$1.97 million will benefit Antioch, Oakley to improve commute times, reduce delays and ease congestion

$1.1 million for CC District Attorney’s Office to fight organized retail theft, labor trafficking

By Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he secured over $16 million for community projects across Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. These projects will support public health and safety, transportation accessibility and community development, and environmental protection and sustainability in California’s 10th Congressional District.

Each year, Congress provides Member-directed federal funding to a select number of community projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House member is allowed to submit 15 project requests on behalf of their Congressional District to the Appropriations Committee that meet the criteria set forth by the Committee.

“From lowering everyday costs for families to bolstering traffic safety to increasing access to public, recreational spaces, these projects will improve quality of life in our community, and I am proud to have fought for and secured the funding that will make them possible,” said DeSaulnier. “I am grateful for the partnership of our local governments and organizations in developing such thoughtful projects.”

Transportation Accessibility and Community Development Projects:

1. $1,970,010 for the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to upgrade and develop a network of smart traffic signals between Antioch and Oakley to improve commute times, reduce delays and ease congestion.
2. $1,200,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to create a separate bike path to fill a gap in the County-wide bicycle network along Marsh Drive in unincorporated Pacheco, which will improve safety for all road users and access to local commercial centers, recreational centers, and additional connections to the local mass transit system.
3. $1,000,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to construct bicycle and pedestrian facilities on Treat Boulevard in the Contra Costa Centre Transit Village in Walnut Creek to close a critical gap along the Iron Horse Regional Trail, which would improve safety for non-motorized road users and improve connectivity for first and last mile connections to public transit and local commercial establishments.
4. $850,000 for the Town of Danville to install fiber optic cables and construct new conduit and junction boxes for 54 traffic signals in Danville to enable real-time traffic signal optimization to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety, and allow for future implementation of smart city technologies.
5. $850,000 for the City of Dublin to improve safety and accessibility of Village Parkway by narrowing vehicle lanes, adding lighting, and constructing buffered bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and protected intersections.
6. $850,000 for the East Bay Regional Park District to construct visitor facilities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, public parking areas, and a turnout lane on Bailey Road to allow for the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park to be opened up to the public.

Public Health and Safety Projects:

1. $1,915,000 for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) to replace and install equipment, including backup generators, shore power plugs, and automatic transfer switches, at radio towers across Contra Costa County that are used for communication between law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services to improve system reliability during emergencies and disasters that result in the loss of power.
2. $1,145,144 for the Diablo Water District to provide structural and foundational reinforcements to water infrastructure to mitigate risks associated with major seismic events, safeguard water supply, and contribute to the region’s overall disaster preparedness strategy.
3. $1,034,487 for the City of Concord to make improvements to the Emergency Operations Center in Concord to ensure its longevity, efficiency, and resilience as it serves as a critical hub for bolstering regional preparedness, response, and recovery efforts during emergencies and disasters.
4. $1,000,000 for the City of Walnut Creek to purchase 120 body worn cameras, charging docks, and equipment to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust in the police department.
5. $600,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to create an Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Prevention and Prosecution Unit with the goal of addressing increased levels of retail theft crimes, helping local law enforcement better confront these types of crimes, and improving public safety.
6. $500,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to enhance the identification and referral of survivors of labor trafficking and cases of labor trafficking occurring in the County, increase the capacity of the District Attorney’s Office to investigate cases of labor exploitation and trafficking, and improve the quality and scope of services provided to underserved and marginalized victims of human trafficking.

Environmental Protection and Sustainability Projects:

1. $2,000,000 to the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) to construct a battery system to allow the agency to charge its zero emission buses overnight, and provide a source of power to maintain operations during emergencies.
2. $1,092,000 to the Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San) to upgrade the water treatment facility’s ultraviolet (UV) technology to reduce the energy footprint of water treatment and protect public health and water quality in the region.
3. $273,000 for the Marine Mammal Center to help build scientific literacy and environmental stewardship of the coastal zone for 2,700 students and their teachers in Contra Costa County and to develop a pipeline for the future STEM workforce.

