By Lt. Joe Njoroge #7052, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On Saturday, June 28, 2025, just before 9:00 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 2000 block of Terrace View Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located a 38-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound.
Officers immediately rendered medical aid until personnel from Contra Costa Fire arrived on scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for injuries determined to be non-life-threatening.
The suspect is unknown and the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at tips@antiochca.gov.
Former Antioch Police Officer Morteza Amiri was sentenced to seven years in prison on Friday, June 24, 2025. Photo: Antioch PD
MortezaAmiri guilty of using excessive force against an individual, college degree pay raise scheme
Part of Investigation into 10 Current, Former Antioch, Pittsburg Police Officers and Employees
By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California
OAKLAND – Former Antioch police officer Morteza Amiri was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison for violating the civil rights of an individual through excessive force, falsifying records related to that violation, and participating in a scheme to obtain pay raises from the Antioch Police Department for a university degree he paid someone else to obtain. The sentence was handed down by Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White, who presided over two trials that resulted in Amiri’s convictions for these crimes.
In August 2024, following a four-day trial, a jury found Amiri, 34, guilty of one count of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the fraudulently-obtained degree scheme. Thereafter, in March 2025, following eight-day trial, a jury found Amiri guilty of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of falsification of records in connection with a July 2019 arrest. Amiri was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals on March 18, 2025, and has remained in federal custody since then. (See related articles here and here)
“Amiri misused his police dog to inflict unnecessary and excessive force against a victim and cheated his way into a pay raise. These crimes are appalling in themselves, but even more so that they were committed by a police officer. With this sentence, Amiri is now being held to account for his multiple betrayals of the public trust,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian.
“Amiri betrayed the public’s trust, abused his authority, and violated the civil rights of a person he was sworn to protect. His actions undermine the integrity of law enforcement and erode public confidence. Today’s sentence sends a clear message: no badge is a shield from accountability. The FBI remains steadfast in its mission to protect the civil rights of all people and to hold those who abuse their power accountable under the law,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani.
Amiri was previously employed as a police officer with the Antioch Police Department. According to court documents and evidence presented at the trial in March 2025, Amiri, a K-9 handler, deployed his K-9 to bite even when it was not necessary. On July 24, 2019, Amiri pulled over and stopped a bicyclist identified as A.A., who, according to Amiri, did not have his bicycle light on. Amiri approached A.A., punched and took the victim to the ground, and then called for his K-9 to bite the victim. As a result, A.A. sustained injuries. At the time, Amiri was accompanied by a police officer with a neighboring agency as a ride-along, and that officer assisted with the deployment of the K-9. Afterwards, Amiri shared pictures of the victim’s wounds with other Antioch police officers. One officer responded, “Yeah buddy good boy,” referring to the K-9, and “Lol you bit [A.A.].” In response to a question from another officer about what cut the dog’s face, Amiri responded, “that’s a piece of the suspect’s flesh lol.”
Amiri later wrote to the officer who accompanied him on the ride-along, “you got to see [the K-9] in action lol,” and stated that detectives got the victim “a 45 day violation and we are gonna leave it at that so i don’t go to court for the bite. Easy,” referring to the victim going into custody for a parole/probation violation. Amiri then falsified a police report of the incident, stating that one of the reasons he deployed his K-9 was because he was alone, when instead the ride-along police officer was with him at the time and had helped Amiri deploy the K-9.
Separately, the evidence presented at the trial in August 2024 showed that the City of Antioch and City of Pittsburg’s Police Departments offered reimbursements toward higher education tuition and expenses, along with pay raises and other financial incentives upon completion of a degree. Instead of completing higher education coursework on their own, Amiri and his co-conspirators hired someone to complete entire courses on their behalf at an online university to secure a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Amiri and his co-conspirators then represented they had taken those courses and earned the degrees from the university when requesting reimbursements and/or financial incentives from their police department employers. They were in turn paid additional financial incentives, calculated as percentages of their salaries, while they remained employed by their police departments.
In addition to the prison term, Judge White also sentenced Amiri to three years of supervised release and ordered Amiri to pay restitution in the amount of $3,180 to victim A.A. and $10,526 to the City of Antioch.
