UPDATE: A 2012 candidate for Mayor of Antioch, Michael Leon accused of killing then 52-year-old Brenda Leon, held on $1 million bail

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

Martinez, California – Today, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office charged 66-year-old Michael Anthony Leon (born 7/17/1958) with the 2015 murder of his wife, Brenda Joyce Leon, who was 52 years old at the time of her death.

After an extensive investigation, the District Attorney’s Cold Case Unit determined that Brenda Leon’s death on September 28th, 2015, was an act of homicide. The investigation uncovered previously unknown digital evidence and new factual details that were central to the decision to file charges.

Michael Leon was taken into custody from his Antioch residence on January 22nd by the DA’s Office Bureau of Investigations. It was initially investigated in 2015 by Antioch PD. He is charged with murder under Penal Code Section 187(a) and personal use of a firearm causing death under Penal Code Section 12022.53(d). If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in prison.

“Brenda Joyce’s family never lost faith that the truth would come to light,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “Today’s filing in Contra Costa Superior Court honors that perseverance and demonstrates that cold cases are never forgotten, regardless of how much time has passed.”

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 190-pound Leon is being held on $1 million bail.

No press release about the incident was issued by Antioch Police at the time, nor was it included in the City Manager’s weekly report which offered the Department’s calls for service highlights for Sept. 24 – Oct. 1, 2015, as provided by then-Police Chief Allan Cantando. Efforts to reach Cantando to ask if he could recall why that occurred was unsuccessful prior to publication time.

2012 Candidate for Mayor of Antioch

8:00 PM UPDATE: It was discovered in the Herald’s archives that Michael Leon was a candidate for Mayor of Antioch in 2012 and a newcomer to politics, placing fourth behind Wade Harper, Gary Agopian and Don Freitas. At the time, his candidate statement showed he was a “Marketing Associate for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning company.”

Later, during the campaign, Leon said he was a business owner and located it in Oakley.

Leon described himself as a “regular Joe” or “Joe the Plumber” type who was encouraged to run by his neighbors after he was featured on Channel 4 news for helping get rid of squatters and some problem Section 8 tenants from his neighborhood. (See related articles here, here and here)

According to her obituary, “Brenda Joyce Leon passed away Monday, September 28, 2015, at the age of 52. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Michael Leon and her two loving children, Michelle Wonders, and Monica Tagas. Brenda was born to James and Myrna Francis in Walnut Creek, CA, on August 28, 1963 – the sixth of nine beautiful children. She called Concord home for 36 years where she truly blossomed in life – obtaining her High School diploma from Carondelet, working for her father’s transportation company, Bay Area Piggyback, Inc., marrying her loving husband, and starting her family. Her greatest pleasure and ultimate solace came from being a doting grandmother to her grandchildren, Michelle Wonders’ daughter Audrey – age 4 and son Elliot – age 1 ½.”

Michael Leon is set to be arraigned in court on January 26th at 1:30 pm in Martinez.

Case No. 01-26-00248 | The People of the State of California v. Michael Anthony Leon

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Suspect Ronald Benjamin Jackson, III currently in San Quentin state prison on unrelated charges.

Previously arrested in 2022 for shooting, killing Antioch convenience store clerk, but DA Becton didn’t charge with murder

By Allen D. Payton

According to Antioch Police Lt. William Whitaker of the department’s Investigations Bureau, “after an extensive investigation, the Antioch Police Department has solved the homicide of Raheem Coe, a 48-year-old Antioch homeless resident who was found deceased on May 15, 2024, near medical office buildings in the Country Hills Drive area.”

As previously reported, at approximately 7:19 AM, on that date, Antioch police officers responded to the 2200 block of Country Hills Drive to assist Contra Costa Fire on a reported male down on the sidewalk possibly in need of medical attention.

When officers arrived, they located a deceased male. The cause of death was unknown at the time. The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. After an autopsy and further investigation, the death was determined to be a homicide. The victim frequented the area where he was discovered.

As previously reported, independent reports from two sources claimed Coe’s death was believed to be caused by blunt force trauma, including to his head and chest.

