Contra Costa Herald

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

Richmond man sentenced to 16 years in prison for sex trafficking two girls from jail

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Corell Olajuwon Hackett. Photo by Richmond P.D.

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

On April 12, 2019 Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Clare Maier sentenced Corell Olajuwon Hackett to 16 years and eight months in state prison for sex trafficking two young women from 2016 to 2018. The 21-year-old Richmond resident received concurrent sentences for criminal convictions in several other criminal cases as well. Judge Maier also imposed criminal court protective orders barring Hackett from having contact with any of the victims for a period of 10 years and ordered him to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Human Trafficking Unit Supervisor Dana Filkowski praised the work of police investigators in this complex case, particularly the Richmond Police Department Bravo Team working to suppress trafficking along the 23rd Street corridor of Richmond and Richmond Police Department Family Violence Detectives Bureau.

“The fact that an exploiter is also in a dating or intimate relationship with the victim is no defense to human trafficking,” said Deputy District Attorney Filkowski. “In fact, love and affection are often tools of manipulation and control used to keep the victim engaged in prostitution to benefit the trafficker and deter the victim from cooperating with law enforcement.”

Filkowski also emphasized that under the law, a minor’s consent is never a defense to sex trafficking.

In 2016, 17-year-old Jane Doe 2 gave birth to defendant’s baby. Within weeks of the birth, defendant pressured her to go out and make money for him by working as a prostitute. She disclosed to a Richmond Detective working out of the Family Justice Center that Hackett took her from Richmond to San Francisco so that she could prostitute on five separate occasions and that she gave him all the money she earned. Not long thereafter, Hackett began a relationship with Jane Doe 1. He started trafficking this victim when she was 17-years-old by putting her on the “blade” in Richmond – the area around 23rd St. known for street prostitution.

The defendant was arrested in the fall of 2018 for a domestic violence incident against Jane Doe 1. Investigators later learned that defendant was using the recorded jail phone to continue to have contact with Jane Doe 1, in violation of the court order. In more than 100 separate phone calls between November 2018 and February 2019, Hackett used threats, coercion, menace and manipulation of Jane Doe 1’s love for him to keep the 18-year-old Jane Doe prostituting so that she could put money on his jail account.

The 16-year, 8-month prison sentence was handed down by Judge Maier after Hackett pleaded guilty to the following charges from the four dockets:

  • Human Trafficking of a Minor for a Sex Act
  • Dissuading a Witness by Force or Threat
  • Human Trafficking to Commit Another Crime
  • Conspiracy to Dissuade Witnesses
  • Contempt of Court
  • Contempt of Court
  • Contempt of Court
  • Contempt of Court
  • Leaving the Scene of an Accident
  • Robbery
  • Grand Theft from Person
  • Domestic Violence

The sex trafficking and domestic violence cases (Dockets 02-329276-0 & 02-328628-3) were prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Dana Filkowski. The robbery and hit & run cases (dockets 05-180928-8 and 05-182443-2) were prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Christina Stevens and Deputy District Attorney Sarah Barkley.

If you or someone you know are 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 all 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, contact the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Coalition at www.contracostacoalition.org.

 

El Cerrito woman identified as inmate who died at Martinez Detention Facility Saturday

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Arrested for domestic violence by El Cerrito Police Friday night

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

The investigation into yesterday’s in custody death is ongoing. Per the in custody fatal incident protocol, the investigation is being conducted by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Sheriff.

The inmate is identified as 36-year old Maria Barraza of El Cerrito. She was arrested by the El Cerrito Police Department for domestic violence and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility at about 10:39 PM on April 12, 2019.

The next morning at about 3:31 A.M., Deputy Sheriffs responded to the women’s holding area in Intake and found that a female inmate, later identified as Barraza, had apparently hanged herself inside the bathroom

Medical staff at the jail responded immediately and began life saving measures. The fire department and an ambulance also responded. Barraza was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An autopsy is planned for tomorrow, Monday, April 15.

Pepper spray fight in Concord affects dozens of people Saturday night

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Emergency personnel at The Jungle in Concord to treat customers affected by a pepper spray fight Saturday evening, April 13, 2019. Photo by Concord PD.

By Concord Police Department

On Saturday, April 12, 2019 at 7:08 PM officers were sent to The Jungle (located in the Willows Shopping Center) for a report of a fight involving “5-10 young males and females”. Our Dispatch center then started receiving additional calls that pepper spray had also been used during the fight.

