By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney
On Thursday May 21, 2020, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office charged 40-year-old Clayton resident Daniel Steven Paul with multiple violations including attempted lewd acts with a minor, unlawful communications with a minor and arranging to meet a minor for sex.
In early May, investigators from the County’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force learned Paul had been the subject of an investigation in a foreign country, in which Paul distributed harmful material to a person he believed to be a minor. The investigation led agents to begin talking with Paul via text message and soon after making contact with him, Paul began to attempt to entice what he believed to be a 14-year-old girl into meeting with him for sex.
On May 20, 2020, Paul went to Hidden Lakes Park in Martinez with the intention of engaging in sex acts with a minor. He was taken into custody and booked at the Martinez Detention Facility. A search of his vehicle revealed he brought condoms and alcohol to the meeting.
Paul remains in the custody of the Contra Costa County Sheriff. His bail is currently set at $250,000. Paul will make his first court appearance in Superior Court on May 22, 2020.
This investigation was conducted by the multi-agency Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which is managed by the San Jose Police Department. In Contra Costa County, detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Martinez, San Ramon, Danville, Pleasant Hill, Concord and Moraga Police Departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, United States Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Contra Costa County Probation Department, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate in the task force.
Since the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order went into effect, law enforcement from around the United States have noted a significant increase in the number on online child exploitation reports. Many of these cases involve adult suspects grooming minors into taking explicit images of themselves. Parents are encouraged to be on heightened alert for this behavior and take steps to both monitor their child’s online activity and having candid conversations with their children about the dangers of smartphone use.
Parents seeking additional resources can visit www.kidsmartz.org or the website for the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children task Force at www.svicac.org. Reports of illegal activity involving minor victims on the internet should be reported at once to your local police department.
Case information: People v. Paul, Docket Number 01-193687-1
Read MoreBy Pittsburg Police Department
Thursday evening, May 21, 2020, at approximately 6:45 P.M. Pittsburg Police Officers were called to the 4000 block of Harbor Street after receiving reports of a man suffering from multiple injuries. When officers arrived, the man was found suffering from life threatening injuries and officers began to preform life saving measure. Medical staff arrived and transported the man to a local hospital where he died.
The Pittsburg Police Department’s Investigations Division responded to continue this investigation. During the investigation it was learned that the victim and suspect knew each other and had engaged in an argument prior to the incident. During the argument, the suspect retrieved a weapon and repeatedly struck the victim. The victim left the area and was later located by officers where he was found suffering from multiple wounds to the legs and rear torso.
Detectives were able to learn of the suspect’s identity and officers began a search for his whereabouts. Just after 2:00 A.M. this morning, officers located the suspect and place him under arrest. The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Gabriel Young, was later interviewed by detectives and is now being held at the Martinez Detention Facility.
This continues to be a very active investigation and no further details are available at this time. The Pittsburg Police Department will be presenting this case to the District Attorney next week to file charges on the suspect. This is the City of Pittsburg’s second homicide of the year.
Read MoreBy Brentwood Police Department
You never know what you will find!
Another day of patrolling our community, on Thursday, May 21, 2020, keeping eyes peeled for anything suspicious and then, there it was … a stolen car parked in the Raley’s parking lot! Someone was sitting inside! Officers quickly moved into position and soon the car was surrounded. A man sitting in the passenger seat exited the car and was detained by the officers. During the investigation, an officer noticed a man exit Raley’s and start walking in the direction of the stolen car. The man quickly turned and began walking in the opposite direction, towards Beach Hut Deli. An officer greeted 30 year-old Eric Freitas (Oakley) sitting near the deli and while conducting their investigation, removed two knives and over $100 of stolen merchandise from Freitas.
Freitas was walked back to the stolen car, where he admitted to behaving badly. He had been driving the stolen vehicle, had stolen items from Raley’s and had burglary tools and drug paraphernalia in the car. The passenger in the car was later released.
Freitas received a courtesy shuttle to county jail! He was charged with vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of burglary tools, a probation violation and other additional charges.
Read MoreThe White House
May 22, 2020
Our Nation mourns for every life lost to the coronavirus pandemic, and we share in the suffering of all those who endured pain and illness from the outbreak. Through our grief, America stands steadfast and united against the invisible enemy. May God be with the victims of this pandemic and bring aid and comfort to their families and friends. As a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the coronavirus pandemic, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, May 24, 2020. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred forty-fourth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
Read MoreBy Allen Payton
As of this morning, Friday, May 22, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) is reporting a total of 1,259 cases of COVID-19/coronavirus, and a total of 36 deaths in the county. A total of 1,056 have recovered, which is 83.9%, consistent with the previously reported number of those who have tested positive for the virus and recovered.
There were 25 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, but only 9 people diagnosed with the virus currently hospitalized.
A total of 27,874 people have been tested for the virus in the county.
To see the all the statistics provided by CCHS, click here.
Read MoreBy Kelly Kalfsbeek, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Public Works Department
May 20, 2020, Rodeo, CA – The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will begin construction of the Rodeo Downtown Infrastructure Project. Construction will begin on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 and last until August 28, 2020, 7:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday-Friday, weather permitting. Drivers should expect delays during construction.
