Contra Costa Herald

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

Concord man found with 10 dogs in wire crates, one dead arrested for felony animal cruelty

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One of the dogs in a wire crate, Jeremiah Weberling and the trailer that housed the 10 dogs. Photos: Concord PD

By Concord Police Department

On Thursday, a concerned community member called the Concord Police Department reporting that there were three or four dogs “going crazy” inside of a travel trailer that was parked on the street. When Officers arrived on scene, they saw a small dog standing inside by the open trailer door. The dog was barking, panting heavily, and its fur appeared matted and wet. From outside, the officer was able to see that the trailer was filthy and stacked with various items that were almost touching the ceiling in some places.

Shortly after arriving on scene, Officers were able to find the registered owner of the trailer, Jeremiah Weberling, who admitted the dogs belonged to him and that he used the trailer as a mobile “dog house.” Concerned for the well-being of the other dogs inside, an officer stepped in the trailer and saw five more dogs in wire crates. None of the pups appeared to have any water or food and looked to be in poor health. The condition of the trailer was so bad that the officer was only able to take a couple steps before having to go back outside. After seeing the poor condition of the trailer and the dogs, the investigating Officer placed Weberling under arrest for animal cruelty and requested Contra Costa County Animal Services respond to the scene.

Animal Services arrived at the location and a total of ten dogs were found; one of whom was dead. Since all of the other nine dogs were in such poor health, Animal Control brought them to a local emergency vet for treatment. Unfortunately, two of the dogs were so sick and injured they had to be euthanized; the remaining seven are expected to survive.

We know that these cases are extremely sad and difficult to even read. This is a reminder that animal abuse is a very serious crime. Today, the District Attorney’s Office filed ten charges of felony animal cruelty against Weberling and he will remain in jail on a $100,000 bail. There is no word yet on if or when the other seven dogs can be adopted, but we will let you know as soon as we hear.

Lafayette, Berkeley Police arrest two suspects from Oakland in laptop robbery at coffee shop

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By Lafayette Police Department

On April 30, 2019, at approximately 3:12 p.m., Lafayette Police Officers were dispatched to a report of a robbery that had just occurred at the Bank of America. Additional information was received that one of the suspects had stated he had a gun.

As Officers were responding, they received information that the suspects were fleeing the scene in a black, four-door sedan and a citizen had provided a license plate number for the vehicle.

When Officers arrived on scene, they determined that no crime had occurred at the Bank of America, but instead at Peet’s Coffee. Officers learned that four suspects drove into the Plaza Shopping Center on Mt. Diablo Blvd., where two of the suspects exited the vehicle, and entered Peet’s Coffee shop. The two suspects each stole a laptop from patrons that were sitting inside and ran to the waiting Saturn sedan.

Two local students were eating in a nearby business and observed the suspects running out of Peet’s with the laptops. They ran out to provide aid and saw the suspect vehicle driving away. Believing a robbery had just occurred, one of the students ran after the vehicle. While the suspect vehicle was stopped in traffic, the student began taking pictures with his cell phone. One of the suspects saw him and yelled out that he had a gun and would shoot him. The student safely backed away and called 911 to report his actions. Lafayette PD will not be releasing the student’s identity.

With the information provided, Officers were able to use city-owned cameras to locate the vehicle and obtain images of the occupants. Lafayette Detectives were able to identify of all the occupants with assistance from Oakland Police. Detectives learned that the registered owner of the vehicle, along with two of the passengers, had active arrest warrants for prior, similar crimes in the City of Berkeley.

By 8:00 p.m., Oakland Police were able to locate the vehicle and detain two of the suspects. Lafayette and Berkeley Police Detectives responded to Oakland and arrested the two suspects. Lafayette Detectives are working with Berkeley Detectives and the investigation is currently active; with two suspects still outstanding. The suspects are not being identified at this time.

Man arrested for breaking into Concord City Hall, stealing suit Wednesday

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Jesse Maron arrested in the suit he allegedly stole from Concord City Hall on Wednesday, April 24, 2019. Photo by CPD

From Concord Police Department Facebook page

On April 24th, Concord Police Officer’s responded to an alarm activation call at City Hall at 5:00 am. It was determined that a break in and burglary just occurred. Officers searched the area and found the suspect, later identified as Jesse Marron, near the Library. When officers tried to detain Marron, he assaulted several PD personnel. He was arrested and found to be in possession of stolen property from the building. He was also in possession of drug paraphernalia.

Images of Marron breaking into the building were captured on the surveillance system. The District Attorney’s Office has charged Marron with several crimes, including Burglary, Possession of Stolen Property, Obstructing an Officer in the Performance of Their Duties, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Marron remains in county jail.

Since many of our followers are commenting on how well Mr. Marron is dressed, we just wanted to let you know that the suit he is wearing was also stolen during the burglary.