The case is being prosecuted by the National Security & Special Prosecutions Section and the Oakland Branch of the United States Attorney’s Office. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.
Part of Investigation into 10 Current, Former Antioch, Pittsburg Police Officers and Employees
These charges against Amiri were brought as part of an investigation into the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments that resulted in multiple charges against 10 current and former officers and employees of these two police departments for various crimes ranging from the use of excessive force to fraud. The status of these cases, all of which are before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White, is below:
Sentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 24-cr-157 on 9/5/24
Morteza Amiri
Sentenced to 84 months custody, 3 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-269 on 6/24/25
Amanda Theodosy a/k/a Nash
Sentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release 11/15/24
Samantha Peterson
Sentenced to time served, 3 years supervised release 4/24/24
Ernesto Mejia-Orozco
Sentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 9/19/24
Brauli Jalapa Rodriguez
Sentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 10/25/24
Obstruction23-cr-00267
18 U.S.C. §§ 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations); 1512(c)(2) (Obstruction of Official Proceedings); 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law)
Timothy Manly Williams
Pleaded guilty 11/28/23, status conference 8/19/25
Anabolic Steroid Distribution23-cr-00268
21 U.S.C. §§ 846 (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids), 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids)
Daniel Harris
Pleaded guilty 9/17/24, status conference 8/19/25
21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids);18 U.S.C.§ 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations)
Devon Wenger
Convicted at trial 4/30/25, sentencing pending
Civil Rights23-cr-00269
18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law); § 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations)
Morteza Amiri
Sentenced to 84 months custody, 3 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-264 on 6/24/25
18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law)
Eric Rombough
Pleaded guilty 1/14/25, status conference 8/19/25
18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law)
Devon Wenger
Trial 8/4/25
Anabolic Steroid Distribution24-cr-00157
21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids)
Patrick Berhan
Sentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-264 on 9/5/24
U.S. Marshals and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Deputies on the scene of the arrest of Timothy Demetrius “Boo” Jeffrey on Almondwood Drive in Antioch on Wed., March 27, 2024. He was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney and convicted on March 12, 2025. Herald file photo.
Timothy Demetrius “Boo” Jeffrey attempted to sell assault rifle, faced up to 15 years
By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California
SAN FRANCISCO – Timothy Demetrius Jeffrey, aka “Boo,” 44, of Antioch, Calif., was sentenced today to 92 months in federal prison, following his conviction on March 12, 2025, by a federal jury on two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Alsup handed down the sentence. Judge Alsup also sentenced Jeffrey to concurrent 24-month terms for violating the terms of his supervised release in two other federal cases.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 25, 2023, Jeffrey drove into a shopping plaza parking lot in Pittsburg, CA, parked, and fled on foot from a pursuing police officer. Jeffrey threw a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine and 19 rounds of ammunition over a fence behind the shopping plaza before he was arrested.
Jeffrey posted bond after his arrest but absconded soon thereafter. Following an investigation by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service, law enforcement officers located Jeffrey at a relative’s home in Antioch on March 27, 2024. After U.S. Marshals arrested Jeffrey, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the residence, where deputies located and seized an Aero Precision AR-style rifle with a magazine and 25 rounds of ammunition from under a couch in the living room. They also seized a cell phone that had been used by Jeffrey. The phone contained multiple text messages in which Jeffrey attempted to sell the AR rifle and sent a photo of it.
At the time of his April 2023 and March 2024 arrests, Jeffrey was on federal supervised release following past felony convictions for being a felon-in-possession of a firearm, escape from custody, and conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Judge Alsup also found that enhancements were appropriate under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (i) due to Jeffrey’s obstruction of justice resulting from perjury during his trial testimony; and (ii) because one of the guns Jeffrey possessed had previously been stolen.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Buenaventura made the announcement.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aseem Padukone prosecuted this case with the assistance of Claudia Hyslop, Nina Burney, and Yenni Weinberg. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the ATF, the United States Marshals Service, the Pittsburg Police Department, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.
