(L-R) New Animal Control Officer Danika “Dani” Anderson, and new officers Rich Siemietkowski, Jake Merrill, Rhondon Pollard and Tanner Andrade join Acting Chief Joe Vigil (center) following their oaths of office ceremony on Monday, March 24, 2025. Photo: Antioch PD.
Plus, new Animal Control Officer; brings total sworn to 84
By Antioch Police Department
Meet our newest APD Team Members!
Please join us in welcoming four new lateral officers and our newest Animal Control Officer to the Antioch Police Department family! They were administered their oaths of office during a ceremony at the Antioch Police Facility on Monday, March 24, 2025.
Officer Tanner Andrade Tanner grew up in Brentwood and now lives there with his wife, Lauren, and their three daughters. He enjoys spending time with family, friends, and his two German Shepherds, Xena and Eleanor. Tanner joins us after serving over two years with San Bruno PD. Fun Fact: Tanner is an avid video game player!
Officer Rhondon Pollard Rhondon was raised in Stockton and is a proud Bear Creek High graduate. After nine years in the Army National Guard, he followed his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer, serving two years with Oakland PD. Rhondon is excited to bring his experience to APD. Fun Fact: Rhondon loves going out for ramen with his wife.
Officer Jake Merrill Jake was born in Stockton and graduated from Escalon High School in 2007. He earned his associate and bachelor’s degrees before serving in the military and working for the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. Fun Fact: Jake enjoys spearfishing in Big Sur and scuba diving in Monterey.
Officer Richard Siemietkowski Rich, a US Marine Corps veteran, has extensive law enforcement experience, including time with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department and the Veterans Affairs Police. Most recently, he worked as a full-time police instructor. In his downtime, Rich loves camping with his family and supporting his daughter’s horse competitions. Fun Fact: Rich enjoys rebuilding classic cars and training in Jiu Jitsu.
Animal Control Officer Danika (Dani) Anderson Dani grew up in Stockton and recently relocated to Antioch. She has over 10 years of experience in the veterinary field, dedicating her life to advocating for animals. Dani enjoys baking, spending time with her two daughters and husband, and watching history documentaries. Fun Fact: Dani once won an axe-throwing battle!
We’re excited to have each of them on board. Welcome to the APD family!
According to Lt. Michael Mellone, there are now 84 sworn officers on the police force “and more coming. We’re projecting six more in the next month.”
St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate with friends, family and good cheer. However, as the festivities often include alcohol, The Antioch Police Department is urging everyone to prioritize safety and avoid driving under the influence. Don’t rely on luck—plan ahead and make sure you have a sober way to get home.
In 2022 alone, there were 74 drunk-driving fatalities during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). More than 13,500 preventable deaths throughout 2022 involved drunk driving, representing 32% of all traffic fatalities in the United States that year.
Additional officers will be on during the weekend looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
“Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day responsibly is about protecting not just yourself but everyone on the road,” said Sergeant Rob Green. “Let’s work together to make this holiday memorable for all the right reasons. Make a plan for a safe ride home.”
Plan for a Safe Celebration Before heading out for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, follow these tips to stay safe: • Designate a Sober Driver: Choose someone ahead of time who will stay alcohol-free and make sure everyone gets home safely. • Use Ride-Sharing Services or Public Transportation: Apps and transit options are great alternatives to driving if you’ve been drinking. • Look Out for Others: Don’t let friends or family members drive impaired. Take their keys and help arrange a safe, sober ride. • Stay Alert: Watch for impaired drivers on the road and report them to local law enforcement by calling 925-778-2441, or for emergencies, 9-1-1.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Former Antioch Police Officer Morteza Amiri was convicted by a jury on Friday, March 14, 2025. Photo: Antioch PD
Morteza Amiri faces up to 20 years in prison
By U.S. Attorney Northern District of California
OAKLAND – A federal jury today convicted former Antioch police officer Morteza Amiri of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of falsification of records. The jury’s verdict followed an eight-day trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White.
