Contra Costa Herald

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

Canadian man sentenced for “sextortion” of Contra Costa County minor

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Arrested in 2021 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador for multiple online child exploitation offences

Multi-agency effort

Sentenced to 2 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, must register as a sex offender for 10 years

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

A 25-year-old man from Gulf Island, Canada, has been sentenced to prison for sexually extorting a minor in Contra Costa County in 2020, in what is commonly referred to as a “Sextortion” attack.

In the fall of 2019, Nicholas Fahey used a social media application to contact a minor in Contra Costa County and solicited sexually explicit images from the victim. After the victim complied, Fahey sent the victim a series of threats, indicating he would release the images of the victim unless the victim complied with his demands for more photographs.

The investigation was referred to the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Fahey was identified as the suspect through an investigation of his social media accounts. Ultimately, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrested Fahey at his home in Bay Bulls, Canada, located in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Fahey was charged on May 21, 2021, in Canada’s version of Superior Court.

On January 23, 2025, Fahey was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years. Fahey will also serve a term of three years of supervised release.

“This investigation highlights the shared commitment of the ICAC Task Force and HSI to pursue criminals, even those operating beyond U.S. borders,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “Parents need to understand that individuals who prey on minors online are not restricted by national or state boundaries. Those who use the internet to harm our youth should know that my office will collaborate with law enforcement agencies like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to seek justice for the victims in our county.”

Sextortion is the most common crime targeting children on social media. According to the FBI, between 2021 and 2023, 12,600 children in the United States were victims of sextortion, resulting in at least 20 suicides.

To report sextortion, contact your local law enforcement agency or file a report with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about the risks associated with smartphone use and social media. If parents, educators, or organizations are interested in presentations on topics like smartphones, social media, or our Vigilant Parents initiative, please contact the District Attorney’s Office at DAOffice@contracostada.org.

According to Corporal Jolene Garland, Media Relations Officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland and Labrador, on April 29, 2021, then-twenty-two-year-old Nicholas Fahey of Gull Island was arrested, following an investigation by the RCMP/RNC Integrated Internet Child Exploitation (IICE) team. He is charged with multiple online child exploitation offences.

The investigation began in early 2020, after police received reports from the US Department of Homeland Security that two American youth had been exploited online by a resident of this province. A local investigation by IICE led to a search warrant that was executed on a Gull Island residence in July of 2020.

Fahey is now charged with the following criminal offences:
• Possession of Child Pornography
• Transmission of Child Pornography
• Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child
• Luring a Child (x2)
• Indecent Act (exposure)
• Extortion (x2)
• Invitation to Sexual Touching

Fahey was released from custody on conditions designed to protect the general public and was scheduled to appear in court on June 16, 2021.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to exercise proper supervision of children while online and to foster regular discussions with their children about online safety.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Contra Costa DA files additional charges against infamous convicted kidnapper

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Matthew Muller mugshot, Dublin, California, June 9, 2015. Source: Wikipedia

For a previously unreported 2015 kidnapping for ransom at residence near San Ramon

Arizona kidnapping became focus of 2024 season of Netflix true crime series “American Nightmare”

By Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has filed a three-count felony complaint against a convicted kidnapper and rapist whose crimes include a high-profile case featured in a documentary series.

Matthew Daniel Muller, 47, is currently serving a 40-year federal prison sentence in Tucson, Arizona, for the 2015 kidnapping and rape of Denise Huskins — a case that drew widespread media attention and became the focus of the 2024 season of American Nightmare, a Netflix true crime series.

According to his Wikipedia page, Muller is a former immigration attorney, and Marine veteran. He is known for carrying out the kidnapping in Vallejo, California, referred to in the media as the ”Gone Girl” kidnapping.

The new charges filed on Jan. 6, 2025, by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office stem from a previously unreported 2015 kidnapping for ransom at a residence in an unincorporated area of San Ramon. The crime came to light over the course of 2024 through correspondence between law enforcement and Muller, during which he confessed to multiple crimes in Northern California, including the 2015 incident in Contra Costa County.

After learning of Muller’s confession, detectives from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation, despite the lack of a reported crime in 2015. The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office joined the investigation on December 13th, 2024, which included a meeting with Muller.

In the spring of 2015, Muller unlawfully held two John Does and one Jane Doe for ransom, demanding that one of the captives withdraw tens of thousands of dollars from their bank account to secure the release of the others. After obtaining the money, Muller fled the residence.

Fearing retribution, the victims never reported the crime. To this day, they have chosen to remain anonymous.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office collaborated with the El Dorado and Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Offices to coordinate investigative efforts. These efforts resulted in three felony charges of kidnapping for ransom [PC 209(a)] filed in Contra Costa Superior Court.

