number of Arrests: 89

Felony: 39

Misdemeanor: 48

Infraction: 2

Arrests with DUI charge: 3

The data is based upon unaudited CAD/RMS data at time of report generation

• ·On 4/13/16 at 11:43 pm, 49 year old Leonard Burleigh was contacted during a vehicle stop on E 18^th St. and found to have a felony narcotics warrant for his arrest. Burleigh was taken into custody without incident and booked into county jail.
• ·On 4/13/16 at 9:10 pm, 26 year old Rocky Sims was contacted during a disturbance investigation on James Donlon Blvd. near Blythe Dr. He was found to have a warrant out of Alameda County and taken into custody without incident. He was later booked into county jail.
• ·On 4/13/16 at 4:52 pm, officers were in the area of W.8^th St. near K St. on an un-related call for service. While in the area, officers located a stolen Acura which was being driven by 21 year old Andrea Rice. Rice seemed to have trouble operating the vehicle as she exited the car and got into the passenger seat. 30 year old Lyteika Jamerson then entered the driver’s seat and began to drive away. Officers stopped the vehicle and were able to detain both occupants without incident. Both Rice and Jamerson stated the vehicle belonged to an acquaintance, who had given them the keys to the car. Both Rice and Jamerson were released pending further investigation.
• ·On 4/13/16 at 9:56 am, 26 year old John Appling was contacted asleep in a stolen vehicle at the foot of G St. Appling stated that he drove his own car to the foot of G St. to meet an associate who was in the stolen car. Appling’s car was indeed parked next to the stolen one. And although the car was stolen, Appling’s story was checking out. It was unknown who actually drove the car there, and Appling was released pending further investigation. Cameras in the area are being reviewed and the investigation is ongoing.
• ·On 4/12/16 at 10:35 pm, the victim was sitting in front of the apartments at 1000 Claudia Ct. when she was approached by two male adults. One of the males pointed a hand gun at her demanding her property. The victim’s purse was ripped from her grip by the responsibles. They walked away with her property and told the victim she will be shot if she did not run away. The victim complied with the demands and ran home where she contacted police.
• ·On 4/12/16 at 10:30 pm, a home owner arrived home from work and as she exited her vehicle on Aster Dr., she was approached by a female adult. As her attention was drawn toward the female, an adult male approached her from the opposite direction and pointed a handgun at her face. The female pushed the victim to the ground, kicked her in the back, and took her purse, cell phone and car keys. The male pulled the victim away from the vehicle by the hair and the responsibles got into the victim’s vehicle. The responsibles stole the victim’s vehicle but abandoned it a short distance away due to the vehicle tires locking from the emergency brake which was still applied. The responsibles fled on foot toward W 10^th St. We attempted to ping the victim’s cell phone but the phone had been powered off. The case is still under investigation.
• ·On 4/12/16 at 6:17 pm, officers contacted 41 year old William Wilkinson during a dispute he was in with another person on Campbell Ave. Wilkinson had a felony warrant in the system and also had probable cause for his arrest for a threats case. Wilkinson left on his bike prior to our arrival. Wilkinson was located on Klengel St. and fled on foot when an officer attempted to contact him. Wilkinson was located in a neighboring yard and arrested without incident. He was booked into county jail.
• ·On 4/12/16 at 1:18 pm, a local hospital called to report a gunshot victim showed up at the emergency room with wounds to his leg and abdomen. Officers arrived and met with the adult male who was uncooperative. He refused photographs and after several attempts he finally told officers he was walking on James Donlon Blvd. near Somersville Rd. when he was shot. The victim’s injuries were not life threatening. He told officers he was able to knock out one of the shooters but would not talk anymore about the incident because he lives a “different lifestyle.” There were no leads or suspect descriptions. The scene could not be located.
• ·On 4/12/16 at 8:03 am, 36 year old Rashita Boykin drove to Carmen Dragon Elementary today to drop her child off at school. Boykin drove in the parking lot and ran over some cones that we re set out by the school staff to keep the flow of cars smooth during morning drop off. The principal approached Boykin at her car door as she was parked in a stall. It appears they had a verbal disagreement about Boykin’s driving. Boykin attempted to leave the lot and her open driver’s door bumped the principal, knocking him to the ground. Both sides had conflicting views of the incident. A traffic collision report was taken. Boykin had a suspended driver’s license and no insurance. She was cited and her vehicle was impounded.
• ·On 4/11/16 at 11:50 pm, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 58 year old Charles Coan at E 18^th St. and Hillcrest Ave. Coan is on parole and a search was conducted. Three large bags of methamphetamine were located weighing a total of approximately 1 ounce each. Coan was arrested and booked at county jail.
• ·On 4/11/16 at 9:40 pm, 28 year old Rosha Booker entered Safeway on Deer Valley Rd. and concealed three Tide clothing detergents in her bag. A loss prevention agent observed Booker fail to pay for the items and confronted her about the theft. Booker became irate and told the loss prevention agent she was going to stab him with her knife. In fear of being stabbed, he allowed Booker to leave. The loss prevention agent provided a description of Booker and observed her go behind the Walgreens. Officers arrived and located Booker hiding behind a dumpster to the rear of Walgreens. She was detained and positively identified by the loss prevention agent. She was in possession of the stolen property and found to have numerous theft related warrants for her arrest. Booker was arrested and sent to county jail.
• ·On 4/11/16 at 7:46 pm, four victims were walking at Wildflower Dr. and Sunflower Dr. when they noticed a Honda Civic pass by them three times. On the third time, the Civic stopped in the middle of the street and two males with guns got out. The victims were all robbed of various items including cell phones, shoes, jewelry, and wallets. The responsibles got back into their vehicle and fled. One of the victims recognized one of the responsibles as someone who he used to attend high school with. Two minutes prior to this robbery, the same responsibles are believed to have robbed two people at Country Manor Park nearby. Both cases are still under investigation.
