Contra Costa Herald

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

Contra Costa DA receives $1 million grant to initiate its first ever pre-filing youth diversion program

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

Earlier this month, the Board of State and Community Corrections awarded the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office $1 million to establish a county-wide juvenile diversion pre-filing program. This diversion program will be the first county-wide program for Contra Costa County and comes on the announcement earlier this spring that our Office was starting a pilot program in Richmond for the fall of 2019. The BSCC grant will enable the pilot program in Richmond to be expanded and eventually taken county-wide.

The District Attorney’s Office joins the Contra Costa County Department of Probation, the RYSE Youth center, and Impact Justice to initiate a restorative justice program that will redirect youth from the juvenile and criminal justice system over a period of four years. The program will work with young people who have committed crimes and bring them together with those they have impacted in the community in order to atone for damages made and rebuild relationships.

“I am proud to have this program for the first-time ever in our county’s history. Our Office has a crucial role to play in reducing the pipeline into the juvenile justice system while at the same time reducing disparities in the entire criminal justice system. We have to invest in our youth to ensure they have other opportunities in their lives,” said District Attorney Diana Becton.

With the help of RYSE, the program hopes to lower recidivism rates, increase victim satisfaction, improve the youths’ relationships with their families, and lower incarceration and probation costs. Youth will learn about accountability and healing, as well as, how to establish trusting relationships with adults and authority figures. During the restorative justice process, RYSE will provide the victim and the youth offender with wrap-around services along with a facilitator for each person involved in the case.

By providing troubled youths with more resources and opportunities, Contra Costa hopes to divert up to 230 youths away from the juvenile justice system. A similar program in the Bay Area proved to be successful. Alameda County’s restorative justice program was remarkably successful as recidivism rates decreased; youths who participated in the program were 44 percent less likely to recidivate compared to similarly situated probation youth. The program carries a one-time cost of $4,500 per case while probation costs $23,000 per year and incarceration costs nearly $500,000 annually.

Woman in RV leads Concord Police on chase following burglary early Wednesday morning

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Suspect Jessica Tomsky and the RV she drove headed the wrong way on Hwy 242. Photos by Concord PD.

By Concord Police Department

Not on our Watch! Patrol officers from the Graves 1 team of the Concord PD responded to a silent alarm/probable burglary in-progress in the 1300 block of Galaxy Way on Wed., June 26 at 4:07 AM. Officers arrived in less than one minute and saw two vehicles fleeing. Officers tried to stop both vehicles and dual pursuits were initiated when both vehicles fled from pursuing officers onto Commerce Ave, across Concord Ave, then proceeding the wrong way up the southbound HYW 242 on-ramp. Officers stopped their pursuit(s) for safety reasons. A few moments later officers located one of the vehicles, a large RV, driving south on s/b HWY 242.

Officers pursued the RV for approximately 8-10 miles until the RV once again drove the wrong way up the southbound HWY 242 off-ramp at Solano Way, where CPD Officers terminated their pursuit. With help from citizen callers, the RV was located again, this time travelling west on the shoulder of eastbound HWY 4.

The driver, 34-year-old Jessica Tomsky (born 3/26/1985), was arrested for several counts of fleeing police officers, commercial burglary and possession of stolen property. There was stolen property from the commercial burglary she just fled from and stolen property from other commercial burglaries from Concord and other jurisdictions.

The Graves 1 team would like to thank the caller(s) who took the time to call 9-1-1 and update us on the location of the RV. Without help from our citizen’s our job would be much more difficult.

Modesto gang member sentenced to over 16 years in prison for human trafficking in Contra Costa, other locations

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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

Sheriff identifies man, woman in murder-suicide case

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

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division continue to investigate a murder-suicide that occurred on June 13, 2019.  (See related article)

At about 9:33 AM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to the area of Nortonville Road and Kirker Pass Road in unincorporated Pittsburg for a citizen reporting having seen two people who appeared to have been shot in a parked vehicle.

It was later confirmed that both of the occupants of the vehicle, a man and woman, suffered from apparent gunshot wounds. They were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The two are identified as 58-year-old Dong Liu of Antioch and 56-year-old Meizhen Zhu of Santa Rosa. Detectives say the two had a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship. Liu apparently shot Zhu before taking his own life. The cause of death for each was gunshot wound. The exact motive is unclear at this time.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff at (925) 646-2441 or 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.

CHP investigates shooting in Caldecott Tunnel Sunday night

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By CHP – Oakland

At around 7:50 pm, Sunday, June 16, a vehicle was traveling westbound Highway 24 within Bore #4 of the Caldecott Tunnel when a freeway shooting took place. The driver was struck in the head. The driver’s passenger was also injured. This appears to be an isolated incident. Preliminary reports indicate the suspect vehicle may be white in color.

Both victims were transported to the hospital for non-lethal injuries.

While evidence was obtained CHP – Oakland personnel secured the scene and closed down the fourth bore, which was later reopened.

