Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Pittsburg parolee arrested after crashing into car following multi-city pursuit by Sheriff’s Deputies

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By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

On Sunday, October 6, 2019, at about 8:10 PM, a vehicle heading southbound on Highway 680 near North Main Street passed a Deputy Sheriff at a high rate of speed. The Deputy attempted a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle. The car did not yield leading Deputies on a pursuit.

The suspect vehicle went into Pleasant Hill, Concord, and Pittsburg before heading into Bay Point. While fleeing eastbound on the 2100 block of Willow Pass Road, the suspect struck a vehicle pulling out of a business. The three occupants in the vehicle that was hit were injured and taken to the hospital for treatment.

The suspect was arrested. He is identified as 27-year-old Conrad Mariscal of Pittsburg. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on numerous charges including felony evading, reckless driving, possession of a controlled substance and transporting a controlled substance. Mariscal, who was also on parole, is being held without bail.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

San Pablo woman indicted by Grand Jury for 42 criminal counts in widespread real estate fraud case

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Mercedes Gonzales. Photo by CCDA.

By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney

Martinez, Calif. – Today, a grand jury indictment was unsealed against Mercedes Gonzales, a 25-year-old resident of San Pablo. The allegations in the indictment detail repeated criminal conduct committed by Gonzales against unsuspecting victims desiring to rent a house or room in West Contra Costa County, Sonoma County and Solano County.

In total there are 23 victims associated with the indictment. Gonzales was also charged in a criminal complaint filed earlier this week about a recent allegation of grant theft and receiving stolen property involving two victims. Overall, the prosecution was aided as a result of a joint investigation by the Richmond Police Department and the District Attorney’s Special Operations Division, Real Estate Fraud Unit. The Vallejo Police Department also assisted during the investigation and arrested the defendant last weekend.

In the spring of 2019, the Richmond Police Department received numerous complaints from victims about a real estate scam. An investigation was underway and ultimately the defendant was arrested and charged. During the summer additional information came to light about more allegations of fraud against more victims.

During late 2018 and throughout 2019, the defendant showed houses available for rent and posted about the listings on social media in Spanish. She would use an alias to post the listing on social media, including Facebook, and claimed she worked at Kaiser in Richmond. However, the defendant did not own or have the authority to rent the unit. The victims in turn paid the defendant in cash, money orders and cashier’s checks. Gonzales created fictitious rental agreements with the victims and collected deposits.

Gonzales appeared in-custody for an arraignment in Department 3 of the Contra Costa County Superior Court before the Honorable Patricia Scanlon. She pleaded not guilty to the charges alleged in the indictment. She is in custody and her bail is $540,000.

The investigations related to the alleged fraudulent activities committed by Gonzales is active and going. Members of the public with any information related to the defendant should call Richmond Police Department Sergeant Tong at 510-620-6668.

Deputy District Attorney Kristina McCosker is the prosecutor assigned to the case on behalf of the People. DDA McCosker is with our Special Operations Division, Real Estate Fraud Unit.

“The District Attorney’s Office Real Estate Fraud Unit cautions any member of the public when viewing a rental property. Please ensure that you see the entire property inside and outside as well as checking rental and sales websites to confirm no one else is listing the unit,” stated DDA McCosker. “Any suspicious activity can be reported to our Fraud Unit at 866-223-7283 in English or Spanish.”

Case information: People v. Mercedes Alexis Gonzales, Docket Number 05-191863-0 and People v. Mercedes Alexis Gonzales, Docket Number 01-191503-2.

Mujer de San Pablo acusada por un gran jurado por 42 cargos criminales y caso generalizado de fraude de bienes raíces

Martinez, Calif. – Hoy, se desveló una acusación del gran jurado contra Mercedes Gonzales, una mujer de 25 años, residente de San Pablo.  Las alegaciones en la acusación detallan la conducta criminal cometida por Gonzales contra víctimas desprevenidas que deseaban alquilar una casa o habitación en los Condados de Contra Costa, Sonoma, e Solano.