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

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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

Orinda Police arrest Oakland man suspected in two bank robberies Tuesday morning

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

The Orinda Police Department, assisted by the Oakland Police Department, arrested 49-year-old Duane Makela of Oakland Tuesday morning, April 23 in connection with two bank robberies that occurred in the city of Orinda last year.

During the joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Makela was identified as the suspect. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Makela and a search warrant for his home. Makela was arrested at about 6:55 AM on the 3600 block of Broadway in Oakland without incident.

Makela’s vehicle was also searched. A possible explosive device was located in his car; the device was rendered safe.

Makela was later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on robbery and drug possession charges. He is being held in lieu of $150,000 bail.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Orinda Police Department at (925) 254-6820. For any tips, call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message or email: tips@so.cccounty.us.

 

Coroner’s inquest jury confirms Pittsburg man killed during shoot-out with police died “at the hands of another”

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

Sheriff-Coroner David O. Livingston announces that a Coroner’s inquest jury has reached a finding in the October 22, 2018 death of 37-year-old Salvador Contreras Morales-Cazares of Pittsburg. The finding of the jury is that the death was at the hands of another person, other than by accident.

Contreras was killed during a shoot-out with Pittsburg Police officers, following a domestic dispute that led to a police chase to Concord and back, and then barricading himself in a house.

According to an ABC7 News Report, “Morales eventually walked out of the house and onto the driveway with the gun and didn’t comply with police commands to drop the weapon, according to police. He was shot after he ‘raised the gun and fired towards officers,’ police said.”

The Coroner’s jury reached the verdict after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by the hearing officer, Matthew Guichard.

A Coroner’s inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving peace officers, is a public hearing during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding:

Accident, suicide, natural causes, or at the hands of another person, other than by accident.

Brentwood woman, Pittsburg real estate agent arrested for running “Nigerian scam”

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Teresita Del Rosario. Photo: Pittsburg Police

By Pittsburg Police Department

In October 2018 the Pittsburg Police Department became aware of a scam involving Teresita Del Rosario, a 74-year-old Brentwood resident and a business owner in the City of Pittsburg. The case was immediately assigned to the Investigations Division where it was thoroughly investigated over the course of the last several months. Through the course of the investigation, it was learned Del Rosario was the owner of Best Haven Realty and Mortgage located at 3128 Harbor Street and offered a wide range of services, including tax preparation and notary services.

Del Rosario used her authority and trust placed in her by her customers to prey on unsuspecting victims. Del Rosario presented false pretenses to victims using a scam known as the “Advance Fee Scheme” or “Nigerian Scam” to obtain large amounts of money from them, with no intention of paying them back.

Investigators learned of a victim, a client whom she provided tax services for, that reported Del Rosario stated that she had come into a large amount of money ($2.8 million) which was tied up in an offshore account in the Philippines. Del Rosario related she needed a loan from the victim to pay for taxes and other fees, or the money wouldn’t be released to her. Del Rosario showed the victim online records and other documentation to support her claims and requested a $12,000.00 loan from the victim, ensuring him she would give him $24,000.00 by the end of the week in return payment. To reassure the victim, Del Rosario completed a notarized Promissory Note which she provided to him and displayed fraudulent documentation supporting her claims.

Through the investigation, other victims have been identified. The same scheme was used on an elderly couple who trusted Del Rosario with their tax preparation for 17 years. The elderly victims had been defrauded by Del Rosario in excess of $75,000.00 over the course of several months under the same false pretenses. Detectives have served numerous search warrants to banks and followed other leads. Ultimately, it was discovered Del Rosario was endorsing the Cashier’s Checks provided to her by the victims and endorsing them into a third party’s name to avoid detection and wiring funds to an offshore bank account.

The case was brought to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and reviewed by Deputy District Attorney Dodie Katague. The Office of the District Attorney ultimately filed charges against Del Rosario for multiple charges including Grand Theft, Theft by False Pretenses, and Elder Abuse.

On April 17, 2019, the Pittsburg Police Department Investigations Division served a search warrant at Best Haven Realty and Mortgage and took Del Rosario into custody for the above-mentioned charges.

This investigation is still ongoing. It is believed that there are further victims that have been defrauded by Del Rosario and is asking for help identifying as of yet unknown victims. If you or someone you know is a victim of fraud purported by Del Rosario or an associate of hers, contact Detective Jonathan Elmore at 925-252-4875.

Sheriff’s Office investigates early Monday morning burglary at Alamo jewelry store

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Screenshots of burglary suspects outside Alamo jewelry store from security camera. Courtesy of CCCSheriff

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

On Monday, April 15, 2019, at about 1:38 AM, Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a report of an alarm at a jewelry store on the 3200 block of Danville Boulevard in Alamo.

Deputy Sheriffs arrived minutes after being dispatched to find the store’s front window broken. The suspects entered the business stealing miscellaneous goods and items.

The suspects are believed to have fled north on Danville Boulevard then east on Stone Valley Road toward Interstate 680.

