To prohibit election intimidation in compliance with state laws in response to concerns Pres. Trump is trying to influence results
By Dawn Kruger Community and Media Relations Coordinator Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department
Martinez, California – As voting gets underway for the November 3rd General Election, Contra Costa County’s Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, District Attorney and Sheriff are standing together to ensure every voter can cast a ballot safely and with confidence.
California has long led the nation in protecting the right to vote, and its election safeguards keep getting stronger. The Peace Act (AB 2642), signed into law in September 2024, established clear protections for voters and election workers in all 58 counties by explicitly prohibiting intimidation and threats at the polls. It treats the presence of a firearm, or even a replica of one, at a polling place as unlawful intimidation, and it gives voters, election officials, and election workers the right to take civil legal action against anyone who tries to intimidate or coerce them.
Legislation signed by Governor Gavin Newsom this September builds on that foundation. The new laws make it a felony to tamper with ballots, election records, or voting equipment, guard voters against deepfakes and deception, and expand access to the ballot box, giving election and law enforcement officials across the state more tools to keep elections safe, secure, and fair. For Contra Costa County voters, that means every ballot, whether cast at a polling place, dropped in a drop box, or returned by mail, is protected from the moment it’s cast until the final count.
In his signing statement Newsom said, “Donald Trump won’t stop until he can exert dictatorial control over your free vote and disenfranchise millions of people this November. California will stop him at every opportunity. We have no bigger task than fighting to protect the right to vote from interference and meddling – the future of democracy is on the line. These bills today build upon the wall California has built to safeguard our electoral process.”
Contra Costa voters can vote their way with confidence, say the three County officials.
“As the Chief Elections Officer for Contra Costa County, I want to encourage all eligible Contra Costa residents to vote and to know that we expect another safe and secure election,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters. “I also want to reassure voters that we take extensive safety precautions in every election. We partner closely with local law enforcement to ensure that all Contra Costa Voters can feel confident voting with their preferred method either by drop box, through the post office, or in-person.”
Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Your vote is your voice, and we will protect it. From the mailbox to the drop box to the polling place, my office and our law enforcement partners are making sure every eligible voter in Contra Costa County can cast a ballot freely, safely, and with confidence that their voice will be heard.”
“As the election approaches, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office is working with its law enforcement partners to ensure this election is safe and that we will help protect residents’ right to vote,” said Sheriff David Livingston.
However, the Contra Costa County Elections Division still uses the controversial Dominion voting equipment purchased in 2018 that has removal flash drives, as well as Scytle software. (See related articles here, here and here)
Since then, Dominion Voting Systems, a Canadian company, was purchased in 2025 by election reform advocate Scott Leiendecker under a new company called Liberty Vote based in Denver, Colorado.
For more information on how or where to vote, visit the Contra Costa County Elections website www.contracostavote.gov.
DA Investigators searching for additional victims in multi-state case
Held on $600k bail, has history of arrests
2nd Antioch man arrested for human trafficking this year
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, CA – Investigators with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office are asking the public for help identifying and contacting victims in a years-long human trafficking investigation.
Raymond Jamar Brooks, 32, of Antioch, (born 5/28/1994) is being held at the Martinez Detention Facility on $600,000 bail, facing multiple charges related to human trafficking. The investigation into Brooks’ alleged offenses found that he engaged in commercial sex acts with minors and adult woman through force, fraud, coercion and other means associated with sex trafficking.
The investigation has already identified several victims, whose accounts have uncovered evidence of trafficking activity spanning multiple states. To protect their privacy and safety, their identities are being withheld as the investigation continues.
Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Brooks, or who has additional information about his alleged involvement in sex trafficking in California or elsewhere, is urged to contact Senior Inspector Ann Shiraishi of the Contra Costa County Major Crimes Task Force at (925) 917-6857 or ann.shiraishi@contracostada.org.
Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Tip Line at *69 (925) 957-8658 to leave a tip for law enforcement. Confidential support and resources are also available through Community Violence Solutions at 1 (800) 670-7273.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall Brooks is non-Hispanic but also listed as Black, he was booked into custody on July 22, 2026, at 8:17 p.m. and his next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. in Dep’t. 5 in Martinez.
According to localcrimenews.com, Brooks has a history of arrests dating back to 2017, including by Antioch Police on April 7 this year for disobeying a domestic relations court order and for warrants or holds only on Jan. 3, 2019. He was also arrested in 2020 by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, and by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for procuring another person for purpose of prostitution on Jan. 5, 2019, and for pimping in 2017.
He’s the second Antioch man arrested this year for human trafficking. It was announced in February, the arrest of 38-year-old Keith Earnest Haywood. He was arrested again on July 30th and according to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Haywood is charged with pandering, pimping, carrying a loaded firearm in public, and carrying a concealed firearm without a permit. He is now being held on remand at the Marsh Creek Detention Facility with bail set at $100,000. Haywood’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 12, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Dept. 5 in Martinez.
