For sex trafficking, pimping, pandering and firearms offenses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suspect Details

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

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

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

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

Information on the other eight suspects arrested was requested.

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

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

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

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

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Held on $1 million bail

Arrested for hit-and-run on Dec. 22, two previous arrests in 2022

By Antioch Police Lt. Michael Mellone

Antioch, CA — On Friday, January 30, 2026, at approximately 8:39 p.m., Antioch Police Department (APD) officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation reporting multiple rounds fired in the 2300 block of Buchanan Road. Officers arrived and located evidence consistent with a shooting. Officers later learned a 42-year-old female was brought to an area hospital for a gunshot wound from this incident. She was treated for her injuries and is expected to survive.

Through continued follow-up, including interviewing witnesses, canvassing the area, collecting evidence and reviewing available information, investigators identified a suspect, 43-year-old Jonta Laron Davenport, of Oakley (born 1/16/1983). San Rafael Police officers later located and detained Davenport, and APD officers responded, took custody of him, and transported him for booking. Davenport was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on a felony charge of Penal Code § 664/187(a) – Attempted Murder.

This is still an active investigation. To protect the integrity of the case, additional details are not being released at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Angelini at (925) 779-6926 or email: rangelini@antiochca.gov. Tips may be provided anonymously.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 295-pound Davenport is being held on $1 million bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he is Black, a resident of Pittsburg and was previously arrested by the Contra Costa CHP on December 22, 2025, for hit and run resulting in property damage. Davenport was also arrested twice in 2022, once each by Contra Costa CHP and Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputies. Charges included public intoxication, DUI with a blood alcohol level above .08 percent and an enhancement of imprisonment of 48 continuous hours in county jail for conviction of DUI with passenger under age 14.  

APD sends special thanks to the San Rafael and Concord Police Departments for their assistance with this incident. All arrests are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Claim they’ve been working without a contract since last Sept.

See UPDATE 1 from City Manager Scott – “Public safety remains a priority for leadership and currently encompasses 68% of the General Fund Budget…These are difficult decisions, and there are no simple solutions.”

See UPDATE 2 from Councilwoman Torres-Walker who recommends “a 3% one-time retention bonus across all city departments to maintain quality municipal services.”

See UPDATE 3 from Scott with corrected percentage of public safety expenditures at 57% in which she includes Animal Services

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on their Facebook page on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, the Sgt. Rick Hoffman, President of the Antioch Police Officers Association, the union that represents the non-management sworn officers, posted the following statement:

Antioch Police Working Without a Contract as Staffing Remains Below Standard

“The Antioch Police Officers Association, which represents sworn police officers, emergency dispatchers, and community service officers, has been working without a labor contract since September 2025. The City’s most recent offer includes no cost-of-living increases through June 2026, effectively imposing a pay freeze on public safety employees who are already underpaid compared to their peers in Contra Costa County. While surrounding cities have invested in competitive contracts that retain experienced personnel and maintain staffing levels, Antioch now ranks among the lowest-paid public safety agencies in the region for cities of similar size and calls for service volume.

“The police department is authorized for 115 sworn officers, but 10 positions are frozen due to budgetary constraints. Fewer than 90 officers are currently serving the community, roughly 75 percent of the previously authorized staffing level. With many officers new or still in training, experienced personnel are limited, and staffing remains well below accepted standards for a city of more than 115,000 residents.

“Emergency dispatch staffing is equally strained. Dispatchers are working frequent, mandatory overtime to ensure 911 calls are answered, and sworn officers are often necessary to work overtime in dispatch functions, an inefficient use of trained peace officers who would otherwise be available for patrol and enforcement duties.

“After a sharp rise in crime during 2024, early 2025 data shows crime trending back toward Antioch’s five-year average. This has occurred only because officers and dispatchers have absorbed heavier workloads and stretched limited resources, an approach that cannot be sustained long term.

“Despite these conditions, the City has expanded other areas of its budget while repeatedly stating there is no capacity for fair pay increases. Neighboring cities have made different choices by investing in retention, experience, and staffing stability. Without a competitive contract, Antioch risks continued turnover, loss of institutional knowledge, and erosion of recent gains.

“The Antioch Police Officers Association remains committed to reaching a fair and competitive agreement. Our members will continue to serve this community, and the Association urges City leadership to invest in a stable, experienced public safety workforce before the consequences are felt by every resident.”