Antioch Police Chief Joe Vigil administers the Oath of Office to three new officers (left) and four department leaders upon their promotions (right) on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. All photos by Allen D. Payton unless noted.
Brings total sworn officers to 90
By Allen D. Payton
On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Antioch Police Department promoted four leaders in and added three officers to their ranks in front of family, friends and fellow officers at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center theater in historic, downtown Rivertown. One of the new officers is a lateral from Oakland PD and the other two are recruits fresh out of the academy. It brings the total number of sworn officers on the force to 90 out of 117 in the City’s budget.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Chief Joe Vigil shared a few thoughts about the process as well as the promotions and new officers.
Chief Vigil speaks to those in attendance about the three new officers and the four leaders being promoted.
“I would like to recognize a few people in the audience today and thank them for their time and for being here with us today,” he said. “I want to take a moment and personally thank our hiring, recruiting, and training staff. They have been instrumental in our hiring and training efforts for the last year.
“I would also like to take a moment and congratulate Sergeants Mulholland and Chandler and Corporals Duffy and Downie on being promoted. The promotional process is hard and composed of a written assessment, oral panels, and chief panels. This process is not easy, very stressful, and time consuming. Thes four individuals have been pivotal in helping move the department forward and I thank them for their service and commitment to the department and the city.
“Along with the promotions, we are thankful to welcome lateral officer Wilson and congratulate our two recent Contra Costa Academy graduates.
“Completing the Police Academy is not an easy task. Your loved ones and co workers have endured six months of training in a host of different and complex areas. Their real training will begin as they learn to take what the academy has taught them and apply it to the real world. I encourage you and your families to continually support you as you all progress through training and begin their policing career.
“Today, in front of their loved ones and co-workers all the officers will take the oath of office and be sworn in as Antioch Police Officers and supervisors. Their policing careers will continue as they move through field training and learn to apply everything they have learned in the last six months. Our supervisors will continue to grow and lead the next generation and existing officers into a bright future. All of our officers today will also take the International Association of Police Chiefs Oath of Honor, which is our pledge to uphold ethical standards and serve the community.”
Vigil then introduced each of the seven and shared information about their backgrounds.
New Sgt. Matthew Mulholland is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by his mother.
Sergeant Matthew Mulholland
Sgt. Mulholland began his law enforcement career as a deputy with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and worked there for over seven years. While there he worked in patrol, at the Eden Township Substation and in custody operations at Santa Rita Jail. Sgt. Mulholland would come to the Antioch Police Department just over five years ago. Throughout his time here he has held a variety of assignments. He has been a field training officer, a crisis negotiator, a drug recognition expert, and a corporal.
In addition to his law enforcement career, Sgt. Mulholland is a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve, currently assigned to the 351st Civil Affairs Command in Mountain View, CA. He specializes in Civil Affairs. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2011–2012 and continues to serve his country with the same commitment he brings to the community.
Sgt. Mulholland has a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a minor in History and is completing his master’s degree in organizational leadership with a concentration in Emergency Management and Disaster Science.
Sgt. Mulholland lives locally with his wife Samantha, their newborn son Shane, and his daughter Savannah.
Mulholland was pinned by his mother.
New Sgt. Joseph Chandler is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by his wife.
Sergeant Joseph Chandler
Sgt. Chandler began his Law Enforcement career in 2016 in the south bay and lateralled to Antioch in 2020. While at APD he has served as a Field Training Officer, he’s a Team Leader for our Crisis Negotiation Team, and a Post certified instructor for many de-escalation courses. Joe enjoys serving the Antioch community and is dedicated to helping APD grow.
Chandler had his wife pin on his new badge.
New Corporal Adam Duffy is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by his wife and son.
Corporal Adam Duffy
Corporal Duffy was born and raised in Antioch, the city he proudly serves today. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is a U.S. Navy veteran, having served six years as a Master-at-Arms. Before joining the Antioch Police Department, he worked as a Deputy Sheriff with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. Since joining the Antioch Police Department, he has served as a Field Training Officer, is a current member of the Crisis Negotiation Team, and for the past four years, he has been assigned to the department’s Investigation Bureau’s Violent Crime Unit.
Duffy was pinned with his new badge by his wife and son.