En total existen 23 víctimas asociadas en la acusación. Gonzales, también fue acusado en una denuncia penal presentada a principios de esta semana sobre una denuncia reciente de robo de subvención y la recepción de propiedad robada que involucra a dos víctimas. En general, la fiscalía recibió ayuda como resultado de una investigación conjunta del Departamento de Policía de Richmond y la unidad de Fraude de Bienes Raíces de la División de Operaciones Especiales del fiscal de distrito. El Departamento de Policía de Vallejo también ayudó durante la investigación y arrestó la acusada el fin de semana pasado.

En la primavera de 2019, el Departamento de Policía de Richmond recibió numerosas quejas de las víctimas sobre una estafa de bienes raíces. Una investigación tomo acabo y finalmente la acusada fue arrestada y acusada.  Durante el verano salió a la luz información adicional sobre mas denuncias de fraude contra más víctimas.

A finales de 2018 y a lo largo de 2019, la acusada mostró casas disponibles para alquilar y publicó sobre los listados en las redes sociales en español. Ella usaría un alias para publicar anuncios en las redes sociales, incluyendo Facebook, y afirmó que trabajaba en Kaiser de Richmond. Sin embargo, la acusada no era propietaria ni tenía la autoridad para alquilar la unidad. Las víctimas a su vez le pagaron a la acusada en efectivo, giros postales y cheques de caja. Gonzales creó acuerdos de alquiler ficticios con las víctimas y cobro depósitos.

Gonzales apareció bajo custodia por un juicio en el Departamento 3 de la Corte Superior del Condado de Contra Costa ante la Honorable Patricia Scanlon. Ella se declaró inocente de los cargos alegados en la acusación. Ella está bajo custodia y su fianza es de $540,000.

Las investigaciones relacionadas con las presuntas actividades fraudulentas cometidas por Gonzales están activas y continúan a tomarse acabo. Los miembros del público con cualquier información relacionada con la acusada deben llamar al sargento Tong del departamento de Policía de Richmond al 510-620-6668.

La fiscal del distrito Kristina McCosker es la fiscal asignada al caso en nombre del condado. Kristina McCosker está asignada a la División de Operaciones Especiales, en la unidad de Fraude de Bienes Raíces.

“La Unidad de Fraude de Bienes Raíces de la Oficina del Fiscal del Distrito advierte a cualquier miembro del público cuando ve una propiedad en alquiler. Asegúrese de ver toda la propiedad por dentro y por fuera, así como consultar los sitios web de alquiler y ventas para confirmar que nadie más este listando la unidad,” dijo Kristina McCosker. “Cualquier actividad sospechosa se puede reportar a la unidad de Fraude al 866-223-7283 en inglés o español”.

Información de caso: People v. Mercedes Alexis Gonzales, Numero de caso: 05-191863-0 e People v. Mercedes Alexis Gonzales, Numero de caso 01-191503-2.

 

Martinez woman gets three years in prison for embezzling over $200,000 from her employer

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Second employer she admitted to embezzling from

By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California, Department of Justice

SAN FRANCISCO – Karen Posey was sentenced today to 36 months in prison, and ordered to pay restitution for stealing more than $200,000 from her former employer, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and FBI Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett.

Posey pleaded guilty on December 11, 2018 to four counts of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud, and one count of access device fraud.  According to the plea agreement, Posey worked from July 2016-December 2017 as the business manager at a San Francisco-based architecture firm that designs schools and other public spaces nationwide with a focus on making them accessible to the disabled.  While employed there, Posey stole approximately $235,000 from the company.  She did so using various methods, including by writing unauthorized company checks to herself and then depositing them into her personal bank account, by using a corporate credit card to pay for personal expenses, and by using a corporate ATM card to withdraw large sums of cash.  In addition, as part of her plea agreement Posey admitted that, prior to working at the architecture firm, she worked at another San Francisco-based conservation company, where she embezzled more than $48,000 using similar means.

Posey, 58 of Martinez, CA, was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 30, 2018.  The seven count Indictment charged her with four counts of Wire Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Counts One through Four), one count of Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A; one count of Bank Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344(2) (Count Six); and one count of Fraudulent Use of Unauthorized Access Devices, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1029(a)(2) (Count Seven).

