Lateral Officer Ricardo Mayorga hired from CHP; former APD Records Technician Alma Rodriguez hired as CSO; new Lt. Matt Koch promoted following competitive process including outside candidates

Brings force to 76 sworn, more additions next week

By Allen D. Payton

During an oath of office ceremony on Monday, June 17, 2024, one more Antioch Police officer was sworn in, a Community Service Officer (CSO) joined the force, and a sergeant was promoted to lieutenant. Held at the Antioch Police Facility’s Community Room, family members, friends, a city council member, department and City staff members, and a representative from the U.S. Marshals Service witnessed Interim Chief Brian Addington administer two oaths, the regular oath of office to Officer Ricardo Mayorga and Lieutenant Matt Koch, plus, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Law Enforcement Oath of Honor to them and CSO Alma Rodriguez.

Before introducing and swearing them in, about all three Addington said, “It signifies career growth and opening new opportunities. We need good men and women like yourselves in these positions.”

“I want to thank all three of you for your willingness to continue to serve in this profession. The margin of error is smaller than ever. Also, our communities rely on us more than ever to serve and protect them,” he added.

To the families the chief said, “We know your sacrifices and it’s not always easy having a family member in law enforcement. They miss a lot of family events. We appreciate and recognize and honor you.”

Promotion of Lieutenant Matt Koch Following Competitive Process

Addington first introduced new Lt. Koch, who has been with APD for his entire career.

“I’m just excited for new leadership and being able to mentor our new leadership and find new leaders in our department as we work to rebuild,” Koch said before the ceremony.

Starting in 1996 as a Police Explorer and cadet, the 45-year-old “worked his way to become a CSO, Reserve Police Officer, and eventually a full-time officer in 2001,” the chief shared.

Addington shared additional information about the new lieutenant’s experience with the department saying, “Koch worked on several special assignments as a patrol officer from 2001 to 2013 (SWAT, POP (Problem Oriented Policing) Team, Field Training Officer and K9). In 2014, he transferred to investigations and also worked in the Special Operations Unit (SOU), and eventually was a member of the County Safe Streets Task Force and the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force.”

He was then promoted to corporal in 2016, sergeant in 2017, and acting lieutenant a few times and most recently since March, Koch shared.

“As a sergeant, he worked on several assignments, including Professional Standards, Investigations, and as the SOU supervisor,” Addington stated. 

An Antioch High School graduate, Koch holds A.A. and B.S. degrees in Criminal Justice from California Coast University.

“Lt. Koch is currently attending POST’s Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI), a program designed to stimulate personal growth, leadership, and ethical decision-making in California law,” the chief continued. “The coursework consists of over 190 hours over eight months, and he is on track to graduate in November 2024.”

Addington then shared a “Fun Fact” about Koch saying, “Matt takes his family camping (RVing) any chance he can. Their last big trip was last year, when he brought his 5th wheel to Yellowstone, Montana, for two weeks. Matt enjoys his free time with family and smoking/BBQing in the backyard.”

The chief then swore in the department’s newest lieutenant.

“I think through each of my promotions, everyone in my family has been able to pin a badge on me. The only one who hasn’t, is my daughter,” Koch shared. She then joined him on the stage to pin her father with his new badge.

Later, Addington shared more about “the work Lt. Koch did to get here. It’s one of the toughest jobs. You’re breaking into middle management. This lieutenant process was opened up to candidates from outside of the organization as well, the first time in the department’s history.”

That included, “a book report and a panel of law enforcement professionals and a community panel. He represented his family and this department well,” the chief explained. “He really earned this. I think he’s been preparing to take on this role for several years.”

After taking his oath, Koch said, “My wife and daughters have sacrificed so much throughout my career. I just want to say, thank you for all your love and support and sacrifices you made along the way.”

“I’d like to thank Chief, Command Staff and my entire Antioch Police Department family for the trust and support in me,” he continued. “I’m just deeply honored to be here and accept this promotion. You know, I’m grateful for all the trust everyone has given me and put into me and like the chief says, I do promise to serve with dedication, integrity and with commitment to the organization and to our mission.”