“Federal Community Project Funding for Organized Retail Theft Prevention is an investment in safer communities and a stronger justice system. These resources empower my office to hold offenders accountable, disrupt organized criminal enterprises, and protect the businesses and residents that help our county thrive,” said Diana Becton, District Attorney, Contra Costa County. “Supporting the Healing and Justice for Labor Trafficking Survivors Project honors the resilience of survivors and reinforces the commitment to justice with compassion. This funding will expand critical services, remove barriers to recovery, and ensure that trafficking survivors have the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for securing this federal investment for the Antioch and Oakley Smart Signals Project. These upgrades will improve safety and make travel more reliable for everyone. They also complement CCTA’s countywide effort to modernize intersections across every city and town in Contra Costa County, building a more connected signal network that helps traffic flow and improves safety regionwide as more locations come online,” said Darlene Gee, Chair of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Board of Commissioners.

“We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his leadership and support of our Community Project Funding request, which will allow us to strengthen and modernize the emergency power infrastructure that supports the East Bay Regional Communications System. This investment will fund the replacement and installation of critical equipment at radio tower sites throughout Contra Costa County. These improvements will significantly enhance the reliability of the public safety radio network for firefighters, emergency medical services, and all first responders serving Contra Costa County and northern Alameda County, particularly during emergencies and disasters that include power outages. Congressman DeSaulnier’s continued advocacy helps ensure we have the dependable infrastructure to protect and serve our communities,” said Lewis Broschard, former Fire Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.

“The Town of Danville is deeply grateful to Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and his dedicated staff for their steadfast support in securing federal funding for our Townwide Fiber Project. This critical investment will modernize our traffic infrastructure, creating smarter, safer, and more efficient streets for everyone in our community. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership to deliver these transformative improvements,” said Mayor Newell Arnerich, Town of Danville.

“Central San is grateful for the leadership and support of Congressman DeSaulnier in securing Community Project Funding for our UV Disinfection Replacement Project. This funding will allow us to modernize critical wastewater infrastructure, improve system resilience, and ensure continued compliance with regulatory standards. By transitioning to a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient UV disinfection system, we expect to reduce energy demand by up to 60 percent while enhancing reliability for the communities we serve,” said Roger Bailey, General Manager of Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San).

“This funding is a powerful investment in the next generation of ocean stewards,” said Jeff Boehm, Chief External Relations Officer at The Marine Mammal Center. “Through our Ocean Ambassadors program in Contra Costa County and beyond, we equip educators and young people with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to protect our ocean and the wildlife that depend on it. We are deeply grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing this project and for recognizing the critical role education plays in conservation.”

“This $2 million award represents an important step toward a more sustainable and resilient transit system for central Contra Costa County and leverages our state efforts to advance zero-emission infrastructure. We thank Congressman DeSaulnier for recognizing the value of this project and for his strong support of investments that benefit our community,” said Bill Churchill, General Manager of Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection).

“We are deeply grateful for this grant funding, which will enable us to upgrade our Body-Worn Cameras and strengthen evidence preservation infrastructure. These tools are vital for ensuring transparency, accountability, and public safety. While our department already utilizes Body-Worn Cameras, this upgrade is essential to maintaining cutting-edge technology and best practices in the years ahead. We sincerely thank Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and his team for their support and collaboration in securing this critical investment for our community,” said Ryan Hibbs, Chief of Police, City of Walnut Creek.

“The Marsh Drive Class I bike and pedestrian path will close a critical gap in Contra Costa County’s active transportation network, improving safety and access for people walking and biking in the Pacheco area. We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing this project and helping deliver infrastructure that directly benefits the community,” said Warren Lai, Director, Contra Costa County Public Works Department.“The Treat Boulevard Complete Streets project will make a key corridor safer and more accessible for non-motorized users, supporting walking and biking. The project will help connect non-motorized transport users from the high-density housing at the Pleasant Hill BART station with grocery stores and other essential services in Walnut Creek. We appreciate Congressman DeSaulnier’s leadership in securing this funding and advancing transportation improvements that enhance quality of life in Contra Costa County.”

“We thank Representative DeSaulnier for securing critical funding to advance the South of Bailey Road project at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50,” said John Mercurio, Director, East Bay Regional Park District. “The Representative is a longtime friend of the Park District. This support helps us move forward in opening public access to a landscape of both remarkable natural value and deep historical significance. As we develop the park, the Park District remains committed to honoring the legacy of the Port Chicago 50 and ensuring this important chapter of our nation’s history is remembered and shared with future generations.”  