The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Charles R. Breyer, U.S. District Court Judge.  Judge Breyer also sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release to begin at the completion of the prison term and ordered her to pay restitution to the two companies from which she stole money.  The defendant will begin serving the sentence on October 4, 2019.

Ross Weingarten is the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Marina Ponomarchuk.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

Walnut Creek woman sentenced to 28 months in prison for mail theft conspiracy with boyfriend targeting S.F. apartment complex

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Tyler Goforth and Jesslyn Felix in a photo posted on his Facebook page Oct. 3, 2017.

Boyfriend, also of Walnut Creek, sentenced in August to 27 months in prison

By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California, Department of Justice

SAN FRANCISCO/SAN JOSE/OAKLAND – Jesslyn Felix was sentenced today to 28 months in prison, and ordered to pay restitution for her role in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud stemming from a mail theft scheme, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and United States Postal Inspection Service Inspector in Charge Rafael Nuñez.  The Honorable Maxine M. Chesney, U.S. District Judge, handed down the sentence. (See related article).

Felix, 35, of Walnut Creek, Calif., pleaded guilty to the charge on May 29, 2019.  According to her plea agreement, Felix admitted that she and her co-defendant, Tyler Goforth, 35, also of Walnut Creek, traveled repeatedly to the Beacon Apartment Complex, a large apartment building in San Francisco, to steal mail from Beacon residents.  The defendants visited the Beacon more than a dozen times between August 2017 and February 2018.  Felix and Goforth would enter one of the mailrooms at the Beacon, force open mailboxes, and then steal mail.  They then used personal information and documents found in the stolen mail to steal money from Beacon residents, which they spent for personal gain.  Specifically, Felix and Goforth activated credit and debit cards in the victims’ names, stole checks and gift cards, accessed bank accounts belonging to Beacon residents, and stole photo identifications which they then used to carry out their scheme to steal money.  In total, Felix and Goforth stole mail from more than 80 residents of the Beacon and stole more than $40,000 from them.

Mr. Goforth was sentenced for his role in the conspiracy on August 14, 2019, to 27 months in prison, to be followed by a three-year period of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution.

A federal grand jury indicted Felix and Goforth on January 15, 2019.  The 14-count indictment charged each defendant with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349; five counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1343; six counts of theft of mail, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1708; one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1028A; and one count of possession with intent to use or transfer five or more documents or authentication features, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1028(a)(3).  Felix and Goforth both pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge on May 29, 2019.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Chesney ordered Felix to serve a three-year period of supervised release to begin at the completion of the prison term.  Felix has been in custody since May 1, 2019.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Weingarten is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Marina Ponomarchuk.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Fatal crash on 680 in Walnut Creek takes life of Hayward man early Friday morning

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By CHP – Contra Costa

Early this morning, at approximately 1:59 a.m., Contra Costa CHP was advised of a two-vehicle collision on I-680 southbound, just north of Treat Blvd in Walnut Creek. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined a Nissan Sentra had collided with a dump truck, then subsequently rolled, collided with the concrete center wall, and sustained major damage.

Tragically the solo male driver of the Nissan (43 years old from Hayward) was pronounced deceased at the scene. The solo adult male driver of the dump truck was not injured. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased male.
Our preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of the Nissan was traveling southbound on I-680 and for unknown reasons veered across the lanes (from right to left) and collided into the back of the dump truck. Then due to the impact, the Nissan rolled and collided into the concrete center wall and sustained major damage, partially trapping the driver inside. Once the Fire Department and emergency personnel arrived, the driver was extricated from the Nissan but unfortunately pronounced deceased on scene.

Through the investigation on scene, it appeared that the driver was not wearing his seatbelt. The solo male driver of the dump truck was not injured and remained on scene during the investigation.

Although alcohol bottles were located in the Nissan, it is unknown at this time if alcohol and/or drugs are a factor in this collision as it is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the Nissan on I-680 prior to this crash, please contact Contra Costa CHP at (925) 646-4980. Thank you.

Car strikes pedestrian in Clayton Saturday night causing traumatic injuries

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By Sergeant Jason Shaw, Clayton Police Department

On Saturday, September 21st, at approximately 8:31 pm, Clayton Officers were dispatched to the area of Clayton Rd and Lydia Lane for a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic collision. Officers arrived on scene within two minutes.