“As our department continues to rebuild, I’m looking forward to working with each of you, mentoring and coaching and help finding and rebuilding that new leadership within the department,” Koch stated. “Together, we can inspire and make a lasting impression not only within this organization but for our community.”

“I’m so grateful to be a part of it and I look forward to working with everyone. Thank you,” he concluded. (See video)

Lateral Police Officer Mayorga

Next, Addington swore in new Officer Mayorga, a lateral hire from the CHP in Solano County. A 10-year Antioch resident, “Ricardo was born in Chicago and moved to Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico at age 3. He returned to the United States and has lived in the East Bay since he was 15. He lives in Antioch and has lived here for the past ten years. Before APD, Ricardo worked for the California Highway Patrol. He enjoys working out, taking long drives, and hiking during his free time,” the chief shared.

Addington then offered the “Fun Fact” about Mayorga saying, “Ricardo understands that persistence pays off because it allows us to overcome obstacles and challenges and leads to personal growth and success. He worked for CHP before joining APD. CHP is a vast organization, so it is not uncommon to have to apply several times before getting selected, and that is precisely what he did. Ultimately, CHP selected him, and he completed their process, graduating from their academy and successfully completing their FTO program.”

Following his oath of office, Mayorga shared his appreciation for the promotion saying, “Thank you for the opportunity Chief. It was hard to get here. I’m here to continue to follow the rules and learn and I’m just thankful for the opportunity.”

His fiancé then pinned him with his officer’s badge.

Following the ceremony the 36-year-old Mayorga shared that when he moved back to the U.S., he first lived in Wildomar in Southern California. Mayorga then moved to the Bay Area, first to Oakley, where he attended high school at Freedom High and finished at Independence High in Brentwood, then later to Antioch.

“I worked for 16 years in the hotel industry and applied half that time for the CHP,” which Mayorga finally joined last year, he explained.

Asked why Antioch and why now, the department’s newest officer said, “Not only do I live here, but I knew the department had been going through not only new management but a whole new generation of officers.”

“To learn, grow and get new training to further my career,” Mayorga added as his reasons.

New CSO Rodriguez

“Finally, Records Technician Alma Rodriguez,” Addington said introducing her as the department’s newest CSO, who was hired as a Police Records Technician on December 4, 2024, and selected to the new position effective today. “She has an ambition to be a police officer. It is a crucial position within a police department. It can be traffic control… book and transport prisoners to the county jail in Martinez,” which she was doing, today just before the ceremony began.

“We couldn’t do without our CSO’s because it allows our officers to focus on more serious incidents,” the chief stated.

“Alma grew up in the Bay Area and started her career in banking, which she did for six years,” Addington shared. “While working in banking, she realized she preferred to work in the public sector, so she left for Contra Costa County Probation. Probation was a wonderful place, but she wanted to be more involved with law enforcement, which brought her to Antioch PD. Alma is very excited about this next opportunity at the Antioch Police Department.”

The chief then shared the “Fun Fact” about the new CSO saying, “Alma likes to consider herself a Cricut Master and loves to work on craft projects.”

Rodriguez then said, “I’m very excited for this opportunity and I can’t wait to keep growing within the APD family.” She chose her father to present the CSO badge to her.

Addington explained that CSO’s are not administered an oath of office and said her new uniform hadn’t yet arrived, so Rodriguez couldn’t be pinned during the ceremony.

IACP Law Enforcement Oath of Honor

Before administering the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor to all three, Addington said, “The IACP Governing Body developed an Oath of Honor to punctuate the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect and ensuring the preservation of human life.”

“This is a public affirmation of your commitment to adhere to this oath and demonstrate the highest ethical standards,” the chief said to them. “Before you take the Oath of Honor, you must understand what it means. This oath is a solemn pledge that you sincerely intend to abide by the terms of the Oath of Honor.”