Transparency and Accountability

The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process, which is detailed here by the Appropriations Committee. Examples of this vetting include certifying that Members have no financial interest in these projects, an audit of a sampling of these projects by the Government Accountability Office, and a requirement for demonstrated community support and engagement for each submission. More information on each project and the certifications of no financial interest can be found here.

38-year-old Jaquan Tarrell Jones shot, killed 44-year-old Cordai Mustafi May 5th

Held on $11.62 million bail, has history of arrests and previous convictions in 2006, 2024

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

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has charged Jaquan Tarrell Jones, 38, of Antioch (born 3/18/1988), with six felony counts stemming from an attack that left one man dead and multiple victims injured in an Antioch neighborhood.

On Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, Jones fatally shot Cordai Mustafi, 44, and attempted to murder Dejon Anderson, 23 and Shontella Anderson, 46, at their residence on the 5200 block of Percheron Way in Antioch. Jones then left that location and entered a home on the 5500 block of Dawnview Court, where he kidnapped a 65-year-old woman who was caring for a child identified as John Doe. (See related article)

In addition to kidnapping, Jones is charged with child abuse and possession of a firearm with prior violent convictions. Several of the felony charges carry enhancements related to using and discharging a firearm, as well as causing great bodily injury to one of the victims. Jones also faces special allegations related to prior serious felonies, including a 2006 robbery conviction and a 2024 conviction for possessing a firearm.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “No one should experience what these victims and their families have endured. My office will continue to work alongside law enforcement partners like the Antioch Police Department to hold armed offenders accountable and pursue justice on behalf of all those harmed.”

Jones is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on a $11,620,000 bond.

Arraignment on the charges is set for May 8th at 1:30 pm at the A.F. Bray Courts Building Annex in Department 6.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 160-pound Jones is Black.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has been arrested 10 more times since 2020 by multiple agencies for crimes including robbery, burglary, grand theft, battery, threats of violence, addict in possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm on person or in a vehicle while in a public place and carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle.

Case No. 04-26-01734 | The People of the State of California v. Jaquan Tarell Jones

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Showcases “justice reform progress”; highlights public corruption investigation, prosecution of Antioch, Pittsburg cops

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

Martinez, California – Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton issued the office’s 2025 Annual Report, showcasing the justice reform progress made for the county’s residents.

“We are making meaningful progress with a sharp focus on public safety, pragmatic solutions and alternatives to a one-size-fits-all criminal justice system,” said District Attorney Becton. “By modernizing our infrastructure and focusing on victim-centered practices, we are ensuring that accountability and support go hand-in-hand to keep our communities safe”

Becton wrote in her introductory message of the report, “We have strengthened partnerships with law enforcement agencies, public officials and community organizations to ensure public safety efforts are both effective and equitable. The professionalism and tireless commitment of our Deputy District Attorneys, Investigators, Victim Advocates, and Support Staff make this great work possible.

“In this annual report, you’ll see the results of that work in some of the following areas:

• Prosecuting serious and violent felonies and misdemeanors
• Implementing restorative justice programs for young people and adults
• Resolving cold cases – including unsolved homicides
• Creating prosecutorial units focused on community violence, retail crime, hate crimes, human trafficking, and public integrity
• Establishing an analytics team to identify crime trends, improve case outcomes, and allocate resources for more efficient crime prevention

“The path to improving public safety is challenging, filled with setbacks, resistance, and obstacles. But despite these challenges, we’ve made real progress building a smarter, more effective justice system with solutions that work.”

“This is the kind of progress that moves beyond the status quo, toward a more just and safe community for all. Thank you for your continued trust,” she concluded.

Key highlights from the 2025 Annual Report include:

• Prosecution Results: The office’s Direct Court Unit achieved a 96% felony conviction rate for jury trials in 2025 — 15 percentage points above California’s statewide average of 81% — securing guilty verdicts in 25 of 26 felony cases tried. The Homicide Unit conducted 15 homicide trials, resulting in a total of 14 convictions, 12 of which were murder convictions – a 93% conviction rate. The Interpersonal Violence Unit conducted 20 trials involving domestic partner crimes, sexual assault, and elder abuse achieving at 85% conviction rate in the cases which reached verdicts.