Amiri, 33, was previously employed as a police officer with the Antioch Police Department. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Amiri, a K-9 handler, deployed his K-9 to bite suspects even when it was not necessary. Amiri kept a running bite count that he celebrated with other officers. Amiri also took photographs of the dog bites and shared them with other officers, stating in one text message that “gory pics are for personal stuff” and “cleaned up pics for the case.”
“Morteza Amiri violated the oath he swore to protect the people of Antioch. He flouted his duty as a police officer, misused his police dog, and inflicted unnecessary and excessive force against the victim. This appalling conduct erodes public trust in law enforcement. And it weakens law enforcement’s ability to carry out its primary mission of public safety. As today’s jury verdict makes clear, officers who put themselves above the law will be held accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins.
“Today’s guilty verdict against Morteza Amiri sends a clear message: no one is above the law, especially those sworn to uphold it. Amiri’s actions betrayed the trust of the community and undermined the integrity of law enforcement,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. “The FBI remains committed to holding accountable any officer who violates their oath and deprives citizens of their constitutional rights. The people of Antioch, and communities everywhere, deserve better.”
According to the evidence at trial, 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.
The jury convicted Amiri of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242 and one count of falsification of records in a federal investigation in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1519. The jury acquitted Amiri of one count of conspiracy against rights in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 241 and two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242.
Amiri was previously convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud following a jury trial in August 2024.
Amiri is scheduled to appear on March 18, 2025, for a hearing on whether to remand him to custody pending sentencing, and on June 3, 2025, for sentencing. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on the count of deprivation of rights under color of law and 20 years in prison on the count of falsification of records. Any sentence will be imposed by the Court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
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.
These civil rights 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:
Following the crash of the suspects’ car, Orey Douglas was arrested car and a gun was recovered on August 4, 2024. Photos: Brentwood PD
Orey Douglas has history of over 20 arrests since 2014 including for murder, multiple gun and sex crimes
By Brentwood Police Department
Around 1:00 AM Sunday morning August 4th, 2024, Brentwood officers responded to an armed robbery at 50 Sand Creek Road. While officers were interviewing the victim, Oakley PD spotted the suspects’ vehicle in their jurisdiction and attempted a traffic stop. The driver fled at a high rate of speed, leading to a pursuit. The suspect vehicle eventually crashed into an embankment off Highway 160.
Brentwood officers arrived at the crash scene and confirmed that the vehicle matched the description of the suspects’ car. Both occupants were detained, and a loaded handgun, along with the stolen property from the victim, was found in the vehicle. The suspect, 28-year-old Orey Azniam Douglas of Antioch, was positively identified and placed under arrest. Douglas was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.
This quick and coordinated response not only led to the arrest of the suspect but also likely prevented further crimes.
According to a report by crimevoice.com, they robbed Los Mexicanos Market and the second suspect Sam Donte Gray, 38 (born 11-10-85), of Concord, remained at large until he was arrested on August 8. Douglas was charged with second-degree robbery and three firearms-related charges and was held in the West County Detention Facility on $160,000 bail pending his Oct. 7th court hearing.
On March 3rd, 2025, the suspects, Douglas and Gray, were found guilty of armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, along with numerous firearm charges and enhancements.
This case highlights the collective efforts of everyone involved, including patrol officers from both Brentwood PD and Oakley PD, along with our Detectives. Their dedication and teamwork played a critical role in this successful conviction while also ensuring the safety of our community.
According to localcrimenews.com, the six-feet, three-inch tall, 215-pound Douglas is Black and has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by multiple agencies including police departments in Antioch, Hayward, Fremont, BART, Oakland, San Jose, Vacaville, as well as Sheriff’s Departments in Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano counties, and Contra Costa CHP. Charges include murder, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, multiple gun crimes, sex with a minor and unlawfully causing a minor to engage in a commercial sex act by force, carjacking, vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, false imprisonment, threatening a witness, evading police and resisting arrest.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, nine-inch tall, 217-pound Gray is Black and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $140,0000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 9, 2025, at 8:30 AM in Superior Court in Martinez.