“Do each of you understand that?” he asked, to which they each replied, “Yes.”

The three repeated after Addington saying, “On my honor, I will never betray my integrity, my character, or the public trust. I will treat all individuals with dignity and respect and ensure that my actions are dedicated to ensuring the safety of my community and the preservation of human life. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always maintain the highest ethical standards and uphold the values of my community, and the agency I serve.”

The chief later shared the new, additional oath is something he started the last time he swore in new Antioch Police officers.

Following the ceremony, family and friends took photos with the three officers and enjoyed refreshments provided by APD and offered tours of the facility.

With Mayorga’s addition, based on the latest APD staffing report presented to the Antioch Police Oversight Commission on June 3, 2024, that brings the force to 76 sworn officers out of 115 budgeted. More officers will be sworn in next week Addington shared with the Herald. (See most recent APD staffing report)

By Acting Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On June 14, 2024, at approximately 8:52 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the 900 block of West 8th Street on a report of a male who had been shot while inside a residence and in need of medical attention.

When officers arrived, they located a male suffering from a graze wound. Officers immediately rendered first aid until they were relieved by paramedics. The victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Based on the investigation, officers believe the residence was targeted, and we are actively working on this case. This investigation is in its preliminary stages and evidence and witness statements are being collected at this time. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.

6 occurred in parking lots, 4 while followed home

By Antioch Police Department

A word of warning to our community. Antioch PD has been investigating a series of robberies connected to bank visits. In the last 90 days, there have been nearly a dozen instances of community members being robbed after leaving local banks.

In four cases, the robberies happened at a different location after the victims left the banks. In six other instances, the actual robberies happened in the bank parking lots.

The thieves have stolen cell phones, wallets and money. Our detectives are working to make arrests in these incidents.

Yesterday, Thursday, June 13, 2024, Detectives Schaffer and Cox detained two robbery suspects after a foot pursuit and one of the suspects was armed with a firearm.

Below is an updated list of locations and additional information on the robberies we are currently investigating.

Victims Followed Home From Banks:

· April 1 – victim was followed home from Walnut Creek bank. Robbed at home, take was a purse. 2400 block of Montecito Court – no arrest

· May 22 – victim arrived home from the Chase Bank on Somersville Road. Purse was taken by force with the victim was knocked to the ground. 1500 block of Daisy Way – no arrest

· June 8 – robbery occurred at 2300 block of Buchanan Road. Victim stopped at Chase Bank, then  parked across the street and robbed of jewelry. – no arrest

· June 11 – victim left Chase Bank on Delta Fair Blvd. as they left, in an intersection and somebody ran up to their car, trying to break the window. Victim drove off, no loss.

Robberies in Bank Parking Lots:

· March 25 – Bank of America on Somersville Road, victim went to drive up ATM, after was approached by someone on bicycle. Robbed of cash and phone.

· April 3 – Bank of America on Somersville Road, victim went to drive up ATM, as they pulled away, approached by someone who robbed them of cash and cell phone.

· April 4 – Chase Bank on Delta Fair Blvd., victim using ATM when suspect ran up and robbed them of phone and wallet.

· April 10 – Chase Bank on Lone Tree Way, attempted. Victim entered vehicle after leaving bank and suspect demanded property, victim left before theft could occur.

· May 20 – BMO on Somersville Road, victims making a deposit for the County Fair. (See related article)

· June 11 – Chase Bank on Lone Tree Way, victim walking to the car after cashing check, victim robbed by the suspect.

We are asking our community to be vigilant and take precautions. If you see something, say something.

Suspect unknown

By Acting Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On June 14, 2024, at approximately 4:25 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the 800 block of West 2nd Street on a report of a male who had been shot and in need of medical attention.

When officers arrived, they located a male suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Officers immediately rendered first aid until they were relieved by paramedics. The victim was transported to an area hospital, where he underwent surgery. The male is in critical but stable condition and is expected to survive.

Based on the investigation, officers believe it is a domestic incident and we are actively working on this case. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.

