Contra Costa Herald

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

Public Service Announcement: Tips to avoid rental scams

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Today, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is sharing important tips for consumers to avoid rental scams.

What is a rental scam?

Scammers will list properties for rent online (i.e., Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace) even though they do not own them or have authority to rent them out. The scammer will attempt to have a prospective renter wire transfer or demand cash payment for the lease and or deposit, by claiming they can rent it but are not available to show it now.

Different kinds of rental scams

  • Knockoff listings: When searching for properties be on the lookout for listings that have been copied and pasted from a legitimate listing but then offered at a low price.
  • Illegal sublets: A scammer has obtained access to a listed property and begins to show the unit as if the unit is their own property or have authority to rent out.
  • Ghost rentals: Scammers will list properties that are not for rent or do not exist and try to lure a victim in with a promise of low rent and great amenities. Their goal is to get the victims money before they find out.

Identifying scams

  • Scammers will request a wire transfer for a first month’s rent, security deposit, application fees or vacation rental fees if applicable as a wire transfer. Please note, a wire transfer is equivalent to handing over cash.
  • The scammer will request funds prior to signing the lease or viewing the property with the excuse that the property is in high demand, adding an urgency to the transaction. The scammer will claim to have a list of other possible renters who are also interested in the property.
  • Scammer will claim they are out of the country by alleging they have an agent or lawyer working on their behalf.

Tips to avoid rental scams

  • Verify who owns the unit or building. To ensure that the person renting the unit is the legitimate owner or property manager, do an online search or visit the Contra Costa County Recorder’s office. The Contra Costa County Recorder’soffice is located at 555 Escobar St, Martinez CA 94553.
  • Conduct an Internet search using a search engine such as Google or Bing by entering in the listed address, agent or alleged homeowners name, email and phone number. Be suspicious of images that may be generated from Multiple Listing Service (MLS). MLS is a service realtor’s frequently use to list properties for prospective buyers. Scammers will crop and adjust these photos for their own use in fraudulent their ads.
  • Legitimate landlords will arrange a tour of the interior of the property without excuse or hesitation. Before any money is exchanged, the landlord will take in an application to do a background check.
  • Landlords will usually accept a personal check, a cashier’s check or money order for the first month’s rent and security deposit.
  • Never provide an advance payment, money is usually not exchanged until a legitimate lease is signed. Do not agree to pay anything in cash or via wire transfer.
  • Be wary of giving your personal information until you verify the leasing party before any personal information is given.
  • Ask detailed questions about the unit, application and move in dates/process. Scammers do not want to answer detailed questions because they are only after the initial deposit. In doing so they will end communication or ignore the questions or answers will contain strange grammar.
  • If a deal is too good to be true, it usually is!

¿Qué es una estafa de alquiler?

Un estafador enumera propiedades para alquiler en línea (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.) aunque no sean dueños de la propiedad ni tengan autoridad para alquilarlas. El estafador intentará enganchar un posible inquilino en que realice una transferencia bancaria o exigir pago en efectivo para el arrendamiento o depósito, aportando que puede y tiene autoridad de alquilarlo, pero no está disponible para mostrarlo en este momento.

Diferentes tipos de estafas de alquiler

  • Listados de imitación: Cuando busque propiedades, esté atento a los listados que se hayan copiado y pegado de un listado legítimo, pero que luego se ofrezcan a un precio bajo.
  • Subarrendamientos ilegales:un estafador ha obtenido acceso a una propiedad que figura en la lista y comienza a mostrarla como si fuera su propia propiedad o tuviera autoridad para alquilarla.
  • Alquilares Inexistentes: el estafador listara listados de las propiedades que no están para alquiler o que no existen y tratará de atraer a la víctima con la promesa de un alquiler bajo y comodidades increibles. El objetivo es de estafar la victima antes de que se enteren que el trato es fraudulento.

Como identificar estafas

Los estafadores solicitarán una transferencia bancaria para el primer mes de el alquiler, depósito de seguridad y otros cobros relacionados con el alquiler. Tenga en cuenta que una transferencia bancaria equivale a entregar dinero en efectivo.

El estafador solicitará fondos antes de firmar el contrato de arrendamiento o antes de poder ver la propiedad con la excusa de que la propiedad tiene gran demanda, agregando una urgencia en la transacción. El estafador afirmará tener una lista de otros posibles inquilinos que también están interesados ​​en la propiedad.

