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.
Stolen merchandise recovered during the CHP’s “Operation Silent Night” targeting an organized retail theft ring. Photos: California Highway Patrol
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.
Stolen merchandise recovered. Photo: CHP
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.
Antioch Police and Con Fire personnel responded to the scene of the fatal collision causing a back-up in the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 between Pittsburg and Antioch Monday morning, Dec. 22, 2025. Video screenshot courtesy of Spotlight CoCoCounty.
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.
Antioch Police and Con Fire personnel responded to the scene of the fatal collision causing a back-up in the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 between Pittsburg and Antioch Monday morning, Dec. 22, 2025. Video screenshot (top) and aerial drone photo (bottom) courtesy of Spotlight CoCoCounty.
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.
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 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.
DA Diana Becton in Feb. 2025. Source: CCCDA’s Office
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.
Source: Diana Becton for District Attorney campaign
CCC Deputy Sheriff’s contribute $50K;Antioch Police Officers Association explains reasons for $5,000 contribution
By Allen D. Payton
In a post on Facebook on Monday, July 28, 2025, the Becton for DA campaign surprisingly announced new support for her recall from the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and two other “major law enforcement associations.” According to recall organizer Gwynn Gabe the other two are the Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA) and Concord Police Officers Association.
“She’s been keeping track of the people who are giving us money,” he added.
The post by “Team Becton” reads “They’ve launched their attack. Now it’s our turn,” in the header with the statement below:
“The recall against District Attorney Diana Becton just escalated.
Three major law enforcement associations, including the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, just poured tens of thousands into the recall effort—including a single $50,000 donation. Even more telling? They’ve hired the strategist behind the recalls of DAs in San Francisco and Alameda County.
This isn’t just a warning. This is a coordinated, well-funded effort to undo the will of the voters and take Contra Costa backwards.
But here’s the truth they don’t want you to remember: we’ve already won twice. And with your help, we will again, because here’s what they’re underestimating: you. Us. This community.
This is not the time to sit back. We need you on the front lines —because what’s at stake is bigger than any one election. It’s about protecting real public safety solutions, and standing up to those who want to take us backward. DA Becton has stood up for equity, justice, and real public safety. Now we must stand up for her.”
It then offers ways for opponents of the recall to “Take Action Now” including volunteering and donating through the Act Blue campaign fundraising website for Democrats currently under investigation for possible fraudulent political contributions.
The APOA Board issued the following statement about their contribution of $5,000 to the campaign to recall Becton: “The APOA was approached by members of the recall movement who asked if we would be willing to support them in their efforts to recall the DA. After careful consideration, we agreed as a board to support this endeavor in hopes that this would ultimately lead to a more transparent DA’s office that holds criminals accountable and keeps our streets safe. Whatever the outcome, we know the officers represented by the APOA will continue to work hard to keep our community safe and have a great working relationship with the DA’s office.”
Recall organizers have until 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 25, 2025, to submit 72,556 valid signatures to qualify the effort for the ballot.
2025 Greater Bay Area District Attorney Summit attendees. Source: Diana Becton for District Attorney
Elected District Attorneys and senior prosecutors from across the Bay, Northern California
By Bobbi Mauler, Executive Assistant, Contra Costa District Attorney
Area and beyond gathered in Contra Costa County for the 2025 Greater Bay Area DA Summit. The all-day, invitational summit brought together leaders to collaborate on legal strategies and share innovations that address some of the most urgent challenges facing the criminal justice system. Now in its third year, the summit has become a critical regional forum since its inception in Santa Clara County in 2022 and continuing in Napa County in 2023. The 2025 summit took place on May 16th at the Veterans Memorial Center in Lafayette.
Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton opened the summit with welcoming remarks that set the tone for the day’s discussions. In her address, DA Becton emphasized the importance of cross-jurisdictional partnerships and proactive approaches to public safety:
“The Greater Bay Area Summit has proven itself to be a constructive gathering where elected DAs from the Bay Area and beyond can share ideas, engage in robust discussions, and find practical solutions to increase public safety in the communities we serve. By coming together, we strengthen our collective ability to adapt to emerging technologies and respond to evolving criminal trends.”
Following her remarks, a series of expert-led panels explored timely and complex topics, including:
• The Use of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology in Criminal Prosecution
• Proposition 36 Implementation
• Emerging Challenges with Race-Blind Charging
• Legal Strategies in Combating Organized Retail Theft
Under District Attorney Becton’s leadership, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
has remained at the forefront of innovation, equity, and public safety. Hosting the summit further
reinforced her office’s role as a convener on issues that demand both legal insight and community engagement.
The 2025 Greater Bay Area District Attorney’s Summit was attended by the elected District Attorneys from the following counties:
Diana Becton, District Attorney of Contra Costa County
Lori Frugoli, District Attorney of Marin County
Ron Freitas, District Attorney of San Joaquin County
Allison Haley, District Attorney of Napa County
Thien Ho, District Attorney of Sacramento County
Brooke Jenkins, District Attorney of San Francisco County
Ursula Jones Dickson, District Attorney of Alameda County
Jeannine Pacioni, District Attorney of Monterey County
Jeff Reisig, District Attorney of Yolo County
Carla Rodriguez, District Attorney of Sonoma County
Jeffrey Rosen, District Attorney of Santa Clara County
Steve Wagstaffe, District Attorney of San Mateo County
In a post on her campaign Facebook page, Becton wrote about the Summit, “What an exciting day! I was honored to invite and host 12 elected Distrist Attorneys and senior prosecutors from across the Bay Area and beyond as we gathered in Contra Costa County for the 2025 Greater Bay Area DA Summit.
The all-day, invitational summit brought together leaders to collaborate on legal strategies and share innovations that address some of the most urgent challenges facing the criminal justice system.”
