Michelle Hidalgo in a post on her Facebook page on October 26, 2022.
Sentenced to 15 years to life
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
A 29-year-old resident of Antioch was sentenced today, July 11, 2024, in Contra Costa Superior Court for sexual abuse of a young child.
Michelle Nicole Hidalgo, was sentenced by the Honorable David Goldstein after she pled guilty to engaging in sexual acts with a child 10 years old or younger [PC 288.7(b)]. Hidalgo was a nanny to the minor victim and has been in custody since her arrest on September 22, 2023. As part of a negotiated agreement, Hidalgo was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison – which will begin immediately. She was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
On September 21, 2023, the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was alerted to sexually explicit images of a small child being shared on X (formally Twitter). A search warrant was served at a residence in Antioch, seized equipment used in the production and distribution of pornographic images of minors and Hidalgo was arrested. She was employed as a part-time nanny for the victim’s family. (See related article)
Pursuant to her plea, Hidalgo admitted to abusing the child on September 19, 2023. Evidence also demonstrated Hidalgo created visual depictions of the abuse and shared those images with other X users. Text messages sent from Hidalgo to others were recovered. Those messages indicated her intent to further
abuse the child the next time she was with the victim. Investigators are currently working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to ensure those images are flagged if shared online in the future.
“The sentence delivered today reflects the severity of the crime committed,” said District Attorney Diana
Becton. “Our system of justice is dedicated to protecting victims and safeguarding the community by holding offenders accountable.”
Deputy District Attorney Jenna Franklin from the DA’s Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case. The investigation was led by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). Detectives and investigators who participated in the ICAC investigation are from the Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Danville police departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Special Agents from the United States Secret Service and Homeland Security Investigations, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, three-inch tall, 250-pound Hidalgo is Hispanic was born on December 23, 1994 and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $800,000 bail. Her Facebook profile shows she lives in Antioch and is from Pacifica, CA where she studied at Terra Nova High School.
Case No. 01-23-02982 | The People of the State of California v. Hidalgo, Michelle Nicole
Frank Rupani in a 2016 photo posted on his Facebook page and in his Antioch Police Reserve Officer uniform. Photo (right): APD
By Antioch Police Department
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you about the passing of Reserve Officer Frank Rupani. Frank was a dedicated member of the Antioch Police Department for over 26 years, serving our community with utmost commitment and professionalism.
He began his service on October 30, 1997, and has received numerous commendations and letters of appreciation from the public. In May 2014, Rupani was honored by then-Chief Allan Cantando as a Reserve Sergeant.
Prior to his retirement from the APD Reserve Unit in 2017, Rupani was assigned to assist the Parking Enforcement unit with a huge backlog of abandoned vehicles in the City. According to then-Police Chief Tammany Brooks, Rupani had been instrumental in getting the number down to a manageable level. He continued to serve the citizens of Antioch by transitioning to the Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS) program and could be seen at community events, including parades in downtown Rivertown, as well as Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies.
Following his retirement Frank Rupani was honored with a plaque for his 20 years of service by then-Chief T Brooks as Captain Tony Morefield looks on during an Antioch Police Ceremony on May 17, 2018. Photos: APD
Officer Rupani’s unwavering dedication to his duty and his selfless service to the Antioch community will always be remembered. He was a true asset to our department, and his loss will be deeply felt by all of us.
During his time with us, Officer Rupani exemplified the values of integrity, compassion, and bravery. He was not only a respected colleague but also a trusted friend to many. His positive impact on our community and the lives he touched cannot be overstated.
As we mourn the loss of Officer Rupani, let us also remember and celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind. His contributions to public safety and his unwavering commitment to serving others will continue to inspire us all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Rupani’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and offer our full support to those affected by this loss.
According to his Facebook page, Rupani is from Burgettstown, Pennsylvania and studied for his Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Akron.
Born on June 24, 1944, Rupani had just turned 80 and is survived by his wife Inelda who, according to family members, was by his side when he passed on July 10, 2024.
Please join us in honoring Officer Frank Rupani’s memory and the invaluable service he provided to our community.