The pedestrian suffered traumatic injuries and was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. The driver remained on scene and was cooperative with the investigation. It does not appear that intoxication played a factor in this collision. The investigation is on-going.

Anyone that witnessed the collision is asked to please call Sergeant Jason Shaw at 925-673-7350.

Rep. DeSaulnier announces reinstatement of Deferred Action possibly benefits Concord resident

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Screenshot of C-SPAN coverage of Isabel Bueso testifying before a Congressional Oversight and Reform Committee on Sept. 11, 2019.

Policy reversal signals that Isabel Bueso and other families will likely remain in the United States

Washington, DC – On Thursday, Sept. 19, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) issued the following statement after learning that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will reinstate deferred action. The announcement signals that his constituent, Concord resident Isabel Bueso, and other families impacted by the initial decision to end the program will likely be allowed remain in the United States. (See related article)

“In a major victory, the Trump Administration will apparently reverse course and resume the deferred action program, allowing hundreds of deserving immigrants like Isabel Bueso to stay in the United States to receive life-saving medical care. We will continue to press the Administration for answers and assurances that this program is safe from future targeting and pursue our private bill to keep Isabel and her family in the United States permanently, but in the meantime, we breathe a sigh of relief. While I am dismayed that my colleagues and I had to step in to get the Administration to do what is right, I am grateful for the leadership of Chairman Jamie Raskin, Chairman Elijah Cummings, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, and the countless others who fought alongside me.”

Since Isabel Bueso and her family were denied deferred action, Congressman DeSaulnier has been actively working to save Isabel and her family from deportation. DeSaulnier has been actively working to save Isabel by:

  • Introducing a private bill (H.R. 4225) that would allow Isabel and her family to remain in the United States to continue to receive treatment for her rare, life-threatening disease.
  • Calling for an Oversight and Reform Committee hearing on the policy change. The hearing was held on Wednesday, September 11th, at which Isabel Bueso testified.
  • Sending a letter with Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) petitioning the Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kevin McAleenan, to re-review the cases of the Bueso family.
  • Co-leading an effort with Immigration and Citizenship Subcommittee Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Representatives Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Lou Correa (D-CA), and Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and over 100 other lawmakers to DHS, ICE, and USCIS in demanding answers on USCIS’s decision to end consideration of non-military deferred action requests, including medical deferred action.

Contra Costa Animal Services offering discounted adoptions in Back to School Special until Sept 30

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Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) is offering reduced cost adoptions for dogs and cats between now and September 30th to help find forever homes for the hundreds of animals at the County’s shelters. During this period, the adoption fee for dogs over 25lbs and black cats/kittens, or partially black cats/kittens, will be reduced to $20. Interested adopters can take advantage of this adoption promotion by visiting CCAS’ Martinez and Pinole adoption centers to meet animals and adopt their new family member.

“Typical adoption costs range from $86-$264 at CCAS, depending on the animal, which makes this promotion a huge incentive for potential adopters,” says CCAS spokesperson, Steve Burdo. “Our hope is that the community will take advantage of this great opportunity and help us find forever homes for the animals in our care.”

The reduced cost adoption fee includes the cost of adoption, spay/neuter surgery, microchip and vaccinations. The discounted adoption fee does not include licensing or any refundable deposits that may be required for spay/neuter surgery.

To view animals available for adoption, visit www.ccasd.org.

CCAS Adoption Locations

Martinez Adoption Center – 4800 Imhoff Pl., Martinez, CA 94553

Pinole Adoption Center – 910 San Pablo Ave., Pinole, CA 94564

For more information, contact Contra Costa County Animal Services’ Media and Community Relations Manager Steve Burdo at 925-393-6836, or by email at steve.burdo@asd.cccounty.us.

Walnut Creek tennis player Katie Volynets plays “really well” in first round of U.S. Open against eventual champion Bianca Andreescu

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September 3, 2019 – Katie Volynets in victorious action against Carole Monnet in a junior girls’ match at the 2019 US Open. (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/USTA)

Katie Volynets. Photo courtesy of USTA.