This information was made available by the Field Services Bureau.

MARTINEZ, CA—State Assembly candidate Anamarie Avila Farias announced, Thursday, June 13, 2024, the endorsement of Contra Costa Assemblyman Tim Grayson (D-15) for her campaign to represent Northern Contra Costa County in the State Legislature. 

“Anamarie’s experience in our local communities, especially her service on the Martinez City Council and Contra Costa County Board of Education, has prepared her to be an effective voice for us in the Legislature,” said Assemblymember Grayson. “I’m looking forward to partnering with her as we fight for Contra Costa’s share of state resources and policies that help working families get ahead.”

“Tim Grayson’s a voice of reason and purpose in the Legislature,” said Anamarie. “I’ll bring a similar attitude to making state policies: Results over rhetoric, progress over politics.

“I really appreciate Assemblymember Grayson’s support and look forward to working with him.”

Avila Farias was the second-place finisher in the March Primary election but the top vote-getter in the field of three Democrats and faces off against the Republican candidate in November’s election. Democratic voters outnumber Republicans 52%-19% in District 15’s registration numbers. If elected, she would be the first Latina to serve Contra Costa in the State Legislature.

She has an extensive record serving her community and setting state policy. She currently serves as a Trustee of the Contra Costa County Board of Education and has consistently pushed for improved public education in Contra Costa schools. She also served on the Martinez City Council from 2012-2016.

Avila Farias is running to represent California State Assembly District 15. The district encompasses Antioch, Pittsburg, Bay Point, Crockett, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Clayton and portions of Brentwood and unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. 

To learn more about her campaign, visit anamarie4assembly.com.

Jasmine Gonzales wins All Around National Champion

Train at the Josephine Guzman Youth Center in Somersville Towne Center

By Ana Walker

Three girls from the Empower Gymnastics Academy team in Antioch recently placed first in two competitions, second in one and third in another at the National Gymnastics Association (NGA) National Championships in Anaheim, CA.

Academy owners Mike and Natalie Guzman run the competitive team at the Josephine Guzman Youth Center’s (JGYC) which offers a recreational gymnastics program for girls. It is named for Mike’s mother and located inside the Somersville Towne Center in Antioch.

The Academy’s Gold and Platinum levels compete throughout California to qualify for the Western Regional Zone Championships in Reno, last month and this year they qualified for Nationals. The team competes in four events – bars, beam, floor and vault.

Three girls from the Academy’s Gold level, Jasmine Gonzales, Josette Walker and Kaira Nwamuo, competed against girls from 27 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. They received first place on the floor routine, first place on beam routine with highest score of the meet, second place on bars and third place on vault.

A post on the JGYC Gymnastics Facebook page on June 11, 2024, reads, “This weekend was a success!!! Our Gold & Platinum competed in Anaheim at NGA Nationals & absolutely rocked it!!!

Jasmine – Beam National Champion & All-Around National Champion!

Josette – Floor National Champion!

Congrats to our champions.”

In gymnastics the athletes get individual and team scores. Beam Queen award was given to Josette and Jasmine for scoring 9.7 or higher on beam (out of 10). All three girls earned the Top Three spot as an Empower Team together. In the meet there was no placement but rather Top 3 or Top 5.

Josette received floor champ and Jasmine received all around champ

The two winners have been invited to the National team camp in Tennessee which is offered only to the top 30 girls. 

To learn more, to try out for the team or visit the gym, call (925) 350-0215.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Joins the other Assemblymembers representing Contra Costa: Wilson, Bauer-Kahan and Wicks, who support offering up to 20% for down payment or closing costs, not to exceed $150,000

By Allen D. Payton

A bill to make illegal immigrants eligible for the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan Program, which provides up to 20 percent of downpayment assistance to prospective homebuyers, passed the State Assembly last month on a vote of 56-15. All four Assemblymembers representing Contra Costa County voted in favor of Assembly Bill 1840, including Tim Grayson (D-15), who represents Antioch, Lori Wilson (D-11), Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-16) and Buffy Wicks (D-14).

