Contra Costa Herald

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

Senior citizen carjacked and robbed near Pleasant Hill Wed. night

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County Sheriff seeks suspect

On Wednesday, September 6, 2017, at about 7:35 PM, Deputy Sheriffs responded to a report of an armed robbery in the 200 block of Tono Lane in unincorporated Pleasant Hill.

The victim, a 67-year-old man, said a suspect forced his way into his apartment, robbed him, and stole his vehicle, a Toyota Camry.

The Office of the Sheriff, assisted by other law enforcement agencies, searched extensively for the suspect and the vehicle. They were not located. Yesterday, the vehicle was recovered in San Francisco.

The suspect is described as an African-American male, in his 20’s, 6-foot tall, wearing a black colored hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and new white colored shoes. He also had a green backpack.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or call the anonymous tip line at (866) 846-3592. Tips can also be emailed to: tips@so.cccounty.us.

Community forum for interim District Attorney candidates in Richmond Saturday

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Learn about role of the DA’s Office and ask questions of the candidates

The Contra Costa Board of Supervisors has the responsibility under state law to appoint an interim District Attorney (DA) to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of former DA Mark Peterson.

The Board of Supervisors will interview the five finalist candidates at its September 12 public meeting, which starts at 9 a.m. A final decision may be made that day, or at the following board meeting on September 19, 2017. The public is invited to provide input at the board meetings.

This Saturday, a coalition of community organizations (see flyer above) is sponsoring a community forum to hear from the five interim DA candidates with an opportunity for the public to ask questions. District 1 Supervisor John Gioia will be speaking at the forum and providing his comments about the importance of the appointment.

“This is an important appointment,” said Gioia who represents Richmond and much of West County on the Board. “The DA is a major stakeholder in our County’s justice system and makes the final determination about who is prosecuted.”

“I strongly believe that the new DA must bring values of integrity, equity, empathy and fairness to the office,” he continued. “The new DA should understand the importance of justice reform and commit to support the work of the Racial Justice Task Force in addressing the disproportionate involvement of people of color in our justice system.”

WHAT:  Community Forum to hear from Contra Costa Interim DA candidates and ask questions

WHEN:  Saturday, September 9, 1 pm to 3 pm

WHERE:  Miracle Temple, 2425 Cutting Blvd, Richmond

MORE: There will be a presentation on the role and importance of the DA followed by presentations from the candidates and questions to them.

For more information, contact tamisha@safereturnproject.org or (925) 335-6738.

Lafayette man, an Oakland Fire Captain arrested for child pornography

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Richard Chew from his former LinkedIn profile.

Multiple agencies assisted in investigation

On Wednesday, Lafayette police officers arrested 58-year-old Richard Chew of Lafayette. An arrest warrant had been issued for Chew.

On August 19, 2017, the Contra Costa Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force launched an investigation into Chew. Agencies involved in this investigation include the Office of the Sheriff, District Attorney’s Office, and Lafayette and Concord Police Departments.

During the investigation, a search warrant was served on Chew’s home on Harper Court in Lafayette and work location. Child pornography was found on Chew’s computer and other storage devices.

Chew was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for possession of child pornography. He is currently being held in lieu of $200,000 bail. The DA’s Office has already filed formal charges against Chew.

According to his Linkedin profile, which has since been removed, Chew stated that he is a Captain Of Fire for the Oakland Fire Department since 1989 until now and that he’s “Just a regular fire guy living the dream!”

ICAC is a multi-agency task force managed by the San Jose Police Department. In Contra Costa County, detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Antioch, Martinez, San Ramon, Concord, and Moraga police departments, the Office of the Sheriff, County Probation Department, and District Attorney’s Office participate in the task force.

Anyone with any information about this case can contact Deputy District Attorney Jordan Sanders at (925) 957-8602.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa law enforcement associations issue joint endorsement of Graves for interim District Attorney

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Contra Costa Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves. photo courtesy of Paul Graves for DA

Nearly all of the law enforcement associations announced their joint endorsement of Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves for the position of Interim D.A. They issued the following statement, this week:

“We have either met or are very familiar with all five finalists for the interim District Attorney position. We watched yesterday’s Board of Supervisors public forum and have read the applicants’ platforms and listened to input from our members.

“The work of fighting and prosecuting crime is ongoing. An interim District Attorney must be experienced and ready to step into the position and function effectively immediately. We believe there is one clear choice ready to lead the Contra Costa District Attorney’s office at this critical moment, and that choice is Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves.

“County Supervisors have also expressed their desire to appoint an interim District Attorney who can hit the ground running, and Paul Graves is uniquely ready as someone who already knows how to lead other prosecutors. He has supervised both the Homicide Unit and the Family Violence units with distinction – two of the toughest units in the DA’s office.