At the time, local homeless advocate Andrew Becker, who knew Coe and had several interactions with him, said, “Raheem Coe was on the street for the last couple of years, in the Lone Tree-Deer Valley area. He’s had several interactions with City staff including being swept multiple times by Public Works and Code Enforcement.”

“We had several conversations about shelter and services, and he was seeking shelter,” Becker continued. “He did have contact with his family who are also local.”

Through the processing of evidence, witness interviews, and the review of video surveillance, detectives identified 23-year-old Ronald Benjamin Jackson, III as the suspect in this homicide. Jackson is currently in custody at San Quentin State Prison on unrelated charges.

The case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, which has filed charges against Jackson for PC 187 – Homicide, PC 207(a) – Kidnapping, and PC 422 – Criminal Threats. Jackson will be transferred to the Martinez Detention Facility pending future court proceedings.

Jackson was previously arrested for robbing an Antioch gas station convenience store and killing the 36-year-old clerk in November 2022. (See related articles here and here)

However, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton announced the following week that her Office declined to file murder charges in the case, based on the clerk’s actions and “upon an established law that clearly states a person cannot pursue another to retrieve stolen property once the threat of bodily injury or harm to the victim has subsided.” 

According to localcrimenews.com, Jackson was also arrested by Antioch Police on May 25, 2024, for kidnapping, battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse and threats of violence, and on Oct. 26, 2022, for vandalism: paint, cruelty to an animal and carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner.

Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or by email at jcox@antiochca.gov.

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

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) of $323,500 to support a specialized prosecution team dedicated to alcohol and drug-impaired driving cases.

“We are grateful for this grant, which will allow us to focus specifically on holding individuals accountable for impaired driving and making the roads in our community safer for everyone,” District Attorney Diana Becton said. “Driving Under the Influence remains a significant danger on our roads. This funding strengthens our commitment to improving road safety and making sure justice is served effectively and efficiently.”

The specialized prosecution team will also partner with the statewide Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Training Program (TSRP) to train other prosecutors and investigators and collaborate with law enforcement agencies on best practices for handling and managing driving under the influence (DUI) cases.

“Through focused prosecution efforts and strong partnerships, we are working toward a future where all people will be safe on California roads,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “Together, we’re holding impaired drivers accountable and encouraging safe, responsible choices that help build a culture where safety comes first.”

This is the first year the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has received funding from the OTS for a specialized DUI prosecution program. The grant program runs through September 2026.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Executed in Richmond, 3 other cities, recovers 44,140 stolen items worth more than $800K 

12 from Oakland and 53-year-old El Sobrante woman who was previously arrested in 2023 for grand theft and organized retail theft

By Officer Ruben Jones, PIO, CHP Valley Division

SACRAMENTO — Thirteen suspects were arrested, and more than $800,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered following a coordinated, multi-agency operation targeting an organized retail theft network operating across Northern California.

In September, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Valley Division Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) was alerted to a pair of retail theft suspects who stole merchandise in Placer County and at multiple other locations throughout the state. The Valley Division ORCTF includes investigators from the CHP, Sacramento Police Department and the Placer County District Attorney’s Office.

On October 1, the Rocklin Police Department conducted a traffic stop involving the suspects and requested assistance from the Valley Division ORCTF. During the investigation, the suspects provided information identifying individuals who were purchasing stolen merchandise from them and reselling it for profit. Investigators also learned the stolen goods were being distributed and sold at flea markets in Oakland, San Jose, Galt, Modesto and Stockton.

Based on this information, ORCTF investigators conducted surveillance operations that corroborated the suspects’ statements and established links among the theft suspects, those purchasing and reselling the stolen merchandise, and the flea-market distribution locations. Investigators subsequently obtained multiple search warrants covering six residences, three storage lockers, and one storage lot.

