Contra Costa Herald

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

Oakland man sentenced to five years in prison for targeting minors online in sexual extortion scheme

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Had help from Concord man, his co-defendant; victims included eight minors between 11 and 14 years old

OAKLAND – Delaney Tang was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for solicitation of child pornography and conspiracy to commit cyberstalking in connection with a sexual extortion scheme, announced Acting United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. The sentence was handed down by the Hon. Haywood S. Gilliam, U.S. District Judge.

Tang, 22, of Oakland, pleaded guilty to the charges on April 28, 2021. The plea agreement describes how Tang used Instagram to harass, threaten, and successfully extort a 12-year-old victim into sending him nude photos and videos of herself. The agreement further describes how Tang provided instructions to the victim specifying what she must wear, say, and do in her photos and videos as well as how Tang also attempted to coerce the victim into filming a video of herself performing additional sex acts with an underage male. Tang received assistance executing the scheme from co-defendant Vincenz Sison, 21, of Concord. Sison attempted to convince the victim to comply with Tang’s extortion requests. Ultimately, Tang publicly posted to Instagram and other sites sexually explicit images and videos of the 12-year-old victim after she stopped responding to Tang’s requests for additional photos and videos.

The government’s memorandum regarding Tang’s sentencing further explains how Tang used Instagram to extort additional victims, including seven identified underage victims who were between 11 and 14 years old.

On February 10, 2021, the United States filed a criminal information charging Tang and Sison with conspiracy to commit cyberstalking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 & 2261A(2)(B), and charging Tang with an additional count of solicitation of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(3)(B).  Tang pleaded guilty to both counts charged against him.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Gilliam ordered Tang to serve an eight-year period of supervision following his release from prison.  Tang will surrender to begin serving his sentence on January 19, 2022. Tang’s next scheduled appearance is on January 12, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., for a hearing to determine restitution for his victims.

For his part in the scheme, Sison pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking on April 28, 2021. Judge Gilliam scheduled Sison’s sentencing for February 2, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Vieira is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Marina Ponomarchuk. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the San Francisco Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security.

 

Annual BART Holiday Toy Drive to benefit hundreds of families in East County

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Ladasha Wheeler, with her daughter, is enrolled in the CNA program at Opportunity Junction in Antioch. Photo courtesy of BART.

East Contra Costa Community Alliance chosen as this year’s beneficiary

Sometimes the people we rely on to care for loved ones need a helping hand themselves. At Opportunity Junction in Antioch future care providers are getting the assistance they need to launch careers as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) through an innovative program that not only provides invaluable hands-on experience but also offers support in dealing with other life challenges. That helping hand can include coaching, connections to resources for housing and childcare, transportation assistance, and food support.

Opportunity Junction is one of a dozen charitable organizations that are part of the East Contra Costa Community Alliance. The Alliance is dedicated to strengthening resources available for those in need in eastern Contra Costa County, an area where finding adequate services has historically been a challenge. By coming together members of the Alliance share and leverage resources to better support disadvantaged populations. BART Board President Mark Foley has selected the Alliance as the beneficiary of this year’s annual BART Holiday Toy Drive.

Graduates of the CNA program at Opportunity Junction. Photo courtesy of BART.

This collaborative approach of the Alliance is paying off for 39-year-old Ladasha Wheeler who is enrolled in the CNA program at Opportunity Junction. Wheeler says she’s always wanted to work in the health care industry and the need has never been greater. “With the pandemic you heard the stories of how people couldn’t be there for their loved ones and how health care workers are overworked,” said Wheeler. “If you can step in to help with a sincere heart to do it why not?”

Wheeler has two adult children and is currently raising her seven-year-old daughter. She says she wouldn’t be able to pursue her career dream without Opportunity Junction. “If you can get the help that you need it’s really nice to have,” said Wheeler. “I’m a proud person but when it comes to donations you never know when you might eventually be on the receiving end.”

ECCCA member Loaves and Fishes delivers lunch daily to the Wheeler’s classroom, helping take the burden off the CNA trainees.

“Working together with our partners, we can provide the comprehensive services our residents need,” says Opportunity Junction CEO Alissa Friedman. “That CNA program is itself a partnership with Mt. Diablo Adult Education and Empowered Aging.”