El estafador afirmará que está fuera del país alegando que tiene un agente o abogado trabajando en su nombre.

Consejos para evitar estafas de alquiler

Verifique quién es el propietario de la unidad o el edificio. Para asegurarse de que la persona que alquila la unidad es el propietario legítimo o el administrador de la propiedad, realice una búsqueda en línea o visite las oficinas de registradores del condado. La oficina del registrador del condado de Contra Costa está ubicada en 555 Escobar St, Martinez CA 94553.

https://www.ccclerkrec.us/clerk/

Realice una búsqueda por internet utilizando búscador como Google o Bing ingresando la dirección, el correo electrónico, el número de teléfono y el supuesto agente o propietario de la casa que figuran en la lista. Sospeche de las imágenes que puedan generarse a partir de Multiple Listing Service (MLS). MLS es un servicio que agentes de bienes raíces utilizan con frecuencia para publicar propiedades para posibles compradores. Los estafadores recortan y ajustan estas fotos para su propio uso en sus anuncios fraudulentos.

Los propietarios legítimos organizara un recorrido por el interior de la propiedad sin excusa ni vacilación. Antes de que intercambie el dinero, un arrendador legitimo presentará una solicitud para realizar una verificación de antecedentes.

Los propietarios generalmente aceptarán un cheque personal, un cheque de caja o un giro postal por el primer meses de alquiler y depósito de seguridad.

Nunca proporcione un pago por adelantado, el dinero generalmente no se intercambia hasta que se firma un contrato de arrendamiento legítimo. No acepte pagar nada en efectivo o mediante transferencia bancaria.

Tenga cuidado de no dar su información personal a un estafador que pretende tener un contrato de arrendamiento legítimo, asegúrese de verificar la parte del arrendamiento antes de proporcionar cualquier información personal.

Haga preguntas detalladas sobre la unidad, la solicitud, las fechas de mudanza y el proceso de mudanza, etc. Los estafadores no quieren responder a preguntas detalladas porque están de tras del depósito inicial. Al hacerlo, terminarán la comunicación, ignorarán las preguntas o las respuestas contendrán gramática extraña.

Si un trato es demasiado bueno para ser verdad, ¡por lo general lo es!

 

 

Brentwood man arrested for killing San Pablo man in Walnut Creek last Sunday

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Condition improving for three others injured in early morning shooting

Suspect Jose Guillermo Casillas-Flores. Photo by WCPD

By Walnut Creek Police Department

Walnut Creek Police have made an arrest in connection with the homicide that took place in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 18. 22-year-old Jose Guillermo Casillas-Flores, of Brentwood, was arrested on Thursday during a traffic stop. A handgun and ammunition were taken following a search of his home. There are no additional outstanding suspects stemming from the death of Lutfi Abbushi. The 25-year-old victim was a resident of San Pablo.

Walnut Creek Police Department detectives are presented the case on Thursday for review with the District Attorney.

The incident occurred at approximately 01:37 am on SOS Drive near N. Main Street. Police received multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired. Officers arrived within two minutes to find four gunshot victims, with one deceased at the scene. The entire incident occurred on SOS Drive. (See related article)

At this time, the relationship between all involved parties is unknown. The identities of the involved subjects will not be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation. This was determined to be an isolated incident and there are no ongoing threats to the community. The condition of the other three victims is improving and none of their injuries are considered life threatening.

If anyone has information regarding this incident, please call Detective Coffin at 925-943-5844 x7656. Additional media inquiries may be directed to Lieutenant Holley Connors at connors@walnutcreekpd.com.

Career criminal from Richmond arrested in Oakley Sunday following struggle with officers

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The suspect’s knife and gun in the floor board of the stolen car he was in on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Photos: OakleyPD

Found sitting in stolen from car San Leandro, with stolen gun from Livermore, other stolen property and drugs

By Oakley Police Department

On Sunday, July 18, 2021 at approximately 3:45 PM, officers were dispatched to a business in the 5500 block of Bridgehead Road. The reporting party advised that there appeared to be an adult male looking into vehicles, the business has had a recent history of thefts from vehicles. Upon their arrival, they located the suspect, Paul Muscat (M; 34; Richmond) seated in a vehicle.