New Corporal Jonathan Downie is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by his wife. (Right photo by Antioch PD)
Corporal Jonathan Downie
Corporal Downie grew up in Martinez, where he attended Alhambra High School. After graduating in 2002, he joined the United States Marine Corps as an MV-22 crew chief. John became certified as an EMT and worked for AMR in Alameda County for seven years.
In 2013, he began his policing career with the Sheriff’s office before becoming an officer in Antioch. Since joining the Antioch Police Department, Cpl. Downie has held a variety of assignments. He has served as an officer in patrol, been on the recruiting and social media teams, and served as a drone operator.
When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Helen, his two sons, Dominic and Trevor, and his daughter, MacKenzie.
Fun fact: His most recent trainee, whom he had never met before joining the department, was in the same Marine Corps boot camp company as Cpl. Downie. After learning this, Cpl Downie and Officer Siemietkowski both went home, looked through their USMC boot camp yearbooks, and confirmed that they had trained together back in 2002.
Downie’s wife pinned him with his new badge.
New Officer Markendra Wilson is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by her daughter.
Officer Markendra Wilson – Lateral
Officer Wilson was born in Oakland. Growing up she played a lot of sports which included volleyball, basketball, softball and track. In her free time, she enjoys fishing, hiking, and travelling. She also enjoys spending time with her daughter. Prior to joining APD, Officer Wilson worked at Oakland PD for two years.
Fun fact: Officer Wilson is currently rebuilding a 1989 Chevy Caprice that was formerly a police car and has been featured in Almost Got Away With It.
Wilson’s daughter pinned her new badge to her uniform.
New Officer Daniel Cabada is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by his father.
Officer Daniel Cabada – Academy Graduate
Officer Cabada was born in Pittsburg and grew up in Brentwood. He graduated from Liberty High School. His favorite subjects in school were history and science. Growing up he enjoyed learning martial arts and watching combat sports. He is excited and honored to start a career with APD!
Fun Fact: Daniel is a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
Cabada’s father pinned the new officer’s badge.
New Officer Larry Alamilla is introduced and then pinned by Chief Vigil.
Officer Larry Alamilla – Academy Graduate
Officer Alamilla was born in Martinez and raised in Concord. Growing up he played soccer and practiced Kung Fu and he’s a first-degree brown belt. He attended Concord High School and shortly after attended Diablo Valley Community College. He received his AA in Administration of Justice. His hobbies include going to the gym, hiking, kayaking, and being outdoors. He enjoys travelling and has been to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.
Fun fact: His favorite soccer team is the San Jose Earthquakes.
Alamilla chose Chief Vigil for his badge pinning.
Chief Vigil with the three new officers (left) and four promoted department leaders (right).
Almost half of cuts from Police Department staffing, overtime savings
Plus, $165.3 million 5-Year Capital Improvements budget and $2.4 million in federal community funds
By Allen D. Payton
Following all the special budget session meetings over the past several months, the Antioch City Council, during their meeting Tuesday night, June 24, 2025, is expected to approve the 2025-26 budget with over $11.5 million in spending cuts and using $5 million from the Budget Stabilization Fund. The City was facing a $24.3 million deficit for the coming fiscal year and if the budget is approved as recommended, will have a net deficit of $7.7 million which will be covered from reserves.
Almost half of the savings, $5.5 million, will be in the Police Department budget from Vacancy Savings and Overtime Reductions. UPDATE: That’s due to the current staffing vacancies of approximately 30 sworn officers and the chief informing the council that they expect to add 15 more officers in the next year. So, instead of determining the savings from the staff vacancies during a mid-year budget review and spending the one-time funds on other City budget items, the council chose to account for it in the budget up front to reduce the deficit.
In spite of the cuts, future fiscal years still show the City facing projected deficits of $10,629,642 in 2026-27 and $25,396,400 in 2028-29.