“Paul Graves’ extensive experience also makes him the best choice for improving public safety. As law enforcement officers, we know that our ability to protect and serve our communities is greatly strengthened by the experienced, seasoned judgement that Paul Graves will bring as a prosecutor with 22 years of experience right here in Contra Costa County. He has tried over 70 jury trials and prosecuted two capital cases, and over the course of that career he has worked extensively with our colleagues in law enforcement to build strong cases and fight for justice for the victims of crime.

“We have witnessed Paul Graves’ commitment to preventative justice that reduces incarceration rates. At each step in his career, Paul Graves has taken a proactive approach to crime prevention that emphasizes youth and community engagement and other preventative measures as evidenced by his support of the Children’s Interview Center and especially his leadership in the fight against human trafficking in Contra Costa.

“We encourage everyone who hasn’t had the benefit of our years of working with Paul Graves to read his application for interim District Attorney. There you will see the thoughtful, experienced, professional that we’ve come to know and respect.

“One last important point. The law enforcement officers we represent share a ’24-7’ full-time commitment to public safety. We know Paul Graves is a prosecutor who shares that dedication. We’ve been able to count on him over the years for counsel and advice on any case at any time, day or night. We believe that character and commitment is what the people of Contra Costa will value most in Paul Graves. He’s a ‘24/7’ leader who is fully committed to serving the people with dedication and integrity at all times.

“We stand ready to fully support Paul Graves as interim District Attorney. We hope the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa will support him as well. The events of the last few months have led us to this critical moment, and Paul Graves is the experienced, trusted prosecutor who is ready to meet that moment and move all of us forward.”

Respectfully Submitted;

Antioch POA, Brentwood POA, Clayton POA, Concord PA, Contra Costa Co DA Investigators Assn., Contra Costa Co Deputy Sheriffs Assn. (County Probation, Orinda, Lafayette, Danville Officers), El Cerrito PA, Hercules POA, Martinez POA, Moraga POA, Oakley POA, Pinole PEA, Pleasant Hill PA, Richmond POA, San Pablo PEA, San Ramon POA, and Walnut Creek PA.

Graves is one of five finalists who have applied for the appointment by the Board of Supervisors which is expected to make their choice at either their Sept. 12 or 19 meetings.

Public’s assistance needed in investigation of Byron homicide of San Francisco woman

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Aleli Avila, age 49 of San Francisco. photos courtesy of CoCoSheriff

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff are asking for the public’s assistance in the investigation into the killing of 49-year-old Aleli Avila of San Francisco.

On August 22, 2017, at about 3:50 PM, Deputy Sheriffs responded to the area of 500 Camino Diablo Road in Byron, for a report of a dead body.

Avila, also known as Lilli, was discovered in the roadway. She was a resident of San Francisco and was last seen by friends in the evening hours of August 18, 2017. She told friends she planned to travel to Contra Costa County.

Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance, in particular with the path Avila may have taken as she traveled from San Francisco to Contra Costa County.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or call the anonymous tip lines at (925) 313-1166 or (866) 846-3592. Tips can also be emailed to:tips@so.cccounty.us.

Sheriff’s Detectives investigate Tuesday afternoon homicide of woman in Byron

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On Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at about 3:50 PM, Deputy Sheriffs responded to a report of a dead body on the 500 block of Camino Diablo in Byron. Deputies arrived on scene and found a deceased adult female. Homicide Detectives and the crime lab responded to the location.

The victim, who is believed to be a San Francisco resident, is not being identified at this time as next of kin have not been notified. The investigation is ongoing. The motive in this homicide is unknown at this time. The autopsy is taking place later this morning.

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

Sheriff’s Deputies, Antioch Police arrest two after Highway 4 pursuit, Tuesday afternoon

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Sheriff’s Deputies pursue two suspects in a blue pickup truck eastbound on Highway 4, on Tuesday. photo by KTVU Fox 2 News.

From Concord to Martinez then ends in Antioch

At about 1:51 PM Tuesday afternoon, August 22, 2017 a Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff pulled-up behind a stolen truck on westbound Highway 4 near Willow Pass Road in Bay Point. The Deputy initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver did not yield and led Deputies on a pursuit, which went to Alhambra Avenue in Martinez and then back eastbound on Highway 4 to Antioch.

The CHP and Antioch Police Department assisted the Office of the Sheriff during the pursuit.

The suspects were in a blue pickup truck with a white-topped shell, exited at the Hillcrest Avenue offramp and drove north into a residential neighborhood. The stolen truck collided with a fence on the 900 block of 13th Street in Antioch. The driver and the passenger fled on foot and ran to the back of homes along Lake Alhambra.

