Defendant charged with creating video of sexual contact with nine-year old
OAKLAND – A federal grand jury indicted Daniel Joseph Feliciano charging him with producing and possessing child pornography, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Spradlin.
According to the indictment, Feliciano, 29, of Pleasant Hill, Calif., is alleged to have coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct in order to produce a visual depiction of the conduct. Feliciano is also alleged to have knowingly possessed child pornography. (See related article).
According to a criminal complaint filed December 12, 2019, in connection with this case, this investigation began with a series of tips sent in October and December 2019 to the CyberTipline maintained by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The tips, referred to as CyberTips by the NCMEC, contained reports from internet service providers to NCMEC as well as the actual files from the accounts being reported. Investigators from the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force traced the files, that included depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, to an email account and an IP address in defendant’s name.
According to the complaint, the first CyberTip came from Dropbox in October 2019. It contained a report and approximately 182 files, including three videos of prepubescent girls engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Investigators discovered that the last IP address used to access the account could be traced to Feliciano.
In December 2019, several CyberTips alerted NCMEC regarding child pornography stored in a Google account. The files included two videos of a 9- to 10-year-old child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Investigators traced the Google account and the videos to Feliciano.
The indictment charges Feliciano with one count of production of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a), and one count of possession of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2).
Feliciano is next scheduled to appear on February 18, 2020, at 1 p.m. before the Hon. Jeffrey S. White, U.S. District Judge.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted on the production of child pornography charge, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment, a minimum sentence of 15 years, five years to a life term supervised release, a fine of $250,000, a special assessment of $5,100, criminal forfeiture, and restitution. If convicted on the possession of child pornography charge, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, five years to a life term supervised release, a fine of $250,000, a special assessment of $5,100, criminal forfeiture, and restitution. However, any sentence following conviction would 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.
Suspected child sexual exploitation may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-843-5678. Indeed, a NCMEC tip led to the investigation in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lee is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kay Konopaske and Kathleen Turner. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the HSI, the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Pleasant Hill Police Department.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Nicholas-King-Beyer.jpg)
Nicholas King Beyer from his Facebook page.
Lied about medical condition
SAN FRANCISCO – Nicholas King Beyer was convicted in United States District Court today of making false statements to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on pilot medical certification forms, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division, Special Agent in Charge James Wahleithner; and U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General Regional Acting Special Agent in Charge Susan Ocampo. The verdict was handed down today following a half-day bench trial before the Honorable Charles R. Breyer, U.S. District Judge.
Judge Breyer found Beyer, 34, of Discovery Bay, Calif., guilty on two counts of making false statements to the FAA, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2), and two counts of falsifying, concealing, or covering up material facts by trick, scheme, or device, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(1).
According to his Facebook page, Beyer is a flight instructor at SkyView Aviation, LLC, worked at USS Harry S. Truman, is a former ABH at United States Navy and former Navy firefighter at NALF Fentress, studies at ATP Flight School and at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and attended Liberty High School in Brentwood, CA.
Evidence at trial showed that Beyer made false statements on applications for an airman medical certificate, FAA Form 8500-8, which he submitted to the FAA in 2016, and again in 2018. The FAA’s airman medical certificate process is the mechanism by which the FAA evaluates whether pilots are mentally and physically fit to fly. The evidence showed that Beyer falsely stated on both of his Form 8500-8s that he had never been diagnosed with, did not have, and had never had a mental disorder of any sort; when in fact Beyer had been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2016. The evidence also showed that Beyer falsely stated on the forms that he was only receiving disability benefits for knee and back injuries from the VA, when he was also receiving disability benefits for Major Depressive Disorder.
A federal grand jury indicted Beyer on August 23, 2018, charging him with two counts of making false statements to the FAA, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2), and two counts of falsifying, concealing, or covering up material facts by trick, scheme, or device, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(1). Judge Breyer convicted Beyer on all four counts.
Judge Breyer scheduled the defendant’s sentencing hearing for April 22, 2020.
Beyer faces maximum statutory penalties of five (5) years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2) and each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(1). However, 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.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Shepard and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Ward are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Hector Lopez. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreContra Costa County voters can watch local “Election Preview” forums on CCTV and the Contra Costa Television YouTube Channel beginning Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. through Election Day. This programming offers Contra Costa voters a chance to be informed on candidates and issues before casting their ballots.
Bob Butler, KCBS reporter, is the moderator for the Measure J, State Assembly District 14 and County Supervisorial District 5 forums.
KTVU’s Claudine Wong will serve as moderator for races including State Assembly Districts 15 and 16, State Senate District 7, and County Supervisorial District 3.