33-year-old Natalee Pletcher is also a mother of three who is in the nursing program. Pletcher says she wouldn’t be able to pursue her goal of becoming a CNA and then a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) without the support of Opportunity Junction.

“The program has really given me not only help with tuition but help with courage because they’ve been there,” she said. “They’re really there for you if you’re struggling with something financially, mentally, or otherwise.”

Pletcher says the BART Holiday Toy Drive will make a big difference for hundreds of families including hers.

“It’s been very difficult for my family to get caught up with COVID. It’s set us back a lot so having this toy drive will really help my kids have a great Christmas,” she added.

The East Contra Costa Community Alliance includes the following non-profit groups that work together to offer a variety of support services:

  • Opportunity Junction– Helps motivated job seekers develop the skills and confidence to launch careers.
  • Monument Impact– Building skills, resources, and power within immigrant, refugee, and low-income communities.
  • Loaves and Fishes– Provides community-based food programs and partner services focused on basic needs.
  • Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA)– Advocates for abused and neglected youth in foster care.
  • DreamCatchers EmpowermentNetwork – Empowers youth and adults with limitations with assessments, job preparation, placement, and coaching.
  • SparkPoint– Focuses on financial stability including managing credit, increasing income, and building assets.
  • Village Community Resource Center– Family-focused support including after-school programs, mental health service, and parent support.
  • Winter Nights Family Shelter– Provides safe shelter for families and assistance to break the cycle of homelessness.
  • Counseling Options and Parent Education (COPE)– Strengthens family relationships through counseling options and parent education programs.
  • Contra Costa Senior Legal Services – Protecting the rights of seniors with a focus on keeping clients healthy and independent.
  • People Who Care Children Association– Free mental health counseling and enrichment opportunities ranging from job training to life skills.
  • Brighter Beginnings– Supports healthy births and development by partnering with parents. Assists young parents and expecting parents.

The collaboration between the charities has been especially valuable in the last year in the face of the global pandemic. Members of the alliance are sharing technical help and advice as well as learning lessons from one another as they offer support services to the community during a challenging time.

“We know what one another does so we can refer to one another more easily and it expands the resources we have for our own clients,” said SparkPoint Contra Costa Director Betty Geishirt Cantrell. “We really supported each other during the pandemic. We all had to move to remote services. We asked each other, ‘how are you doing remote services, what platforms are you using, which one works best’ all of that.”

“Connecting resources for a family who is in crisis is easier when we have partners who value each other’s services”, said C.O.P.E. Family Support Center’s Founder Cathy Botello.

The spirit of partnership is making a difference in the lives of thousands of families in Eastern Contra Costa County.

“Virtual was a factor last year for sure. Most of our classes are in Spanish and that’s a population that often falls into the digital divide,” said Monument Impact Executive Director Debra Ballinger. “We’re partnering with Pittsburg Unified to accommodate more people, teaching basics like how to use a Chromebook. Also, people were so panicked about job loss. It was sudden and immediate for people. We found that we had to find different ways to help to keep people in their homes.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP: If you’d like to join BART employees in helping the non-profits that are part of the East Contra Costa Community Alliance at the holidays you can visit www.ecccalliance.org. The site includes links to all 12 members of the Alliance.

14 children in Antioch given wrong, high doses of COVID-19 vaccine at Sutter Delta clinic last weekend

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Source: CDC

At least two at “home sick Monday with bad stomachaches”

By Allen Payton

Fourteen children were given higher doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine than they should have received at Sutter Health’s Antioch Urgent Care clinic in the Blue Rock Center over the weekend.

A statement was issued by Dr. Jimmy Hu, a pediatrician and Chair of the Sutter Health COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force:

“This weekend 14 patients at our Antioch pediatric vaccine clinic received vaccines with an incorrect amount of diluent. As soon as we learned of this, we contacted the parents and advised them of CDC guidance in this situation. The safety of our patients is our top priority, and we immediately reviewed our processes to help make sure this doesn’t happen again. According to the CDC, patients who receive vaccine with an incorrect diluent volume may experience more arm soreness, fatigue, headache, or a fever in response to the dose given.”