On December 11, a coordinated multi-agency enforcement effort, Operation Silent Night, was executed in Oakland, Richmond, San Leandro and Galt. The operation resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects. Investigators seized two firearms, more than $10,000 in cash, five vans, two passenger vehicles and two trailers. More than 400 boxes and 200 bags of stolen merchandise were recovered, including cosmetics, household goods, clothing, power tools, toys, alcohol, and diapers. All suspects were transported to the Placer County Jail for booking.

On December 12, Cal Expo provided an exposition hall to assist with the processing and cataloging of the recovered merchandise. In partnership with affected retailers, investigators documented a total of 44,140 stolen items valued in excess of $800,000.

The following are those who were taken into custody:

• Bach Ngoc Thi Bui, 53, El Sobrante
• Isaid Garcia Chapas, 41, Oakland
• Irene Cruz Barragan, 35, Oakland
• Daniela Cruz Barragan, 33, Oakland
• Robert Lorenzo Luna-Varela, 34, Oakland
• Jefferson Isaed Garcia-Rivera, 22, Oakland
• Jennifer Garcia Cruz, 19, Oakland
• Elan Rosales Montes, 35, Oakland
• Claudia Ivet Cruz Barragan, 42, Oakland
• Yolanda Carrillo Martinez, 45, Oakland
• Ivan Miranda Espinoza, 33, Oakland
• Yuridia Sandoval Ramirez, 35, Oakland
• Eryn Wilfred Corea Guevara, 29, Oakland

“Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime. It impacts businesses, workers, and communities across California. This investigation highlights the strength of collaboration between law enforcement and our retail partners, and our commitment to holding organized theft networks accountable.”- CHP Valley Division Chief Tyler Eccles

The Placer County District Attorney’s Office announced on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, the filing of criminal charges of organized retail theft, conspiracy to commit felony crimes, receiving stolen property, among numerous allegations against the 13 defendants.

The charges stem from numerous thefts that had occurred within Placer County that culminated in a multiple agency operation last week in Oakland that recovered over $700,000 worth of stolen merchandise and extensive counterfeit merchandise. This collaborative investigation and prosecution is made possible by Placer County’s retail theft initiative.

The defendants appeared in court that afternoon and defense attorneys were appointed to represent them. The next court date was scheduled for December 22 in Department 20 at 8:30 am.

Since the ORCTF’s inception in 2019, the CHP has been involved in over 4,200 investigations, leading to the arrest of more than 4,700 suspects and the recovery of nearly 1.5 million stolen goods valued at over $68.7 million statewide as of November 30. 

According to localcrimenews.com, Bui is a female and was also arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department in August 2023 when she was a Pittsburg resident for conspiracy to commit a crime, grand theft, receiving or concealing stolen property and organized retail theft.

The CHP extends its appreciation to all participating law enforcement agencies, task force members, Cal Expo, and retail partners whose collaboration led to the success of this investigation. The case remains ongoing.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Following collision involving DA Senior Inspector killing Antioch assault suspect running on Hwy 4; CHP leads investigation

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

Martinez, California – A fatal traffic collision with a pedestrian is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol pursuant to the County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol.

On Monday, December 22, 2025, at approximately 10:35 a.m., in the area of Delta Fair Blvd. in Antioch, a suspect engaged in a disturbance at Delta Bowl. According to Antioch Police, the initial incident occurred at the Comfort Inn, located at 2436 Mahogany Way, where the 27-year-old male suspect had pulled a fire alarm and then struck a 47-year-old male security guard. As police responded, the suspect climbed over a fence and entered eastbound Highway 4 on foot.

The individual was struck in the roadway by an oncoming county vehicle driven by a District Attorney Senior Inspector whose duties were unrelated to the disturbance. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The California Highway Patrol is the venue agency conducting the traffic collision investigation. The California Department of Justice has been notified. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has yielded legal analysis to avoid a potential conflict of interest. The investigation is ongoing.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Struck by on-duty County DA Senior Inspector

Multi-agency investigation ensues

By Lt. William Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Monday, December 22, at 10:33 a.m., the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center received a call from security personnel at the Comfort Inn, located at 2436 Mahogany Way, reporting that a suspect had pulled a fire alarm and then struck a security guard.