A records check revealed that the vehicle Muscat was seated in was stolen out of San Leandro. Officers ordered him out of the vehicle, and he became combative, arming himself with a knife. Muscat was also reaching around inside the vehicle in an apparent search for something. Officers deployed their TASERs at Muscat and were able to safely take him into custody. He was taken for medical treatment and eventually booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

Drugs discovered in the stolen car the suspect was in and his gun on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Photos: OakleyPD

It was later discovered that the item Muscat was reaching for was a handgun, which had been reported stolen out of Livermore. Additionally, illegal narcotics, burglary tools, and stolen property were also located inside the vehicle. Muscat is a convicted felon with a two-decade history of violence, weapons violations, theft, and attempted murder. In addition to resisting arrest.

 

One dead, three others injured in Walnut Creek shooting early Sunday morning

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By Walnut Creek Police Department

The Walnut Creek Police Department is investigating a homicide in the early hours of July 18, 2021. Police received multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired at approximately 01:37 AM on SOS Drive near N. Main Street. Officers arrived to find four gunshot victims, with one deceased at the scene. The other three victims were transported to a local hospital where they are receiving treatment. This is an active investigation. Details will be released as they are available.

If anyone has information regarding this incident, please call Detective Gerstner at 925-256-3578.

Pittsburg, Antioch men arrested for illegal guns, ammunition Wednesday

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Illegal guns and ammunition seized on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Photo: Pittsburg PD

By Pittsburg Police Department

THE LONG ARM OF THE LAW

Back in May, we investigated two separate shootings in the West 10th Street Corridor and in the El Pueblo Housing Complex. At first, there was little to go on to identify the shooters.

But, over the past few months, our Investigations Division and members of our VICE team developed new leads and took that information to the District Attorney’s Office and obtained an arrest warrant for one of the suspects involved in the shootings.

Early this morning, (Wednesday, July 14, 2021) our officers served a search warrant at a residence in the 300 block of Snowflake Way in the city of Pittsburg. They found 23-year-old Jesus Pina and placed him under arrest.  They found a fully automatic Glock handgun in his home.

Detectives then served a search warrant at a home in the 2300 block of Sycamore Dr. in Antioch.  20-year-old Carlos Elizalde was placed under arrest as numerous firearms were found – including four AK-47 pistol variants and a fully automatic Glock pistol.  Along with the illegal firearms, over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, several high-capacity drum-style magazines, and almost two hundred conversation kits capable of making a Glock handgun fully automatic were located.
Both Elizalde and Pina were booked and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.  Pina is being held on an outstanding warrant.  Elizalde is being charged with possession of an assault weapon, selling/converting a firearm, prohibited person in possession of ammunition, and a convicted person in possession of a firearm.

#ppd #pittsburg #allofthestreets #protectingourcommunity

Former Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder Joe Canciamilla pleads guilty to 9 counts

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Will serve one year in county jail

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

Joe Canciamilla

Martinez, Calif. – Yesterday, Monday, July 12, 2021, former Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder Joe Canciamilla pled guilty to perjury and grand theft, totaling nine counts, for illegal activity tied to his multiple political campaign bank accounts. The District Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges against Canciamilla last year. Canciamilla resigned in 2019.

Canciamilla will serve 365 days in county jail per his guilty plea. Per the court, the Sheriff’s Office will determine how the custody time will be served. In addition, he was sentenced to two years formal probation by the Honorable Leslie G. Landu.  Due to his felony conviction, Canciamilla will not be able to act as an attorney and he will report his criminal conviction to the California State Bar. Further, he may no longer hold public office or any other elected office.

Canciamilla committed felony perjury for his misstatements on campaign disclosure statements (Form 460s). Canciamilla signed these campaign finance statements under the penalty of perjury. The illegal activity was conducted from 2010 to 2016. The grand theft counts against Canciamilla related to the use of campaign funds for his personal use.

The personal expenditures made by Canciamilla’s campaign committees for his own personal use were:

  • Personal vacation to Asia
  • Restaurants
  • Airfare via Southwest Airlines and American Airlines
  • Repayment of a Personal Loan
  • Transfers from his Campaign Bank Accounts to his Personal Accounts

In 2019, Canciamilla was fined $150,000 by the California Fair Political Practices Commission in a civil stipulation for his inaccurate campaign finance statements, which concealed the personal use of campaign funds for his own benefit.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Steven Bolen. DDA Bolen is assigned to our Office’s Public Corruption Unit.

