28 charged in statewide Operation Protect the Vote, five in Bay Area

By Ciaran McEvoy, PIO, U.S. Attorney’s Office Central District of California

LOS ANGELES – Federal law enforcement throughout California today arrested 11 foreign nationals living in the United States who are charged in criminal complaints with federal crimes, including that they fraudulently registered to vote in U.S. elections, electoral contests in which most of them cast illegal and fraudulently obtained ballots.

A total of 28 people were charged statewide, 21 who actually voted in elections and 11 were arrested today. Law enforcement is seeking the other individuals or they have been summoned.

Today’s arrests are part of “Operation Protect the Vote” – a coordinated effort among all four California-based United States Attorney’s Offices to combat and root out fraud in U.S. elections and protect electoral integrity. 

All 28 foreign nationals charged are lawful permanent residents (LPRs), or “green card” holders. Although LPRs have legal immigration status in the United States, they are not U.S. citizens and are not permitted to vote in U.S. elections.

The criminal charges include making false statements in a naturalization application and some of the defendants also are charged with fraudulent voter registration. Both charges are felonies that carry a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

The defendants arrested today are expected to make their initial appearances this afternoon in U.S. District Court. No pleas will be taken today.

On October 13, the federal government provided a list of these individuals to California to ensure that their vote-by-mail ballots were set aside until these individuals’ citizenship status could be confirmed. California declined to assist the federal government in setting aside their ballots, prompting a lawsuit by the United States that seeks a court order to prevent the unlawful dilution of American citizens’ votes and to uphold the integrity of our elections.

“Every illegal vote cancels out the vote of a lawful American citizen,” said Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter. “Each of the 28 defendants charged today appears on the list of more than 20,000 likely noncitizen registrants we provided to California election officials last week. California refused to look at that list. Today’s charges show exactly what that refusal puts at risk. California must verify the citizenship of those more than 20,000 registrants before mail-in ballots are counted.”

“Today’s arrests prove what we have been saying,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “California is mailing ballots to noncitizens, and they are refusing to comply with federal law, which makes it a crime for noncitizens to vote. The voting rights of American citizens must be protected.”

“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is committed to protecting the integrity of our nation’s electoral process by investigating allegations of criminal conduct that undermine public confidence in our elections,” said HSI Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon. “Working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue those who knowingly violate federal law, while ensuring that every investigation is conducted fairly, thoroughly, and consistent with due process.”

According to court documents, the defendants knowingly and willfully lied under oath in their voter registration applications that they were U.S. citizens to be permitted to vote in California. Their fraudulent voter registration applications were approved, and, in many cases, the defendants illegally voted in recent U.S. elections. They subsequently lied in their paperwork to become naturalized U.S. citizens that they had never claimed U.S. citizenship, nor had they registered to vote or voted in U.S. elections.

Broken down by jurisdiction, the following defendants are charged in today’s takedown:

Central District of California

All the following defendants below in this jurisdiction face felony charges, including false statements in a naturalization application:

• Omar Alexander Muñoz, 72, a Belizean national living in Commerce, fraudulently registered to vote in September 2019, claiming his was a U.S. citizen, then voted in U.S. elections in 2020, twice in 2022, and in 2024. He also lied on his application to become a naturalized U.S. citizen when he falsely stated under oath to have never claimed to be a U.S. citizen.
• Amandeep Kaur, 30, an Indian national living in Rancho Palos Verdes and who is seeking to become a U.S. citizen, fraudulently registered to vote in December 2022 and voted in the November 2024 U.S. election.
• Ana Domínguez, 60, a Salvadoran national living in Long Beach, fraudulently registered to vote in July 2006 and lied in her naturalization paperwork in March 2026.
• Axel Giovani Prera García, 46, a Guatemalan national and Pico Rivera resident, fraudulently registered to vote in 2002 and 2005, and lied in his naturalization paperwork in June 2025.
• Flavio Alejandro Zúñiga, 43, a Mexico national and La Puente resident, fraudulently registered to vote in 2003 and lied in his naturalization paperwork in February 2026.
• Butleng Taing, 43, a Cambodian national living in Long Beach, fraudulently registered to vote in July 2021, voted in the 2022 and 2024 U.S. elections, and lied on his naturalization paperwork in August 2025.
• Carlos Antonio Galeas, 54, a Honduran national and West Covina resident, fraudulently registered to vote in 2012 and 2016, then lied in his naturalization paperwork in September 2018.
• Ernest Gutiérrez Ruvalcaba, 57, a Mexican national living in Wilmington, fraudulently registered to vote in February 2024 and voted one month later.
• Jesús Narez-Madrigal, 52, a Mexican national living in Carson, fraudulently registered to vote in 2014, voted in the 2024 U.S. general election, and lied in his naturalization paperwork in June 2024.
• José Antonio Bañuelos-Díaz, 42, a Mexican national and West Adams resident, fraudulently registered to vote in 2007 and lied on his naturalization paperwork in March 2025.
• Muhammad Khan, 50, a Pakistani national and Anaheim resident, submitted a provisional ballot in 2020 and lied on his naturalization paperwork five years later.
• Rouzbeh Seyamaknejad, 63, a Canadian national and Rancho Palos Verdes resident, fraudulently registered to vote in December 2018, lied in his naturalization application in January 2024, and voted in the November 2024 U.S. election.
• Sulema de León, 35, a Mexican national and Long Beach resident, fraudulently registered to vote in 2013, lied on her naturalization application in 2019, and voted in the November 2020 U.S. general election.

Eastern District of California

The following defendants are charged with voting by an alien in a federal election, a misdemeanor that carries a statutory maximum sentence of one year in federal prison:

• Maricela Nazarín González, 43, a Mexican national living in Clovis, registered to vote in 2020, indicating that she was a U.S. citizen, and voted in elections in 2022, twice in 2024, and 2025.
• Rony de Jesús Sicaja, 38, a Guatemalan national living in Fresno, fraudulently registered to vote in 2017, and voted in the June 2022 primary election and the November 2024 general election in the United States.
• Camino Giles Jiménez, 51, a Mexican national living in Kerman, knowingly voted in three U.S. elections despite knowing he is a noncitizen, the most recent election being the June 2026 primary.
• Juan Antonio Rivas García, 46, a Mexican national and Sacramento resident, fraudulently registered to vote in 2018 and 2020, both times falsely asserting under oath that he was a U.S. citizen. Rivas voted in the 2022 and 2024 U.S. elections.
• Giezell Viduya Adawag, 41, a Philippines national and Vacaville resident, fraudulently registered to vote the day of the November 2024 general election, falsely certified that she was a U.S. citizen, and voted in the election that day. 
• Kamlesh Navnitlal Shah, 67, an Indian national living in Sacramento, fraudulently registered to vote on the day of the November 2024 general election and voted that day. He is charged via information.

