Contra Costa Herald

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

Nationwide Operation Broken Heart results in online child exploitation arrests in county

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Investigators with the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force recently participated in the nationwide Operation Broken Heart, a nationwide effort to investigate individuals exploiting children on the internet. Throughout March, April and May, the team conducted investigations of subjects who distributed child pornography over the internet and focused on individuals traveling to Contra Costa County to meet minors to engage in sexual activity.

In addition to the proactive investigations the ICAC team participated in, a significant school outreach program was also undertaken to teach parents and students about the risks associated with smartphones and social media. During the three-month period, investigators and prosecutors delivered presentations at six schools, reaching 140 parents and over 300 students. During the 2017/2018 school year, the ICAC task force has delivered presentations to over 300 parents and over 2,800 students in Contra Costa County.

The three-month nationwide operation by the ICAC Task Force Program resulted in the arrests of 2,300 suspected online child sex offenders.

“No child should ever have to endure sexual abuse,” U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “And yet, in recent years, certain forms of modern technology have facilitated the spread of child pornography and created greater incentives for its production. We at the Department of Justice are determined to strike back against these repugnant crimes. It is shocking and very sad that in this one operation, we have arrested more than 2,300 alleged child predators and investigated some 25,200 sexual abuse complaints. Any would-be criminal should be warned: this Department will remain relentless in hunting down those who victimize our children.”

Some notable arrests and investigations conducted during Operation Broken Heart include:

-On April 6, 2018, investigators arrested Russell Meirose of Milpitas, California. Meirose was arrested after chatting online with someone he believed to be a 13-year old girl and enticing her to meet for sex. Meirose was arrested at a hotel in Pleasanton after he rented a room for the girl and himself. The girl he was talking to was actually an undercover police officer. Meirose has been charged with multiple felonies including attempted lewd acts with a child and arranging to meet a minor for sex.

-On April 19, 2018, investigators arrested Andrew Lund, a fourth grade teacher and school supervisor at Glen Cove Elementary school in Vallejo. Lund was arrested after it was determined he was sending harmful material to a person he believed to be a minor and attempting to arrange a meeting with that 14-year-old girl for sex. In reality, Lund was chatting with an undercover police officer. When investigators searched his house in Vallejo, they located child pornography on Lund’s cell phone. Lund has been charged with possession of child pornography and sending harmful material to a minor, among other charges.

In conjunction with Operation Broken Heart, on May 25, 2018, which is nationally recognized as Missing Children’s Day, the ICAC task force executed three search warrants in Contra Costa County, targeting offenders distributing child pornography.

-Investigators with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, Contra Costa FBI Safe Streets Task Force, San Ramon Police Department, United States Secret Service, San Jose Police Department, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and the Contra Costa County Probation Department served a search warrant in the 1200 block of Elmwood Drive in Walnut Creek. Investigators located a significant quantity of child pornography on computer devices inside of the home and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the case for potential criminal charges.

-Investigators with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant in the 200 block of Hillside Ave in Antioch. Investigators located a significant quantity of child pornography on computer devices inside of the home and arrested Raymond Myers for possession of child pornography. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the case for potential criminal charges.

-Investigators with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations, Child Exploitation Unit, served a search warrant on Brush Creek Drive in Pittsburg. Investigators located a significant quantity of child pornography on computer devices inside of the home and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the case for potential criminal charges.

The Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is managed by the San Jose Police Department. In Contra Costa County, detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Martinez, San Ramon, Concord and Moraga Police Departments, the Sheriff’s Office, Contra Costa County Probation Department and Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate in the task force along with Special Agents from the United States Department of Homeland Security and the United States Secret Service.

Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety with their children and can visit the website www.kidsmartz.org for further information. If you believe your school or community organization would benefit from a smartphone and social media awareness presentation, please contact Deputy District Attorney Lauren Whalen at lwhalen@contracostada.org or Senior Inspector Darryl Holcombe at dholcombe@contracostada.org.

Sheriff identifies inmate who committed suicide as suspect in eight-count child molestation case

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

The investigation into the in-custody death at the Martinez Detention Facility is continuing. The death is being investigated by the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the District Attorney’s Office per the in-custody death protocol.