According to Sutter Health spokesperson, Monique Binkley-Smith, the children received more than the 5- to 11-year-old dose of 10 micrograms, and approximately two-thirds the dose of what a 12-year-old or older would get of 30 micrograms.

The vaccine dilution/prep process is done on-site-at the clinics, the same day it’s administered.

According to an ABC news report, two of the children got sick after receiving the vaccine.

“I’m here tonight to report my story because it’s unacceptable; you expect your medical professionals to give you correct doses,” parent Denise Iserloth said.

Denise and her husband Shawn’s eight and 11-year-old children were among the kids given the wrong amount of coronavirus vaccine.

“The Iserloths, whose children were both home sick Monday with bad stomachaches, say their two children were given 20 micrograms of dosage instead of the recommended 10. They’re now very concerned about any long-term effects,” according to the ABC report.

The children are expected to be fine.

“According to the CDC, patients who receive vaccine with an incorrect diluent volume may experience more arm soreness, fatigue, headache, or a fever in response to the dose given,” Binkley-Smith shared.

Also according to the CDC, “Scientists have conducted clinical trials with about 3,000 children, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine has met the safety and efficacy standards for authorization in children ages 5 through 11 years old.  The safety of COVID-19 vaccines continues to be monitored.”

California CASA releases 2019/2020 Impact Report: Stronger Together

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California CASA announced today, Friday, March 12, 2021, that it has published its 2019/2020 Impact Report, which reinforces the organization’s mission as it relates to helping serve the over 83,000 youth in California’s foster care system, local CASA programs, and Court Appointed Special Advocates. This year’s report also focuses on the unique actions the organization took in the wake of unprecedented challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During this exceptional year, the 44 CASA programs in our state experienced first-hand how difficult it was, at times, for children in foster care to get their basic needs met. California CASA also witnessed the dedication and resiliency of CASA staff, boards, and volunteers in their outstanding support of youth who have experienced abuse and neglect,” said CA CASA CEO Sharon M. Lawrence, Esq. “The 2019/2020 Impact Report showcases the strength of our network and the potential to serve even more children by recruiting, training, and overseeing a growing and more diverse group of volunteer advocates in each county.”

The title of this year’s report — Stronger Together— underscores the cooperative relationship of California CASA and the variety of community members that come together to care for children across the state. In the midst of these tumultuous times, California CASA’s flexibility enabled the organization to operate exceptionally in an environment where county and state guidelines shifted in unpredictable ways. This purposeful approach was enhanced by dedicated CASA staff and volunteers at individual CASA programs adapting to ever changing dependency court and public health requirements that impacted advocates and the youth they are connected to.

The report looks at the how California CASA managed a wide range of initiatives to strengthen the service, quality, and impact of Court Appointed Special Advocates around the state.

Summary of 2019/2020 Impact in California:

  • 14,150 children in California foster had the support of a CASA volunteer.
  • 8,798 Court Appointed Special Advocates worked on behalf of children.
  • $17.6M+ worth of volunteer service hours were provided by CASA volunteers to foster youth.
  • 6,628 hours of technical assistance were provided by California CASA to local CASA programs.
  • $8.5M+ in funding was facilitated by California CASA for local CASA programs.
  • 2500 local CASA staff and volunteers attended California CASA webinar training sessions.

California CASA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization ensuring that children and youth in California’s foster care system have both a voice and the services they need for a stable future. California CASA connects the 44 county CASA programs in the state in order to raise awareness of the need for Court Appointed Special Advocates and provides support, advice, resources, and oversight to maintain high-quality programs that serve children’s best interests. California CASA is a member of the National CASA/GAL Association for Children.

 More information about California Court Appointed Special Advocates Association can be found here: CaliforniaCASA.org.  

 

Parents arrested for murder, child abuse of 5-week-old infant in Richmond Thursday

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Source: Vinelink.com

By Richmond Police Department

On Thursday, February 4th at approximately 6:30 pm Richmond Police Department Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call from an employee at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel at 3150 Garrity Way, in Richmond. The information received was a couple rushed out of the hotel with their infant baby telling the employee the child was not breathing and they were going to a hospital.

At 6:55 pm Richmond Communications Center received a phone call from Kaiser Hospital-Richmond stating they had a non-breathing five-week-old infant enter their emergency room. The child was pronounced deceased soon after arriving at the hospital.