Wicks also voted for the bill, authored by Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula (D-31), as a member of the Assembly Appropriates Committee.

According to CalFHA, “The Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan is a down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers to be used in conjunction with the Dream For All Conventional first mortgage for down payment and/or closing costs. Upon sale or transfer of the home, the homebuyer repays the original down payment loan, plus a share of the appreciation in the value of the home.”

The program offers up to 20% for down payment or closing costs, not to exceed $150,000 and is not on a first come, first served basis. The homebuyer must register for a voucher and a randomized drawing will select registrants who will receive the voucher.  The program requires at least one borrower be a first-generation homebuyer and all borrowers must be first-time homebuyers.

According to the Legislative Counsel’s Digest, “Existing law establishes the California Housing Finance Agency in the Department of Housing and Community Development, and authorizes the agency to, among other things, make loans to finance affordable housing, including residential structures, housing developments, multifamily rental housing, special needs housing, and other forms of housing, as specified. Existing law establishes the California Dream for All Program to provide shared appreciation loans to qualified first-time homebuyers, as specified.

Existing law establishes the California Dream for All Fund, which is continuously appropriated for expenditure pursuant to the program and defraying the administrative costs for the agency. Existing law authorizes moneys deposited into the fund to include, among other moneys, appropriations from the Legislature from the General Fund or other state fund.

This bill would specify that an applicant under the program who meets all other requirements for a loan under the program, including, but not limited to, any requirements imposed by the Federal National Mortgage Association or other loan servicer, shall not be disqualified solely based on the applicant’s immigration status.

By expanding the persons eligible to receive moneys from a continuously appropriated fund, this bill would make an appropriation. The bill would recast the fund so that appropriations from the Legislature from the General Fund or other state fund are deposited into the California Dream for All Subaccount, which the bill would create and make available upon appropriation by the Legislature for specified purposes.”

AB 1840 is now up for votes by the State Senate Housing and Judiciary Committees before a possible vote on the floor.

Took jury an hour to find Matthew Nutt not guilty

“Officer Nutt did exactly what he was trained to do and what the law allows him to do in order to control a man wanted for a serious and violent crime,” defense attorney Nicole Pifari

“All the glory to God” – Matthew Nutt

Appealing his termination, City agrees to arbitration

By Allen D. Payton

A year after being terminated then charged with misdemeanor assault during a 2022 traffic stop incident, former Antioch Police officer Matthew Nutt was acquitted by a jury on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

As previously reported, in May 2023, Nutt was terminated from his employment as the result of an internal investigation into his use of force against an individual during a traffic stop on July 1, 2022. During the incident, Mr. Nutt learned the driver of a vehicle stopped for not displaying license plates had an outstanding felony warrant for shooting at an inhabited dwelling or occupied vehicle and conspiracy. Upon placing the individual under arrest, he refused to sit in the back of a police vehicle and displayed physical resistance. Mr. Nutt used force against the arrestee, consisting of a series of punches and kicks, along with knee and elbow strikes.

Nutt was represented by attorney Nicole Pifari, a partner in the Rains Lucia Stern St. Phalle & Silver, PC Legal Defense Group, whose lead partner,  Mike Rains, represents the Antioch Police Officers Association. According to her bio, “She has successfully defended police officers from criminal prosecutions in both state and federal court, and also represents officers around the state facing administrative investigation, disciplinary appeal, or the trauma of involvement in critical incidents.”

Pifari issued the following statement about the acquittal: “Antioch Police Officer Matthew Nutt Found Not Guilty

Today, after one hour of deliberation, a Contra Costa County Jury acquitted former Antioch Police Officer Matthew Nutt at the conclusion of a one-week trial. Nutt was charged with misdemeanor assault after using force while arresting a man for a felony warrant. He was represented at trial by Nicole Pifari of Rains Lucia Stern St. Phalle & Silver, PC.