• Victim Support: The Victim Witness Assistance Program served over 10,600 victims, provided close to 48,000 forms of services, and secured $9.8 million in restitution. The office also welcomed a second facility dog, Fenner, who joined Bear in providing comfort to crime victims — particularly children — throughout the criminal justice process.

The report also adds, “Our work extends beyond prosecution. We’ve led in statewide efforts on ethical AI and launched the Underserved and Unserved Survivor Program. The office expanded trauma-informed support for victims—particularly those impacted by gun violence and unsolved crimes. Our superpower is protection with purpose, combining innovation, data, and human care to seek justice for victims while preventing future harm.”

• Restorative Justice and Alternatives to Incarceration: The office’s Neighborhood Restorative Partnership Program (NRP) continued to demonstrate remarkable outcomes since its 2022 launch. Of 119 participants who have completed the program, only one — a recidivism rate of 1% — went on to reoffend, compared to California’s statewide misdemeanor recidivism rate of 21.1%. A total of 288 cases have been referred to the program since its inception, with 59 participants currently enrolled.

• Cold Case Breakthroughs: The Cold Case Unit secured multiple convictions in crimes dating back to the 1990s and early 2000s using advanced DNA technology and genetic genealogy. Notable resolutions included the conviction of James Grimsley for the nearly three-decade-old murder of Terrie Ladwig, a transgender woman in Concord, and guilty pleas in a 2007 Pittsburg homicide after touch DNA linked the suspect to the crime.

• Public Accountability: The office secured guilty pleas in all six cases stemming from its joint FBI investigation into public corruption and bribery among Antioch and Pittsburg police officers — reinforcing the principle of equal justice under law. Launched in March 2022, the investigation uncovered a scheme in which officers illegally canceled traffic tickets in exchange for personal benefits, resulting in some officers losing their law enforcement certifications.

According to the report, “The bribery and conspiracy charges were serious, but the investigation uncovered other troubling behavior as well. When investigators reviewed the officers’ messages, they found a large number of racist, sexist, and homophobic texts shared among more than a dozen officers.

“These messages raised concerns about fairness in hundreds of criminal cases that those officers had worked on. As a result, our office reviewed hundreds of cases to determine whether the officers’ bias affected the outcome.”

• Expanding Access to Justice: District Attorney Becton cut the ribbon on December 15, 2025, at the grand opening of a new branch office at 3890 Railroad Avenue in Pittsburg, housing approximately 30 staff members and bringing justice services directly to East County residents. “East County matters, and the people who live and work here deserve accessible and responsive justice,” Becton said at the ceremony. (See related article)

The full 2025 Annual Report is available for public viewing at Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office 2025 Annual Report Final.

About the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Established in 1850, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office serves a diverse population of 1.15 million residents across four office locations in Martinez, Pittsburg and Richmond. Over 175 years, the office has grown to employ approximately 250 staff members, including attorneys, inspectors, victim-witness advocates, legal assistants, case preparation analysts and administrative staff, operating under the principles of equal justice, transparency, and public safety. For more information visit District Attorney | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this article.

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

Martinez, California – Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton and other District Attorneys in the State of California reached a settlement with Walgreen Co. for $6,000,000 for violations related to expired baby food, drugs, and overcharging customers.

The civil case and settlement centered on the company violating state law by charging their customers more than the lowest price posted or advertised price. The allegations that the company was in violation of these laws were based on inspections of scanners. Moreover, the civil lawsuit led to a resolution that Walgreens failed to comply with laws that prohibit the selling or offering to sell over-the-counter drugs, infant formula, and baby food products beyond the expiration date.

The court ordered Walgreen Co. to pay $5.4 million in civil penalties and $600,000 to reimburse state district attorney offices for the cost of investigations, attorneys’ fees, and other costs associated with enforcement. Contra Costa County will receive $612,000 of the civil settlement and $10,000 to cover the costs.

Walgreen Co. will also implement a three-year program to promote pricing accuracy and the removal of expired products from its store shelves. This program requires store managers to conduct monthly checks of all aisles and shelves of medication, baby food, and formula, and remove any expired items. Managers must also conduct weekly store walks and remove signage displaying inaccurate sales tag information and post signs informing customers of Walgreens’ Price Promise Guarantee. The Price Promise Guarantee means that if a customer notices a scanned price is higher than the advertised price, the customer will be charged the lower price.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Customers should have confidence that companies that sell food and formula to infants and children are doing so by being scrupulous about the safety of the products in their stores. The same goes for medications that are sold beyond their expiration dates. The work of my office and those of other district attorney offices in the state shows that when we work together to enforce laws, we not only ensure compliance – we’re also restoring trust and safety in our communities.”