• ·On 4/11/16 at 7:22 pm, an officer was driving on Mokelumne Dr. and ran the license plate of a Honda that passed him in the opposite direction. The Honda was listed as stolen from Concord. The officer turned around and quickly located the vehicle on Tehachapi Wy. Both occupants had exited the vehicle but were detained. The driver, 26 year old Corey Whittington, had a baggie of methamphetamine in his possession and was on felony probation. He was also using a “shaved” key to operate the vehicle. He was booked at county jail. The passenger was released pending further investigation.
• ·On 4/10/16 at 9:17 pm, officers responded to Mandarin Way on a report of loud noises coming from the side of a house. Officers arrived and contacted 29 year old Antonio Camacho. A computer check revealed Camacho had a warrant for his arrest. Camacho was arrested without incident and booked into county jail.
• ·On 4/10/16 at 3:28 pm, an officer responded to Hawk Ct. on a report of a suspicious vehicle. The reporting party provided the license plate which had been spray painted. This vehicle was involved in a pursuit last night and was determined to be a stolen vehicle, driven by 32 year old Faafouina Tinoifili. Last night’s pursuit was terminated and probable cause to arrest was put out for Tinoifili. As the officer was approaching the area, the vehicle fled out of the court and he recognized the driver as Tinoifili. The officer followed the vehicle and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit was approximately 7 miles long and was ultimately terminated on westbound Highway 4. A few hours later, CHP advised they located Tinoifili in Bay Point with another stolen vehicle from San Francisco. Our officer responded to Bay Point and was able to obtain a confession from Tinoifili regarding the stolen vehicle and the earlier pursuit. Tinoifili was booked into county jail by CHP with additional charges from APD.
• ·On 4/10/16 at 2:51 pm, loss prevention from Macy’s observed 28 year old Eric Agundez stealing a jacket and attempted to stop him for the theft. They struggled with Agundez for a moment, but were able to detain him. An officer responded and contacted Agundez and the Macy’s employees. Agundez is a known gang member and on parole for a shooting. He was arrested for the petty theft and parole was contacted. Parole issued a hold on Agundez. He was booked in county jail.
• ·On 4/10/16/at 10:24 a.m., officers were dispatched to a suspicious subject call at the apartment complex located at 600 Wilbur Ave. An officer located 28 year old Brandon Hill who matched the description given by the reporting party. During contact, Hill lied about his name but said he was on probation. He was found to have a small amount of methamphetamine, a BB gun and brass knuckles with a knife attached. He was arrested and his true identity was discovered. Hill was sent to county jail.
• ·On 4/9/16 at 8:54 pm, A St Starbucks Employees called and reported a subject was hiding in the store stating he was being chased by subjects with guns. The responsibles were said to be in front of Quickstop on Sycamore Drive and a physical description was given. Officers responded to both locations and were unable to locate the original victim. He fled the store prior to officers’ arrival. Officers at Quickstop located 29 year old Robert Freeze, who matched the given description in front of the store. He was contacted and found to have a narcotics warrant out of San Francisco. He was arrested without incident and booked into county jail. No weapons were found. Freeze stated he was transient and was just waiting for friends. No weapons were recovered.
• ·On 4/8/16 at 8:30 pm, APD received several calls of a truck driving reckless in the area of Delta Fair Blvd and Somersville Rd. The truck was said to be heading westbound on Delta Fair Blvd and running red lights. A very short time later, officers were dispatched to a roll over collision at the intersection of Delta Fair Blvd and Fairview Dr involving the truck from the previous call. An unknown passenger crawled out and fled on foot. The driver, 31 year old Manuel Mata-Valles, managed to get out just prior to officers arriving and attempted to walk away, but he was detained without incident. Mata-Valles was found to be extremely intoxicated. He gave a complaint of head and neck pain due to the collision. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. A blood draw was obtained and the hospital wanted to hold Mata-Valles until he was deemed “medically” sober. He was released pending further investigation at the hospital. A small city tree was knocked over due to the collision. Officers on scene were able to clear the tree to the side and Corpyard was alerted.
• ·On 4/8/16 at 12:46 pm, employees of McDonald’s on Mahogany Way called APD regarding 22 year old Chris Fraulino because he was panhandling at the drive-thru with a knife in his hands. Officers contacted Fraulino who was quick to conceal the knife (a large steak knife) in his waistband. Fraulino was not cooperative but he was detained and arrested for the weapons violation. He was also in possession of heroin. He was transported to county jail.
• ·On 4/8/16 at 8:40 am, while responding to a possible burglary in progress with two male suspects, an officer saw a suspicious vehicle in the area of Bluerock Dr and Lone Tree Way. The vehicle immediately fled from the area and the officer. The vehicle was an older Honda plated with a newer Toyota rental plate. The driver also looked similar to known car thief that lives in the area. A short, low speed pursuit ensued and was quickly terminated when the suspect briefly drove on the wrong side of the road. Afterwards, a canvass of the area was completed, but the vehicle was not located.
• ·On 4/7/16 at 5:18 pm, officers were dispatched to a report of subjects selling narcotics near a tan vehicle at 2308 Spanos Street. Upon arrival, they contacted 23 year old Malia Hoopai. Hoopai was holding a large purse. The officers explained to Hoopai why they were there and she agreed to let them look through her purse for narcotics. The officers located approximately 20 individually wrapped baggies of Heroin weighing approximately 4.8 grams in total. Additionally they located two baggies of methamphetamine with a total weight of 3.7 grams. Hoopai stated she was holding the items for a friend. Hoopai was sent to county jail for possession of narcotics for sale.
• ·On 4/7/16 at 8:22 am, 24 year old Sara Stromberg lost control of her vehicle and crashed into the backside of the Chrysler Dealership’s fence on Verne Roberts Cir. As a result she was injured and disoriented and transported to a local to be evaluated. She was later determined to be under the influence of drugs and a blood drawn was performed. She was admitted into the ER and released pending further investigation.