When we arrived, we learned that all of the involved parties in the fight had already left the scene. Approximately 25-30 customers (infants/minors and adults) came out after being exposed to the pepper spray, with some vomiting and complaining of difficulty breathing. Contra Costa Fire was immediately dispatched to check on the customers. Everyone affected at the scene was treated and released by medical personnel.

At this time we are still reviewing surveillance footage and talking to the patrons that were on scene. We do not have any suspect information to release at this time.

If you have any additional information about this altercation please contact our Dispatch Center at (925) 671-3241, or our anonymous tip line at (925) 603-5836.

Richmond Police shoot, kill man during home invasion early Thursday morning

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Identified by caller as their father, stabbed family members with knife

By Richmond Police Department

On April 11, 2019 at approximately 2:34 AM, Richmond officers were dispatched to 930 Wilson Ave., on a report of a home invasion. The caller reported that suspect was their dad who had broken a window and entered the residence. The suspect was armed with a knife and trying to stab the family. The caller reported that the family was trapped inside the residence and was unable to exit.

Richmond officers arrived on scene and the shooting occurred after officers confronted the armed suspect at the rear patio door. Officers interrupted the suspect’s physical assault on a family member, then fired when the armed suspect ignored commands and advanced on them. The suspect was later pronounced deceased on scene.

Officers rescued an adult female suffering from a laceration to her stomach and a male juvenile suffering from a laceration to his face. No other family members were harmed during the incident. The family was taken to a local hospital where they are currently being treated for non-life threating injuries.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office as well as the Richmond Police Department are actively working this on-going investigation, according to the Contra Costa County Fatal Incident protocol. There was an active Domestic Violence restraining order against the decedent, who has prior DV contacts.

San Ramon Police arrest Manteca man for outstanding warrant, more charges Friday night

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Found with billy club, dagger, lock picks

By San Ramon Police Department

While you were sleeping….your San Ramon Police Officers were keeping you and your property safe.

Last night, Friday, April 12, 2019, an Officer stopped a car that had paper license plates covering the actual California DMV license plates. The driver (28-year-old Manteca resident, Troy Payton – no relation to the Herald publisher) was arrested for an outstanding warrant held by San Joaquin County.

The officer also found a billy club, a dagger, lock picks, and a modified screwdriver under the driver’s seat of the car, which led to add to additional charges. Just another excellent example of the work your San Ramon Police Department Officers do every night to keep the San Ramon Community safe.

Three arrested for stabbing 15-year-old boy while he tried to get cell phone back in Concord Thursday

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By Concord Police Department

On April 11th, 2019 at 2:47 P.M., Concord Police officers responded to a reported stabbing of a fifteen-year-old juvenile subject on Salvio Street. Investigation revealed that the victim had been approached by three adult males, one of whom asked to use the victim’s cell phone. After the victim gave his phone to this adult, all three walked away, having not returned the phone to the victim. The victim followed the three adults to a nearby parking garage, begging for his phone to be returned. As the adults entered a stairwell in the parking garage with the victim still following, the adults battered and stabbed the victim, causing significant injuries that were later determined not to be life threatening. The adults also stole the victim’s shoes and personal belongings before fleeing the area. The victim contacted the Concord Police Department and was transported to a nearby hospital.

Within a few hours, all three suspects were located by CPD officers and positively identified by the victim. Most of the victim’s personal property was recovered. Each suspect was charged with kidnapping, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and enhancements for participating in a street gang. All three suspects remain in county jail on nearly $300,000.00 bail.

As this investigation is ongoing, no additional information is being released at this time. CPD case #19-4869

Sheriff’s Deputies search for suspects in armed robbery of Discovery Bay Chase bank branch Thursday

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Discovery Bay Chase bank branch. Photo by KTVU Fox2

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

At approximately 9:50am, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff responded to a report of an armed robbery at a bank on the 14800 block of State Route 4 in Discovery Bay.

A witness at the location reported she saw two men run into the bank and run out shortly after, carrying what was thought to be a handgun and a backpack.

Deputy Sheriffs arrived at the location and confirmed that an armed robbery had occurred. The two suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

They were last seen running to a vehicle and leaving the area north on Bixler Road. The suspects are outstanding.

The investigation is ongoing.

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.

