Contra Costa Herald

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

Two Concord men among four charged in Fremont jewelry store heist

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20-year-old Jose Herrada-Aragon, 19-year-old Andres Palestino, two others stole $1.7 million of merchandise, each face 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine

By Michelle Lo, PIO, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California

OAKLAND – A federal grand jury has indicted four defendants, Afatupetaiki Faasisila, 20, of San Bruno, Jose Herrada-Aragon, 20, of Concord, Andres Palestino, 19, of Concord, and Tom Parker Donegan, 19, of Fairfield, in connection with the June 18, 2025, robbery of a jewelry store in Fremont.  Faasisila and Palestino were arrested yesterday and made their initial appearances in district court today.  Herrada-Aragon and Donegan are currently in state custody on other charges and will be transferred to federal custody.

Faasisila, Herrada-Aragon, Palestino, and Donegan were initially charged by complaint on December 8, 2025, and subsequently indicted on December 18, 2025.  The indictment, unsealed today, charges each defendant with one count of robbery affecting interstate commerce.  According to the criminal complaint and other court documents, on June 18, 2025, over two dozen masked individuals conducted a takeover-style robbery of a Kumar Jewelers located on Mowry Avenue in Fremont.  Surveillance video captured a gray Honda ramming into the store’s front façade to force entry.  One individual brandished a firearm at the store’s security guard, while another held the guard’s arms and forced him to the ground.  Dozens of masked individuals, including Faasisila, Herrada-Aragon and Palestino, allegedly stormed the business, which was occupied at the time.  Once inside, the robbers used hammers and other tools to smash display cases and grab the jewelry contained within, resulting in an estimated loss of approximately $1.7 million worth of jewelry.  After ransacking the store, the robbers left with the stolen goods and got into waiting vehicles to flee. (See additional details in the NBC Bay Area news report)

The complaint alleges that Donegan drove one of the getaway vehicles, leading responding police officers on a vehicle pursuit before eventually crashing the car in another part of Fremont.  There, the four defendants exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, only to be apprehended by officers.  Several pieces of stolen jewelry were recovered in the defendants’ flight path and the abandoned vehicle, which had also been reported stolen.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.

Palestino is next scheduled to appear in federal court in Oakland for an arraignment on January 14, 2026, and Faasisila is next scheduled to appear for a detention hearing on January 16, 2026.

A complaint or indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of robbery affecting interstate commerce in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1951(a) and 2.  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.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sloan Heffron and Wendy Garbers of the Violent Crime Strike Force are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lakisha Holliman and Yenni Weinberg.  The prosecution is the result of a joint investigation by the FBI and the Fremont Police Department.

Anyone who has information relevant to this case can report it by contacting the FBI at (415) 553-7400 or tips.fbi.gov.

According to localcrimenews.com, Herrada-Aragon was also arrested on Aug. 31, 2025, by Concord Police for warrants or holds only.

According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, as of this morning, Palestino was being transferred to another facility.

Further Information:

Case No. 25-cr-00435-HSG

Electronic court filings and further procedural and docket information are available at https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  Judges’ calendars with schedules for upcoming court hearings can be viewed on the court’s website at www.cand.uscourts.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Concord man charged with murdering parents on New Year’s Eve

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61-year-old Kirk Laroy Richardson held on $4 million bail

By Allen D. Payton

As previously reported, on Dec. 31, 2025, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Concord Police Department officers responded to a 911 call reporting a family disturbance in the 3900 block of Walnut Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located two individuals, a 90-year-old man and an 85-year-old woman, who were deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. A third individual at the residence was detained and subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.

According to the Concord Police Department in a Facebook post on Jan. 2, 2026, “This case was referred to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations. This morning, the District Attorney’s Office filed two counts of Murder (PC187) with enhancements for use of a firearm, against 61-year-old Kirk Richardson for the murder of his parents. Richardson remains in custody and is being held in lieu of $4 million bail.”

According to Ted Asregadoo, PIO for the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, “Kirk Laroy Richardson was arraigned today, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at 1:30 pm in Martinez in Department 6 (Judge David Goldstein). Richardson is in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility. His bond is currently listed on the Sheriff’s In-Custody Locator at four million dollars.”

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, ten-inch tall, 200-pound Richardson is Hispanic and has another court date scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 8, also at 1:30 p.m. in Superior Court Department 5 in Martinez.

“Attached is the complaint our office filed with the court on 1/2/26 that lists the charges,” Asregadoo added. According to the complaint, Richardson is charged with two counts of murder and faces 25 years to life in prison for each count.

01-26-00001 – KLRichardson Charging Document

Ex-Danville biology teacher, San Ramon cheer coach from Concord gets prison for child exploitation

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Nicholas Brandon Moseby. Photo source: The Rob Harvey on Facebook

44-year-old Nicholas Brandon Moseby sentenced to the maximum 3 years, 8 months

Following arrest in September 2022, conviction last October and investigation by multi-agency task force

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – Former San Ramon Valley School District biology teacher and cheerleading coach Nicholas Brandon Moseby, 44, from Concord, was sentenced to state prison on December 31st, 2025, after being convicted of sexually abusing and exploiting minors.