Richmond Police officers converged on the hotel and hospital and immediately began an investigation that appeared to be child abuse resulting in death. The child had obvious signs of abuse. The Marriott Courtyard is currently being utilized by Contra Costa County to assist with housing unsheltered members of our community during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Richmond Police Department Homicide Unit was notified and assumed the investigation. Detectives responded to the Police Department to conduct interviews of both parents, they also met with other witnesses that were able to provide helpful information and followed up on other investigative leads to assist in the investigation.

The father, Ray Ray Darn (35-years-old) and mother Marilyn Northington (28-years-old) were ultimately arrested for murder and child abuse causing great bodily injury. The couple had two other small children that were taken into protective custody and turned over to Child Family Services (CFS). This case will be presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office early next week for review of criminal charges.

The City of Richmond Police Department is committed to solving crimes that occur in our city. We ask that any person, who may have any information related to this incident please contact Homicide Detective Brian Hoffman at (510) 621-1755, email him at bhoffman@richmondpd.net or they can contact Richmond’s anonymous tip line at (510) 307-T1PS (8177).

Any media inquiries can be directed to Sergeant Aaron Pomeroy at (510) 620-6616 or email at apomeroy@richmondpd.net. RICHMOND POLICE CASE #2021-00001208​​​​

 

Antioch’s Markstein Sales Company combats slavery, human trafficking, appeals to other business leaders to get involved both locally and nationally

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Owner Laura Markstein places a sign on one of the company’s trucks. Video screenshot.

Through partnerships with New Day for Children and the National Beer Wholesalers Association, Markstein is making a difference to stop this growing crime against children

Help Stop Human Trafficking by reporting a tip or seek help by calling the National Hotline at 1-888-373-7888

By Rebecca Butler

ANTIOCH, Calif. – As part of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January,  Markstein Sales Company (Markstein), a woman-owned and operated wholesale beverage distributor in Northern California, today appealed to business leaders around the country to join in its fight against slavery and human trafficking.  As a long-time supporter and sponsor of the New Day for Children organization that provides funding to help American children who have been recovered from sex trafficking, Markstein has also now joined a nationwide campaign with the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) where beer distributors, who collectively visit more than 600,000 retail establishments across the country, can play a vital role in identifying and reporting suspicious activity often unseen by the typical public.

“Rapidly escalating profits, the internet, limited police resources, and unaware communities have created a perfect storm for the child sex trafficking industry here in the United States. It is the second fastest growing criminal industry in our country, and one that employs sophisticated business practices and is highly lucrative,” said Sharon Wood, Executive Director of New Day for Children. “Today, the U.S. Justice Department estimates that 300,000 children are at risk of being trafficked for sex in the United States. Through partnership with businesses, such as Markstein Sales Company, we can provide the funds and resources needed to transition many of these children to safe housing and therapeutic care, and help prevent it from happening to another one of our children.”

Human trafficking is a growing problem in the U.S., with more than 11,500 human trafficking cases reported in 2019 alone. California has consistently had the highest human trafficking rates in the United States with 1,507 cases reported in 2019. To help combat this, Markstein is installing signage on all of its 75 vehicles that are typically on the roads of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties 14 hours per day, six days per week. The goal of these signs is to raise awareness locally and to provide easy access to hotline information for people that suspect or know of human trafficking cases. Markstein is also providing personalized training, leveraged from both NBWA and New Day for Children, for all truck drivers and merchandisers so they know what to look out for on their daily routes and in the businesses they serve.

“While our work to end human trafficking began at the local level, this is a national problem that needs all business leaders to stand up and make a difference. I am calling on all companies to get involved locally with groups like New Day for Children and nationally with efforts like those sponsored by the NBWA,” said Laura Markstein, President of Markstein Sales Company. “Whether that involves a sign in a highly visible location or extra eyes and ears for identifying and reporting suspicious behavior, there are many companies such as beer distributors that are in a very public and unique position where they can make a significant difference to fight this cause.”