Questions for City Manager, Council

Immediately prior to publication time, questions were sent to City Manager Bessie Scott, Mayor Ron Bernal and all four council members asking when they expect the contract to be ready for the APOA’s vote and why it has taken so long to finalize their contract when it expired last August.

City Manager Says They “Have Been in Negotiations Since the Expiration of the Prior Agreement”

3:10 UPDATE 1: In response, City Manager Scott wrote, “The City of Antioch recognizes the dedication and professionalism of our police officers, emergency dispatchers, and community service officers. Their work—particularly during a period of staffing challenges and elevated service demands—is deeply appreciated and does not go unnoticed.

“It is true that the City and the Antioch Police Officers Association have been in negotiations since the expiration of the prior agreement. The City remains committed to reaching a fair and sustainable contract through the collective bargaining process. Those discussions are ongoing, and we believe the bargaining table—not public correspondence—is the appropriate forum for resolving outstanding issues.

“Like many cities across California, Antioch is facing significant fiscal constraints driven by rising pension obligations, inflationary pressures and uncertainty in long-term revenues. The City’s proposals reflect a responsibility to balance competitive compensation with the need to maintain essential services, avoid deeper staffing reductions and protect the City’s long-term financial stability. These are difficult decisions, and there are no simple solutions.

“The City is acutely aware of current staffing levels within the Police Department and Emergency Communications. Recruitment and retention remain priorities, and we continue to evaluate strategies to improve staffing while living within our financial means. At the same time, Antioch has made substantial investments across city services to meet resident needs and address deferred infrastructure, public safety support functions, and quality-of-life concerns. Public safety remains a priority for leadership and currently encompasses 68% of the General Fund Budget, while the remaining 32% goes towards other vital services. Too, the city was able to enter into a settlement agreement with the US Department of Justice in 2025, as well as with another case, Allen v. Antioch, that recently wrapped up earlier this year. 

“We value our employees and the vital role they play in keeping Antioch safe. The City looks forward to continuing productive, good-faith negotiations with the Association and remains committed to reaching an agreement that supports both our workforce and the community we collectively serve.”

None of the council members responded as of the first update.

9:00 PM UPDATE 2: However, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker posted the following on her official Facebook page earlier Friday:

“The City is aware of recent local media coverage regarding ongoing contract negotiations between the City and the Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA).

“Negotiations remain ongoing, and the City continues to engage in the collective bargaining process in good faith.

“To date, over the past several months, the City has not received notice from any sworn officers or dispatchers indicating that they have accepted employment elsewhere.

“The City values its first responders and recognizes the critical role they play each day in serving and protecting the community.

“Like many municipalities, the City is facing significant financial challenges. The City recognizes the importance of striking a balance between fiscal responsibility and ensuring that employees are compensated fairly and in alignment with comparable positions within the region.

“I am recommending that this Council consider a 3% one-time retention bonus across all city departments to maintain quality municipal services.”

2/2/26 3:00 PM UPDATE 3 & CORRECTION: In response to questions about the 68% figure she used to describe public safety expenditures, City Manager Scott provided the following: “Correction yes – the current FY26 Police Department budget ($60,390,400 Police Services + $2,680,030 Animal Services Support) is 57% of the total General Fund Budget $63,390,400/$110,954,729.  The Police budget DOES NOT include Public Safety and Community Resources.”

According to City Finance Director Dawn Merchant the correct figures are based on the budget revised by the City Council on Nov. 20, 2025, which increased the budget for Police Services by $1,832,910 for the year.

Counting only Police Services, they comprise 54.6% of this fiscal year’s General Fund budget.

Citizen RIMS includes calls for service, arrests, racial & identity profiling stats, security camera registration, extra patrol requests

Uses state-required politically charged terms including “Cisgender”, “Latinex” in Demographics of Stopped Individuals

By Allen D. Payton

According to an announcement issued by Lt. Mike Mellone of the Field Services Division, the Antioch Police Department (APD) is expanding public access to public safety information with the launch of Citizen RIMS, an online portal designed to promote open and honest communication and increase community awareness.

Citizen RIMS, which stands for Records and Incident Management System, a product of Sunridge Systems, is an interactive mapping and information platform that allows businesses, community members and stakeholders to view selected, disclosable public safety information by location, date range and incident type — while safeguarding privacy and protecting the integrity of active investigations.

