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

On June 20, 2019, Timothy Townsel of Modesto, California was sentenced to 16 years 8 months in state prison for two felonies related to human trafficking of an adult and minor while a gang member. He was sentenced today by the Honorable Judge David Goldstein in Department 6. Townsel is a member of a gang based in Modesto – Family Over Everything (F.O.E.). Townsel will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his adult life.

The case was investigated by the Concord Police Department with major participation from the Modesto Police Department, the Alameda Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. During the investigation at least four victims were identified as being exploited for sex trafficking by the defendant. One of the Jane Doe victims was under the age of 16.

“This case highlights the multi-agency anti-human trafficking initiative that our justice partners are employing to fight these heinous crimes in our County. Detective Gilfry’s tenacity in investigating what would have once been viewed as a routine prostitution bust is the reason this multi-jurisdictional human trafficker will no longer harm his victims,” stated Deputy District Attorney Jay Melaas. DDA Melaas is assigned to our Office’s Sexual Assault Unit and prosecuted the case on behalf of the People.

Townsel trafficked his victims in Las Vegas, Utah, Arizona and other parts of California. He took these victims to these areas to commit sex trafficking. Townsel was recruiting these victims from local high schools and middle schools in the Modesto area. A major break in the case came during a routine security check at the Best Western Motel in Concord, California when Concord Police Officers detained the trafficking victims for suspected prostitution activity.

Eventually Townsel was arrested in Santa Cruz, California last year after a five-month investigation led by Detective Joshua Gilfry of the Concord Police Department that established Townsel was profiting off his victims through manipulation, threats, and physical abuse. Our Office charged him with six felonies in September 2018. Once Townsel was arrested our Office’s Victim Witness Assistance Program provided victim services for those Jane Does involved.

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. Timothy Allen Townsel, Docket 01-187211-8

Has a child with the victim

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

Last week, a Contra Costa County jury found defendant Jason Laughlin of Concord guilty of three misdemeanors, including making criminal threats and stalking the victim Jane Doe. During a 42-day period earlier this year, Laughlin called the victim over 1,300 times, left over 1,000 menacing voicemails and threatened to kill her. The case was investigated by the Walnut Creek Police Department.

Laughlin was sentenced to two years in county jail by the Honorable Nancy Stark. Judge Stark also ordered a ten-year criminal protective order for the victim and her immediate family. Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney Kyle McCauley prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. The case originated in the Office’s Central Eastern Operations Division.

The facts of this case and the resulting sentence illustrates the very real danger that domestic abuse and stalking can have on people outside of the actual relationship, including their children, family members, and co-workers.

On March 16, 2019, Laughlin began calling the victim repeatedly at all hours of the day and night. Laughlin shared a child with the victim and knew where she lived and where she worked. As the victim described the threats at trial, she felt like a “sitting duck.” Laughlin not only called the victim’s personal cell phone but called her personal work phone, her work’s main office line, and her co-workers. The calls included menacing death threats and told the victim to “just wait.”

The calls became so frequent and threatening that the company she worked for implemented a locked front door policy even during business hours. The victim told the police, “something will happen, it is just a matter of time.”

“The conviction sends a strong message that domestic abuse is intolerable and will be punished to the fullest extent of the law, misdemeanors and felonies alike. The District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement agencies of the County are committed to ensuring the safety of victims, their families, and anyone else that domestic abuse affects,” stated DDA McCauley.

The misdemeanor counts against Laughlin for his verdict:

• Count 1, Stalking
• Count 2, Criminal Threats
• Count 3, Annoying Phone Calls

Case information: People v. Jason Laughlin, Docket Number 01-189826-1

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

Today, Tuesday, June 11, 2019, a Contra Costa County jury found defendant Bo Robledo of Selma, California guilty of second-degree murder for a 2017 driving under the influence collision in Concord. Robledo was also convicted of driving under the influence causing great bodily injury at the time of the fatal crash that claimed the life of 21-year-old Natalie Davies, a resident of Concord.

Just before midnight on November 5, 2017, Robledo’s vehicle collided head-on with the victim’s vehicle near Kinne Bridge on Willow Pass Road in Concord. Robledo’s high rate of speed and intoxication caused the deadly collision. The collision also injured victim Zachary Punty and left him with significant life-altering injuries.

Robledo now faces a sentence of 23 years to life in state prison. Sentencing will occur on July 26, 2019 in front of the Honorable Rebecca Hardie in Department 5 of the Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez. Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney Derek Butts prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. The case originated in the Office’s Homicide Unit.

DDA Butts was recently honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) as part of the organization’s 2019 Law Enforcement Recognition event. DDA Butts was recognized for his dedication in prosecuting DUI murder cases, including the recent convictions of defendants Fred Lowe and Lemuel Wilson.

The jury found Robledo guilty of the following charges:

• Second-Degree Murder
• Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while intoxicated with a prior conviction
• Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Causing Injury Within 10 Years of Another DUI Offense
• Driving with a .08% Blood Alcohol Content Causing Inquiry Within 10 Years of Another DUI Offense
• Driving When Privilege Suspended or Revoked For A Driving Under The Influence Conviction

Case Information: People v. Bo Steven Robledo, Docket Number 05-181781-6