The broadcasts will air on Contra Costa Television (CCTV), Comcast Channel 27, Astound Channel 32, and AT&T U-verse Channel 99. They will also live stream on the County website at www.contracosta.ca.gov. Contra Costa County Elections Division partners with the County’s Office of Communications & Media and Contra Costa Television (CCTV), the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, and the League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa.
More information about “Election Preview” is available on the Elections Division website at www.cocovote.us/Election-Preview and the County’s website at www.contracosta.ca.gov/7097.
Read MoreFor the sixth consecutive year, the East Bay Regional Park District will host two Youth Job Fairs designed to raise awareness of employment opportunities for youth in the East Bay. The fairs are scheduled in Hayward on Saturday, January 25, 2020, and in Pleasant Hill on Saturday, February 1, 2020. Both events offer attendees an opportunity to learn about the specific Park District jobs available and interact with current employees to get insight into what it’s like to work for the Park District. Positions include: Interpretive Student Aides, Public Safety Student Aides, Recreation Leaders, Lifeguards, Gate Attendants, Park Services Attendants, Student Laborers, Field Interns, and Interns.
The Youth Job Fairs also include general information sessions on resume writing, application submittal, and job interviewing for youth looking to enter the workforce, whether at the Park District or elsewhere.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest employer of youth in the East Bay, hiring over 400 Bay Area youth each year to work in the District’s 73 regional parks and ten visitor centers. The Youth Job Fairs are key to filling seasonal summer positions, especially Recreation Leaders and Lifeguards.
2020 Youth Job Fair Details
The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco Bay, established in 1934. The system comprises 121,000 acres in 73 parks including over1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and nature learning.
Read MoreAbout 5:40 p.m. officers were dispatched to a welfare check for a man standing in the middle of the road holding two suitcases in his hands, causing traffic to drive around him, according to Oakley Police Sergeant Rick Grubaugh.
When the officers arrived, “the subject immediately punched one officer in the face a couple of times,” he stated. “That turned into a 700-foot chase on Delta Road, which ended at Elvis (Lane). The first officer had tazed the suspect and the second officer tazed him a second time.”
A couple other officers arrived on the scene, Sgt. Grubaugh continued.
“We believe, due to a mental health condition, the man put up a struggle before officers were able to bring him into custody,” he said. “Delta Road was closed, and it took about 30 minutes to clear the scene.”
According to a witness, who lives in Knightsen and was on his way home at the time, about 10 police cars and multiple ambulances were on the scene and Delta Road was closed between Brentwood Blvd. and Sellers Road.
“Both the suspect and the officers were treated at the scene,” Grubaugh shared. “Then both officers were transported to John Muir Walnut Creek. The suspect was seen at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez and then booked at the county jail.”
Read MoreWALNUT CREEK – The debate between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones has been going on ever since they first crossed paths on the charts 54 years ago. The argument at the time, and one that still persists, was that the Beatles were a pop group and the Stones were a rock band: the boys next door vs. the bad boys of rock. So who’s better? These two legendary bands will engage in an on-stage, throw down – a musical ‘showdown’ if you will – on February 17 at the Lesher Center courtesy of tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show. The Abbey Road band has performed to capacity audiences at the Lesher Center in the In My Life – A Musical Theatre Tribute to the Beatles production.
Taking the side of the Fab Four is Abbey Road, one of the county’s top Beatles tribute bands. With brilliant musicianship and authentic costumes and gear, Abbey Road plays beloved songs spanning the Beatles’ career. They face off against renowned Stones tribute band Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show, who offer a faithful rendition of the music and style of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the bad boys of the British Invasion.
Where did the idea for the show come from?
“Music fans never had a chance to see the Beatles and the Rolling Stones perform on the same marquee,” said Chris Legrand, who plays “Mick Jagger” in the show.
“Now, music aficionados can watch this debate play out on stage.”
The Walnut Creek show is part of a 125-stop tour of the U.S., Australia and Canada and has been touring since 2011.The show also performs long term residencies for a number of the Harrah’s Casino properties. The production includes some of the more popular songs from the two rock pioneers and covers the scope of their musical careers, although the set list for Satisfaction usually includes Rolling Stones songs up to the 1980s.
“They certainly have more pop songs but we’re a really great live show. The fans are in for an incredible night of music,” says LeGrand.
During the two-hour show, the bands perform three sets each, trading places in quick set changes and ending the night with an all-out encore involving both bands. The band members have their outfits custom-made, since avid fans know exactly what the Beatles and Stones wore onstage during different time periods in their careers. There’s a lot of good-natured jabbing between the bands as well.