The work to be done generally consists of infrastructure including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalks, curbs, gutters, a storm water treatment area with landscaping components, storm drain installation, a bike lane, an ADA compliant concrete path and soldier pile walls. Current shelter-in-place and social distancing protocol will be followed.
This project is funded by gas tax revenues provided by the SB1 Road Repair and Accountability Act and Measure J funds. More information for this project can be found at http://www.cccounty.us/pwdmap.
Read MoreThe Clerk-Recorder is now offering marriage licenses and civil marriage ceremonies online for County residents. Clerk-Recorder staff perform the civil ceremonies using Zoom or FaceTime.
“June is traditionally a month of many weddings,” Deborah Cooper, County Clerk-Recorder said. “We are pleased to offer our constituents a creative new method to be married during this crisis.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently issued an Executive Order permitting the issuance of marriage licenses and the conduct of remote civil wedding ceremonies via teleconferencing technologies.
At least one of the parties to the marriage must be a Contra Costa County resident. The couple must appear together on the video and be physically present within the State of California. Invited guests may join in to view the ceremony. No additional software is required for the license or the ceremony, but the couple must complete the forms in advance of the ceremony. A computer, tablet, or cell phone with a microphone/camera and an internet connection is required.
Marriage service appointments are currently available Tuesday through Thursday, during the month of June. If couples would like more information or to schedule an appointment, email marriages@cr.cccounty.us or call (925) 335-7900.
Read MoreIn partnership with the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano
By Brit Hotaling, Communications and Development Associate, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County
St Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County (SVdP) will hold a major drive-thru food distribution event in partnership with the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano on Friday, May 22.
WHAT: St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County will hold a food distribution of 500 boxes of food and fresh produce to the Pittsburg community while observing social distancing. Food will be available on a drive-thru and walk-up basis. SVdP has ramped up their regular emergency food services in recent months in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The food distribution will take place at SVdP’s Family Resource Center in Pittsburg, with volunteers directing traffic and handing out food supplies.
WHO: St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County
WHEN: Friday, May 22, 2020 from 9 am – 10:30 am, or until supplies last
WHERE: 2210 Gladstone Drive, Pittsburg
WHY: Many neighbors right here in Pittsburg, who have never needed help before, are reaching out for help with food, rental assistance and other bills they are not be able to meet due to loss of income. SVdPCCC is open and serving neighbors-in-need. The SVdPCCC Family Resource Center in Pittsburg remains open to serve via our Free Dining Room (operated in partnership with Loaves & Fishes of Contra Costa), Emergency Food Pantry, Daytime Homeless Shelter for Winter Nights clients, and referral to additional social services.
For additional information: Barb Hunt, b.hunt@svdp-cc.org, (925) 330-6732 or Steven Krank, 925-439-5060 ext 28, s.krank@svdp-cc.org
Read MoreBy Kelly Kalfsbeek, Public Information Officer, CCC Public Works
El Sobrante, CA – The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will begin construction of the San Pablo Dam Road Traffic Safety Improvements project between the city limits of Richmond and city limits of Orinda. Construction will start Wednesday, May 27, 2020 through July 31, 2020, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday-Friday, barring unforeseen circumstances. Drivers can expect traffic delays up to 30 minutes.
The project will consist of installing a centerline rumble strip and channelizers, reconstructing median islands, replacing roadside signs to meet new retro-reflectivity standards, installation of speed feedback signs, partial slurry seal, removal and replacement of thermoplastic stripes and pavement markings, and restriping of a bike lane at two intersections of San Pablo Dam Road and Old San Pablo Dam Road. Current shelter-in-place and social distancing protocol will be followed.
Funding for this project is gas tax revenues provided by the SB1 Road Repair and Accountability Act and the Highway Safety Improvement Program funds. More information for this project can be found at http://www.cccounty.us/pwdmap.
Read MoreBy CHP – Contra Costa
On the morning of Friday March 6, 2020, at approximately 5:25am, Contra Costa CHP responded to a collision on I-680 southbound, north of Highway 4 in Martinez. The victim of the collision was driving a 1990’s blue Toyota Corolla, that had spun out across the lanes of traffic and collided with a light pole and tree on the right shoulder area, sustaining major damage. The driver of the Toyota was not responsive and transported to John Muir Hospital. Tragically the man died days later due to his injuries from the collision.
A witness related they saw a vehicle bump into the Toyota, which caused it to go out of control resulting in the crash, and then fled the scene. They described the second vehicle as being a dark colored lowered sedan with oversized rims. They were unable to see the make or model. They also related they saw it approaching quickly through their rearview mirror and moving in and out of the traffic lanes just before the crash.
CHP is asking for your HELP to locate the second vehicle described by the witness above. If you were traveling on I-680 southbound in this location on the morning of March 6 between about 5:20am to 5:30am, and may have witnessed this collision (either just before, at the moment of the crash, or just after) or think you remember seeing a dark colored lowered sedan with oversized rims in the same location, or any information that could help in this investigation, please contact the Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980. Ask for Investigating Officer Lane and leave your contact info for him.
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