DA’s office, Supervisors celebrate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 7-13

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The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, in commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 7-13, 2019, is raising awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights and introducing the community to the important resources and services available. On Tuesday the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors presented a proclamation in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The DA’s Office then hosted a recognition ceremony to honor the awardees of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

The awardees for this year’s recognition are as follows:

  • Special Courage: Juliann Marlang
  • Making a Difference: Sarah Alpert
  • Above and Beyond: Jesse Gregory
  • Victim Advocate: Sandra Guiterrez-Banales
  • Support Staff: Laura Muro
  • DA Investigations: Senior Inspector Rick Rivera
  • Attorney: Deputy District Attorney Alison Chandler
  • Law Enforcement: Detective Joseph Nunemaker
  • Probation Officer: Nancy Kenoyer

During the week, the District Attorney’s Office is honoring champions in advocating for expanded support and services to communities affected by crime.

  • Thursday, April 11, 6:30 p.m. vigils in two locations: 2151 Salvio Street, Concord (Family Justice Center) and 65 Civic Ave, Pittsburg (Pittsburg City Hall)
  • Saturday, April 13, 5:30 p.m. Survivors Speak National Healing Vigil, 2621 Shane Drive, Richmond (Sojourner Truth Church)

This year’s theme – Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future. – encourages commemoration, honor, and respect toward the crime victim advocates, allied professionals, and selfless volunteers who have courageously worked for increased rights for crime victims. The theme also invites us to look toward a future of inclusive, accessible, and innovative resources and services for survivors.

For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist victims in your community, please contact our office at 925-957-8650 or visit www.contracostada.org.

For additional ideas on how to support victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov.

Man arrested in Knightsen for Thursday night stabbing murder in Pittsburg

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By Pittsburg Police Department

Late Thursday evening, shortly after 9 P.M., Pittsburg officers responded to a residence on Hermosa Avenue in regards to a stabbing. When officers arrived, they found a man outside suffering from stab wounds to his upper body. The man was transported to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek where he later died due to multiple stab wounds to the upper body.

The Pittsburg Police Department Investigations Division and CSI Team responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Detectives quickly contacted witnesses to the incident and obtained a description of the suspect and a car that was seen driving away from the location. The car, a white four-door sedan, was later determined to have fled the area towards State Route 4. Detective utilized the city of Pittsburg’s surveillance camera system, along with the recently installed county-wide Freeway Security Network, to locate the sedan as it traveled eastbound on State Route 4. With the use of this surveillance system, detectives were able to obtain a license plate for the car.

Detectives later authored an Arrest and Search Warrant for a residence located in the town of Knightsen. The Pittsburg Police Department tactical team conducted the service of the warrant early this morning and took the suspect, identified as Jimmy Lee Biles, Jr. (48 years old), into custody. It is unknown at this time the relationship between Biles, Jr. and the victim.

This case remains an active investigation and no additional details are available at this time. The name of the victim is being withheld pending notifications. This is the City of Pittsburg’s third homicide of the year.

The Pittsburg Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance and asks anyone with additional information to please contact the Pittsburg Police Department Tip-Line at 925-252-4040.

Pittsburg Police arrest man for stabbing cousin to death on Monday

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By Pittsburg Police Department

On Monday afternoon, April 1, 2019, Pittsburg officers responded to a residence on Beechwood Court in regards to a stabbing. When officers arrived, they found an adult female suffering from stab wounds to her upper body. The woman was identified as Kirstiene Catapusan (28 years old). Catapusan was later transported to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek where she died due to multiple stab wounds to the upper body.

During the investigation, it was learned that Catapusan and her cousin, identified as suspect Henry Brodie, III (29 years old), engaged in an argument inside the residence. During the argument, Brodie became enraged with Catapusan and stabbed her several times with a large knife he retrieved from the house. Family members at the residence intervened, detained Brodie and called 911. Officers arrived at the house and placed Brodie under arrested, later transporting him to the police department. During the investigation Brodie was interviewed by detective and admitted to his actions, stabbing Catapusan several times during the argument. He was later booked and transport to the Martinez Detention Facility.

Today, detectives met with the District Attorney’s Office to review the case for charges against Brodie. The District Attorney’s Office filed Murder charges against Brodie. Brodie remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on a $2,000,000 bail. This is the city of Pittsburg’s second homicide of the year.