The call originated with a traffic stop where the passenger in the car had a warrant for two felonies related to a drive by shooting. After being handcuffed, the suspect tried to run, then began to resist, leading to a physical struggle at the door of the patrol car with two officers. At well over 300 pounds, the suspect was overpowering the officers when Nutt used a series of body strikes to gain his compliance. 

“First and foremost, we are incredibly grateful to the jury for their work. I remain perplexed by this criminal filing. In my opinion it was nothing more than a knee-jerk reaction to the video. The prosecution failed to call a single percipient witness with the most glaring omission being their failure to call the shooting suspect. Basically, the prosecution tried to ruin a decorated police officer and veteran’s life without any evidence,” said Pifari. 

“Officer Nutt did exactly what he was trained to do and what the law allows him to do in order to control a man wanted for a serious and violent crime,” Pifari added. 

“All the glory to God,” Nutt added. 

When reached for comment about the acquittal Rains said, “I knew the case. I was talking with Nicole about it, the motions before trial and the way the case was going to be prosecuted by (Chief Contra Costa Assistant District Attorney) Simon O’Connell. I had seen the video and we discussed it.

“I couldn’t believe that Simon thought he could ever get a conviction on this case without even offering up a use of force expert who said the use of force was unreasonable,” Rains continued. “He apparently thought he was going to put the video up there. He called a video guy (to testify) who said he was asked to look at the punches that Nutt delivered to the victim.”

“Nicole appropriately asked the video expert, ‘Were you asked to look at what the alleged victim was doing to prompt the officer to do what he did?’ He said, ‘no, I wasn’t asked to do that’,” Rains stated. “To freeze the frame showing what Officer Nutt did and not freeze a frame showing this guy kicking at the officer and refusing to get into the car was entirely misleading. This is a prosecutor who doesn’t care about showing the truth to the jury and they saw it very clearly.”

“The trial only took a few days. It didn’t take the jury long, only an hour to reach a verdict,” Rains shared. “Thats because Simon O’Connell is such a poor prosecutor.”

“Nicole put Nutt on the witness stand. He’s an honest man. The jury believed what he said, and they came back with a unanimous not guilty verdict” Rains continued. “It was a slam dunk win for the defense and what amounted to a condemnation by the jury of Simon O’Connell, (DA) Diana Becton and the District Attorney’s Office for bringing this case.”

Termination Based on Department Policy, Not the Law

According to the Antioch Police Department, Mr. Nutt’s application of force triggered an automatic review of his body-worn camera footage. The reviewing supervisor had concerns about what was depicted in the video and believed Mr. Nutt may have violated Antioch Police policies governing use of force. The supervisor communicated his concerns through official channels, and an internal review was initiated. Mr. Nutt was placed into an assignment with no direct public contact.

After a thorough investigation, Mr. Nutt was sustained on four (4) use of force policy violations, including using unreasonable force, failure to de-escalate, and failure to use alternative tactics. Chief Steven Ford reviewed the findings of the investigation and terminated Mr. Nutt from his employment with the Antioch Police Department on April 21, 2023.

Asked if Nutt’s termination by the department was included in his prosecution, Rains said, “I don’t believe that came in. The administrative side of the case is not usually brought into a criminal case.”

“It’s not based on a violation of the law but only looks at the department policy,” he continued. “The department standard for discipline would be the mere preponderance of the evidence. Understand, a jury can only convict on a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. So, it’s a different standard.”

“The only reason Matthew Nutt was terminated is because it was in the heyday of the text scandal and I know there was immense pressure on Chief Ford,” Rains stated. “I don’t think he wanted to terminate this young man.”

Termination Appealed Will Go to Arbitration With City

“We’ve appealed his termination and have agreed to go to arbitration,” he added.

Asked when that will occur, Rains said, “We don’t have it scheduled yet. We were waiting for the criminal case to end.”

UPDATE: DA’s Office Responds

In response the DA’s Office PIO, Asregadoo wrote, “Though the verdict was not in our favor, we acknowledge the importance of a jury trial in ensuring a fair and impartial legal process.”