What the Public Can View and Request Through Citizen RIMS

Through the portal, community members can:

• View recent calls for service and incident activity displayed on an interactive map
• View recent arrests published for public awareness
• View stop-data statistics reported under California’s Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA)
• Voluntarily register home or business security cameras
• Request extra patrols in an area, as staffing levels and call volume allow

Important Information About Portal Content

Citizen RIMS is intended to provide helpful, general public information; however, it does not display every incident or every detail. Certain information may be limited or excluded due to victim privacy considerations, confidentiality laws, or legal restrictions. Locations shown are approximate and intended for general awareness only. Information may be updated on a scheduled basis and may not reflect real-time operational activity

Recent Arrests: Arrest information is provided for public information purposes only. An arrest does not constitute a conviction. Charges and case status may change as investigations continue and cases move through the court process.

RIPA Stop-Data Statistics: Stop data is presented in a summarized, statistical format to help the community understand trends in traffic and pedestrian stops and to support transparency and accountability. The portal does not display confidential or personally identifying information.

About the Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA)

According to the APD Citizen RIMS site, “The Racial and Identity Profiling Act of 2015 (RIPA) is a California state law that requires law enforcement agencies to collect and report information on all traffic and pedestrian stops. The law is intended to increase transparency, address concerns about racial and identity profiling, and promote accountability in policing. Data collected includes the reason for the stop, actions taken, and the officer’s perception of the individual’s demographic characteristics. The California Department of Justice analyzes and publishes this information in statewide reports.”

Gender, Racial Terms Used

Demographics for Stopped Individuals provided in the Stop Data Statistics show categories labeled Cisgender man/boy, Cisgender woman/girl, Nonbinary, Transgender man/boy and Transgender woman/girl and charts for Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latine(x), Middle Eastern or South Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander and White.

APD Says Terms are State Mandated

Questions were sent to Chief Joe Vigil, Captain Desmond Bittner and Lt. Mike Mellone. Vigil is out of the office until next Monday.

They were asked if the terms are required by state law or FBI for reporting, if APD selected them or were they pre-loaded by Sunridge Systems, and if they can be changed are they willing. The three were also asked why not instead use the term “Biological” which more people understand and since most Hispanics and Latinos do not use the term “Latinex” and some find it offensive, why not instead use “Hispanic/Latino/a”.

Bittner responded, “Those terms are reporting requirements set by the California Department of Justice. I attached one of CAL DOJs reporting requirement updates from 2024 for reference.” (See pages 7-9 of RIPA Text of Modified Regulations)

2025 Statistics

For 2025, the report of shows of those stopped 38.4% were Black/African American, 28.8% were Hispanic/Latine(x), 24.9% were White, 3.9% were Asian, 3.2% were Middle Eastern/South Asian, 1% were Pacific Islander and 0.1% were Native American.

The Stop Data Statistics page provides additional detailed reports, including one entitled, “What are the reasons for stops?” That includes Reasons for Stops and Traffic Violation Type both by ethnicity and by gender identity. A third drop down report entitled, “What are the actions taken during stops” includes Actions Taken During Stops, Search Rates and Discovery Rates, also broken down by ethnicity and gender identity.

The Antioch Citizen RIMS portal is available at: https://antiochpd.citizenrims.com and is one of several tools APD uses to share information with the community.

For crimes in progress or emergencies, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency police services, call (925) 778-2441.

At least the 19th arrest, 13th by Antioch PD since 2014 for 37-year-old Robert Lay

By Allen D. Payton

In response to a resident witnessing police action on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 27, 2026, Antioch Police Lt. Michael Mellone of the Field Services Division explained, a “traffic stop for a red light turned into an arrest for meth possession and driving on a suspended license.”

The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Hillcrest Crossings Shopping Center, off Deer Valley Road, between the Safeway gas station and Taco Bell.

Police arrested Robert Anthony Lay, a 37-year-old male from Antioch, Mellone shared.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, born 11/16/1988, the six-foot, two-inch tall, 200-pound suspect was arrested at 1:27 p.m., is Hispanic but also listed as White, and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, it’s at least the 19th time Lay has been arrested since 2014 and 13 of those were by Antioch Police. He faced charges for hit-and-run, vehicle theft, possession of burglar’s tools, conspiracy to commit a crime, vandalism and multiple charges of receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license for drunk driving, possession of a controlled substance, including for sale and bringing a controlled substance into a prison, plus, possession of drug paraphernalia and revocation of probation.