“Beer distributors have behind-the-scenes access to the prime locations where traffickers could be exploiting victims – from bars, restaurants, hotels, convenience stores, to package stores, sports arenas and grocery stores,” said Lauren Kane, Vice President of Communications, National Beer Wholesalers Association. “We commend the work Markstein Sales Company has already been doing locally with programs like New Day for Children. Combining this with their commitment to the NBWA Distributors Against Human Trafficking campaign, means they have the opportunity to significantly impact the fight against human trafficking. Beer distributors in other states have seen a 175% increase in calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline after they started educating their employees and putting signage on their trucks. We are confident Markstein’s efforts will bring similar life-changing results to California.

Call to Action

  • If you are a beer distributor, join the campaign being spearheaded by the NBWA to build awareness and provide training to educate employees on recognizing and reporting the warning signs of human trafficking.
  • If you are any other type of company that has vehicles, products or buildings that are constantly in the public eye, leverage your visibility to do your own campaign and encourage others in your industry to follow suit.
  • Support and sponsor New Day for Children. This nationally recognized charity provides support and assistance to American girls, ages 10-18, who have been recovered from the despair of sex trafficking. Your financial support can provide safe housing, school, medical, mental health care, equine therapy, and much more.
  • Take off the blinders.  If you think this is not happening in your community, you are wrong.  Every state, county, city, and town needs to help combat this nationwide crisis.  This Markstein video outlines the problem and the ways companies and individuals can make a difference.

“I am proud to work for a company that provides the tools and training to turn an average workday into an opportunity to help in a big way,” said Dustin Miller, Commercial Driver, Markstein Sales Company. “As I go about my daily routes, I feel more empowered than ever before to play a part in preventing and stopping these horrible crimes against both children and adults.”

New Day for Children is a nationally recognized 501-(c)3 charity that provides support and assistance to American girls, ages 10-18, who have been recovered from the despair of sex trafficking.  Your financial support provides safe housing, school, medical, mental health care, equine therapy and more. New Day for Children collaborates with quality programs for the children’s care. In this video you will see one such facility with New Day supported girls.

About Markstein Sales Company

Markstein Sales Company is a fourth-generation, woman-owned and operated wholesale beverage distributor based in Antioch, Calif. Founded in 1919 with just a horse, a wagon and six cases of beer, Markstein is now in its 101st year and distributing over four million cases annually to 1500 retailers in the Bay Area. The company’s portfolio is composed of multiple world-class beers including the Anheuser-Busch InBev and Constellation Brands family of beers, several high-quality craft beers and many others. Markstein is known for outstanding customer service, dedication to their employees and commitment to the community. The company continues to rank as best in class by retailers and is one of the top ten largest Woman Owned Businesses in the Bay Area. More information can be found at https://www.marksteinsalescompany.com.

 

Drive-thru Thanksgiving food and backpack giveaway by Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa in El Sobrante Tuesday

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Contra Costa kids and families will have the opportunity to have a safe and socially distant Thanksgiving food drive-thru with local community members.

Moose Lodge 550 – With the holiday season approaching Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa decided to host a Thanksgiving drive-thru event. On Tuesday November 24, 2020, Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa will be taking over the Moose Lodge 550 parking lot and making it a family friendly drive-up Thanksgiving meal and backpack giveaway in a socially distant way! The event is a drive-thru event ONLY and will open to Contra Costa County families from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

“We know times are tough right now for families throughout Contra Costa. Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa is committed to doing whatever it takes to support kids and families,” said Keirstan Faulkner, Director of Education of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa.

Our Thanksgiving event will include packages of turkey’s, mashed potatoes, vegetables, mac & cheese, bread, and some fun additional snacks! Families must drive in and remain in the car as they come to pick up their food.

Extra precautions have been put in place by Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa to help ensure the health and safety of all guests wishing to participate in this year’s Thanksgiving Celebration.

If you are interested in participating or donating any food or supplies, please contact Keirstan Faulkner via email at kfaulker@bgccontracosta.org. Any monetary donations to the organization will go towards our COVID-19 relief fund so we can continue to support our community when they need us the most.

Thanksgiving Holiday Food Giveaway with Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa is scheduled for Tuesday November 24th from 3pm to 5 PM PST.