New Antioch Police Officer Jose Hernandez and Chief Allan Cantando following the oath of office ceremony, Monday, April 18, 2016

By Allen Payton

At a ceremony, Monday afternoon April 18, Antioch Mayor Wade Harper administered the oath of office to new Police Officer Jose Hernandez, as his family, friends and fellow officers and police department staff looked on.

“It is a pleasure to swear in a new police officer to the Antioch Police Department,” said Chief Allan Cantando. “He’s a lateral hire from the Kern County Sheriff’s Department. Other officers are very happy he’s coming on, with the work load alone.”

As his parents and sister watch Hernandez takes his oath of office, administered by Antioch Mayor Wade Harper.

Cantando then read Hernandez’ brief bio.

Hernandez grew up in Santa Maria, California when at age 19 he moved to Bakersfield where he became a Deputy Sheriff for Kern County. There he worked for four years in the jail, courts and on patrol.

He likes to travel, watch sports, mainly the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Clippers (which solicited playful boos from those in attendance at the ceremony). A fun fact Cantando read, was that Hernandez broke his left arm playing leap frog at age 15, but then says he became more mature and made wiser decisions.

“I just want to thank everyone who came out today, my family and friends, and for their support,” Hernandez said.

He then mentioned officers Jason Erickson and Kevin Tjahjadi, who had also worked for the Kern County Sheriff’s Department and were instrumental in recruiting him to the APD.

“I look forward to working here and helping out in any way I can,” he added.

Cantando then spoke to Hernandez’ parents.

“The men and women who are going to train your son are second to none,” he stated. “It’s going to be a lot of work, a lot of hours and time away from friends and family. Thank you for supporting him as he transitions into the Antioch Police Department.”

This brings the force back to 94 sworn officers, following the departure of an officer from the department, last month.

By Sergeant Wisecarver, Antioch Police Special Operations Unit

On Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 9:35 am, Antioch Police Dispatch received reports of suspicious activity at a house in the 5400 block of Cherokee Way. Antioch Police Officers responded to the house to investigate the suspicious activity and found that this house had been converted into an indoor marijuana cultivation. The marijuana grow operation was determined to be illegal in nature.

The Antioch Police Department Special Operations Detectives were called out to the location. The detectives served a search warrant on the house. The detectives found a sophisticated marijuana cultivation operation to include over 200 mature marijuana plants. Evidence was collected from the location; however, there were no arrests made at this time.

This incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to contact Detective Brogdonat (925) 779-6895.