Northern District of California

The following defendants are charged with attempted procurement of naturalization contrary to law, false statement under oath in any matter relating to naturalization or citizenship, and voting by an alien: 

• Verónica Bullene, 43, a.k.a. “Verónica Hernández Martínez,” a Mexican national living in Petaluma, made false statements on her naturalization application that she had never claimed to be a U.S. citizen when, in fact, she did so under penalty of perjury to register to vote in 2022 and 2023 then voted in 2024.
• David Shapiro, 41, a Georgian national living in San Jose, fraudulently registered to vote in 2024 and later voted in a U.S. election, and made false statements on his naturalization application that he had never claimed to be a U.S. citizen.
• Moe Thida Lwin, 57, a Myanmar national and Daly City resident, fraudulently registered to vote in 2024 and then proceeded to illegally vote in a U.S. citizen. She made false statements on her naturalization paperwork as well.
• Manakotau Mataele Finau, 61, a Tongan national and Hayward resident, fraudulently registered to vote in the 2024 election then vote, then lied about it in naturalization paperwork.
• Maribel del Carmen Garcés Barriga, 62, an Ecuadoran national and San Francisco resident, made false statements in her naturalization paperwork that she never claimed U.S. citizenship and had never voted in a U.S. election or had registered to vote. In fact, Garcés fraudulently registered to vote in 2024 and proceeded to vote in a U.S. election.

Southern District of California

The following defendants are charged with false claim to citizenship to vote, unlawful attempted procurement of naturalization, and false statement under oath in matter relating to naturalization or citizenship:

• José Probitsado Amaro, 51, a citizen of the Philippines living in National City, fraudulently registered to vote by falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen. He then cast a ballot in the November 2024 general election and made false statements during his naturalization interview, denying that he had ever claimed U.S. citizenship and misrepresenting his voting history.
• Jennifer Jung, 31, a Canadian national living in San Diego, fraudulently registered to vote by falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen. She then cast a ballot in the November 2024 general election and made false statements during her naturalization interview, denying that she had ever claimed U.S. citizenship and misrepresenting her voting history.
• Erick Ronaldo Soto Mendizábal, 64, a citizen of Guatemala and former Oceanside resident now living in Moreno Valley, fraudulently registered to vote by falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen. He then cast a ballot in the November 2024 general election and made false statements in his naturalization application, denying that he had ever claimed U.S. citizenship and misrepresenting his voting history.
• Pamele Arbués Line, 56, a citizen of the Philippines living in Escondido, registered to vote, cast a ballot in the November 2024 general election, and made false statements in her naturalization interview, denying that she had ever claimed U.S. citizenship and misrepresenting her voting history.

Criminal complaints and informations merely contain allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating these matters in the Central District of California. HSI and the FBI are investigating these matters in the Eastern and Northern Districts of California. HSI, the FBI, and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services are investigating the matters in the Southern District of California.

Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Wheat and Minjae Kim of the Orange County Office are prosecuting the Central District of California cases. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Khasigian and Joshua Banister are prosecuting the Eastern District of California cases. Special Assistant United States Attorney Roger Dinh is prosecuting the Northern District of California cases.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Discuss 2027-28 General Fund Budget with projected $11.2M deficit, consider closing Marina due to annual subsidy

Receive reports on APD Reform, Youth Services, Delta Landing homeless hotel in Pittsburg, vote on 3% COLA for final employee group

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting Tuesday night, Oct. 13, 2026, the Antioch City Council will deal with 315 pages of a full agenda with 18 items, including 16 items on the Consent Calendar. They will begin with a Special Meeting at 5:00 p.m. to discuss and give input to staff on development of the Fiscal Year 2027-2028 General Fund Budget. Then at 7:00 p.m. their Regular Meeting will begin.

2027-28 General Fund Budget Development

During their Special Meeting, the Council will discuss the 2027-28 General Fund Budget Development which shows the City facing a $16.25 million deficit before a $5 million transfer from the Budget Stabilization Fund for a projected net $11.25 million deficit for the fiscal year.

One item of controversy is the possible closing of the Antioch Marina. According to the City staff report, “as mentioned at the August 25th session, the non-departmental budget reviewed included a reduction in the subsidy to close the Marina and provide for only debt service repayment and the existing full-time staffing at the Marina, which would need to be re-assigned to other areas within Public Works. If the Marina were closed, this could potentially provide $185K in budget savings in 2027/28, however the loss of a recreational facility and potential harmful business impact to the restaurant at the Marina may negate the financial savings.”

Presentations

Toward the beginning of the Regular Meeting the Council will be provided with three presentations including:

• Antioch Police Department 3rd Quarter Report and the APD Reform Update;
• Youth Services Programs, Investments and Community Impact Final Report for FY 2025-26; and
• Delta Landing: Program Operations, Service and Outcomes report by Contra Costa Health for the homeless hotel in Pittsburg at the former Motel 6 site on Loveridge Road.

Consent Calendar

Under the Consent Calendar the Council will vote on accepting completion for the Antioch Water Park Concrete improvements 2026 Project (Item 15.L.) and Pool Resurfacing Project (Item 15.M.). Plus, they will vote on rejecting all bids and re-evaluating the scope of the Installation of Park Signage Project (Item 15.N.) because the lowest responsive bid that could be accepted was over $86,000 more than budgeted. Finally, the Council will vote on approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Antioch and the Confidential Unit for a 3% COLA at a total cost of $111,883, with $92,419 from the General Fund, and approving a Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget amendment to cover the additional costs (Item 15.P.). As previously reported, the Confidential Unit includes a variety of staff positions: the Deputy City Clerk, Account Specialists, Analysts, Assistants, Coordinators, Specialists and Technicians. The 26 employees in the Unit have been working without a contract since September 30, 2025. See City’s Master Salary Schedule.

Reestablishing Economic Development Department

Under Item 16, the Council will vote on reestablishing a standalone Economic Development Department separate from Community Development, determine funding for an Economic Development Director position with an amended job classification and amended salary range, an Economic Development Specialist, and assigning a Department budget.

Downtown Security Services

Finally, under Item 17, the Council will give direction to staff on reestablishing private security services for downtown Rivertown. That includes initiating a competitive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for private security services; determining the geographic scope of services, including whether coverage should be limited to City-owned properties and designated public areas in the Rivertown/Downtown area or include additional areas throughout the City; and determining the days and hours of operation for private security services. The council will decide on a budget during a future meeting.

Meeting Details

The Special Meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. and Regular Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m., both in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown and can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast cable TV channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99 or on the City’s YouTube channel.

See the complete agenda packet with staff reports here.