Over 1,300 DUI-related during Maximum Enforcement Period
By Synthia Ramirez, CHP Media Relations
During the Independence Day weekend, the California Highway Patrol conducted a Maximum Enforcement Period to ensure the safety of all Californians. The statewide statistics from this effort are as follows:
Over 1,600 arrests, with over 1,300 being DUI-related
Nearly 30,000 citations issued, including over 17,000 for excessive speed
Over 600 citations for drivers exceeding 100 miles per hour
Nearly 1,000 seatbelt violations cited
Over 1,900 distracted driving citations issued
Great job to all CHP areas that worked tirelessly to keep California safe this Independence Day weekend. Even when it’s not a Maximum Enforcement Period, let’s continue to work together to make responsible choices: drive sober, avoid distractions, follow speed limits, and always buckle up. The primary mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
Six new Antioch Police Officer Recruits meet with department leaders on Wed. July 3, 2024, before entering the academy next Monday. Photos by APD
Chief Addington honors former CSO and new recruit Jose Collazo with CHP award for stolen car recovery
By Antioch Police Department
Exciting News!!!
Chief Addington wished Recruit Officers Daniel Cabada, Jose Collazo, Brandon Michaud, Brian Rose, Zafar Sahel, and David Taylor the very best as they embark on their journey at the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Academy this Monday! These dedicated individuals will undergo six months of intensive training to become the next generation of police officers committed to keeping our community safe.
Interim Antioch Police Chief Brian Addington honors former CSO and now Police Officer Trainee Jose Callazo during the meeting. He begins the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Academy on Monday.
A special congratulations to Police Recruit Jose Collazo, who also received the prestigious CHP 10851 award! Jose, who previously served as a Community Services Officer, has shown exceptional dedication by recovering a significant number of stolen vehicles. We’re proud to see him advance in his career and join the ranks as a full-fledged police officer.
Are you inspired by their dedication and looking for a meaningful career? Join us and make a difference! We offer an expedited hiring process, outstanding pay, benefits, incentives, a $30K hiring bonus, and a variety of exciting assignments.
Visit Joinantiochpd.com for more information and start your journey in serving and protecting our community!
On Monday, July 1, 2024, Officer Smith and his K9 partner, “Kona”, were providing extra patrol to the Slatten Ranch shopping center hoping to deter would-be criminals from victimizing the businesses in the area.
While in the area, Officer Smith heard the distinct sounds of a vehicle spinning donuts behind the Best Buy store. Officer Smith was able to locate the vehicle mid-donut and put a halt to the reckless behavior. The driver was arrested, and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days!
Antioch Police officers investigate in the Corteva Wetlands where the body of Cleyber Cruz-Gamez was located on Monday morning, June 3, 2024. Photo courtesy of Ronn Carter, Emergency Spotlight
Police Chief says “No foul play” suspected in death of Cleyber Cruz-Gamez
Antioch Police investigated the matter and “Initial reports suggested the body was located at the old Babe Ruth fields on Auto Center Drive. However, authorities…confirmed that the body was found approximately 100 yards west of the Antioch Marina, near one of the main walking trails” inside the wetlands,” Carter wrote.
When asked by the Herald about the incident Interim Police Chief Brian Addington shared, “A man who had been staying on Corteva property was found deceased. No foul play. It’s a suspected drug overdose but pending toxicology.”
Contra Costa County Deputy Coroner Wong identified the man on Friday, June 28th, as Cleyber Cruz-Gamez, age 44, who was “presumed to be a transient in the Antioch area.” The office won’t share the results of toxicology tests, which “most likely has not been signed off by the doctor, yet,” Wong shared.
When asked if she knew Cruz-Gamez, local homeless advocate Nichole Gardner said, “Nobody downtown said anything about it, yet. That’s so sad.”
During their meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, the Antioch City Council on a 4-0 vote passed an ordinance banning organizers and advertisers of and spectators at sideshows. The matter was finally dealt with after discussing the matter since last fall and holding two previous votes, one which adopted an ordinance without targeting spectators and the follow up vote, for which none of the three council members present supported it. (See related articles here, here, here and here)
Most of the residents who spoke during public comments on the agenda item were opposed to including a ban on spectators citing possible constitutional issues and profiling by police, and concerns that those stuck in their cars could be cited.
