Contra Costa Herald

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

Man pleads guilty for pandering from 2018 Concord human trafficking sting operation

By Leave a Comment

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

On April 24, 2019, Lawrence Taylor pleaded guilty to pandering and agreed to accept a sentence of four years state prison. The Hon. Judge Patricia Scanlon accepted his guilty plea and will impose sentence on May 1, along with a criminal court protective order barring Taylor from having contact with the victim for a period of 10 years.

On March 10, 2018, Taylor was arrested as part of a law enforcement operation conducted by the Concord Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigations’ Safe Streets Task Force and the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. The operation was designed to identify and apprehend individuals using online dating sites to exploit women for purposes of prostitution and also to connect the women to services and support.

Taylor, who was on parole for armed robbery, was apprehended after driving with the victim to a hotel where she had a pre-arranged “date” with an undercover officer. He was found to be in possession of two cell phones. The victim was immediately connected to a Human Trafficking Advocate from the District Attorney’s Office and offered services and support.

Forensic analysis of cell phones seized in the case showed that Taylor had been encouraging the victim to work as a street prostitute and also to prostitute through posting internet ads like the one involved on this night.

“Collaborative enforcement operations such as these are key to identifying exploiters in our community, holding them accountable for their crimes, and giving victims an opportunity to connect to services and support,” said Human Trafficking Unit Supervisor Dana Filkowski. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Jay Melaas and Filkowski.

“The Concord Police Department is committed to working with our justice and victim-service providers to end sex trafficking and exploitation in our community,” added Concord Police Sergeant Jeff Ross, who participated in the enforcement event. “We will continue to organize and implement investigative strategies such as this.”

If you or someone you know is being pressured to engage in prostitution to benefit or help support another person, help is only a phone call away. Contact Community Violence Solutions at 800-670-7273 to speak to a confidential counselor. Or visit the Contra Costa Family Justice Centers in Richmond or Concord to talk to a Navigator about a variety of services and support available right here in Contra Costa County. The Family Justice Centers are a family-friendly one-stop center serving victims of human trafficking, domestic violence and other types of interpersonal violence. No appointment is needed, and the centers are located at 256 24th Street in Richmond or 2151 Salvio St., Suite. 201 in Concord.

To learn more about human trafficking in Contra Costa County, visit the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Coalition’s webpage at www.contracostacoalition.org

Case information: People v. Lawrence Laquontia Taylor, Docket 05-182046-3

El Cerrito woman identified as inmate who died at Martinez Detention Facility Saturday

By 3 Comments

Arrested for domestic violence by El Cerrito Police Friday night

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

The investigation into yesterday’s in custody death is ongoing. Per the in custody fatal incident protocol, the investigation is being conducted by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Sheriff.

The inmate is identified as 36-year old Maria Barraza of El Cerrito. She was arrested by the El Cerrito Police Department for domestic violence and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility at about 10:39 PM on April 12, 2019.

The next morning at about 3:31 A.M., Deputy Sheriffs responded to the women’s holding area in Intake and found that a female inmate, later identified as Barraza, had apparently hanged herself inside the bathroom

Medical staff at the jail responded immediately and began life saving measures. The fire department and an ambulance also responded. Barraza was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An autopsy is planned for tomorrow, Monday, April 15.

Pepper spray fight in Concord affects dozens of people Saturday night

By Leave a Comment

Emergency personnel at The Jungle in Concord to treat customers affected by a pepper spray fight Saturday evening, April 13, 2019. Photo by Concord PD.

By Concord Police Department

On Saturday, April 12, 2019 at 7:08 PM officers were sent to The Jungle (located in the Willows Shopping Center) for a report of a fight involving “5-10 young males and females”. Our Dispatch center then started receiving additional calls that pepper spray had also been used during the fight.

When we arrived, we learned that all of the involved parties in the fight had already left the scene. Approximately 25-30 customers (infants/minors and adults) came out after being exposed to the pepper spray, with some vomiting and complaining of difficulty breathing. Contra Costa Fire was immediately dispatched to check on the customers. Everyone affected at the scene was treated and released by medical personnel.

At this time we are still reviewing surveillance footage and talking to the patrons that were on scene. We do not have any suspect information to release at this time.

If you have any additional information about this altercation please contact our Dispatch Center at (925) 671-3241, or our anonymous tip line at (925) 603-5836.