By City of Antioch

ANTIOCH, Calif. — In response to the announcement by Chief Joe Vigil earlier Friday, October 9, 2026, Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal today recognized a significant achievement for the city following the U.S. Department of Justice’s determination that the Antioch Police Department has reached substantial compliance with the requirements of its agreement with the federal government. (See related article)

The determination brings the 21-month agreement to a close and marks an important step forward for the department and the Antioch community.

“This is good news for Antioch and an accomplishment our community can be proud of,” said Mayor Bernal. “For the past 21 months, Chief Vigil and the men and women of the Antioch Police Department have worked hard to meet the DOJ’s requirements while making meaningful improvements to the department. They deserve recognition for what they’ve accomplished.”

Throughout the agreement, the department worked to address the DOJ’s requirements while strengthening its policies, practices, and commitment to accountability and community engagement.

Bernal said the conclusion of the agreement is an opportunity to recognize the department’s work while remaining focused on the future.

“Meeting the requirements of this agreement was important, but our responsibility to the community doesn’t end here,” Bernal said. “We have an obligation to keep improving, to hold ourselves to high standards, and to earn the confidence of the people we serve.”

The mayor said the city will continue supporting the department’s efforts to build on the improvements made over the past 21 months.

“Our goal hasn’t changed,” Bernal said. “We want Antioch to be home to one of the best police departments in the country. We’ve taken an important step toward that goal, and we’re going to keep working to get there.”

Councilman Rocha Praises Chief Vigil

In addition, District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha also responded writing, “I offer my praise of APD Chief Vigil working in collaboration with City leadership to successfully implement into practice police reform initiatives identified in the US DOJ agreement that has resulted in the release of federal DOJ oversight. I believe the research based best practices, procedures and supervision will continue to improve community public safety services that will become a model for other law enforcement agencies to follow.”

Former City Manager Scott is Proud of Team

When informed of the decision by the DOJ, former City Manager Bessie Scott shared her thoughts and appreciation. She wrote, “I’m extremely proud of our team for being able to negotiate this settlement agreement and work diligently to set up the structures and processes for sustaining substantial compliance at APD! Chief Vigil, Captain Bower, (Assistant City Attorney) Kevin Kundinger, and (consultant) Manjit Sappal are dedicated to the success of maintaining the reforms we worked hard on to achieve.”

“I believe this may be the fastest exit from a Consent Decree to date, and I am proud of our team for their commitment to advancing constitutional policing in Antioch,” she added.

Vigil later responded simply, “Team effort.”

UPDATE 1: Torres-Walker Responds

In a brief post on her official Facebook page Saturday morning, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker offered her thoughts on Chief Vigil’s announcement writing, “All these years of hard work are paying off.

“I want to thank Chief Vigil, Former City Manager; Bessie Marie Scott, out of the way; all members of the Antioch Police Department; and Community members who never stopped fighting. Without your commitment and hard work, this great milestone would not be possible.

“Progress should always be applauded while understanding that there is still more work to do.”

The councilwoman was asked to clarify what she meant by “out of the way” but did not respond to efforts to reach her.

The other two council members were also asked for their comments but did not respond prior to publication time.

Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

“Significant Progress Across the Department…A Milestone, Not an Endpoint”

“While this is an important achievement, our work doesn’t stop here.” – Chief Joe Vigil

By Chief Joe Vigil, Antioch Police Department

ANTIOCH, Calif. — The Antioch Police Department (APD) is proud to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing reform efforts: The U.S. Department of Justice (U.S. DOJ) has determined that APD has achieved substantial compliance with the requirements of its Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

On September 30, 2026, the U.S. DOJ notified APD they were releasing them from the MOA. The DOJ advised APD they had achieved substantial compliance with its requirements. APD is no longer under federal oversight.

The MOA, signed January 2, 2025, established comprehensive requirements addressing constitutional and non-discriminatory policing, recruitment and promotions, data collection and analysis, misconduct investigations, language access, community engagement, accountability, oversight, and collaboration among City leadership, the Police Department, and community stakeholders.

As previously reported, the U.S. DOJ stated the agreement was intended “to resolve an investigation of race discrimination and other discriminatory conduct by APD officers against members of the public in Antioch.”

In addition, under the agreement, APD was required to “hire an expert law enforcement consultant jointly selected by the parties to review and update APD’s policies, procedures and training on a variety of topics, including non-discriminatory policing, use of force, hiring and promotions, investigations of misconduct, discipline, community policing, language access, and other topics.”

Furthermore, the MOA contemplated “a role for the Antioch Police Oversight Commission and sets forth a framework for data collection and reporting for a five-year period of departmental monitoring, among other provisions.”

Finally, according to the 25-page agreement, “This Agreement may terminate prior to the five-year date (‘Early Termination’) if the United States determines that the APD has substantially complied with each of the provisions of the Agreement and has maintained substantial compliance for at least twelve months, no sooner than three years from the Effective Date.”

The council was also provided semi-annual progress reports by APD.

In a video announcement posted on APD’s Facebook page today, Vigil summarized the matter. He said, “Throughout this process we’ve strengthened our policies and training, enhanced accountability and misconduct investigations, improved safeguards against biased policing and expanded our community engagement efforts. While this is an important achievement, our work doesn’t stop here. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, constitutional policing and earning the trust of our community, every day. We’ll also continue our work under the Allen Agreement and maintain independent oversight to help sustain this progress.” (See related article)

“Thank you to everyone who has been part of this effort. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and we look forward to continuing this effort, together,” he concluded.

Reaching this milestone reflects the work of APD personnel, City leadership, community partners, oversight stakeholders, and residents who contributed to the reform process.

Significant Progress Across the Department

Throughout the process, APD established and strengthened systems designed to promote accountability, consistency, and constitutional policing. Key accomplishments include:

• Accountability, policies and training: APD established a Compliance and Professional Standards Division and strengthened processes for policy implementation, training, supervision, auditing, and accountability. Policies were reviewed and updated with input from Department personnel, industry experts, and the Antioch Police Oversight Commission, and were submitted to and approved by the U.S. Department of Justice.
• Constitutional policing, hiring and investigations: APD revised its bias-based policing policy, implemented Principled Policing training, established processes to review racial disparities in police activity, and enrolled in the Active Bystandership in Law Enforcement (ABLE) program. The Department also strengthened hiring and promotional processes through standardized procedures, independent testing, external evaluators, professional panels, and community participation. Misconduct investigations were standardized and assigned to third party investigators to provide an additional level of independent review.
• Language access and community engagement: APD identified bilingual personnel, expanded access to translation resources, and implemented language-assistance tools, including live translation capabilities in more than 50 languages through updated body-worn cameras. The Department also established a community engagement unit and expanded partnerships with schools, youth organizations, businesses, faith-based institutions, and neighborhood groups. APD revamped its Neighborhood Watch program, developed a Youth Academy, and is working to re-establish its Cadet Program.
• Data, oversight, and continuous improvement: APD strengthened data collection and analysis and established processes for ongoing review of Department practices. These systems are intended to help sustain the reforms implemented through the agreement and identify opportunities for continued improvement.