Before hearing from residents during the public hearing, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe said, “The city attorney would have acted as the proponent” but was absent from the meeting. The mayor then asked who would be the opponent, resident Alexander Broom volunteered and was given 10 minutes to speak.
“There are some large concerns I have with Attachment A which goes after the spectators,” he said. “I don’t think there’s a crime that I could be a witness to and be guilty of a crime. I think there are some constitutional issues there.”
“Anyone who is found to be within 200 feet witnessing or observing a sideshow,” he pointed out as one example.
“There are multiple instances that I would go to part of car culture, then you have people who show up and ruin the event,” he stated. “Me just being present doesn’t mean I’m a participant. This ordinance…is far too broad. I would encourage you to not include the spectator portion.”
“I had one of my friends come out to one of these events and a car show broke out. He was profiled,” he stated. “I could face up to six months in jail for being at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“There are so many other routes you can go after spectators for this disturbance,” he said. “I think this opens up the city to more lawsuits…to more civil rights violations.”
“I’m open to compromise. I’d rather see the second ordinance go forward that doesn’t include spectators,” he concluded. “This is far too broad.”
Ralph Hernandez said, “These car culture violators should figure out how to lawfully and peacefully cruise. You should keep option 1 to include spectators.”
These are not really spectators. They’re encouraging bad conduct In law, that’s aiding and abetting,” he continued. “I think the police are smart enough…to make differentiation who is a spectator. How do those people claim they’re merely parked there?” he asked. “Come on you have to sell that to someone else.”
“The 200-feet limit, it’s appropriate because these sideshows take up a lot of space,” Hernandez continued. “Is that car culture? They’re violators of the law…by those actively participating, drivers, blockers. If they don’t want to be considered a violator they should not go there.”
“Their cell phones should also be confiscated,” he added. “It’s dangerous. It’s not a football game.”
Teshina Garrett, ACCE Antioch asked, “Who or what is considered a spectator?” and then spoke of her experience being stuck due to a sideshow. “We took photos…of people doing stupid stuff in the middle of the street. Does that make us a spectator?”
“Use these drones, Take their license plates, confiscate their vehicles,” she added.
Resident Dr. Kimberly Payton, Vice President of the NAACP East County Branch, spoke next about her own experience of getting stuck in traffic due to a sideshow. “Therefore, I don’t understand how you can tell a spectator and someone who is stuck. I just encourage you to consider the definition of a spectator if that’s the route the council is going.”
Andrew Becker also shared about “a sideshow that popped up. Within two minutes there were 200 people there. They were jumping on my car. I understand there’s a subjective component there. I also understand you have to have these tools. It’s the individuals…who are driving these things. I’m wondering if…an individual who is cited, they can have it reviewed by the Oversight committee. I think that would be monumental. It might alleviate some of the concerns here.”
Gavin Payton asked, “Some of the sideshows are actually dangerous for cars and for pets, the next day because they’re throwing bottles and the glass is breaking on the curbs and the bushes. Is there going to be some kind of action for that, as well?”
A resident named Devin said, “We really need to determine what a spectator is. We all know that the definition that some will use is not fair to everyone. People can determine who’s participating in these things, who’s taking videos and advertising these things. This is a problematic issue we are having in this city. But the language…people being accused of being a spectator, but they weren’t. Two hundred feet…that’s not fair.”
A woman named Laura said, “I am not an expert on car culture but I’m an excellent driver…and I am a parent. I think it’s dangerous to include spectators …because…systemic racism is a thing. So, I don’t think spectators should be included in this.”
Louise Green spoke last saying, “Using the simple word spectator is scary to everyone. I think this is more targeted to spectator participants. It’s a game they play. They were throwing T-shirts over their license plates. They’re actually throwing their bodies into the cars. You’ll have to put the spectator clause in there. Unless you can get real specific on the language, they are spectators, but a participant spectator. They have racing guns that they signal when the police are coming. There were maybe five people on the sidewalk. But the 200 were spectator participants. They get out of their vehicles. If I’m trapped in my car, they’re going to know, they’re not part of it. We do have to include them because they’re part of the problem.”