Asregadoo was asked where Brooks was arrested and by what agency. He responded, “Brooks was arrested in Antioch on April 9, 2026, by the Contra Costa County Probation Department for a probation violation. The Contra Costa DA’s Office leads the investigation in this case, since it runs the Human Trafficking Task Force in partnership with local police, the FBI, and community groups.
“Brooks’s next court date is 9/11/26 at 8:30 am in Department 29 (Judge Glenn Kim) at the A.F. Bray Courts Building in Martinez. This is a setting date, where the judge, prosecutor and defense attorney schedule future court dates. It’s typically a brief, administrative hearing.”
As co-chair of the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force, the District Attorney’s Office is committed to a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach in its work with survivors of human trafficking and all other victims of crime. Any victim who comes forward in response to this request will be offered supportive services and resources.
UPDATE 1: According to records of the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa, Brooks had an Arraignment on Complaint Hearing/ Minute Order on July 21st before Judge David E. Goldstein at which he was presented with the charges and pled not guilty to each of them.
001
PC266h(a)-F: PIMPING AND SOLICITING FOR PROSTITUTE 0002529265
Not Guilty
002
PC236.1(b)-F: HUMAN TRAFFICKING 0002532647
Not Guilty
003
PC266h(a)-F: PIMPING AND SOLICITING FOR PROSTITUTE 0002532648
Not Guilty
004
PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002532649
Not Guilty
005
PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002532650
Not Guilty
006
PC266h(a)-F: PIMPING AND SOLICITING FOR PROSTITUTE 0002532659
Not Guilty
007
PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002532651
Not Guilty
008
PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002532652
Not Guilty
009
PC236.1(b)-F: HUMAN TRAFFICKING 0002529266
Not Guilty
010
PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002529264
Not Guilty
His court hearing on Friday, Sept. 11th, before Judge Glenn Kim, was held “To Set Hearing/ Minute Order” and for a “Criminal Protective Order”. Brooks is represented by private Lead Attorney Vincent R. Maher and has also retained Sarah Shafer.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of Saturday, Sept. 12th, Brooks is now being held in the West County Detention Facility and his next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 12 at 8:30 a.m. in Martinez, Department 5.
Please check back later for any additional updates to this report.
A child predator was arrested using drone technology during a recent ICAC operation. Photo & video screenshot: Walnut Creek PD
Four others are from Concord, Walnut Creek, Marin County & visiting from Germany
They came to meet a child. They met law enforcement instead.
By Walnut Creek Police Department
The Walnut Creek Police Department recently hosted a multi-agency operation with the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, targeting adults who used social media to target children for sexual exploitation. Five adults traveled to Walnut Creek believing they were meeting a child. All now face charges including attempted lewd acts with a minor (PC 664/288(a)), contacting a minor to commit a sex offense (PC 288.3(a)), and arranging to meet a minor for sex (PC 288.4(b)).
5 arrests:
Billie Ray Breland, 29, Antioch (born 02/12/1997)
Andrew Garcia, 32, Concord
Rudolf Naused Robl, 42, visiting from Germany (born 07/04/1984)
Jacek Markiewicz, 67, Walnut Creek, also charged with attempted kidnapping
Taesu Park, 36, Marin County
Photos: Walnut Creek PD
The ICAC Task Force exists to identify predators before a real child is harmed, combining investigations, training, and victim support across our region. Operations like this one are the result of that work.
Thank you to our partnering agencies for their work on this operation: Contra Costa County Sheriff, Contra Costa County District Attorney, FBI San Francisco, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Secret Service, US Customs & Border Protection, Contra Costa County Probation Department, Moraga, Brentwood, San Ramon, Concord, Hercules, Pleasant Hill, Oakley and Menlo Park Police Departments, Contra Costa County MCTF, San Francisco Sheriff’s Office and Marin County DA.
Child predators arrested in Walnut Creek with the help of Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies. Photos: Walnut Creek PD
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 237-pound Breland is Hispanic, was arrested on July 23rd and is being held in a Custody Alternative Facility on $50,000 bail. He’s also listed as White and as of Aug. 3, 2026, at 10:25 AM, he was released to Off Grounds Unsupervised Custody.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 200-pound Robl is Hispanic, but also listed as White, was arrested on July 26, is being held in the West Re-Entry Treatment and Housing facility on $475,000 bail. His next court date is scheduled for Aug. 28 at 8:30 AM in Martinez Superior Court Department 5.
According to localcrimenews.com, Park is a resident of Richmond and was charged with attempted kidnapping, attempted lewd acts with a child, attempting to contact a minor with intent to commit an offense, distributing or sending harmful matter to a minor by any means, and 288.4(A)(2) – Prior Conviction Enhancement. Every person who violates this subdivision after a prior conviction for an offense listed in subdivision (c) of Section 290, he Sex Offender Registration Act, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison.
$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:
$1,970,010 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.
$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.
$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.
$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.
$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.
$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:
$1,915,000 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.
$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.
$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.
$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.
$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.
$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:
$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.
$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.
$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 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
Source: Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
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.
Source: Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
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)
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.
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.