These efforts build on work that began before the MOA was formally executed and have continued throughout the Department’s reform process.

A Milestone, Not an Endpoint

The U.S. DOJ’s determination of substantial compliance is an important milestone for APD and the Antioch community. It does not mean the work of maintaining these standards or earning community trust is complete.

APD remains committed to effective supervision, ongoing training, accountability, policy review, data analysis, and meaningful community engagement.

APD also remains committed to the Allen Settlement Agreement, which continues to require additional reform and accountability measures. The Department will continue building upon the constitutional policing practices established through this reform process.

Thank You to the Antioch Community

This milestone would not have been possible without the dedication of APD personnel, City leadership, the Antioch Police Oversight Commission, the independent monitoring team, community partners, and residents who participated in and contributed to the reform process.

APD recognizes that community trust is earned through consistent actions over time. The Department is proud of the progress made and remains committed to building upon it.

For additional information regarding APD’s reform efforts and compliance documentation, visit the City of Antioch Police Department’s Transparency webpage.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Finalize agreement to expand DOJ-required monitoring consultant’s contract

Consider potential whistleblower lawsuit

By Allen D. Payton

During a special meeting Monday, August 31, 2026, the Antioch City Council will consider hiring an Economic Development Director and forming a separate Economic Development Department, again. They will also finalize the discussion and vote on expanding the contract with the monitoring consultant required by the settlement agreements with the U.S. Department of Justice, City of Antioch and police department. That will follow a Closed Session to discuss the lawsuit by the natural gas pipeline company and a potential lawsuit by a City employee whistleblower.

Economic Development Director & Department Redo

Under Item 2. on the Special Meeting agenda, the Council will consider once again forming an Economic Development Department and hiring a director for it, following its merger with the Community Development Department by City Manager Bessie Scott, last year.

It also follows the current vacancy in the position of Director of the Community and Economic Development Department since March 3, 2026, when the director was no longer in the position after being hired less than six months earlier. (See related article)

According to the City staff report, the Council “has identified economic development as an important policy priority, including business attraction and retention, investment recruitment, development incentives, redevelopment, workforce partnerships and strategies to strengthen the City’s economic base. At the August 25th budget study session, City Council expressed the desire to explore separating Economic Development from Community Development and re-establishing a separate department with its own Director to have a focused strategy…at a time when economic development and revenue generation are most vital to the City.”

The staff report continues, “the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Economic Development division in the Community and Economic Development Department includes $436,759 in personnel budget for three positions: Senior Economic Development Program Manager, Economic Development Program Manager and Economic Development Specialist. Projected vacancy savings were built into the 2026/27 budget figure assuming it would take several months to fill the positions. There could be a budget impact should City Council decide to add back the Director position.”

The recommended organizational structure of the department would include an Economic Development Director, Senior Economic Development Coordinator and Specialist, eliminating the position and cost for the Economic Development Program Manager.

The staff report also shared, the current salary range for the Antioch Economic Development Director is $13,021-$15,828 per month, which is on the low end of a salary comparison with surrounding cities that’s included. “If a new salary range were established beyond that, it should fall within Antioch’s existing range of executive leadership salaries. If City Council would desire to increase the existing established salary range for the department’s Director, it is recommended to be at a range of $14,185-$17,242, slightly above Brentwood and within the City’s existing structure. The 2026/27 estimated annual salary and benefit cost of the position at this range at Step E would be $393,027.”

Monitoring Consultant Contract

After discussing then postponing the matter during their Aug. 25th meeting, under Item 1 on the Special Meeting agenda, the Council will again consider approving the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with MS Investigative Services and Consulting, LLC, to expand the scope of services to include Independent Monitoring services required under the Allen Settlement Agreement (ASA); and authorizing an additional annual compensation amount of $150,000 for ASA monitoring services and associated Fiscal Year 2026/27 General Fund budget amendment.

According the company’s website, the Principal, Manjit Sappal “served in three California police departments, culminating in his tenure as Chief of Police for the City of Martinez…he also served twice as Interim City Manager…oversaw all municipal departments and guided the City through strategic budget initiatives, ballot measures, and community safety priorities.”

He earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration, a CA Private Investigator License, he’s a Certified Protection Professional, a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 241 and the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute and has received DEA Federal Law Enforcement Analysis Training and CA Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Executive, Management, Supervisory, Advance, Intermediate and Basic.

According to the City staff report, “The existing Professional Services Agreement…provides compensation of up to $250,000 annually for consulting and monitoring services required under the USDOJ Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The proposed First Amendment increases compensation by $150,000 annually to compensate the Consultant for the expanded monitoring responsibilities required under the Allen Settlement Agreement. The additional compensation will be paid hourly at the rate of $210 not to exceed $150,000.”

If the First Amendment is approved, total annual compensation for monitoring services under both agreements will not exceed $400,000 annually. Amending the contract requires a Fiscal Year 2026/27 General Fund budget amendment of $150,000 which will increase the projected deficit of $4,567,879 by $150,000. Funding for future years will be included in draft budgets brought forth for consideration.

Background

According to the City staff report, in April 2023, the USDOJ initiated an investigation into the Antioch Police Department following the public disclosure of text messages exchanged by Antioch police officers containing racist, sexist and discriminatory language. As a result, in Jan. 2025, the City of Antioch, Antioch Police Department and the USDOJ entered into the MOA, requiring implementation of reforms related to constitutional policing, accountability systems, data collection, complaint investigations, community engagement, hiring practices, supervision and oversight.

A key component of the MOA required the City and the USDOJ to jointly select an Independent Consultant to provide technical assistance, compliance monitoring and implementation oversight. Following a competitive and joint evaluation process with USDOJ representatives, MS Investigative Services and Consulting, LLC was selected as the Independent Consultant.

Then, on March 27, 2026, the City entered into the Settlement Agreement in Allen et al. v. City of Antioch, et al, a class action civil rights lawsuit. The Settlement Agreement incorporates many of the same constitutional policing reforms and accountability measures already required under the DOJ MOA and expressly requires that the existing DOJ Monitor also serve as the Monitor under the ASA.

See Final Allen Settlement Agreement.

As previously reported, Allen is one of four individuals convicted of the 2021 murder of Arnold Marcel Hawkins and the attempted murder of Aaron Patterson and it was that case which resulted in the release of the police officers’ texts. Allen and a variety of other plaintiffs claimed civil rights violations by the officers. A settlement between the City and their attorneys was announced Dec. 19, 2025.

The monitoring consultant submitted the Antioch Police Department’s First Compliance Report in April this year, pursuant to the MOA signed January 2, 2025. The report assesses the Department’s compliance with the MOA for the reporting from that date through March 31, 2026.