According to localcrimenews.com, he was arrested for conspiracy to commit a crime, robbery, assault with a firearm on a person, felony parole violation and addict in possession of a firearm. Gray was previously arrested on Sept. 8, 2023, by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department on order for a person’s removal from prison to appear in court.
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 “Boo” Jeffrey attempted to sell an assault rifle; became fugitive, later captured by U.S. Marshals and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies; faces 15 years in prison
By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California
SAN FRANCISCO – On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, a federal jury found Timothy Demetrius Jeffrey, aka “Boo,” 44, of Antioch, Calif. (born 4/24/80), guilty of two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, following a trial before Senior U.S. District Judge William Alsup.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 25, 2023, a Pittsburg Police Department officer attempted to stop the vehicle that Jeffrey was driving. Jeffrey drove into a shopping plaza parking lot, parked, exited the car, and fled on foot away from the 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 became a fugitive soon after his arrest, and his whereabouts were unknown until an investigation by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service led law enforcement to suspect Jeffrey’s presence at a relative’s home in Antioch. On March 27, 2024, the United States Marshals Service surveilled the address and spotted Jeffrey entering the home. U.S. Marshals arrested Jeffrey, after which the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the residence.
Sheriff’s 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.
“The defendant, a convicted felon, not only possessed a semi-automatic pistol and assault rifle but also attempted to sell the rifle on the black market. His actions endangered the community, and law enforcement’s work on this case helped prevent this deadly weapon from falling into the wrong hands,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins. “We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to combat the presence of illegal firearms in our communities.”
“ATF works closely with our partners to track the illegal movement of firearms,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The defendant is a convicted felon who attempted to illegally sell firearms. ATF will continue to work side by side with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to ensure that our communities are safe. We will continue to focus on reducing gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking and ensuring that firearms stay out of the hands of prohibited persons.”
Jeffrey was convicted of two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). His sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2025. The defendant faces a maximum statutory sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. Any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
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 and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jillian Harvey are prosecuting 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.
In addition to the two aforementioned arrests, according to localcrimenews.com, the five-feet, eleven-inch tall, 200-pound Jeffrey is Black and was previously arrested on Feb. 29, 2016, by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department for federal (21 U.S. Code Section 846) attempt and conspiracy charges and again on Nov. 16, 2020, by Alameda County Sheriff’s Department for unspecified charges. He was also arrested in Jan. 2010 by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for vehicle theft.
Depending on tier and zone Lone Tree Retail Project next to In-Shape Also, creating Sycamore police substation; will study budget
By Allen D. Payton
It will cost you more to take a shower, brush your teeth, do the dishes and laundry, water your yard and flush the toilet if the Antioch City Council approves significant water rate increases during their meeting tonight, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. The mayor and council members will consider raising rates for the first time since 2019, by 45 to 93 percent for different tiers and zones over the next three years. But before the vote the council will hear from members of the public.
They will also consider leasing space in the Sycamore Square shopping center for a Police Substation during a 5:00 p.m. Closed Session and discuss the 2025-27 budget at 6:00 p.m. During the regular session beginning at 7:00 p.m., the Council will also discuss the creation of a Homeless/Unhoused Ad Hoc Committee from the Councilmembers’ 90-Day Request List. Finally, the Council will consider approving the Lone Tree Retail Project next to the In-Shape Fitness health club.
Source: City of Antioch
Proposed Water Rate Increases Under Item 5 on their regular meeting agenda, the Council will hold a public hearing to consider annual water rate increases through July 1, 2028, keeping the current tiered structure. If approved, Non-Single Family Zone 1 rates would be raised from $4.44 to $6.42 per hundred cubic feet (HCU), a 44.6% increase and Zone IV would increase 82.5% from $4.86 to $8.87.