According to the Herald’s archives, – On 10/5/2015 at 5:10 p.m., an officer was patrolling near Lemontree and Peppertree Way and saw 26-year-old Robert Lay driving recklessly though the area. Lay continued to drive erratically while the officer attempted to catch up to him. Lay hit a parked car and eventually pulled into the 76 gas station on Contra Loma Blvd. Officers made contact with Lay and detained him. A records check revealed he had an outstanding felony arrest warrant for the charge of possession of stolen property. Lay was arrested for the warrant, hit and run and reckless driving. Lay’s vehicle was impounded and he was booked at the county jail.

The Herald thanks the resident for the photo of the scene and information about the arrest.

Arraignment continued

By Allen D. Payton

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

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

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

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

“The charges include the following ENHANCEMENT 1:

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

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

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

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

Following police pursuit and threats to officers; held on $105,000 bail

By Lt. Michael Mellone, Antioch Police Department

This morning, Monday, January 26, 2026, at 4:17 a.m., Antioch Police Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a disturbance in the 800 block of L Street. The caller reported that a man was knocking on a resident’s door and telling the occupants they did not live there, before returning to his vehicle, honking repeatedly and driving in circles in the area.

Officers responded and learned the man, later identified as Jesse Ryan Cheroti, a 35-year-old resident of Pittsburg, (born 2/25/1990) was unknown to the residents and was alleged to have attempted to hit one of them with his vehicle during their encounter.

A short time later, officers located the suspect vehicle nearby and attempted a traffic stop. Cheroti failed to yield and fled at a slow speed before being stopped by officers. Officers attempted to negotiate with Cheroti and employ de-escalation techniques, but he was not cooperative. During the incident, Cheroti made verbal threats toward responding officers and later attempted to flee a second time.

Following the second attempt to flee, officers deployed a tire deflation device and again boxed the vehicle in, bringing the pursuit to an end. Officers were able to safely take Cheroti into custody. He was transported and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

Cheroti was arrested for the following violations:

• Penal Code 245(a)(1) — Assault with a deadly weapon (other than a firearm)
• Penal Code 71 — Threats against a public officer or employee
• Vehicle Code 2800.4 — Evading a peace officer by driving in the opposite direction of traffic
• Vehicle Code 23152(f) — Driving under the influence of drugs

No injuries were reported to officers or members of the public.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 160-pound Cheroti is Hispanic and being held on $105,000 bail.

According to RecentlyBooked.com, he was arrested on Jan. 13 by San Joaquin County Sheriff for DUI.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at (925) 778-2441 and reference Case #26-900.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this arrest.

By Allen D. Payton

In an update on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, Antioch Police Lt. William Whitaker reported, that the Contra Costa County Coroner’s office completed an autopsy over the weekend on the 17-year-old female victim whose body was found on the side of the road near Antioch High School and the Contra Costa County fairgrounds Friday morning.

Based on the findings it appears the victim, Jeana Flores, was struck by a vehicle. Based on the findings this will be classified as a fatal hit-and-run investigation. The Antioch Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit will take over the investigation.

As previously reported, on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 3:33 a.m., the Antioch Police Dispatch Center received a report of a person down on the side of the roadway in the area of L Street between West 18th Street and West 10th Street, directly across the street from the football field in Eells Stadium at Antioch High School.

Responding officers arrived on scene and located an adult female victim. Officers immediately rendered medical aid; however, the victim died at the scene. Based on preliminary information and evidence, the death is being investigated as suspicious. Currently, there are no known suspects.

Later, KTVU FOX2 reported on Saturday the family had identified Flores and shared comments by Flores’ father, Joseph. According to the report, “Joseph said he knew something was wrong when he got on the phone with an Antioch police investigator, who asked if he was sitting down. Joseph said that, after sharing the news, the investigator told him his daughter last visited a family friend – who he identified as his sister due to their close relationship.”

About Jeana he said, “She was fierce, sometimes. She was witty. She had a really, really good heart.” Joseph said she was working on Treasure Island through Job Corps.

Anyone with information related to this collision is encouraged to contact Antioch Police Officer James Desiderio at (925) 331-7474 or via email at jdesiderio@antiochca.gov.