That followed the police department’s Self-Assessment Report 1 issued by Chief Joe Vigil on October 15, 2025.

Closed Session

During their Closed Session meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m., under Item 1. the Council will hold a Conference with Legal Counsel on existing litigation by the California Resources Pipeline Corporation (CPRC) v. City of Antioch, Contra Costa Superior Court Case No. MSN21-2354. The lawsuit continues following the Antioch City Council’s 4-0 vote during their meeting on July 28, 2026, to deny the company’s Encroachment Permit Appeal. CPRC is the owner of the low-pressure, natural gas pipeline that runs under the city and has been shut off since 2021. (See related articles here, here and here)

Under Item 2., the Council will hear about and discuss “Significant exposure to one case of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(2). The staff report reads, “The City is in receipt of information concerning facts and circumstances that might result in litigation against the City which are known to a potential plaintiff or plaintiffs pertaining to possible Labor Code Section 1102.5, and Fair Employment and Housing Act violations.” According to Employment Law Aid, “California Labor Code § 1102.5 protects whistleblowers who report violations.”

Meeting Details

Before entering Closed Session and during their Regular Meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m., the Council will meet in the Council Chambers at 200 H Street, and both can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website, on the City’s YouTube channel or on Comcast cable TV channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99.

See complete agenda packet.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Four others are from Concord, Walnut Creek, Marin County & visiting from Germany

They came to meet a child. They met law enforcement instead.

By Walnut Creek Police Department

The Walnut Creek Police Department recently hosted a multi-agency operation with the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, targeting adults who used social media to target children for sexual exploitation. Five adults traveled to Walnut Creek believing they were meeting a child. All now face charges including attempted lewd acts with a minor (PC 664/288(a)), contacting a minor to commit a sex offense (PC 288.3(a)), and arranging to meet a minor for sex (PC 288.4(b)).

5 arrests:

• Billie Ray Breland, 29, Antioch (born 02/12/1997)
• Andrew Garcia, 32, Concord
• Rudolf Naused Robl, 42, visiting from Germany (born 07/04/1984)
• Jacek Markiewicz, 67, Walnut Creek, also charged with attempted kidnapping
• Taesu Park, 36, Marin County

The ICAC Task Force exists to identify predators before a real child is harmed, combining investigations, training, and victim support across our region. Operations like this one are the result of that work.

Thank you to our partnering agencies for their work on this operation: Contra Costa County Sheriff, Contra Costa County District Attorney, FBI San Francisco, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Secret Service, US Customs & Border Protection, Contra Costa County Probation Department, Moraga, Brentwood, San Ramon, Concord, Hercules, Pleasant Hill, Oakley and Menlo Park Police Departments, Contra Costa County MCTF, San Francisco Sheriff’s Office and Marin County DA.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 237-pound Breland is Hispanic, was arrested on July 23rd and is being held in a Custody Alternative Facility on $50,000 bail. He’s also listed as White and as of Aug. 3, 2026, at 10:25 AM, he was released to Off Grounds Unsupervised Custody.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 200-pound Robl is Hispanic, but also listed as White, was arrested on July 26, is being held in the West Re-Entry Treatment and Housing facility on $475,000 bail. His next court date is scheduled for Aug. 28 at 8:30 AM in Martinez Superior Court Department 5.

According to localcrimenews.com, Park is a resident of Richmond and was charged with attempted kidnapping, attempted lewd acts with a child, attempting to contact a minor with intent to commit an offense, distributing or sending harmful matter to a minor by any means, and 288.4(A)(2) – Prior Conviction Enhancement. Every person who violates this subdivision after a prior conviction for an offense listed in subdivision (c) of Section 290, he Sex Offender Registration Act, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Plus, 30 more police emergency radios; postpones contract expansion with U.S. DOJ police department monitor

Mayor Bernal participates remotely without prior notification but allowed due to “contagious illness”

 “I want to get Flock out of Antioch,” Councilwoman Torres-Walker said then voted for the new AI-assisted license plate reader system.

By Allen D. Payton

During their Tuesday night meeting, Aug. 25, 2026, the Antioch City Council approved the purchase of AI-assisted technology systems for the police department, a one-year 3% COLA pay raise for police officers, traffic calming devices for Sycamore Drive and 30 more police emergency radios. The council postponed approving the contract expansion with U.S. DOJ police department monitor. They also received some good news about the City’s investments, received and approved the 2025 Annual Military Equipment Report from the police department and approved the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan.

Bernal Participates Remotely Due to Illness

Only three council members attended in-person with Mayor Ron Bernal participating remotely, but his location was not included in the agenda as was required of District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker during the last two meetings. She participated remotely in the last council meeting from a resort and spa in Santa Cruz after proper notification. That followed her being denied the opportunity to participate in the prior meeting due to an error by Acting City Manager Ana Cortez, even though the councilwoman did provide her location prior to the meeting as required. However, different rules applied this time because Bernal was sick. (See related articles here, here and here)

Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas presided over the meeting, with only Torres-Walker and District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha in attendance and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson absent.

At the beginning of Tuesday’s meetings, which started with a Closed Session at 3:30 p.m., Bernal was asked to confirm his attendance by Freitas. The mayor, via Zoom said, “I affirm my attendance. I, Ron Bernal, Mayor of the City of Antioch, am unable to attend tonight’s meeting due to a contagious illness and am appearing remotely under just cause pursuant to California Government Code Section 54953.8.3. My wife, Irma, will be the only person, the only adult in the room with me and I will participate via both audio and visual technology throughout the entirety of the meeting. Mr. City Clerk, I ask that you please record my remote appearance under just cause, in the official meeting minutes for the record. Thank you.”

“So noted,” City Clerk Michael Mandy responded.

“And your attendance, roll call,” Freitas asked.

“My attendance is remote tonight so Mayor Pro Tem Freitas will be presiding over tonight’s meeting,” Bernal added.

“It is affirmative,” Freitas responded.

“The mayor has confirmed his attendance,” Mandy stated.

“I am present,” Bernal responded.

The council then entered Closed Session to discuss employee group contracts and nine potential lawsuits. That was followed by a Special Meeting Study Session on the Fiscal Year 2027-28 General Fund Budget at 5:30 p.m. which was followed by the Regular Meeting.

Regular Meeting

Bernal repeated his confirmation to participate remotely at the beginning of the Regular Meeting which was again noted by Mandy.

City Attorney Lori Asuncion said there was nothing to report out from Closed Session.

Sales Tax Citizens Oversight Committee Appointment

The council then moved up Item 8 the appointment of Loretta Ezeife to the Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee after Item 2 on the agenda. She was appointed on a 4-0 vote of the council. Ezeife then offered remarks and thanked the mayor for nominating her and was given the oath of office by City Clerk Mandy while she was surrounded by her family members.