The proposed budget also includes an allocation from the Measure W 1% City sales tax of 70-15-15 or 70% for Police, 15% for Quality of Life and 15% for Youth. (See page 6 of the Budget)
According to the City staff report for item #5, “Since March, City Council and staff have been diligently scrutinizing the budget to close a starting point fiscal year 2026 deficit of $24,270,240. Initially, staff was able to shave $8,603,792 from that number, for a fiscal year 2026 deficit of $15,666,448 as presented at the March 4th budget session. Upon further collaboration with the Council, City Manager and departments as we moved through the exhaustive budget process, and through a series of further adjustments, a General Fund budget with a net deficit of $7,737,331, after a $5M infusion from the Budget Stabilization Fund.”
In addition, under item #3 the Council is expected to approve the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program budget for 2025-2030 for Community Facilities, Parks & Trails, Roadway Improvements, Traffic Signals, Wastewater & Storm Drain System and the City’s Water System. Currently, there are $163.3 million of projects in progress which includes $6,238,209 of projects that the Council added to the list.
Finally, in other budget action, under item #4 the Council will consider approving the recommendations of the City Council’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Subcommittee for a total of $2,369,318 in federal funds for the coming fiscal year. Mayor Pro Tem Louie Rocha, representing District 2, and Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, representing District 1, served on the CDBG Subcommittee for this funding cycle.
The meeting begins at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers inside City Hall at 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown. It can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast Local Cable Channel 24 or on AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
By Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division
Officers with the Antioch Police Department investigated an early morning shooting that sent one person to the hospital. On June 4, 2025, at approximately 2:51 AM, Antioch police officers were alerted to a shooting via a ShotSpotter activation in the 30-block of East Lake Drive. As officers arrived on scene, a 31-year-old male victim arrived at a local hospital suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Investigating officers located the crime scene and canvassed the area for additional evidence and witnesses. The victim was admitted to an area hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.
Based on the initial investigation, this appears to be an isolated incident. This is still an active investigation, and no further information will be released. The identity of the victim is not being released at this time.
Additional inquiries oor information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Ibanez at (925) 481-8398 or by emailing ribanez@antiochca.gov.
Chief Joe Vigil (center) is joined by (L-R) new Officers Daniel Campos, Elias Orocio, Lorenzo Ortiz, Placido Serna, Priest Jennings, Phillip Rollins, Altaaf Ahmed and Ryan Reynolds during the oath of office ceremony on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Photo: Antioch PD
Brings force to 87 sworn
By Antioch Police Department
Eight more Antioch Police Officers were added to the force during an oath of office ceremony on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Chief Joe Vigil administered the oath of office as family members, friends and fellow department personnel watched inside the Nick Rodriguez Community n Center theater.
Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the Antioch Police Department!
Altaaf Ahmed – Academy Graduate
From Stockton and a Cesar Chavez High grad, Altaaf is the first in his family to enter law enforcement. He worked at Stockton PD.
Fun fact: Altaaf speaks five languages!
Placido Serna – Academy Graduate
Stockton native with degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology. He enjoys time with his girlfriend and three kids.
Fun fact: Placido had no kids at 21—two by 22!
Priest Jennings – Lateral Officer
Born in Fresno, raised in Stockton. Priest holds a Master’s degree and played college sports. He came to us from Fresno PD.
Fun fact: Priest loves roller skating!
Ryan Reynolds – Lateral Officer
Vacaville native and Marine Corps vet. Previously served with El Cerrito PD.
Fun fact: Ryan enjoys bass fishing and Jiu Jitsu. (No, he’s not the famous movie actor).
Elias Orocio – Academy Graduate
Born in Berkeley, raised in Antioch. He is currently earning a Finance degree.
Fun fact: Elias has a twin brother!
Lorenzo Ortiz – Academy Graduate
From Hayward, raised in Antioch, has a Kinesiology degree and worked in physical therapy.
Fun fact: Lorenzo loves working out and watching sports.
Daniel Campos – Academy Graduate
Originally from Porterville, Daniel worked as an EMT before joining APD.
Fun fact: Danel is a big Star Wars fan!
Phillip Rollins – Lateral Officer
Born in Arkansas, raised in the East Bay and came to us from the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department. He values family, faith and a clean car.
Fun fact: Washing his car is Phillip’s favorite hobby!
That brings the total number of sworn officers on the force to 87 out of 115 in the budget.