Moseby was sentenced by the Honorable Joni T. Hiramoto to three years and 8 months in state prison — the maximum term of incarceration allowed by law — and ordered to register for life as a sex offender.

After the court proceedings, Moseby was remanded into custody to immediately serve his prison sentence.

The investigation into and eventual arrest of Moseby occurred on September 14th, 2022. That’s when the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant at Moseby’s residence in Concord after receiving a report he had sent harmful material to a minor. The subsequent investigation determined Moseby had also unlawfully touched several different minors at schools he taught at, and during cheerleading training session in the San Ramon area.

After a five-week trial in September and October 2025, Moseby was found guilty of lewd acts with a child and sending harmful material to a minor, both felonies. Moseby was also convicted of two misdemeanors, sexual battery and annoying and molesting a minor.

“This sentencing marks the end of a three-year legal process and delivers long-awaited justice for the brave victims who came forward,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton. “We hope this outcome brings them a measure of closure and affirms that their voices were heard.”

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Jessica Murad with the Sexual Assault Unit for the District Attorney’s Office. The Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force led the investigation with significant assistance from the Danville Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. The Task Force includes detectives and investigators from the police departments of Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Brentwood, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Danville, Oakley and Moraga, as well as the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

Case No. 01-22-01583 | The People of the State of California v. Moseby, Nicholas Brandon

Two shot, killed in Concord during family disturbance

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By Concord Police Department

CONCORD, CA – This morning, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Concord Police Department officers responded to a 911 call reporting a family disturbance in the 3900 block of Walnut Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located two individuals who were deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. A third individual at the residence was detained and subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.

There are no outstanding suspects and there is no active threat to the community. CPD detectives responded and the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact CPD Major Crimes Unit Detective Luciano at (925) 603-5831.

Concord: Sunvalley Mall jewelry store robbery Sunday morning

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Smash-and-grab suspects flee scene; shopper shares her experience, claims “whole mall was…evacuated”

By Concord Police Department

On Sunday, December 21, 2025, at approximately 11:53 a.m., Concord Police Department dispatch received multiple reports of a smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store inside Sunvalley Mall. Suspects used hammers to break display cases before fleeing the scene in a waiting vehicle.

Officers arrived within two minutes of the initial calls. While some witnesses initially reported possible gunfire, officers quickly confirmed that no shots were fired during the incident.

The suspects had fled toward the highway prior to officers’ arrival. There were no reported injuries, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The incident remains under investigation.

In a Facebook post by Yolanda Schamoni who was shopping in the mall at the time, she shared her experience.

“We just had the scariest experience at Sun Valley Mall. I was there with my son and grandson. We don’t know what happened yet whether it was a shooting with the robbery or just a robbery, but all of a sudden the whole mall was being evacuated my son was standing in line for us to see Santa while I took my grandson to the bathroom and the next thing I know everyone’s running for the exits I was upstairs my son was downstairs thank you to the good Samaritan family that kept him safe until we were reunited, but I can tell you being locked in stores when you’re just out to have your kids sit with Santa because someone’s robbing with guns is not the best feeling.

“Please, I urge the parents out there to start parenting their children. These are kids that parents must know something is going on if they’re going somewhere with guns and robbing people parents do better.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch man killed during family dispute at home near Concord

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By Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a homicide that occurred on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 8:04 a.m. at a home on the 5100 block Laurel Drive in unincorporated Concord.

Valley Station deputy sheriffs responded to a welfare check and found a resident of the home deceased on the property. Detectives believe the incident began as a domestic issue when a family dispute escalated into an altercation. Three others who suffered from injuries were transported to a local hospital.

The victim is identified as 38-year-old Antonio Valdez of Antioch. A person in the home who suffered injuries remains in the hospital.

The Investigation Division Homicide Unit and Crime Lab responded to the scene. Detectives believe the incident began as a domestic issue when a family dispute escalated into an altercation. There are no outstanding suspects and no threat to the public.

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

Chanuka Celebration and 7th annual Grand Community Menorah Lighting in Concord Dec. 18

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By Chabad of Concord

We are thrilled to announce that the 7th annual Grand Community Menorah Lighting is finally here!

This year, we are thankful to have an incredible lineup of entertainment, officials, crafts and Chanukah excitement that you won’t want to miss.

Chabad of Concord and The Veranda have joined forces to bring you a grand Menorah lighting event that promises to be unforgettable! So, get ready to celebrate with us as a community and show your Jewish pride and unity!