Council Discussion
Barbanica spoke first saying, “We’re talking, here about active participants. Not someone sitting in their cars. There’s also a big difference with someone videoing, when an officer rolls up. They say, officer, ‘here’s my phone.’”
“They leapfrog ahead to the next sideshow. It’s very detrimental to the community,” he stated. “This has terrorized the community long enough.”
“These are roving sideshows that are very organized. We have to go after people who are active participants,”
“These sideshows are getting more and more frequent and they’re roving around the city,” Ogorchock stated. “I would ask the city attorney’s office if we can increase the penalties not just $1,000.”
“A San Joaquin Sheriff would not release the cars from a sideshow until the participants’ court dates,” she shared. “These cars are part of evidence.”
“I think we should also look at reimbursement for the use of our resources,” Ogorchock continued. “As we as community members, these are our dollars. These people, the majority of them are coming from outside the community.”
“This is a quality-of-life issue,” she stated. “If we can’t add these to the ordinance toight
Wilson said, “I’m going to steal the term spectator participant. These spectator participants…they’re filming and livestreaming it to let their friends know where they are. We need to hold those participants accountable along with the organizers and advertisers.’
“I betcha there are people from inside our community,” she added.
“We need to start talking about why is this happening. What’s the root cause?” Wilson asked. “We definitely need to include something about the spectators.”
Hernandez-Thorpe spoke last saying, “this doesn’t necessarily stop sideshows. These are tools that once sideshows are happening they can be used. These aren’t preventative. What actually prevents sideshows is determining who is starting them. But unfortunately, our traffic division has been decimated.”
“I’m all for all of them, spectators, organizers and those who advertise,” he stated. “If we pass something tonight it will come back late July and will go into effect 30 days later, at the end of the summer months. If we need to make changes, we do it in the fall.”
“The technology in the police department in my opinion allows them to differentiate between a spectator,” the mayor shared. “Let’s pass something now, tonight and build on it and not let perfection be the enemy of progress.”
Ogorchock then made a motion saying, “I’m going to add” then read the ordinance that included banning spectators, “including not releasing vehicles until court dates and reimburse costs of resource.”
The Assistant City Attorney said, “I think there are some concerns…that we can’t address tonight” in response to a question from Barbanica.
No one seconded the motion.
Barbanica then moved approval of the ordinance including spectators as written. It passed 4-0.
Ogorchock then asked, “that we come back with the two proposals.” But both Barbanica and Wilson had already left the dais, so the mayor said, “Uh, no. There’s no consensus. Everybody left.” They then took a two-minute recess.
She tried again following the break but none of the other council members supported her proposals.
Ordinance Details
The ordinance adopted includes the following:
City Council introduced the proposed ordinance adding Chapter 4 to Title 4 (Public Safety) to the Antioch Municipal Code, which prohibits organizing, advertising, and being a spectator at street racing, sideshows, and reckless driving exhibitions;
Organizing or Advertising Street Races, Sideshows, and Reckless Driving Exhibitions Prohibited
It is unlawful for any person to knowingly organize a street race, sideshow, reckless driving exhibition, or exhibition of speed conducted within the City on a public street, highway, or in an offstreet parking facility.
B. It is unlawful for any person to advertise, within the City, a street race, sideshow, or exhibition of speed conducted or to be conducted in the City on a public street, highway, or in an offstreet parking facility.
C. It is unlawful for any person to advertise online, including on social media, a street race, sideshow, or exhibition of speed conducted or to be conducted in the City on a public street, highway, or in an offstreet parking facility.
Spectators at Sideshows, Street Races, and Reckless Driving Exhibitions Prohibited
It is unlawful for any individual who to be knowingly present as a spectator, either on a public street or highway, or on private property open to the general public without the consent of the owner, operator, or agent thereof, at an illegal motor vehicle sideshow, street race, or reckless driving exhibition.
B. It is unlawful for any individual to be knowingly present as a spectator, either on a public street or highway, or on private property open to the general public without the consent of the owner, operator, or agent thereof, where preparations are being made for an illegal motor vehicle sideshow, street race, or reckless driving exhibition.
C. Local law enforcement shall have the authority to cite any spectator in violation of this Chapter with an administrative citation.