All eight tiers and zones for Single-Family residential rates would also be affected with Tier 2 Zone I given the lowest increase of 45.6%, from $6.22 to $9.06 per HCU. If approved, Tier 1 Zone IV would experience the greatest rate increase of 93%, from $4.20 to $8.11 per HCU over the three years.
Monthly Meter Service for single-family residential customers would also rise from $24.40 to $35.40, a 45% increase.
It will be the first water rate increase in the city since 2019. The first rate increases will begin May 1, 2025.
Lone Tree Retail Project location map. Source: City of Antioch
Lone Tree Retail Project Development Under Item 6, the Council will consider approving the Final Development Plan, Use Permit and Design Review for development of the Lone Tree Retail project. The location is next to the In-Shape Fitness health club at 4099 Lone Tree Way, and will consist of a Mister Car Wash, Habit Burger & Grill and Chipotle or to be determined retail on 3.22 acres.
Meeting & Public Comments Details Those in attendance at the meeting can speak during general Public Comments on items not on the agenda at the beginning of the meeting until 7:30 p.m. and again at the end of the meeting. They can also speak on any agendized item for up to three minutes except for public hearings, during which they can speak for up to five minutes.
The meetings are held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown or can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website or on Comcast local access cable Channel 24 of AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
The suspects’ U-Haul van was stopped and searched on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. Photo: San Mateo PD
One of two suspects attempted to flee from police; used U-Haul van
Has been arrested over 50 times since 2012
By San Mateo Police Department
San Mateo, CA – On February 28, 2025, at 1:01 a.m., the San Mateo Police Department received a call from a community member who was witnessing two suspects wearing masks breaking into an apartment complex’s mailbox, located on the 3000 block of La Selva Street. The witness saw the suspects get into a U-Haul van and leave the area.
Officers arriving in the area where able to quickly locate the U-Haul van and attempted a stop the van. The driver of the U-Haul van failed to stop and fled the area, driving northbound on Highway 101. Officers followed the suspects into San Francisco where the van finally stopped on the 900 block of Florida Street. Two suspects, James Spearman and Erika Martinez, were safely detained in handcuffs as they ran away from the U-Haul van.
As officers investigated this incident, officers found numerous pieces of stolen property in the suspect’s vehicle. Officers located the mailbox stolen from the apartment complex and other pieces of mail, identification cards, social security cards, and other property belonging to over 100 different people from different cities located throughout the greater Bay Area. Officers also located stolen property from an auto burglary that occurred in San Mateo approximately 30 minutes before the mail theft.
Spearman and Martinez were placed under arrest for multiple crimes and booked into San Mateo County Jail. This investigation is ongoing as we attempt to contact and locate additional victims from the recovered evidence.
We continue to 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 James Robert Spearman, 38-year-old Antioch resident. (Born 7/20/86) CHARGES: 182(a)(1) PC- Conspiracy to commit a crime, 666.1 PC- Theft with prior convictions, 496(a) PC- Receive or possess stolen property, 530.5(c)(3) PC- Identity Theft of 10 or more people, 11377(a) HS- Possession of a controlled substance.
ARRESTED Erika Martinez, 42-year-old San Francisco resident. CHARGES: 182(a)(1) PC- Conspiracy to commit a crime, 666.1 PC- Theft with prior convictions, 496(a) PC- Receive or possess stolen property, 530.5(c)(3) PC- Identity Theft of 10 or more people, 11377(a) HS- Possession of a controlled substance.
According to localcrimenews.com, here, here and here, the six-foot tall, 180 lb. Spearman is Black and has been arrested at least 54 times dating back to 2012 by multiple agencies throughout the Bay Area for gun and drug charges, burglary, vehicle theft, forgery, using stolen ID, evading arrest and lying to police.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he is 175 lbs. and in custody in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail.