The council, under Item 5, received the Investment Performance Review presented by Justin Ressuelo, Institutional Sales and Relationship Manager of PFM Asset Management, the City’s advisors. The report shows the City has experienced Accrual Basis Earnings from its investments of almost $51 million over the past 10 years and earned $1.2 million in interest over the past three months, $4.9 million over the past year and $13.7 million over the past three years.

Traffic Calming Devices on Sycamore Drive

Rocha wanted to know why the traffic calming devices proposed for Sycamore Drive, under Item 6.H. on the Consent Calendar, were moved up ahead of those proposed for James Donlon Blvd.

“It will go out (for bid) this fall. Give us a year and we’ll have things laid out a bit better,” Public Works Director Scott Buenting stated.

Bernal asked about other traffic calming throughout town in response to complaints about sideshows in intersections throughout the city.

“They’re not built into the traffic calming,” Buenting responded, “We’re working through some geometry about that. It’s not a one-size-fits-all. Most likely it’s going to be bringing out something in the middle of the intersection like a speed bump. These would be done with bolt-down apparatus. I want to get something rolled out here fairly soon…in a couple different areas…that need some sideshow deterrent.”

The Council then voted 4-0 to award the construction agreement to Martinez-based Cowan & Thompson Construction, Inc. in the amount of $488,511.94, with a $25,000 contingency for a total contract amount of $513,511.94 for the Sycamore Drive Traffic Calming Improvements Project. The devices will be placed in eight segments along the street and will include signs and raised traffic separator curb guidance systems with quick release delineator bases.

Council Postpones Decision on DOJ Settlement Agreement Monitoring Consultant

Under Item 6.K. on the Consent Calendar agenda, regarding paying for the monitoring consultant required by the settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) turned out to be a surprisingly controversial matter as Freitas expressed his adamant opposition.

According to the City staff report for the item, following the U.S. DOJ investigation into the Antioch Police Department beginning in April 2023, regarding text messages containing racist, sexist and discriminatory language. As a result in January 2025, the City, police department and U.S. DOJ entered into a Memorandum of Agreement requiring implementation of reforms related to constitutional policing, accountability systems, data collection, complaint investigations, community engagement, hiring practices, supervision and oversight.

A key requirement requires the City and U.S. DOJ to jointly select an Independent Consultant to provide technical assistance, compliance monitoring and implementation oversight.

On March 27, 2026, the City entered into a Settlement Agreement in the Allen, et al. civil rights class action lawsuit that incorporates many of the constitutional policing reforms and accountability measures already required under the DOJ Agreement and requires the existing DOJ Monitor also serve as the Monitor under the Allen Settlement Agreement. (See related articles here and here)

The council was asked to approve the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with MS Investigative Services and Consulting, LLC, to expand the scope of services to include Independent Monitoring services required under the Allen Settlement Agreement and authorizing additional compensation of $150,000 annually for monitoring services and the associated Fiscal Year 2026/27 General Fund budget amendment. If approved, the total compensation for the consultant would be $400,000 per year.

Bernal questioned paying the consultant monthly versus hourly.

Antioch Police Captain Shane Bower provided the staff report and answers to the council members’ questions.

“I have a very difficult time with a 71% increase, and I am absolutely opposed to $12,500 quarterly. He could be on vacation for a month and still get the $12,500,” Freitas stated. He also opposed paying the consultant hourly while driving from his home in Martinez to Antioch and instead wanted him to be paid the standard mileage rate.

“This is one of the most expensive consultant’s contract we have,” the Mayor Pro Tem added.

Bernal asked if the invoices can be brought back “to see how the billing has been going, so far.”

“Yes, I can bring that back,” Cortez stated.

“We have a five-year block of time. There’s a lot of additional work,” Bower responded.

“It’s in the report,” Freitas interjected.

“Mr. Sepulveda has already written the draft…that far exceeds the scope,” Bower said.

“It’s not my goal…to delay the satisfaction of the settlement,” Bernal responded.

“I support working with the existing consultant,” District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha stated. “Compensation seems to be the issue. It needs to be resolved.”

“Is that the standard in the City of Antioch? If it is it needs to come back for council discussion,” Freitas said about consultants being paid while driving to Antioch.

“There’s no doubt in my opinion that we need

“A majority of this agreement does not overlap with the DOJ agreement at all,” Police Chief Joe Vigil stated.

“As far as I’m concerned, there are concerns on the other side that we are dragging our feet. I’d hate to see us back in court,” said Torres-Walker.

“If a council member makes a request and it’s ignored, that causes a delay,” Freitas responded. “We also have a fiduciary responsibility, an oversight responsibility. I think those things need to be addressed.”

“I’m suggesting we are at risk of being in violation of the settlement agreement,” Torres-Walker stated and asked for a special meeting to discuss the matter.

Following agreement between Freitas and Cortez, the matter will return to a future council meeting for additional information and action.

Approves Police Department Technology Systems Purchase

Under Item 9. on the agenda, the Council received the staff report from Antioch Police Lt. Michael Mellone on the purchase of AI-assisted automated license plate recognition, in-car camera and integrated public safety technology systems. According to the staff report, the contract includes “55 fixed automated license plate recognition (ALPR) locations using Axon Outpost, six additional Axon Fleet 3 in-car video and mobile ALPR systems, and 120 Axon AI Assistant licenses for the Police Department, for a 49-month term beginning October 1, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $661,687.54.”

“I called for dash cameras so I’m glad there’ll be more of them throughout the city,” Torres-Walker stated. She then asked about Flock license plate recognition cameras and compliance.

“We are at the forefront of being compliant, not only with the Flock license plate readers,” Mellone responded. “We don’t share with ICE or any federal agencies. That data we collect in Antioch is staying here and not being shared with anyone else.”

“I’m excited to see there will be AI translation,” the councilwoman stated.

“It’s really cool. All the officer has to do is push a button on his body-worn camera and choose whatever language…and it will translate one-to-one,” Mellone explained.

During public comments, resident Kimberly Kit Bailey asked if the cameras “are only going to be in…the troubled areas or will they be all over the city?”

“They are in all locations of the city,” Mellone responded. “We try to cover all the major entry and exit points of town. All the major thoroughfares, all the major intersections. We’re not just concentrating on certain, specific neighborhoods.”

The next public speaker was Mike Katz-Lacabe, who said he is the Director of Oakland Privacy, described as “a citizens’ coalition that works statewide to defend the right to privacy, enhance public transparency and promote oversight regarding the use of surveillance techniques and equipment.” He said, “I urge a no vote…because the staff report does not provide enough information…to justify the $660,000. There was no competitive or comparison bidding process.” He also questioned “expansion of the surveillance program” and said APD’s claim that “Motorola is decommissioning their ALPR platform…is highly suspect” because “law enforcement agencies like L.A.P.D. are continuing to purchase and deploy…technology from Motorola.”