Responding officers arrived on scene and located the 47-year-old male security guard who was pursuing the suspect in the area behind Kaiser, near Delta Fair Boulevard.

An Antioch Police Department officer was in the area with emergency lights activated while responding to the call. The 27-year-old male suspect, who possibly saw the lights, then jumped over a fence and ran onto the freeway, where he was struck by an on-duty Contra Costa County District Attorney Senior Inspector who, by chance, was driving in the area and was not involved in the initial incident.

At no time were responding Antioch Police Department officers involved in a foot pursuit of the suspect.

The investigator and Antioch Police Department officers immediately rendered medical aid; however, the suspect died at the scene.

A witness, who chose not to be identified and was stuck in the eastbound traffic back-up on Highway 4 between Loveridge Road in Pittsburg and Somersville Road in Antioch, said he saw police pumping the suspect’s chest. According to Spotlight CoCoCounty, the suspect “was struck in the number one lane near the Center divide.”

The back-up lasted for about two-and-a-half hours until Antioch Police issued an update at 1:07 p.m. that “the roadway is now open.”

The suspect’s name is not being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

As is standard protocol, the Antioch Police Department, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the California Highway Patrol will conduct a joint investigation into the incident. Any additional information will be provided by the Investigations Bureau.

Additional inquiries, tips, or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Robert Ibanez at (925) 481-8398 or by email at ribanez@antiochca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Arrested by Walnut Creek Police, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; held on $200,000 bail

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

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, that a suspect in possession of child sexual abuse material faces a four-count felony complaint.

32-year-old Ryan Allen Fenton of Antioch (born 6/13/1993) was arrested in Antioch Tuesday by Walnut Creek Police on a warrant related to a complaint the District Attorney filed with the court on February 3rd, 2025. The complaint was amended and refiled on November 25th after investigators with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force found additional evidence Fenton was in possession of child sexual abuse material.

Fenton was arraigned Wednesday in Superior Court in Martinez at 10:30 am on the following:

· Two felony counts for possessing over 600 images of child or youth pornography on or about October 23rd, 2024, and November 25th, 2025 [PC 311.11(c)(1)]. 

· Two felony counts for possessing child or youth pornography on or about October 23rd, 2024, and November 25th, 2025 [PC 311.11(a)].

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “The possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is not a victimless crime; it is an act that perpetuates the sexual abuse of children and fuels a criminal enterprise. As District Attorney, my office treats the possession of CSAM with the utmost gravity, recognizing that every image and video represents an assault on a child.”

Fenton’s preliminary hearing is set for December 9th at 8:30 am at the A.F. Bray courthouse in Martinez in Department 6. He remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on a $200,000 bond. 

Case No. 01-25-00447 | The People of the State of California v. Ryan Allen Fenton

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 135-pound Fenton is Hispanic, but also listed as white, is now being held in the West County Detention Facility.

According to localcrimenews.com, Fenton was also arrested in 2020 in Inyo County for speeding, driving without a license and failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

On September 18th, 2025, a federal jury in Oakland, CA found a former Antioch police officer guilty of conspiracy against rights, marking another step toward accountability in a painful chapter for Antioch and Pittsburg. (See related article)

This case is part of a broader investigation that began in 2021 into misconduct by several officers entrusted to protect the public, including actions that fall under the broad category of crimes involving moral turpitude.

When a law is broken—especially by those sworn to enforce it—it is not just a legal violation, but an offense against the entire community. That is why in every criminal case, the District Attorney represents The People of the State of California. The harm caused by these individuals was felt by the public at large, and it is our duty and responsibility to pursue justice on behalf of all those affected.

I am grateful to our federal partners, our state and local investigators, and prosecutors who worked tirelessly on these cases on behalf of the residents of Antioch and Pittsburg. Thanks to these combined efforts, both cities have begun to rebuild trust and take meaningful steps toward restoring integrity in their public institutions. These efforts are crucial to ensuring safer, more just communities for all. Our office remains firmly committed to that mission.

Diana Becton

District Attorney, Contra Costa County