“The trauma of crime can have lasting effects that some people endure for their entire lives – whether the crime is reported or not,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton. “Muller committed serious offenses throughout Northern California, and my office will be resolute in seeking justice on behalf of the victims in Contra Costa County.”
Muller is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges at a future date in Contra Costa Superior Court.

The case is “The People of the State of California v. Muller, Matthew Daniel.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa DA reaches filing decision in 2022 Oakley woman Alexis Gabe’s murder

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Alexis Gabe from her missing poster in 2022.

Insufficient evidence to prove suspect’s mother acted as accessory after the fact

No gunshot residue on Gabe’s clothing

Oakley, Antioch Police Departments investigated

By Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer to the Contra Costa County District Attorney

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office reached a filing decision on an accessory after the fact charge in the case of the Alexis Gabe murder in 2022. Below is a press release and the complaint that was filed in 2022 against the suspect, Marshall Curtis Jones, III.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has concluded its investigation into whether the mother of Marshall Curtis Jones, III acted as an accessory after the fact in connection with the death of Alexis Gabe in January 2022. (See related article)

Since the May 26, 2022, charging of Marshall Curtis Jones with the first-degree murder of Alexis Gabe, and Jones’ subsequent death while law enforcement was serving him a warrant in Washington State on June 1st of the same year, the District Attorney’s Office remained committed to investigating all possible avenues of criminal liability. This commitment included evaluating whether any individual, including Jones’s mother, Alicia Coleman-Clark could bear criminal liability for actions taken after the crime.

Following a detailed meeting with Alexis Gabe’s family in December 2024, the District Attorney’s Office, along with the Oakley and Antioch Police Departments, pursued additional investigative leads. These efforts included:

1. Forensic Examination of Recovered Clothing: Additional forensic analysis of a shirt recovered with Alexis Gabe’s remains was conducted to determine the presence of gunshot residue (GSR). The results found no evidence of gunshot residue or any indication that the shirt had been penetrated by gunfire – which is consistent with prior forensic findings.

2. Investigation of a Second Plastic Bag: While a second plastic bag with Alexis’s remains was recovered by search and rescue personnel in Amador County, that second bag was not with the remains sent to California State University, Chico for forensic testing. While no identifiable DNA was found on the first recovered bag, law enforcement pursued the whereabouts of the second plastic bag. After an exhaustive effort by Antioch and Oakley Police to determine its whereabouts, law enforcement confirmed to the District Attorney’s Office the bag was never provided to any local law enforcement agency. As such, there is no second bag to test for the presence of a contributor’s DNA.

3. Re-interview of Alicia Coleman-Clark’s Former Boyfriend: Investigators conducted a follow-up interview with Ms. Coleman-Clark’s former boyfriend to clarify prior statements he made to law enforcement in 2022. He reiterated that a reference made by Coleman-Clark to something “cold” related to a soda can and not to Alexis Gabe’s remains. His account is consistent with his prior statements, and no evidence has been found to contradict his explanation regarding a cold soda can.

4. Search of Flight Purchase Records: Investigators obtained a warrant to search airline ticket purchase records for Marshall Jones’ flight to Seattle, Washington in February 2022 to determine whether Ms. Coleman-Clark had facilitated the purchase. The records obtained did not indicate any purchase activity involving Coleman-Clark. It appears the flight was arranged through a third-party vendor — and no further purchase details have been identified by law enforcement.

Legal Determination

The District Attorney’s Office determined that while some information raised suspicion about Alicia Coleman-Clark’s potential culpability as an accessory after the fact under Penal Code Section 32, there are plausible alternative explanations that point against her guilt under the same statute.

Therefore, after a thorough review of the totality of the evidence, the District Attorney’s Office has concluded there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the elements required to charge that Alicia Coleman-Clark acted as an accessory after the fact under Penal Code Section 32.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Gabe family for the unimaginable loss of Alexis. Our office has worked tirelessly over the past three years to pursue every lead,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “While we have concluded our investigation into this matter, we remain committed to supporting the Gabe family.”

 

Brentwood Police to hold Town Hall Meeting on Prop. 36 and organized retail theft Jan. 30

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If you’re interested in learning more about Proposition 36 and efforts to address organized retail theft, we invite you to join us at our next Town Hall Meeting:

Date: Thursday, January 30th, Location: Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.

This is a great opportunity to engage with the Brentwood Police Department, learn about these critical topics, and ask questions.

Sept. shooting at Fairgrounds leads to arrest of Pittsburg man for multiple weapons violations

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Weapons confiscated from the suspect by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies on Friday, Jan. 2, 2025. Photos CCCSheriff

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

On Thursday, January 2, 2025, detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff served a search warrant at a residence in Pittsburg. It was part of a continuing investigation into a shooting that occurred at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch on September 16, 2024, where two suspects shot a person during an argument. Detectives found one of them used an illegally manufactured gun in the shooting.