Case No. 1-13-CV-239110 | The People of the State of California v. Walgreen Co., an Illinois Corporation

Including 7 traffickers in Contra Costa County; Contra Costa DA’s Office, Pittsburg PD participate

By Lt. Joshua Singleton, Task Force Commander, Human Trafficking Task Force, Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office                 

Days after the Super Bowl, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force reported its own statistics: numbers that showed enhanced investigations resulted in the arrests of 29 traffickers and the recovery of 73 sex trafficking victims, including 10 minors. One of the victims, who was being trafficked in Oakland, was 12 years old.

Law enforcement operations were held throughout 11 Bay Area counties during the lead up to one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Similar enforcement is being prepared for the deluge of fans coming to see the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament games at Levi’s Stadium between June 13 and July 1.

District Attorney Jeff Rosen said: “Beyond football, the Super Bowl was a triumph of Bay Area law enforcement planning, organization, cooperation, and safety. Human trafficking is not a game, it’s a tragedy. However, our team was very successful. Close to 70 agencies effectively discouraged traffickers from exploiting the game and victims. For traffickers that still came to the game from all over the world with bad intentions, many ended up behind bars.”

The HTTF helped organize the efforts of 67 law enforcement agencies from Sacramento to Monterey.

For two weeks before the Big Game, the Task Force set up a command center in Sunnyvale populated with more than 20 analysts from various agencies, such as the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, the DA’s Crime Strategies Unit, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, Pittsburg Police Department, federal agencies, and partners from community-based organizations such as In Our Backyard, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The analysts worked on tips in real time and worked alongside agents in the field to do investigations and make arrests. Operations that often take weeks took minutes in the enhanced Human Trafficking Tactical Operations Center.

Launching almost 40 operations, investigators recovered 20 victims from San Mateo County alone. Seven traffickers were arrested in Contra Costa; six in Monterey and Solano counties. In Santa Clara County, seven victims were recovered, two traffickers arrested and a firearm was seized. 

View the In Our Backyard 2026 Super Bowl Report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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

Martinez, CA – The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office (CCCDAO) issued a public report on a use of force incident in Antioch that resulted in the shooting death of David Wali Bahrami on June 30th, 2025, and finds the officers acted in reasonable self-defense/defense of others.

When a law enforcement officer or civilian is shot, killed or dies during an interaction involving a Contra Costa County police agency, the District Attorney’s Office launches an independent investigation. When no criminal charges are filed, the District Attorney’s Office will publish a public report detailing the facts and explaining the legal reasoning for this decision.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Transparency and accountability are fundamental to maintaining public trust. When a fatal incident occurs, my office is committed to conducting a comprehensive, independent investigation and sharing our findings with the community in a detailed public report.”

As previously reported, at approximately 6:16 am on June 30th, 2025, Antioch Police Department Dispatch received multiple 911 calls from David Bahrami, who lived with his family in Antioch and had a history of mental illness. He told dispatch he was about to kill someone, gave his address, and hung up the phone.

Multiple Antioch Police Officers staged nearby and called Bahrami to open a line of communication and to de-escalate the situation. At approximately 7:40 am, he threatened to kill his neighbor if officers did not come to his house. As a result, officers asked him to come outside to draw him away from family members inside the home.

Emerging from his residence, Bahrami walked toward the officers’ location approximately four houses away. Officers ordered him to stop and get on his knees, but instead he pulled out a large kitchen knife from his waistband and began running toward them. One officer fired a single less lethal round, which had no effect.

Bahrami continued running in a semi-circular path, then changed course and ran toward the police with the knife in his hand. When he was approximately 15–20 feet away, officers discharged their firearms to prevent themselves from potentially suffering great bodily injury or death from an imminent knife attack. He sustained multiple gunshot injuries and fell to the ground with the knife still in his hand. Officers immediately began administering medical aid, but Bahrami died at the scene.