Katz-Lacabe further complained the “staff report lacks any analysis of the effectiveness of the currently deployed license plate readers.” He also said the technology could be and is being abused and used to stalk people.

Resident Frank Sterling, speaking via Zoom said, “I am concerned about mass surveillance. I’m learning more about Axon. But one thing I have been following…is the abuses are happening where people are taking advantage of the system. I think the possibility of abuse is still there.”

Mellone responded, “I think there are some very legitimate questions and concerns. I don’t think anyone in this room wants to have their movements tracked with specificity. I don’t think we want to live in that type of society. I know I certainly don’t. It does not track people. It tracks vehicle detections. It doesn’t track driver identity. It does not maintain a live location feed on a person.”

“Only an authorized investigator can review when and where a specific license plate was captured within the (30-day) retention period, and that search must have a legitimate purpose and it’s logged, audited and tracked,” he continued. “The system records a plate image, vehicle content image and visible vehicle characteristics and the time and location of a detection.”

Mellone then mentioned the system’s use in tracking the movements and identification of the driver in last Friday’s major injury hit-and-run collision with a pedestrian.

He also said the information from the system is available to the public.

“I understand the community’s concerns around hyper-surveillance,” Torres-Walker stated. “My position is I want to get Flock out of Antioch and if moving forward with this Axon system is going to do that with potential…reviews along the way and some guardrails to make sure we are not violating civil liberties…then I can support that. My main position right now is I really want to see Flock eliminated,” she reiterated then asked about reporting to the council.

“We’re doing that now,” Mellone stated. “We have a website with the Fock data, in spite of how controversial that is. Anyone can go to our website…we have a transparency portal.” That can be found here: Flock Safety – Antioch CA PD Transparency Portal.

“With the Axon system, it’s a closed system,” he added.

The councilwoman then asked for reasons for the sole source purchase.

Mellone explained, “There are a few reasons. We’re already using Axon’s body-worn cameras. We’re already using their digital evidence platforms. We trusted Axon with our most sensitive digital evidence. We’ve never had a data breach. All of our personnel are trained in that system. I don’t have to run audits on multiple systems.”

Councilman Rocha spoke next saying, “I support the sole-source justification and the way it’s written. It is what’s most attractive to me.”

He then made the motion to approve the purchase, and as Torres-Walker took a moment to consider seconding after Freitas asked if she wanted to, Bernal said, “I’ll second it.”

Before the vote, Freitas asked, “When will they be implemented? The first phase, I guess?”

Mellone responded, “I don’t have the exact information, the timeline. I can report back to council on that. I don’t think it’s going to be a lengthy implementation.”

Referring to Torres-Walker’s comments Freitas then suggested an annual report to the council, “giving us the detailed information, positive or negative” and asked “the maker and seconder of the motion to add that…from the date the system is implemented.”

Both Rocha and Bernal agreed to the amendment to their motion.

Bernal then asked, “What is the timeline for moving away from Flock with this new system?”

“I think a lot of it depends on how soon we can get the new system up and running,” Mellone shared. He said he didn’t want to compromise existing investigations and asked if either he or the chief could return to the council with an implementation schedule. He also mentioned the additional cost for the Flock cameras as another motivation to replace them.

“So, would the Flock cameras go first, then? Would that be the strategy?” Bernal asked.

“I will make sure that the people involved…will replace the Flock cameras as a priority,” Mellone responded.

“The existing Flock contract we have another 12 months,” Chief Vigil stated.

“But we could end that,” Torres-Walker asked.

“I’d have to get with the City Attorney on ending that,” Vigil responded.

Freitas then asked that the police department leaders return in the next few weeks with answers to the council members questions.

The amended motion then passed on a 4-0 vote.

Other Council Action

In other action, the Council voted 4-0 to approve the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and the Water Shortage Contingency Plan. The City’s water supply consists primarily of surface water diverted from the San Joaquin River and water purchased from Contra Costa Water District (CCWD). Untreated surface water from the San Joaquin River is pumped to the City’s Municipal Reservoir, where it is stored prior to treatment at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. This untreated surface water may also be routed to the Brackish Water Desalination Plant (BWDP).

Plus, except for Items 6.H. and 6.K., the Council also unanimously approved the Consent Calendar which included the following:

Item 6.I. – the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Antioch and the Antioch Police Officers’ Association including a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Fiscal Year 2026-27 at a cost of $661,430 and other matters;

Item 6.G. – the purchase of 30 additional Motorola APX N70 handheld two-way emergency radios for the police department’s communications, including accessories and five years of subscriber and device management services, from Motorola Solutions in an amount not to exceed $300,717.21;

Item 6.J. – received and approved the 2025 Annual Military Equipment Report from the police department. The equipment includes:

1. Armored Rescue Vehicle
2. Mobile Command Center box truck
3. Specialized Firearms and Ammunition:

A. Geissele Border Patrol Rifle. Quantity 26

B. Colt ArmaLite Rifle (AR)-15 rifle. Quantity 41

C. M4 AR-15 rifle. Quantity 6

D. Colt Commando Short Barrel (SB) rifle. Quantity 10

E. Heckler & Koch (H&K) UMP. Quantity 5

F. Remington 700 bolt action rifle. Quantity 5

G. Federal brand .223 caliber rifle ammunition. Quantity 326 cases

H. Speer Gold Dot .223 caliber rifle ammunition. Quantity 50 cases

I. Ruag brand .308 caliber rifle ammunition. Quantity 8 cases / 4000 rounds

J. Cobalt Kinetics Scrambler Quick Detach Suppressor. Quantity 35

4. Kinetc Energy Projectile Launch Platforms and Projectiles

a. Penn Arms Model L140-4. Quantity 20.

b. Remington 870 Less lethal Shotgun. Quantity 2

i. Both have orange stocks and foregrips and are identified as non-lethal munition launchers.

c. Projectiles

i. Combined Tactical Systems (CTS) direct impact sponge round. Quantity 200

ii. CTS Frangible CS round. Quantity 60

iii. CTS Ferrett round. Quantity 100

iv. CTS LC5 Launching Cups. Quantity 4

v. CTS 2600 12-gauge launch cartridge. Quantity 60

According to the report, “The Antioch Police Department used specific military equipment in five incidents (in 2025). An audit…found no complaints regarding deploying or using the listed equipment. Internal audits of the listed equipment regarding deployment and use did not yield any policy violations or deployment concerns.”

The council meeting was adjourned at 10:44 p.m.

See council meeting video.