At approximately 7:43 AM Tuesday, a Deputy Sheriff at the Martinez Detention Facility found an inmate who had hung himself in the shower.

The inmate was unresponsive. Deputies called for medical staff at the facility and began CPR. An ambulance and the fire department also responded to MDF. The inmate was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

The inmate has been identified as 52-year-old Phillip Andrew Jacobson of Antioch. He was arrested and booked into jail on July 11, 2017 by the Antioch Police Department. He was being held on eight felony counts of child molestation. His bail was set at $4,150,000.

Arrest photos of child molesters are not typically released by the Antioch Police Department out of respect for the victims.

Sheriff investigates in-custody death of male inmate at Martinez Detention Facility Tuesday morning

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

At approximately 7:43 Tuesday morning, a Deputy Sheriff at the Martinez Detention Facility found an inmate who had hung himself in the shower.

The inmate was unresponsive. Deputies called for medical staff at the facility and began CPR.

An ambulance and the fire department also responded to MDF. The inmate was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

The inmate’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The in-custody death protocol was initiated. Investigators from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the District Attorney’s Office are conducting an investigation into the death.

Six-hour standoff in El Sobrante ends peacefully with surrender and arrest Sunday night

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

On Sunday, June 10, 2018 at about 4:20 PM, Office of the Sheriff Dispatch received a call regarding a person on the 3800 block of La Colina Road in El Sobrante standing on the balcony with a rifle aimed at a neighbor’s home. The suspect also apparently threatened the neighbor.

Deputy Sheriffs responded and established a perimeter. Deputies made numerous attempts to communicate with the suspect, who initially came out on the balcony. He later retreated into the residence.

Members of the Sheriff’s Office HNT (Hostage Negotiation Team) responded and tried to communicate with the suspect, who would only speak briefly and then hang up the phone. Nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution. At about 10:53 PM, HNT was able to convince the suspect to surrender. The suspect exited his residence, complied, and was taken into custody without incident.

The suspect is identified as 51-year-old Alex Studer of El Sobrante. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on several charges – making criminal threats, exhibiting a firearm and obstruction. He is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Vehicle identified in North Richmond homicide investigation

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The suspect vehicle is described as a dark blue or black colored Jeep Grand Cherokee, possibly a 2016 model. Photo by CCC Sheriff.

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 are continuing to investigate a homicide that occurred in North Richmond on Friday morning, June 1, 2018.

At about 6:28 AM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to the 1500 block of Giaramita Street in North Richmond for a report that someone was shot in a vehicle. Deputies arrived and found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital and later taken by helicopter to a local trauma center. The victim was later pronounced deceased.

The victim is identified as 22-year-old Taison Calderon-Lopez of North Richmond and San Rafael.

The suspect vehicle is described as a dark blue or black colored Jeep Grand Cherokee, possibly a 2016 model.

The suspect is described as an unknown race male, mid-20’s, with dark hair. He was wearing a black-hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

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

Elderly female inmate dies at West County Detention Facility Monday morning

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The West County Detention Facility in Richmond. Herald file photo.

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

At approximately 2:48 Monday morning, a Deputy Sheriff conducting a routine room check at the West County Detention Facility noticed an inmate hanging from the top bunk with a bed sheet around her neck.

The Deputy immediately called for medical assistance and with help from another Deputy moved the inmate to the ground. Both Deputies performed CPR until medical personnel arrived. An ambulance and the fire department responded. The inmate was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The inmate is identified as 74-year-old Linda Thomas of Washington. She was recently convicted of first degree murder.

The officer-involved protocol was initiated. Investigators from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the District Attorney’s Office are conducting an investigation into the death.

Sheriff investigates homicide in North Richmond Saturday morning

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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 are investigating a homicide that occurred in North Richmond this morning.

At about 6:28 AM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to the 500 block of Grove Avenue in North Richmond for a report that someone was shot in a vehicle. Deputies arrived and found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. The 22-year-old victim was transported to a local hospital and later taken by helicopter to a local trauma center. The victim was later pronounced deceased.