The Crime Lab responded to the location to process the scene.

Detectives say there were four male suspects. Their vehicle is described as a newer four-door Honda Civic with after-market rims and tinted windows. Please see attached images.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff at (925) 646-2441 or (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Pittsburg man found guilty on 14 counts of molesting two underage victims

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Faces a sentence of over 100 years to life in state prison.

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

On April 15, a Contra Costa County jury found defendant Abel Peña-Catalan of Pittsburg guilty of 14 felonies, including the molestation of two underage victims and the attempted rape of one of the victims. The criminal conduct by Peña-Catalan also included forcible oral copulation against Jane Doe #1 who was under the age of 18. The District Attorney’s Office does not disclose the age or victim’s name in a sexual assault case to protect the confidentiality of the victims.

Fortunately, a witness encouraged the victims to report the sexual abuse to authorities. In turn, the victims disclosed the molestation to a mandated reporting agency and an investigation ensued. Overall, the Pittsburg Police Department and Alameda County Sheriff’s Office were involved in the investigations for both victims. Peña-Catalan at one time, lived in Alameda County where the abuse started against one of the victims. He then continued his violent and threatening assaults in Pittsburg against the minors.

“Crimes against children often involve secrecy and deception. In this case, the defendant repeatedly threatened these victims and committed horrible sexual assaults against them. The Jane Does in this case were incredibly brave for ensuring the defendant is held accountable for his crimes,” DDA Weiss said.

Peña-Catalan now faces a sentence of over 100 years to life in state prison. Sentencing will occur on May 10, 2019 in front of the Honorable Christopher Bowen – Department 40 of the Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez. Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney Diana Weiss prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. The case originated in the Office’s Sexual Assault Unit.

The felony counts against Peña-Catalan for his verdict:

  • Count 1, Attempted Forcible Rape-Child Victim Over 14 Years
  • Count 2, Attempted Forcible Rape-Child Victim Over 14 Years
  • Count 3, Forcible Oral Copulation-Minor Victim Over 14 Years
    • Enhancement 1, Special Allegation, Sex Crimes – Aggravated Circumstances
  • Count 4, Lewd Act Upon a Child
  • Count 5, Lewd Act Upon a Child
  • Count 6, Lewd Act Upon a Child
  • Count 7, Lewd Act Upon a Child
    • Enhancement 1, Special Allegation, Sex Crimes – Aggravated Circumstances
  • Count 8, Lewd Act Upon a Child
    • Enhancement 1, Special Allegation, Sex Crimes – Aggravated Circumstances
  • Count 9, Lewd Act Upon a Child
    • Enhancement 1, Special Allegation, Sex Crimes – Aggravated Circumstances
  • Count 10, Forcible Lewd Act Upon a Child
    • Enhancement 1, Special Allegation, Sex Crimes – Aggravated Circumstances
  • Count 11, Forcible Lewd Act Upon a Child
    • Enhancement 1, Special Allegation, Sex Crimes – Aggravated Circumstances
  • Count 12, Forcible Lewd Act Upon a Child
    • Enhancement 1, Special Allegation, Sex Crimes – Aggravated Circumstances
  • Count 13, Forcible Lewd Act Upon a Child
    • Enhancement 1, Special Allegation, Sex Crimes – Aggravated Circumstances
  • Count 14, Forcible Lewd Act Upon a Child

Case information: People v. Abel Pena-Catalan, Docket Number 05-180571-2

Defendant sentenced to 135 years to life for 4 counts of murder from 2017 fatal DUI collision in San Pablo

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Screenshots of CBS13 Sacramento new report, Nov. 26, 2017.

Had five prior DUI convictions

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

On April 12, 2019, 48-year-old Sacramento resident Fred Lowe was sentenced to 135 years to life in state prison by the Honorable John W. Kennedy. Lowe was convicted of seven felonies by a Contra Costa County jury, including the murder of four victims from a collision caused by Lowe in November 2017. Lowe was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash and he had five prior DUI convictions. (See related article).

The four deceased victims are Joseph Horn, his father Daryl, Baden Biddle and his father Troy Biddle. Joe Horn’s older brother Jared was the driver of the Nissan Rogue and was only slightly injured. The Biddle Family were relatives of the Horn’s visiting from out of state over the Thanksgiving weekend.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), drunk driving remains the number one killer on the roadways in the United States. Tragically, almost 11,000 people are killed each year in drunk driving crashes. Two in three people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime.

“MADD commends Prosecutor Derek Butts and the court system for ensuring justice in this case,” said MADD National Board Member Carol Leister who attended the sentencing hearing. “The Horn and Biddle family suffered the ultimate consequences of drunk driving and MADD will always be here for them and other families who’ve been impacted by this 100 percent preventable crime.”

Case information: People v. Fred Douglas Lowe, Docket Number 05-181540-6