Thursday, December 18, 4:30 PM

At The Veranda – 2025 Diamond Blvd., Concord

  • Celebrate Jewish pride and unity this Chanukah with local dignitaries, leaders, and community!
  • Enjoy Chanukah treats
  • Live Performance by the award-winning Goofball
  • Music videos
  • Crafts
  • Raffle

Raffle ticket provided with RSVP.

Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication,” and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple. Chanukah begins on the eve of Kislev 25 and continues for eight days.

Looking forward to a grand time celebrating together!

Free admission- Please RSVP Jewishconcord.com/grand.

Special thanks ABL Health Care & Simcha Sisters for your sponsorship!

For more information visit www.jewishconcord.com or www.facebook.com/chabadofconcord.

Concord man who sold fake Willie Mays memorabilia pleads guilty to wire fraud

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San Francisco Giants player Willie Mays in 1955 posing for the camera of an Associated Press photographer. Public domain. Source: Wikpedia

Daniel Damato faces 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine

By Michelle Lo, PIO, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California

OAKLAND – Daniel Damato pleaded guilty in federal court Monday afternoon, Dec. 8, 2025, to wire fraud in connection with his sales of fraudulent sports memorabilia.  Damato also admitted that he attempted to obstruct the FBI’s investigation into his criminal conduct.

Damato, 42, of Concord, California, was charged by information on October 20, 2025, with one count of wire fraud.  The information alleged that between 2022 and 2024, Damato, a sports memorabilia dealer, doctored and gave false provenance to valuable items to make them appear as authentic sports collectibles, and then attempted to sell the items to unsuspecting buyers at inflated prices.

In pleading guilty, Damato admitted that in 2023, he sold for $100,000 a baseball bat that he falsely represented as having been used by Willie Mays in the 1954 World Series.  Despite his assertions to the contrary, the bat Damato sold for $100,000 had not been used in the 1954 World Series and was in fact a “factory error” bat that was an inch shorter than what Mays used during his career.  After the victim buyer sent Damato $100,000 for the supposedly game-used bat, Damato did not send him anything.

Damato also sold other fraudulent items, including a jersey he falsely marketed as having been worn in a game by Mays that Damato sold for $50,000.

After the FBI executed a search warrant on his residence in October 2024, Damato contacted at least one potential witness in an attempt to obstruct the government’s investigation into his conduct.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Agustin Lopez made the announcement.

Damato’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 23, 2026, before District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín.  Damato faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  Any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Abraham Fine is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.

Case No. 25-cr-0344-AMO

Electronic court filings and further procedural and docket information are available at https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. Judges’ calendars with schedules for upcoming court hearings can be viewed on the court’s website at www.cand.uscourts.gov.

Concord Senior Center to host Annual Gift & Craft Fair Dec. 6

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The City of Concord invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season at its Annual Gift & Craft Fair, returning Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle.

This long-standing community favorite brings together over 70 local artisans and crafters, offering a wonderful variety of handmade gifts and one-of-a-kind creations. From custom jewelry and cozy knitwear to festive décor and holiday treats, shoppers are sure to find something special for everyone on their list.

Admission is free, and all are welcome. Whether you’re searching for a unique gift for a loved one or a special treat for yourself, the Gift & Craft Fair has something for everyone!

Event Details:

Admission: Free and open to the public

For more information, please contact the Concord Senior Center at (925) 671-3017.

Concord to Host Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along Dec. 5

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By Colleen Awad, Community Relations Manager, City of Concord

The City of Concord will kick off the holiday season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along, a free community event, on Friday, December 5, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Todos Santos Plaza.

The Christmas Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along is a family-favorite event that features a number of traditional holiday festivities, including an official tree-lighting, real reindeer, a holiday music sing-along, crafts, shopping at Santa’s Village, and photos with Santa.

Enjoy a night filled with live performances, including Concord High School’s The Honeytones and The Evergreens, Concord Salvation Army Band, Westwood Elementary Chorus Club, Queen of All Saints Children’s Choir with special guest Mayor Carlyn Obringer on the piano, D’Ann’s Dance Academy, Queen of All Saints cheer Team, and fan-favorite The 925 Band.

New this year, the City of Concord has partnered with KultureCity to make the event Sensory Inclusive! KultureCity will be providing a pop-up sensory room. These resources are designed to help individuals of all ages and abilities with sensory needs feel more comfortable and supported during the event.

The City of Concord thanks its sponsors: Realm Real Estate, Concord Police Association, The Todos Santos Business Association, and The Makers Boulevard.

The Christmas Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along will be live-streamed on the City of Concord’s TV channel (Comcast channel 28, Astound channels 29 and 1026, and U-verse channel 99) and the City’s YouTube channel, with the official tree lighting scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Holiday Sip N’ Stroll with Visit Concord

In addition to the City’s event, Visit Concord will be hosting a “Sip ‘n’ Stroll” through downtown Concord restaurants and establishments with treats and drinks for guests ages 21+. Tickets are $20 per person and include food and beverage samples from participating businesses. Learn more and purchase tickets here.