Three arrested for stabbing 15-year-old boy while he tried to get cell phone back in Concord Thursday

By Leave a Comment

By Concord Police Department

On April 11th, 2019 at 2:47 P.M., Concord Police officers responded to a reported stabbing of a fifteen-year-old juvenile subject on Salvio Street. Investigation revealed that the victim had been approached by three adult males, one of whom asked to use the victim’s cell phone. After the victim gave his phone to this adult, all three walked away, having not returned the phone to the victim. The victim followed the three adults to a nearby parking garage, begging for his phone to be returned. As the adults entered a stairwell in the parking garage with the victim still following, the adults battered and stabbed the victim, causing significant injuries that were later determined not to be life threatening. The adults also stole the victim’s shoes and personal belongings before fleeing the area. The victim contacted the Concord Police Department and was transported to a nearby hospital.

Within a few hours, all three suspects were located by CPD officers and positively identified by the victim. Most of the victim’s personal property was recovered. Each suspect was charged with kidnapping, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and enhancements for participating in a street gang. All three suspects remain in county jail on nearly $300,000.00 bail.

As this investigation is ongoing, no additional information is being released at this time. CPD case #19-4869

Female inmate dies while in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility Saturday morning

By Leave a Comment

Apparent suicide

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

This morning (April 13, 2019) at about 3:31 A.M., Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs responded to the women’s holding area in Intake and found that a female inmate had apparently hanged herself inside the bathroom.

Medical staff at the jail responded immediately and began life saving measures. The fire department and an ambulance also responded.

The inmate was later pronounced deceased at the scene. The release of her identity is pending notification of next of kin.

The investigation into this death is ongoing. Per the in custody fatal incident protocol, the investigation is being conducted by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Sheriff.

Rep. DeSaulnier to host two “Conversation on Race” Town Halls with Special Guests Rep’s. Bass and Lee

By Leave a Comment

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) will host a pair of town halls to engage in a “Conversation on Race” on Tuesday, April 23rd and Saturday, April 27th. These town halls are the latest in a series of discussions on race hosted by Congressman DeSaulnier and are intended to facilitate more understanding, healing, and progress to help us move forward as a nation.

“A Conversation on Race” Town Halls
Tuesday, April 23rd

Special Guest: Congresswoman Karen Bass (CA-37), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and first African American woman Speaker of the California Assembly

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Diablo Valley College Cafeteria

321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

RSVP: https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp

Saturday, April 27th

Hosted With: Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13)

12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Black Repertory Group Theater

3201 Adeline Street, Berkeley, CA 94703

RSVP: https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp

These events are open to the public, press, and photographers.

Please RSVP at https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or by calling 925-933-2660. To request ADA accommodations or for more information, please contact Congressman DeSaulnier’s Walnut Creek or Richmond office.

Congressman DeSaulnier launched his first town hall of this series on February 3, 2018 and information on it can be found here.

CHP investigates another Highway 4 shooting, in Martinez Saturday night, no injuries

By Leave a Comment

Descriptions of shooter and driver provided by victims

By Brandon Correia, Public Information Officer, CHP-Contra Costa

Late last night on Saturday, March 30 just before midnight at 11:57pm, CHP was advised of a possible freeway shooting that occurred on HWY-4 W/B between Franklin Canyon and McEwen Road, just outside of Martinez.

Upon CHP arrival, the victim vehicle, a silver Nissan Maxima, was parked on the right shoulder with two apparent bullet holes in the windshield. The two victims in the Nissan, an adult male driver and an adult female passenger, we’re thankfully not injured and awaiting CHP‘s arrival and were cooperative throughout the entire investigation. The suspect vehicle fled the area.
We have learned through the victims the following; They were traveling on HWY-4 W/B when possibly a newer model white Toyota Corolla (or a similar style vehicle) quickly approached the back of the Nissan, began tailgating them, and then moved to pass on the left side, as the Nissan began to slow.

The victim driver related the passenger of the suspect Toyota began yelling and screaming at them. The male victim then slowed and parked the Nissan on the right shoulder in an attempt to allow the suspect to pass but the suspect vehicle also stopped on the right shoulder & parked in front of the Nissan. Then the male victim related bullets were fired at them from the passenger side window of the suspect Toyota, striking the Nissan windshield. Luckily the male and female victim both ducked below the dash and we’re not injured. Then the suspect vehicle fled the area.
The suspect passenger is described as a white male adult between 35-40 years old, bald, w/ tattoos on his face and right arm. The driver is described as possibly a mixed ethnicity adult male between 30-35 years old, with short black hair.

This incident is still under investigation and we do not have any further details or information to release.
We cannot predict when criminals are going to commit these crimes but what we can do, is a thorough investigation in which you can possibly assist us. We’d like to advise the public of these TIPS if you witness or have information regarding any freeway shooting;
1 – Know which freeway you’re on with your direction of travel, and nearest offramp
2 – Try to get a make, model and color of the suspect vehicle, and a full license plate if possible
3 – Try to get a description of the suspect or suspects, male or female, approximate age, ethnicity, clothing description, identifying marks or tattoos, etc.