During this encounter, responding officers repeatedly attempted de-escalation tactics by staging nearby and establishing communication with Bahrami. When confronted with an armed individual, Antioch officers elected to use less-lethal force. Officers resorted to lethal force only when Bahrami continued to wield his knife in direct proximity to the officers. Under the applicable legal standards, the District Attorney’s Office has determined that the officers acted in lawful self-defense/defense of others.

About the Report

The report is the final step in the CCCDAO investigation of the Antioch Police Department’s officer involved fatal incident of David Wali BAHRAMI on June 30th, 2025. The CCCDAO and every law enforcement agency in Contra Costa County follows the Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol (“the Protocol”)2 when investigating incidents where officers or civilians are shot, killed, or die during an encounter with law enforcement. Under the Protocol, the CCCDAO investigates all in-custody deaths in Contra Costa County for the purpose of making an independent determination of criminal liability. The sole purpose of the District Attorney investigation is to determine if there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt that an individual involved in the law enforcement involved fatality committed a crime.

Pursuant to the Protocol, immediately after an in-custody death, the involved law enforcement agency is required to notify the appropriate district attorney personnel. Once notified, trained and experienced members of the District Attorney’s Office respond to the scene and begin the criminal investigation. In addition, criminal investigators from the law enforcement agency involved in the incident and from the jurisdiction where the incident occurred, if different, respond to the scene as well. It is important to note that although these investigations happen simultaneously, each agency conducts its own independent investigation.

As part of the criminal investigation, law enforcement officers and civilians who witnessed the incident may be interviewed. Evidence is collected at the scene and may be submitted to the county crime lab for testing and analysis, in addition to any other relevant investigative work necessary to complete the investigation. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab responds to every incident and is responsible for evidence collection of all in-custody deaths.

During the course of the criminal investigation, an officer or deputy has the right to be represented by an attorney. They may voluntarily choose to provide a statement, physical evidence, or other relevant information during the criminal and administrative investigations. Under the law, neither an officer nor civilian can be compelled to give a statement as part of a criminal investigation. However, an officer may be compelled to provide a statement during the law enforcement agency’s administrative investigation only.

The report includes a timeline of the actions of Bahrami and each officer. Witnesses included Bahrami’s sister, brother, father and mother.

A copy of the report has been sent to the Antioch Police Department, the California Department of Justice and is available to the public on the Contra Costa District Attorney’s website. (WARNING: The report contains graphic images)

View critical incident video in English – https://youtu.be/2cxJ7Z1izMM (WARNING: Graphic scenes of shooting and language). Español – https://youtu.be/EI028-WqUHk

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

For sex trafficking, pimping, pandering and firearms offenses

21 agencies participate in 7-day “Operation Reclaim and Rebuild” in conjunction with January’s National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

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

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force wrapped a major statewide effort to contact survivors of human trafficking, apprehend their exploiters, and file charges against the exploiters’ offenses.

In conjunction with National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January, the Task Force collaborated with 21 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and five victim services provider partners for Operation Reclaim and Rebuild. The operation, active from January 25th through January 31st, 2026, conducted five separate anti-human trafficking operations throughout Contra Costa County. Their efforts produced 11 arrests of suspected exploiters for sex trafficking, pimping, pandering, and firearms offenses. Several other contacts resulted in new investigative leads and corroborating evidence in human trafficking cases.

“Operation Reclaim and Rebuild demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable members of our community and holding exploiters accountable,” District Attorney Diana Becton said. “The arrests made during this week-long operation send a clear message: human trafficking will not be tolerated in Contra Costa County.”

Twenty survivors of human trafficking were identified, all of whom had the opportunity to speak with a specialized human trafficking victim advocate and were offered services. Through collaborative efforts across multiple jurisdictions, three youth survivors were recovered in these operations, and investigations against their suspected traffickers are rapidly advancing.

The three suspects arrested are 53-year-old Malcom Ali Scott of Patterson (born 7/30/1972), 40-year-old Damiano Andres Wilson of San Carlos (born 8/20/1985) and 38-year-old Keith Earnest Haywood of Antioch (born 1/1/1988). (See Haywood’s charging document)

Scott and Wilson were arraigned Wednesday in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez, and Haywood is scheduled to be arraigned today, Thursday, February 5th at 1:30 pm in Martinez. The offenses center on human trafficking of a minor for a sex act, pandering of a minor, lewd acts upon a child, and various allegations related to possession of a firearm by a felon.