46-year-old Eric Rombough was charged with conspiring to deprive Antioch residents of their civil rights through use of excessive force, deprivation of rights under color of law, more

By United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of California

OAKLAND – In 2023 and 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California charged ten current and former officers and employees from the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments with crimes ranging from conspiracy to violate civil rights through excessive use of force to fraud.  The last of the ten defendants, Eric Allen Rombough, 46, of Fairfield, was sentenced today to 50 months of imprisonment.  Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White handed down all of the sentences.  With Rombough’s sentence, the total sentences for all ten defendants exceeds 21 years.

“We entrust law enforcement with vast power, and when they abuse it, they not only betray the oath they took and the community they serve, but they also undermine the public’s trust in our criminal justice system,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian.  “Eric Rombough’s sentencing is an important milestone in our successful, multi-year effort to root out corruption within the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments and we will continue to hold accountable anyone who violates federal law, regardless of their position.”

“The sentencing of Eric Rombough marks the culmination of a years-long investigation driven by the relentless work of FBI agents, analysts, and our law enforcement partners who refused to overlook misconduct, regardless of position or authority.  This case underscores a fundamental truth: no one is above the law, especially those entrusted to uphold it.  When officers abuse their authority, they undermine the very foundation of public trust.  The FBI remains steadfast in pursuing those who betray that trust, and we will continue working to ensure accountability and to help restore confidence in the institutions that serve our communities,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo.

Case No. 23-cr-269 JSW – Civil Rights Violations and Falsification of Records

Rombough, Morteza Amiri, 35, of Antioch, and Devon Christopher Wenger, 33, formerly of Oakley, were charged with conspiring to deprive the residents of Antioch of their civil rights through the use of excessive force, and deprivation of rights under color of law, among other violations.  In January 2025, Rombough pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights and two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and agreed to cooperate with the government.  According to Rombough’s plea agreement and the evidence presented during two trials, Amiri, Rombough, and Wenger communicated about actual and intended uses of force, including specific violent acts against individuals in and around Antioch, and agreed to carry out such acts knowing their actions constituted excessive uses of force by a police officer under color of law.  In particular, they agreed to and/or did deploy uses of force, including police dog bites, as “punishment” to subjects beyond any punishment appropriately imposed by the criminal justice system, collected physical or photographic “trophies” following such deployments of excessive force, and communicated after the deployments to tout the applications of force with the exchange of messages and photographs of subjects’ injuries.  They also authored reports that contained false or misleading statements to suggest that the force used was necessary or justifiable, when in truth and in fact, they willfully used excessive force.

In March 2025, following an 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 sentenced to 84 months in prison for these violations and the additional crimes set out below.  In September 2025, following a seven-day trial, a jury convicted Wenger of conspiracy against rights.  Wenger was sentenced to 90 months in prison for this violation and the additional crimes set out below.

Case No. 23-cr-264 JSW – Salary & Incentives Fraud

Patrick James Berhan, 33, of Oakley; Amiri; Amanda Carmella Theodosy a/k/a Nash, 35, of Discovery Bay; Samantha Genoveva Peterson, 33, of Fairfield; Ernesto Mejia-Orozco, 37, of Oakley; and Brauli Rodriguez Jalapa, 36, of Clayton, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud related to a scheme to obtain pay raises from the police departments of the cities of Antioch and Pittsburg for university degrees they each paid someone else to obtain in their names.

Peterson pleaded guilty to wire fraud in January 2024.  Berhan pleaded guilty in March 2024 to conspiracy and wire fraud, and pleaded guilty to an additional charge for possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids.  Berhan was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment.  In June 2024, Mejia-Orozco and Rodriguez Jalapa pleaded guilty to conspiracy and wire fraud.  In July 2024, Theodosy a/k/a Nash pleaded guilty to conspiracy and wire fraud.  Mejia-Orozco, Rodriguez Jalapa, and Theodosy a/k/a Nash were each sentenced to three months of imprisonment.  In August 2024, following a four-day trial, a jury found Amiri guilty of conspiracy and wire fraud.

Case No. 23-cr-268 JSW – Distribution of Anabolic Steroids and Destruction of Records

Daniel James Harris, 38, formerly of Discovery Bay, and Wenger were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids related to Harris’s distribution of anabolic steroids to Wenger and other police officers, and Wenger’s attempt to secure anabolic steroids from Harris for another friend.  Based on these same events, Harris was also charged with attempted possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids and possession to distribute anabolic steroids, and Wenger was charged with destruction, alteration, and falsification of records in federal investigations, the last of which was based on Wenger’s efforts to delete digital evidence of his discussions of anabolic steroids with Harris and his friend.

Harris pleaded guilty to these charges, pleaded guilty to an additional charge for bank fraud, and agreed to cooperate with the government in September 2024.  Harris was sentenced to time served for these charges.  In April 2025, following a three-day trial, a jury found Wenger guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids and destruction, alteration, and falsification of records.

Case No. 23-cr-267 JSW – Obstruction of Justice

Timothy Manly Williams, 36, of Antioch, was charged with destruction, alteration, and falsification of records in federal investigations, obstruction of official proceedings, and deprivation of rights under color of law.  The first two charges were related to a phone call Manly Williams placed while working as a police officer monitoring a wiretap to the subject of the wiretap, and his efforts to destroy or falsify records related to that phone call in the wiretap equipment.  The third charge was related to Manly Williams’s knocking a cell phone out of the hand of a citizen who had attempted to record video of a police response at which Amiri deployed his dog to bite a suspect.  Manly Williams pleaded guilty to these crimes and agreed to cooperate with the government on November 28, 2023.  He was sentenced to 3 years of probation.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo made the announcement.

These cases were prosecuted by the National Security & Special Prosecutions Section and the Oakland Branch of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California.  These prosecutions were the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Office of the Contra Costa County District Attorney.

The following table summarizes the outcomes of these related cases, all of which were before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White:

Case Name and Number	Statute(s)	Defendant (Bold: multiple case numbers)	Status
Fraud 23-cr-00264	18 U.S.C. §§ 1349 (Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; 1343 (Wire Fraud)	Patrick Berhan	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 on 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
Obstruction 23-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	Cooperated with the government; sentenced to 3 years of probation on 1/13/2026
Steroid Distribution 23-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	Cooperated with the government; sentenced to time served concurrent with 24-cr-502 on 1/13/2026
	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	Sentenced to 90 months custody, 3 years supervised release, concurrent with 23-cr-269 on 12/2/2025
Civil Rights 23-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	Cooperated with the government; sentenced to 50 months custody on 3/24/2026
	18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law)	Devon Wenger	Sentenced to 90 months custody, 3 years supervised release, concurrent with 23-cr-268 on 12/2/2025
Steroid Distribution 24-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
Bank fraud 24-cr-00502	18 U.S.C. § 1344(1), (2) (Bank fraud)	Daniel Harris	Cooperated with the government; sentenced to time served concurrent with 23-cr-268 on 1/13/2026

 Updated March 24, 2026