If you have any information regarding this incident on HWY-4 from last night, please contact Contra Costa CHP at 925-646-4980. Or you can also call our 24-hr Tip Line at 707-917-4491.

Three Hwy 4 shooting suspects from 2016 each sentenced to 13 years in prison

By Leave a Comment

One each from Concord, Pittsburg and Antioch

By CHP-Contra Costa

Recently, three HWY-4 shooting suspects from 2016, were found guilty in a Contra Costa County Courtroom; two suspects received 13 years and the third received 12 years and 8 months in state prison. These were the results after a long and thorough investigation process and additionally long and thorough judicial process until final adjudication.

It takes quite a while for these shooting suspects to be brought to justice and finally sentenced but the effort and long hours are worth it, for the public to know that these criminals were tried and convicted and also for the families of the victims of these freeway shootings.

This specific case occurred on Feb. 1, 2016 and involved the three suspects traveling in a Nissan sedan on westbound HWY-4 when they shot their firearm out of their moving vehicle at the victim’s vehicle, which was all witnessed by an off-duty police officer. Then the suspects’ vehicle drove at a high rate of speed off the freeway to the Port Chicago Hwy off-ramp and subsequently was involved in a major collision within the intersection and caused injuries to all parties involved.

All three suspects were charged and convicted of the following:

-246 PC – Shooting at an occupied vehicle.

-186.22(a) PC – Participation in Criminal Street Gang

-29800 PC – Possession of Firearm by a Felon. (Oscar Torres)

– 11359 H&S – Possession for Sale of Marijuana

SENTENCES
-Zachery Paul Lopez (24 years old from Concord) was sentenced to 12 years and 8 months in State Prison.

-Oscar Osbaldo Torres (25 years old from Pittsburg) was sentenced to 13 years in State Prison.

-Antonio Ramirez Navarro (22 years old from Antioch) was also sentenced to 13 years in State Prison.

Public Safety and the preservation of life is always our #1 goal and although we cannot predict when criminals are going to commit these heinous crimes, what we can do is put together our very best investigation that will bring these criminals to justice and have them answer for their crimes.

Antioch woman dies in Highway 4 crash in Concord, bullet holes found in driver side door Saturday afternoon

By Leave a Comment

Destinee Hillery from her Facebook page posted on June 8, 2017.

By CHP-Golden Gate Division

At approximately 2:25 PM on Saturday, March 16, 2019, CHP – Contra Costa Area was advised of a silver Honda that collided into the guard rail on Highway 4 eastbound at Port Chicago Highway. While units were in route another caller advised the vehicle ended up on the Willow Pass Road off-ramp from eastbound Highway 4.

Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined the vehicle drove off the roadway and collided with the guardrail. The solo 25-year-old female driver, Destinee Shaharisha – Jenae Hillery, a resident of Antioch was pronounced deceased on scene.

While units were investigating the scene, bullet holes were located on the driver side door. This investigation is ongoing, any further details will be released at a later time.

If anyone has information regarding this incident or witnessed it take place, they are encouraged to contact CHP investigators at 707-917-449.

Contra Costa Animal Services’ 9th Annual St. Pitty’s Day adoption event Saturday March 16

By Leave a Comment

Event features free adoptions of all bully breed dogs, $25 adoptions of all other animals.

Martinez, CA – On Saturday, March 16th, Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) will be hosting its 9th Annual St. Pitty’s Day event. The St. Pitty’s Day event features free adoptions of all bully breed dogs, and $25 adoptions of all other animals. Interested adopters can take advantage of this free adoption promotion by visiting CCAS’ Martinez and Pinole adoption centers to meet our animals and adopt their new family member.

This annual event is an opportunity to showcase bully breed shelter dogs, enlighten and educate the public about this amazing breed and highlight the work of our rescue/transfer groups who specialize in this breed of dog.

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.

Contra Costa Animal Services is the largest animal welfare organization in Contra Costa County. The department operates two shelters, in Martinez and Pinole, where they provide high-quality animal care services, shelter homeless, abandoned and lost animals, place animals in safe, caring homes, and provide education and services to enhance the lives of people and their animal companions. Additionally, the department’s Field Services Division plays a crucial role in protecting the health and safety of all people and animals in our community through enforcement of state and laws, protecting the public from animal injury and working to prevent animal cruelty, abuse and neglect.