Case information: People v. Joseph Canciamilla, Docket Number 01-193934-7.

Following high-speed chase, three police cars rammed, Hercules man wanted for San Jose armed robbery arrested in Antioch Sunday

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Jumps fence, enters home of sister of former Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission Chairman during family July 4th celebration; loses freedom on Independence Day

By Sergeant Rick Martin #3343, Antioch Police Field Services Division

The fence the suspect jumped and APD Officers broke down in pursuit of him at the south Antioch home where he fled Sunday, July 4, 2021. Photo by Sandra White.

On July 4, 2021, at approximately 3:15 P.M an Antioch Police Officer located a vehicle driving on Hillcrest Avenue near Highway 4 that was wanted by San Jose Police Department for multiple armed robberies in the City of San Jose. The driver of the vehicle (Cameron Conley) entered Highway 4 in the westbound direction. As additional officers arrived in the area, Conley fled and led officers on a pursuit. The pursuit continued westbound Highway 4 at speeds in excess of 100 mph. Conley exited Bailey Road and then turned back onto eastbound Highway 4 towards Antioch at speeds in excess of 100 mph.

Conley exited Hillcrest Avenue, continued south, and turned into the Hidden Glenn neighborhood. Officers followed Conley as he drove into a court. Conley then rammed three patrol cars, to include a K-9 car, in an attempt to escape. Conley’s vehicle became disabled, and he fled on foot into the neighborhood.

UPDATE: According to former Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission Chairman, and 2020 council candidate, Sandra White who posted on her Facebook page – “I want to thank APD for doing a fantastic job apprehending the thug that crashed my family’s July 4th celebration. My family and I were enjoying the day when the suspect scaled the fence and ran into the home and barricaded himself in a bathroom my cousin and her four-year-old daughter were occupying.”

It happened at the home of White’s sister.

“The police ended up knocking down the fence while pursuing the suspect. He had a hoody on and was covered up. He was basically trying to hide himself. He said to my cousin, ‘help me, the cops are after me,’” White shared with the Herald. “He went into the linen closet to hide under the comforters. I think he got bit by the K9 because there was blood on the wall.”

“The Gang Unit, SWAT, and K9 searched the house until they located the suspect and arrested him without significant incident,” White added on her Facebook page post. “APD was professional during the entire incident, and they went out of their way to make sure my family and I were okay. Thank you APD for all you do, and be safe!”

Officers and the K-9 apprehended Conley after a brief struggle. Conley was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries, and later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

No further information will be released at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non- emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch police seek Brentwood man for attempted murder for shooting Pittsburg co-worker Tuesday

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Crescencio Garcia-Zavala 2013 DMV photo (left), and 2020 arrest photo (right). Photos: APD

Victim shot multiple times, including once in the head, in grave condition

By Sergeant James Stenger, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Tuesday June 29, 2021, at approximately 4:04 PM, Antioch Patrol Officers responded to the 2300 block of Arthur Way for a male who was shot in the street. When officers arrived, they located a 23-year-old male (resident of Pittsburg) who had been shot several times, including once in the head. The victim was transported to a local trauma center and is currently listed in grave condition.

It was determined through the investigation of this case that 49-year-old Crescencio Zavala-Garcia shot the victim during a verbal argument about a work-related issue. Zavala-Garcia fled the scene in a vehicle after the shooting.

The Antioch Police Department Special Operations Unit and Problem Oriented Policing Team located the vehicle Zavala-Garcia fled in on a property in unincorporated Brentwood, where he was known to stay. The Antioch Police Department SWAT Team was utilized to search the property, but Zavala-Garcia was not located during the search.

A judge issued a probable cause warrant for Zavala-Garcia and the Antioch Police Department is actively looking to arrest him. Zavala-Garcia also has an arrest warrant for kidnapping, domestic violence and felony evading and has a very violent past.

The Antioch Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Zavala-Garcia. Zavala-Garcia should be considered armed and extremely dangerous and should not be approached. If Zavala-Garcia is seen or you know his location, please call 9-1-1 or the Antioch Police Dispatch center at (925) 778-2441.