The victim is not being identified at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Sheriff’s Office 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.

Contra Costa County Clean Slate Day set for May 19 in Antioch

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This Saturday is Clean Slate Day in Antioch that allows individuals to apply for and receive a reduction or dismissal of a prior conviction. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office and Antioch Police Department are co-hosting Saturday’s event.

The event is open to the public. Residents can register for Saturday through Code for America at www.clearmyrecord.org

“Clean Slate Day will help remove barriers for members of our community trying to get a fresh start. With this partnership, we are able to assist hundreds seeking legal assistance,” stated Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton. “Prior convictions can leave a lasting mark on an individual’s record and life. We must continue to seek opportunities to bring law enforcement and the legal community together with the community to ease tensions and clear old convictions.” Becton initially organized a Clean Slate Day in Richmond, California when she served as a Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge in 2016.

The Clean Slate Program operates throughout the entire year and is managed by the Public Defender’s Office. Individuals can contact the program at 925-335-8150 for questions about seeking Proposition 47 relief, record sealing, legal advice and dismissals of convictions.  Residents can also register on an ongoing basis for the Clean Slate Program through Code for America at www.clearmyrecord.org. 

“Far too many people face barriers in accessing employment, housing, and education because of a prior criminal record.  Having one’s record expunged can have a transformative effect by making it easier for individuals to reintegrate back into their communities,” said Robin Lipetzky, Chief Public Defender. “Our Clean Slate team specializes in assisting people with clearing their records and giving them a second chance at life.”

This is the first event co-hosted with a law enforcement agency. Clean Slate Day starts at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 2:00 p.m. at Antioch Middle School.

“This event helps our community heal and thrive,” conveyed Antioch Police Chief Tammany Brooks. “We must work to reduce recidivism and assist individuals in navigating the criminal justice system.”

Other community partners offering services on Saturday will include the following organizations: Bay Area Legal Aid, Rubicon Programs, Contra Costa Reentry Network, and the Safe Return Project.

Former Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputy charged with four felonies for unlawful sex acts against inmates

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Patrick Morseman booking photo. Courtesy of CCCSheriff

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

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Patrick Morseman of Vallejo was charged with four felonies for unlawful sex acts involving two inmates at the West County Detention Facility. Morseman was a Deputy with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and was assigned to the West County Detention Facility on the date the incidents occurred.

Morseman’s charges are specified penal code violations for sexual activity with a detainee in a jail. Morseman is charged with having unlawful oral copulation and sexual intercourse with the inmates in a jail cell during his shift on March 31.

Morseman was initially arrested by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office on April 4 and released on $100,000 bail. The District Attorney’s Office requested that bail be set at $200,000.

Pursuant to state law, the identities of the victims will not be released as this is a sex crimes case. The victims in this case were offered victim assistance services by the District Attorney’s Office.

Morseman is facing a possible maximum sentence of five years in state prison. Arraignment is scheduled for a later date.

Case Information: People v. Morseman, Docket Number 02-327516-7

Lafayette man, former Walnut Creek restaurant owner arrested for Orinda bank robbery

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Valentino Luchin from his LinkedIn profile.

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

On Wednesday, May 2 at about 10:56 AM, Orinda Police Officers responded to a report of a robbery at the Citibank on Orinda Way in Orinda.

An armed male suspect robbed a teller and apparently fled in a vehicle after receiving some cash.

Through witness descriptions and surveillance video, the Orinda Police Department, assisted by Detectives from the Lafayette Police Department, were able to identify the suspect.

The suspect was later stopped and detained on Mt. Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette. A search warrant was later served on the suspect’s home in Lafayette.

Valentino Luchin from his Facebook profile.

The suspect is identified as 54-year-old Valentino Luchin of Lafayette. He was later arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on one count of robbery. He is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.

According to his Linkedin profile, Luchin is the Chef/Owner of Ottavio Osteria restaurant in Walnut Creek. However, the phone number listed for the restaurant is disconnected and results of an online search for it shows that it is closed.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.