“Our priority is supporting survivors, ensuring they receive the help they need, and bringing their exploiters to justice,” said Task Force Director Katrina Natale.

Participating agencies included, in alphabetical order: Brentwood Police Department, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Church World Services, City of Pittsburg Code Enforcement Division, Community Violence Solutions, Concord Police Department, Contra Costa County Children and Family Services, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, Contra Costa County Major Crimes Task Force, Contra Costa County Probation Department, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Hercules Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Northern California Regional Intelligence Center, Pinole Police Department, Pittsburg Police Department, Richmond Police Department, San Pablo Police Department, Victim Witness Assistance Program (CCCDA) and Walnut Creek Police Department.

The Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force is co-led by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and Community Violence Solutions, a community-based 24-hour service provider for survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking. Founded in 2018, the Task Force aims to eradicate all forms of human trafficking in Contra Costa County through collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts to identify and support victims of human trafficking, to hold traffickers accountable through effective prosecution, and to educate on and prevent human trafficking.

Suspect Details

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 295-pound Scott is Black and is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $950,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 17 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 2 of Bay Superior Court in Richmond.

The five-foot, seven-inch tall, 155-pound Wilson is Black, and being held in the West County Detention Facility on $700,000 bail.

The six-foot, three-inch tall, 230-pound Haywood is Black and is also being held in the West County Detention Facility on the lower bail amount of $75,000.

According to recentlybooked.com, Wilson was arrested by Stockton Police on Jan. 29, 2025, for battery on a spouse, ex-spouse, date, etc. and false impersonation of another: special circumstances.

Information on the other eight suspects arrested was requested.

5:00 PM 2/5/26 UPDATE: However, Asregadoo responded, “We can’t release the suspects who were arrested until law enforcement brings cases over for review and a charging decision is made.”

Anyone with information on suspected human trafficking (sex or labor) or related crimes is encouraged to make a report to your local law enforcement agency or the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Tip Line (925) 957-8658. Those in need of supportive services are encouraged to contact Community Violence Solutions’ 24-hour hotline 1 (800) 670-7273.

Case No. 02-26-00290 | The People of the State of California v. Malcom Ali Scott

Case No. 04-26-00572 | The People of the State of California v. Damiano Andres Wilson

Case No. 01-26-00385 | The People of the State of California v. Keith Earnest Haywood

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

5/1/26 UPDATE: Now being held on $2 million bail

Arraignment was continued

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch resident, and former one-time candidate for mayor, Michael Anthony Leon faces more than 25 years to life in state prison for the murder of his wife, Brenda Leon, in 2015.

As previously reported, 67-year-old Michael Leon was taken into custody from his Antioch residence on January 22nd by the DA’s Office Bureau of Investigations after an investigation by the District Attorney’s Cold Case Unit.

According to the charging document signed on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, Deputy District Attorney Satish Jallepalli on behalf of District Attorney Diana Becton, “states, on information and belief, that Michael Anthony Leon, Defendant, did commit a Felony, a violation of PC187(a), Murder, committed as follows:

“On or about September 28, 2015, in the County of Contra Costa, State of California, the crime of Murder in violation of PC187(a), a Felony, was committed in that MICHAEL ANTHONY LEON did unlawfully, and with malice aforethought murder Brenda Joyce Leon, a human being.

“The charges include the following ENHANCEMENT 1:

“PC12022.53(d): Special Allegation-Personal And Intentional Discharge Of A Firearm, Great Bodily Injury.

“It is further alleged as to Count 1 that said defendant, MICHAEL ANTHONY LEON  personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, a handgun, which caused great bodily injury and death to Brenda Joyce Leon within the meaning of Penal Code Section 12022.53(d) also causing the above offense to become a serious felony pursuant to Penal Code section 1192.7(c)(8) and a violent felony within the meaning of Penal Code section 667.5(c)(8).”

According to Contra Costa DA’s Office PIO, Ted Asregadoo, Leon’s “arraignment was continued to Feb. 10, 2026, at 1:30 pm in Martinez (Judge Goldstein; Department 6).”

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

5/1/26 UPDATE: According to the County Sheriff’s Office, Leon is now being held on $2 million bail, and his next court appearance is scheduled for May 8, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Superior Court Dept. 5 in Martinez.