Zavala-Garcia is described as a Hispanic Male, 5’ 7” tall, 145 pounds, with brown eyes and gray hair.

Zavala-Garcia has used the following names in the past: CRESCENCIO GARCIA-ZAVALA, CRESCENCIO GARCIA, CRESCENCIO ZAVALA, CRESENCIO ZAVALA GARCIA, CRESENCIO GARCIA, CRECENCIO GARCIA, CRECENCIO ZAVALA GARCIA, CRECENCIO ZAVALA GARCIA, CRESENCIO GARCIA ZAVALA

Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Gerber at (925) 779-6943 or by emailing RGerber@antiochca.gov. Anonymous tips or information about this – or any other incident – can be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ANTIOCH.

Contra Costa Crime Lab awarded federal DNA grant, will help prevent crime case backlog

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Photos: CCCSO

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

The Forensic Services Division of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff was awarded $376,101 in grant funding from the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program.

The grant will allow for the hiring of a forensic analyst and the purchase of new instrumentation and equipment. This will increase the capacity to process more DNA samples, thereby helping to reduce the number of forensic DNA and DNA database samples awaiting analysis and to prevent a backlog of forensic and database DNA samples, like those collected at crime scenes.

“This grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance will increase our capacity and help us better serve law enforcement agencies and crime victims,” said Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston. “This will increase our efficiency of testing and enable us to provide quicker results to law enforcement and prosecutors on DNA cases in Contra Costa County.”

The Forensic Services Division hopes to hire a new forensic analyst by the end of the year.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance, a  division of the U.S. Department of Justice, helps to make American communities safer by strengthening the nation’s criminal justice system: Its grants, training and technical assistance, and policy development services provide state, local, and tribal governments with the cutting edge tools and best practices they need to reduce violent and drug-related crime, support law enforcement, and combat victimization.

Human Trafficking Task Force announces results of two operations in Pittsburg and Richmond

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Multi-agency effort results in four arrests, one felony, 10 victims helped

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

Earlier this month, two proactive enforcement operations convened by multiple law enforcement agencies working with Contra Costa County’s Human Trafficking Task Force resulted in multiple arrests of alleged traffickers in Pittsburg and Richmond. The focus of each operation was to stem traffickers from exploiting victims, provide services on the scene for victims and deter future criminal activity in West County and East County. The task force is a multi-disciplinary collaborative effort among local, state and federal law enforcement and community-based victim service providers to take a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach to the investigation and prosecution of all forms of trafficking and related criminal conduct in our community.

On June 4, the Pittsburg Police Department hosted a multi-agency human trafficking operation. As a result of the operation, four arrests were made, and one felony human trafficking case was filed by the DA’s Office involving two defendants. Pittsburg Police is a member of the task force. The operation included personnel from Pittsburg PD, Brentwood Police Department, Concord Police Department, Richmond Police Department, Contra Costa County Probation Department, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office. Victim Service partners were Community Violence Solutions and the DA’s Victim-Witness Assistance Program.

On June 11, Richmond Police hosted a human trafficking operation focused on the 23rd Street corridor. Criminal activity in the 23rd Street corridor impacts neighboring San Pablo, as well. Law enforcement personnel included Richmond officers from the Community Violence Reduction Team and patrol with support from the DA’s Human Trafficking Unit. Four arrests were made by task force members during this operation and investigations into trafficking and related criminal activity continue. Ten victims were put in contact with victim services, provided by Community Violence Solutions, Family Justice Center and the DA’s Office.

If you or someone you know has information regarding any acts or suspicions of human trafficking, please call the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking tip line maintained by the District Attorney’s Office: 925-957-8658.

To get help, call Community Violence Solutions 24-hour resources line (800-670-7273) and Contra Costa’s Family Justice Center (925-521-6366). To report suspected exploitation of youth, call the Children and Family Services/Child Abuse Hotline (1-877-881-1116).

Contra Costa County was awarded a federal grant in October 2018 to form a Human Trafficking Task Force. The DA’s Office shares management of the Task Force with the Contra Costa Alliance to End Abuse in order to hold offenders accountable while providing culturally competent services and support to survivors.