A police K-9 from the Sheriff’s Office apprehended the passenger, while Antioch Police Officers arrested the driver.

The driver is identified as 22-year-old Terry Nichols. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on numerous charges – possession of a stolen vehicle, felony evading, possession of stolen property, and resisting arrest. Nichols is being held in lieu of $90,000 bail.

The passenger is identified as 19-year-old Mason Leonard. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on possession of stolen property, vandalism, and resisting charges. Leonard is being held in lieu of $40,000 bail.

To watch video of the pursuit and arrest of at least one of the suspects on KTVU Channel 2, click here.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg man arrested after ramming vehicle into police car, driving wrong way on Hwy 4 in Martinez Saturday night

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On Saturday, August 19, 2017, at approximately 8:22 PM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a suspicious circumstance and possible burglary in the area of Actriz Avenue and Arthur Road in unincorporated Martinez.

Deputies conducted an area check of the residence but did not find any evidence of a burglary. However, a stolen vehicle was found parked near the residence. When the vehicle left the area, Deputies attempted a traffic stop of the stolen vehicle. The vehicle did not stop and led Deputies on a pursuit. 

The suspect pulled into a gas station on Arthur Road. As Deputies exited their vehicles to conduct a high-risk car stop, the suspect suddenly rammed into a patrol car. A Deputy fired two rounds at the suspect, who drove towards I-680. The suspect was not struck by gunfire. 

The suspect drove the wrong way on the freeway off-ramp and collided with another vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody. The driver of the other vehicle and the suspect suffered minor injuries. Both were taken to local hospitals to be checked.

The suspect is identified as 34-year-old Joey Carroll of Pittsburg. This morning he was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on numerous charges – stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, evading causing injury, evading while driving the wrong way, assault with a deadly weapon, resisting, and probation violation.

Carroll is being held with bail. 

Concord dental assistant pleads guilty to child molestation

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Alejandro Saro. Photo by Concord Police.

Sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison

In April, 2016, the Concord Police Department investigated a report of a child molestation that occurred at La Clinica dental office on Sierra Road in the City of Concord. The eight-year-old female victim told officers that a male dental assistant sexually assaulted her and that he video recorded the incident while he committed the crime. Special Victims Unit Detectives were notified and quickly identified the suspect as 24-year-old Alejandro Saro, from Antioch, CA.

During the investigation, detectives reviewed patients’ records from four different dental offices where Saro had worked which led to the identification of four other female victims between the ages of 5 and 13 years old. Saro was employed as a dental assistant at La Clinica Monument in March of 2015. He was also employed by Patino Orthodontics and Western Dental, both in Concord – and a branch of Western Dental in Antioch.

The investigation also uncovered evidence that all five of the victims had been assaulted by Saro while they were under sedation for various dental procedures. Saro was arrested by detectives and the case was turned over to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office. The DA’s Office charged Saro with multiple counts of child molestation. He remained in-custody with bail set at $8.1 million dollars.

Saro was due to appear in court this week to stand trial, however, SVU detectives received notification from the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office late Sunday night that Saro had pled guilty to five counts of felony child molestation; one count for each victim.

It is not uncommon for perpetrators who commit such horrendous crimes to reach a plea bargain agreement rather than face all of the evidence against them in front of a jury of peers. Based on the thorough investigation conducted by the SVU detectives and the mounds of evidence they uncovered and piled against Saro, including numerous videos, it is presumed that he voluntarily accepted responsibility for his actions with this agreement. Saro will now appear in front of a Contra Costa County Superior Court judge for sentencing on Friday, September 22, 2017, in Martinez, where he will be sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison.

Forum for five Interim Contra Costa DA applicants tonight, Tuesday, Aug. 15 in Martinez, watch online or TV

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The Board of Supervisors is encouraging input from the public during this process.  A public forum will be held tonight, Tuesday, August 15, at 6:00 p.m.   The meeting will be in the Board Chamber at 651 Pine Street in Martinez.  Beginning at 5:00 p.m., there will be an hour reserved for public comment. During that time, you can also submit written comments to be entered into the public record.  If you have a question you would like to suggest for the forum, you will have an opportunity between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to do so. Volunteers from the League of Women Voters will be on hand to assist in collecting the question cards.  During a break in the forum, the moderator will have the ability to choose audience-submitted questions to ask during the second half of the event.  

The forum will be televised live on CCTV, as well as streamed live on this website.  CCTV can be watched on Comcast Channel 27, Wave Channel 32, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99.

See more at http://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6807/District-Attorney-Recruitment-Informatio