D. An individual is present at the illegal motor vehicle sideshow, street race, or reckless driving exhibition if that individual is within two hundred (200) feet of the location of the event, or within two hundred (200) feet of the location where preparations are being made for the event.
Enforcement
A. Any person who violates this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor subject to a maximum of six (6) months in jail, a fine of $1,000, or both, unless at the discretion of the district attorney or a court of competent jurisdiction, the violation is reduced to an infraction.
Stole almost $10,000 worth of clothing; multi-agency effort
Jesus Santiago Olivarez arrested 20 other times since 2018
By San Mateo Police Department
San Mateo, CA – On June 20, 2024, at 1:56 p.m., San Mateo Police Department received a report of a theft that just occurred at Lululemon, located at the Hillsdale Shopping Center. The witness said three suspects grabbed numerous clothing, ran out of the store and into a waiting white Subaru Outback. The white car then quickly drove off toward Highway 101.
San Mateo Police officers responded to Lululemon to gather more information about the theft and learned the suspects stole almost $10,000 worth of clothing. At the same time the Organized Retail Theft Task Force, consisting of officers from the San Mateo, Daly City, and San Bruno Police Departments, started to search for the white Subaru that fled the scene of the crime. The task force found the car driving northbound on Highway 101 and followed the car into San Francisco. Officers attempted to stop the car, however the driver fled from police, driving in a reckless manner with disregard to the safety of other drivers and pedestrians in the area. Due to the dangerous and reckless manner the suspects were evading police, the pursuit of the suspects was stopped for the safety of the community.
With the help of San Francisco Police Department, the white Subaru was found abandoned a few blocks away. A short time later, all four suspects that were inside the vehicle were found. Stolen merchandise was found inside the car and with the suspects. Officers learned the white Subaru was reported stolen earlier in the day. The suspects, Jesus Olivarez, Campy Massutti, Sierra Mansanares, and Theodore Gore, were all arrested and later booked into San Mateo County Jail on various felony charges.
We need the community’s support in reporting crimes and being a good witness. If you witness a crime, contact police immediately. Try to remain as calm as possible and do your best to answer questions on the phone. Remember details such as the suspect’s appearance, clothing, any distinguishing features, and which direction they flee. Once the police arrive at the scene, cooperate fully, and provide the officers with all the information you have. Your observations can greatly assist law enforcement in their investigation.
ARRESTED: Jesus Santiago Olivarez, 31-year-old Antioch resident.
CHARGES: 490.4(a)(1) PC- Organized retail theft, 487(a) PC- Grand theft, 460(b) PC- Second degree burglary.
ARRESTED: Theodore Gore, 30-year-old San Francisco resident.
CHARGES: 2800.4 CVC- Evading a peace officer, 2800.2(a) CVC- Evading a peace officer with wanton disregard to public safety, 490.4(a)(1) PC- Organized retail theft, 496d(a) PC- Possess stolen vehicle, 10851(a) CVC- Take vehicle without owner’s consent, 487(a) PC- Grand theft, 460(b) PC- Second degree burglary.
ARRESTED: Sierra Mansanares, 27-year-old San Francisco resident.
CHARGES: 490.4(a)(1) PC- Organized retail theft, 487(a) PC- Grand theft, 460(b) PC- Second degree burglary, 11377(a) HS- Possession of a controlled substance.
ARRESTED: Camy Massutti, 32-year-old San Francisco resident.
CHARGES: 490.4(a)(1) PC- Organized retail theft, 487(a) PC- Grand theft, 460(b) PC- Second degree burglary, 11350(a) HS- Possession of a controlled substance.
According to localcrimenews.com, Olivarez has a history of 21 arrests dating back to 2018, including two other times this year in March and just last month, by agencies including Antioch PD, Pleasant Hill PD, Colma PD, Mountain View PD, San Mateo PD, Santa Clara PD, and Sheriff’s Departments in Riverside, Contra Costa, and San Mateo counties, on gun and drug charges, and for shoplifting, grand theft, petty theft, vehicle theft and receiving Stolen property – motor vehicle, battery on a peace officer or emergency personnel and falsely personating another in his or her private or official capacity.