CHP – Golden Gate Division Investigative Services Unit will lead the investigation. If you have any information that can assist with this investigation please call CHP’s help line, 707-917-4491.

Concord man arrested for threats to commit mass shooting at synagogue, shoot cops

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Suspect Ross Farca.

Also charged with illegal assault rifle possession

By Concord Police Department

This weekend, the FBI relayed a cyber-tip to the Concord Police Department regarding threatening comments made in a chatroom on an online gaming platform. The comments consisted of threats against Jewish people and to commit a mass shooting at a synagogue, threats to shoot law enforcement and claims to possess an assault rifle. There were no specific locations included in the threats. Through the FBI’s initial investigation, they were able to determine the threatening posts originated from an address in Concord. Detectives from the Concord Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit assumed the investigation and were able to identity 23- year-old Concord resident Ross Farca as a suspect. Records showed that Farca had legally purchased an incomplete AR-15 rifle frame earlier this year.

On Monday, June 10th, an arrest warrant was issued for Farca as well as a search warrant for his house. The warrants were served and Farca was arrested at his home without incident. Inside his home, an illegal AR-15 semi-automatic rifle was found which had been constructed from the same legally purchased frame. Several high capacity magazines were also found but no rifle ammunition was located. Additionally, detectives located Nazi literature, camouflage clothing and a sword.

Farca was arrested for and ultimately charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office with making criminal threats, possession of an illegal assault rifle and manufacturing an assault rifle. Detectives also obtained an emergency Gun Violence Restraining Order against Farca to prevent him from legally purchasing firearms. Farca remains in custody at the Contra Costa County Jail.

At this time, law enforcement is only aware of the threats posted by Farca that led to the cyber-tip. Although the investigation into Farca is ongoing by both Concord PD and the FBI, no detailed plans to commit acts of violence have been located. If anyone has information about this case, they are asked to contact Detective Greg Mahan at (925) 603-5817. Those wishing to remain anonymous may leave a message on the tip line at (925) 603-5836.

 

Man, woman found in car shot to death in possible murder-suicide near Pittsburg Thursday morning

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

Thursday morning at about 9:33 A.M., Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to the area of Nortonville Road and Kirker Pass Road in unincorporated Pittsburg for a citizen reporting having seen two people who appeared to have been shot in a parked vehicle.

It was later confirmed that both of the occupants of the vehicle, a man and woman, suffered from apparent gunshot wounds. They were pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigation Division Detectives and Crime Lab Personnel also responded to the location.

The identities of the two subjects are not being released at this time. Detectives say initially that this appears to be a murder-suicide.

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 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.

Concord man found guilty of stalking and criminal threats, made over 1,300 calls to victim in 42 days

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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

Oakley man sentenced for making criminal threats, stalking in 2018 school threats case

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Tristan Amir Curl arrested Nov. 20, 2018. Photo courtesy of City of Oakley

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

On Thursday, June 5, 2019, Tristan Amir Curl, a 20-year-old resident of Oakley, California and Austin, Texas, pleaded guilty to two felonies of Stalking and Making Criminal Threats, a strike offense. Curl was immediately sentenced by the Honorable Judy Johnson in Department 26 of the Contra Costa County Superior Court in Pittsburg as part of a negotiated disposition to the case. (See related article)

Curl was sentenced to 300 days in county jail, three years of felony probation, a 10-year stay away order from Freedom High School and all schools within the Liberty Unified School District and fines. The sentencing also included a criminal protective order which names all the victims in the case. Additionally, the terms of the disposition also allow law enforcement officials to search his computers, cell phone, tablets or other electronic devices for five years. Restitution will also be paid to the Liberty Unified School District.

The disposition of the case is a result of a two-month investigation by the Oakley Police Department, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into a series of threats on social media. In September, several underage females were contacted by an unknown person on social media who was threatening to rape and kill them. The same subject threatened to shoot students at Freedom High School in Oakley and then threatened to murder the school principal.

Investigators subsequently identified Curl as the suspect and obtained an arrest warrant for him, which was approved by a Superior Court Judge in Contra Costa County. On November 20, 2018, Curl was arrested in Austin, Texas where he attends college. Curl was charged on November 28, 2018 with Stalking, Making Criminal Threats and Threatening a School Official. He was extradited to California in December 2018 and has remained in custody since his arrest.

The District Attorney’s Office and the Oakley Police Department wish to thank the FBI, the California Department of Justice, the Concord Police Department, the Austin Police Department and the St. Edward’s University Police Department, all of whom provided substantial assistance during the investigation.

Deputy District Attorney Chris Sansoe said “Keeping our schools and classrooms safe for all students, teachers and administrators is a priority for this office and anyone who threatens mass murder against a school will be investigated and prosecuted.”

Case information: People v. Tristan Curl, Dockett Number 04-195028-6

Selma man found guilty of second-degree murder for 2017 DUI crash in Concord

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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