Event Details:

What: Thanksgiving Holiday food giveaway with Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa

When: Tuesday, November 24th, 2020

Where: Moose Lodge 550 at 4674 Appian Way, El Sobrante

For any additional information, please contact us at kfaulkner@bgccontracosta.org

We believe every kid has what it takes to be happy and successful. The mission and core beliefs of Boys & Girls Clubs fuel our commitment to promoting safe, positive and inclusive environments for all. For more information, please visit and get involved at https://www.bgccontracosta.org

Brentwood woman arrested, charged with murder for death of her 2-year-old child from fentanyl intoxication

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By Brentwood Police Department

It was the call that every officer dreads to hear…

On September 20, 2020, at around 2:54 AM, Brentwood officers responded to a residence in the 50 block of Havenwood Ave. to investigate a report of an unresponsive 2 year-old child, later identified as Jasani Kerry. His mother, 22-year-old Genesis Barrera-Galdamez, had found him unresponsive and telephoned emergency personnel.

When officers and emergency personnel arrived on scene, they performed CPR for several minutes, however, Jasani was ultimately declared deceased. The preliminary investigation revealed drug paraphernalia and illicit drugs that later tested positive for fentanyl in the presence of Jasani preceding his death. Weeks later, a Contra Costa County Coroner’s pathologist determined Jasani’s cause of death was due to acute fentanyl intoxication.

Following an extensive follow-up investigation, Brentwood investigators prepared an arrest warrant for Genesis charging her with murder.

On October 30, 2020 at around 3:30 PM, investigators located Genesis at the Comfort Inn Hotel located at 2436 Mahogany Way in Antioch and took her into custody without incident. Genesis was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on the outstanding arrest warrant.

Yesterday the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office formally charged Genesis with second-degree murder, possession of narcotics for sale, and child abuse resulting in death. Genesis is being held on $1.1 million dollar bail.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends who have been affected by this tragedy. The loss of any child is difficult for anyone to bear; we hope the arrest in this case can bring some peace to those affected.

Rest in peace Jasani.

Arraignment Scheduled For November 18

Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office Public Information Officer Scott Alonso issued the following about the case Thursday morning:

Earlier this week, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed murder charges against Genesis Barrera-Galdamez (22-year-old resident of Brentwood) for the death of her two-year-old son, Jasani Kerry, Jr. Barrera-Galdamez was also charged with felony child abuse and felony possession of Fentanyl to sell. Two enhancements were also filed tied to the child abuse charge against the defendant: willful harm causing injury and great bodily injury resulting in brain damage and paralysis. The young child consumed fentanyl under the care of Barrera-Galdamez. The child’s autopsy report later ruled the toddler’s death was caused by Acute Fentanyl Toxicity.

Brentwood Police Department investigated the case and presented it to our Office for filing. Homicide Unit Supervisor Derek Butts reviewed the investigation and filed the charges listed above.

“While the Defendant did not intend that her son Jasani die, the evidence shows that she was aware her Fentanyl possession and use was dangerous to human life and despite this knowledge, exposed Jasani to the danger which ultimately led to his death, stated Deputy District Attorney Butts. “Well known amongst abusers, Fentanyl is an exceptionally toxic and dangerous substance.  The act of exposing people to or supplying others with Fentanyl, if death results, can lead to murder charges.”

In the early morning hours of September 20, the defendant called police and stated her son was not breathing and non-responsive. She told the police that her son appeared blue and his body was very cold. CPR performed at the scene by Brentwood Police Officers and continued by American Medical Response personnel for over 30 minutes did not revive the boy. Officers at the scene located multiple items of drug paraphernalia on and around the bed the Defendant shared with Jasani, including 13 grams of powdered Fentanyl, baggies and tin foil pieces containing Fentanyl residue and a torch lighter.

After Jasani’s death, Barrera-Galdamez attempted to sell Fentanyl to multiple parties. Brentwood Police Department officers obtained a warrant for the arrest of the defendant on October 29th. The following day, Barrera-Galdamez was arrested at the Comfort Inn in Antioch, where she was engaging in Fentanyl sales.

Barrera-Galdamez made her first appearance in court yesterday and she remains in custody with bail set at $1,100,000. Her arraignment on the charges was set for November 18th.

Case information: People v. Genesis Barrera-Galdamez, Docket Number 04-200626-0.