“Without Beatlemania, the Stones might still be a cover band in London,” said Chris Overall, who plays “Paul”.
“There’s no question that the Beatles set the standard.”
The audience naturally enjoys top shelf tributes to two legendary bands in the same evening. Like The Idaho Statesman said: “If you see only one tribute show, see this one…smart and loads of fun.”
“It’s just a fun time and a cool back-and-forth nonstop show,” Overall said.
“We’re going to bring it all. It’s going to be an evening of high-energy music,” said LeGrand.
Calendar: Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to the Lesher Center for the Arts on Monday, February 17 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $45/$55/$65 and may be purchased at the Center Ticket Office, by phone at 925.943.7469 or online at www.lesherartscenter.org. The Center Ticket Office is located adjacent to the main entrance of the Walnut Creek Lesher Center for the Arts at 1601 Civic Drive. The show is appropriate for all ages.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Carrie-Chapman-Catt-LWV-200x300.png)
Carrie Chapman Catt, President of the National American Woman Suffrage Association from 1915-1920 and founder of the League of Women Voters. Photo courtesy LWV.
The public is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, February 1 to kick off the new exhibit “Women Win the Vote, in California, Contra Costa and the Nation” at the Contra Costa County History Center in Martinez. “A Toast to the Indomitable Suffragists,” a program featuring feminist local historian Beverly Lane, will begin at 1 p.m.
The exhibit features the 72-year battle for American women’s right to vote, ending 100 years ago with passage of the 19th Amendment on Aug. 26, 1920. It includes a display from the National Archives “Rightfully Hers,” suffrage banners, and a history of the movement. Stories of Contra Costa County woman leaders beginning in the 1920’s are also included.
The reception is sponsored by the Contra Costa County Historical Society and the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley. It runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the History Center, 724 Escobar in Martinez. Street parking is available.
The Contra Costa History Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays each month. Go to cocohistory.org for more information.
For more information on reception contact: lwvdv.org.
Read MoreBy Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney
Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton is proud to join the Richmond Police Department, the San Pablo Police Department, the 23rd Street Merchants’ Association, the Contra Costa County Family Justice Center, Community Violence Solutions, the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force and the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Coalition in hosting Richmond’s Human Trafficking “Day of Action” on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.
Inspired by California State Senate Bill 1193, the Day of Action intends to educate individuals on how to recognize signs of human trafficking and inform them on how they can help prevent it. Members of the business community are encouraged to participate by posting human trafficking awareness signs with resources for victims to reach out to. Our local businesses are the extra eyes of our community and can help significantly in combating the crime of human trafficking in Contra Costa County.
A training session will be presented from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the Family Justice Center’s West County office located at 256 24th Street in Richmond. From there, attendees will form teams and talk with local businesses about putting up posters with resource information for people who may be experiencing forced or coerced labor or commercial sex. The outreach will occur from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend and join with law enforcement, city leaders and community organizers to make a difference in our community.
If you or someone you know has information regarding any acts or suspicions of human trafficking, please call the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Hotline maintained by the District Attorney’s Office: 925-957-8658.
Local resources include Community Violence Solutions 24-hour resources line (800-670-7273) and Contra Costa’s Family Justice Center (925) 521-6366).
Contra Costa County was awarded a federal grant in October 2018 to form a Human Trafficking Taskforce that enhances collaboration between state, federal and local law enforcement and service providers for victims of both labor and sex trafficking.
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On January 17, 2020, at approximately 6:21 AM, Concord PD Officers were dispatched to a report of an auto vs. bicyclist collision that occurred on Port Chicago Highway near Panoramic Drive. A vehicle traveling northbound on Port Chicago Highway collided with a 54-year-old female, who was riding a bicycle. The male driver, a 68-year-old Vallejo resident, remained on scene and cooperated with police. Drugs and/or alcohol do not appear to be a contributing factor.
Port Chicago Highway north of Panoramic Drive was closed for approximately 1.5 hours in order to conduct the collision investigation.
The name of the deceased is not being released pending notification of next of kin.
As this is an ongoing investigation, no further details are being released at this time. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Traffic Officer Katan Nanthasiri at the Concord Police Department, 925-671-5096.
Read MoreBy Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Sheriff-Coroner David O. Livingston announces that a Coroner’s Jury has reached a finding in the April 13, 2019 death of 36-year-old Maria Barraza of El Cerrito. The finding of the jury is that the manner of death is a suicide. (See related article).
The Coroner’s Jury reached the 12-0 verdict after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by the hearing officer, Matthew Guichard.
A Coroner’s Inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving police officers, is a public hearing, during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding: accident, suicide, natural causes, at the hands of another person, other than by accident.
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