Detectives identified the suspect who was apparently illegally making guns, including assault weapons, as well as illegally selling them. During the search of the suspect’s home, detectives found assault weapons as well as a short barrel rifle. Some of the weapons seized did not have serial numbers. The weapons will be tested to see if they are linked to any shooting or crimes.

The suspect is identified as 27-year-old Diego A. Vasquez-Gomez of Pittsburg. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges that include manufacturing of a short barrel gun, manufacturing and selling of an assault weapon, illegal possession of an assault weapon, unlicensed transfer of a firearm and child endangerment.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the 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.

Following high-speed pursuit of stolen car on Hwy 4 two Antioch men arrested for Dublin robbery

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Source: Oakley PD

From Oakley to Hercules; with help from Contra Costa Sheriff’s helicopter, CHP

Kalil Houston still in custody on $70,000 bail, Isaiah J. Mitchell bonded out

By Oakley Police Department

On January 10, 2025, at 9:44PM, Oakley Police Officer F. Williams was on patrol on Main Street near Bridgehead Road. Officer Williams saw a gray Honda Accord with a license plate reported as lost or stolen and belonging on a Lexus. It was also made known to Officer Williams the same Honda with the same license plate had been used during a robbery in Dublin. Officer Williams was joined by Officer R. Hernandez and they attempted to stop the Honda, but it fled at a high rate of speed onto westbound Highway 4. Officers Williams and Hernandez initiated a pursuit and the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff helicopter (STARR) was in the area within a few minutes.

The suspect continued to flee travelling westbound on Highway 4 reaching very high speeds at times. The pursuit continued for several minutes. Due to the nexus of this vehicle to violent crimes, our officers remained engaged in the pursuit all the way to the City of Hercules. The pursuit ultimately ended in the 1900 block of Railroad Avenue when the driver, identified as Kalil Houston (male, 20, Antioch, born 7/6/04) foot bailed from the vehicle. The passenger, identified as Isaiah J. Mitchell (male, 21, Antioch), remained in the vehicle and was taken into custody immediately. Our officers later caught Houston as he was trying to flee the area and took him into custody as well.

Pursuits by their very nature are dangerous and police agencies diligently assess the need to continue them when they occur. Every decision made in a pursuit weighs the seriousness of the incident versus the public’s safety. When a vehicle is associated with a crime(s) of violence, it becomes more critical to apprehend the violator(s).

Our officers found several stolen license plates and a blank key fob in the possession of Houston and Mitchell and fired shell casings could also be seen inside the vehicle. The Honda was towed to be examined for evidence.

During this pursuit, a Black Ford Mustang started pacing our officers, even at the high speeds that were reached, turned its lights off, and tried to block our officers. The driver of the black Mustang intentionally interfered with our officers and placed our officers in a great degree of danger. Our officers will be doing additional follow-up in an attempt to identify the driver of the Mustang.

Houston and Mitchell were both booked into jail for crimes associated with possession of stolen property, conspiracy and felony evading. The Oakley Police Department will be working with the Dublin Police Department in regards to the robbery that occurred in Dublin.

Chief Beard said of this incident, “It does appear as if Houston and Mitchell were going to continue the destructive and violent behavior their vehicle had already previously been involved in. The action of fleeing at high speeds, the propensity to work in concert with others against police officers, having stolen license plates and spent shell casings is not a good look in any scenario. It is my concern a crime of violence was going to be perpetrated against an innocent person(s) in Oakley. I appreciate and respect Officer Williams and Officer Hernandez for keeping the residents of Oakley safe. Officers from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol and the Hercules Police Department all assisted Officers Williams and Hernandez during this incident, and I extend a personal thank you to each of them.

“The experiences of Officer Williams and Officer Hernandez in this investigation underscores the risks American peace officers face everyday. I am grateful for the service of all peace officers who stand between those who wish to do harm and the rest of society and I am honored to be associated with them.

Stay safe Oakley!”

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch, 175-pound Houston is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $70,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 27 at 8:30 a.m. in Delta Superior Court in Pittsburg.

Also, according to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Mitchell is Black and as of Jan. 11th, he bonded out of custody. According to localcrimenews.com, Mitchell was arrested on Dec. 22, 2021, by Antioch Police for vandalism – property damage.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Oakley man with priors arrested for stealing shoes from Brentwood store

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Charged with felony thanks to passage of Prop. 36

By Brentwood Police Department

On the evening of Sunday, January 12, 2025, around 9 PM, BPD officers responded to a call to a business at the 5500 block of Lone Tree Way regarding a suspect who had stolen shoes from the store.

Upon arrival, officers observed the suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Don Cornell Capers from Oakley (born 4/5/86), attempting to flee in a getaway vehicle. Capers was quickly taken into custody with the assistance of a second BPD officer who had just shown up while Capers was attempting to get into the vehicle.