The “up-and-coming player” also makes it to second round of U.S. Open Junior Championship

By Allen Payton

In the first round of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships, local tennis standout, Katie Volynets of Walnut Creek, faced the eventual champion, Bianca Andreescu of Ontario, Canada, on Wednesday, August 27 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York City. She lost the match 2-6, 4-6 but according to Andreescu played “really well”. (See video highlights of their match, here.)

Andreescu went on to beat six-time U.S. Open Women’s Singles Champion, Serena Williams in the finals on Saturday, Sept. 7 to win the tournament.

Volynets received a wild card into the women’s draw after winning the Billie Jean King USTA National Championships Girls’ 18s singles title earlier, last month. (See related Herald article)

On Tuesday, Sept. 4, Volynets was also able to advance to the second round of the US Open Junior Championships, after defeating Carole Monnet of France, 6-1, 6-3. She failed to advance in that tournament losing the match to No. 4 seed Maria Camila Osorio Serrano of Colombia 6-4, 6-4, who faces American qualifier Alexandra Yepifanova of Florida, in the championship, later today, Sunday, Sept. 8.

Screenshot of Katie Volynets in the first set of her Round 1 match against Bianca Andreescu at the US Open on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

In her match against Andreescu, which lasted 1 hour and 29 minutes, Volynets held her own on many, multiple volley points, forcing the ultimate champion to work hard, running back and forth across the court. Volynets was up 4-3 in the second set, but, Andreescu rallied to bring it to deuce point and then won the game, breaking Volynets’ serve and tying the set at 4-4. She went on to win the next two games against Volynets, securing her victory.

According to the Sporting News, Andreescu had to overcome “32 unforced errors – twice as many as the American Volynets – to win in straight sets.” Another Sporting News article claimed “it was hardly a walk in the park for Andreescu. The Canadian had to overcome some early jitters and sloppy play to claim victory in her first-ever match in the main draw at Flushing Meadows.”

“Committing 16 unforced errors in the opening set, Andreescu gave Volynets plenty of opportunity to stick around in the early goings of a match-up that pitted the 15th-seeded Canuck against the World No. 473 from Walnut Creek, Calif. Fortunately for Andreescu, Volynets’ inexperience shone through and the Mississauga, Ont., native was able to successfully convert three break points en route to a 6-2 first-set win that was more impressive on the scoreboard than the court.”

According to that same article, Andreescu “was visibly frustrated at times, especially with 17-year-old Volynets growing in confidence with each passing point. The young American matched her more fancied opponent for most of the second frame, with both women holding serve through the first eight games without giving up a single break point opportunity.”

To see the complete stats of their match, click here and here.

Screenshot of Katie Volynets congratulating Bianca Andreescu following their first round match.

In a post-match press conference, the 2019 champion had very positive things to say about Volynets.

“It’s my first round, first match of the tournament, so maybe I was a bit rusty at the beginning,” Andreescu said. “I’m also playing someone younger than me, so, that’s not the best scenario. I’m usually the young one. But, it’s nice to see these up-and-coming players play on big stages like this.”

Andreescu is 19 and Volynets, who started playing tennis when she was just five, is 17.

“Katie, my opponent, she was playing really well. She was getting to a lot of balls. She’s an incredible fighter,” Andreescu continued. “That’s what I told her after the match and I’m sure it’s going to get her places.”

“There were long rallies. I was a little bit nervous coming into the match, too. So, I think, maybe that kind of showed,” she said.

When asked by a reporter to “take a moment and talk more about” Katie, Andreescu responded, “I think she has a very bright future. If she works hard and keeps improving her game, I think she can be very dangerous to a lot of the players. She moves really well. She doesn’t show any negative emotion, which is very impressive. Yeah, I think she can do very big things.”

“Because she gets to so many balls, I wanted to hit the right ball at the right time,” she added about playing Volynets.

“Ever heard of a better tennis name?” a reporter asked.

“Oh, volley nets. Oh, yeah. I never even, like put two and two together. Yeah, that’s crazy, Andreescu responded with a laugh. “She has a very nice name. Very ironic.”