Capers, who already had a warrant for a probation violation related to his Post Release Community Supervision, also has two prior theft convictions.

As a result of the passing of Proposition 36, which elevates theft offenses for individuals with prior convictions, Capers was place under arrest with “Petty Theft with Priors”, making this incident a felony rather than a misdemeanor. He was also arrested for the warrant, evading police, and other related charges.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Capers was transferred to another facility and is in custody at the Santa Rita Jail. According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 150-pound suspect is Black and has a court appearance for arraignment in Dept. 702 at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin on Jan. 22 at 8:30 a.m.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Four juveniles arrested in Oakley for armed robbery at the Streets of Brentwood

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The suspects’ gun used in the armed robbery was confiscated by Oakley Police. Photo source: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

On Saturday, January 11, 2025, at approximately 7:45 PM, a Brentwood officer patrolling the Streets of Brentwood shopping center was flagged down by security, who reported that an armed robbery had just occurred, and the suspects had fled in a vehicle.

The juvenile victim stated that he and a friend were approached by four suspects. During the confrontation, one suspect struck the victim in the face, and another suspect threatened him with a firearm, demanding his belongings. Fortunately, the victim did not sustain any injuries.

Shortly after the incident was reported, an Oakley PD officer located the suspect vehicle, conducted a traffic stop, and detained four juvenile suspects. Our officers responded to the car stop and recovered a firearm and the victim’s stolen property from the vehicle.

All four juveniles were placed under arrest for robbery, conspiracy to commit a crime, and other related offenses. They were transported to Juvenile Hall for booking.

A big thank you to the Streets of Brentwood security team and the Oakley Police Department for their crucial assistance in apprehending the suspects and ensuring community safety.

 

San Leandro man arrested for stolen gun in Brentwood

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Stolen gun and ammunition confiscated from suspect on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD

Held on $120,000 bail

By Brentwood Police Departmen

On Monday, Jan. 14, 2025, at approximately 6:00 PM, a Brentwood officer noticed a car parked in a handicap space without a placard in front of Trader Joe’s. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer observed a firearm with an extended magazine in plain view inside the car.

While on scene, the owner of the vehicle returned from a nearby business. During the investigation, it was determined that the firearm was stolen.

The vehicle’s owner, identified as 18-year-old Michael Wayne Sherman, III of San Leandro (born 4/18/06), was arrested for possession of the stolen firearm. Sherman was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive policing in keeping our community safe.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, ten inch tall, 130-pound Sherman is being held on $120,000 bail.

According to Recently Booked, he is charged with carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, receiving known stolen property and carrying a loaded firearm in public under specific circumstances.

CHP highlights new laws for 2025

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Includes reckless driving & sideshow enforcement, electric bicycle safety, autonomous vehicles, retail theft, more

SACRAMENTO – As we head into the new year, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is highlighting the new public safety laws that were passed during this year’s legislative session and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Unless otherwise noted, the laws referenced below take effect on January 1, 2025.

Tools to Address Reckless Driving and Sideshows:

Vehicles: Speed Contests (AB 1978, Sanchez)

Assembly Bill 1978 permits storing a vehicle when an individual is arrested but not taken into custody for obstructing or placing a barricade a highway or off-street parking facility for purposes of aiding a speed contest or exhibition of speed.

Vehicles: Impoundment (AB 2186, Wallis)

Assembly Bill 2186 permits the arrest and custody of individuals engaged in an exhibition of speed in an off-street parking facility. It also permits the impounding of the individual’s vehicle for not more than 30 days.

Vehicles: Sideshows and Street Takeovers (AB 2807, Villapudua)

Assembly Bill 2807 defines a “sideshow” and a “street takeover” as the same type of event.

Vehicles: Removal and Impoundment (AB 3085, Gipson)

Assembly Bill 3085 provides authority to seize and impound a vehicle with a warrant when the vehicle was used in violation of a speed contest or exhibition of speed (including aiding or abetting). This bill also permits electronic service of the notices of impoundment and storage hearings.

Emergency Alert Information Sharing:

Electronic Toll Collection Systems: Information Sharing: Law Enforcement (AB 2645, Lackey)

Assembly Bill 2645 allows transportation agencies operating electronic toll collection systems to share real-time license plate data with law enforcement during active emergency alerts, such as AMBER, Ebony, or Feather Alerts. This legislation eliminates the need for a search warrant in such situations, enabling quicker responses to locate suspect vehicles linked to emergencies, such as child abductions.

Electric Bicycle Safety:

Electric Bicycles, Powered Mobility Devices and Storage (SB 1271, Min)

Beginning January 1, 2026, SB 1271 focuses on improving the safety standards for electric bicycles (e-bikes), powered mobility devices, and related lithium-ion batteries. It requires these devices and their components, such as batteries and charging systems, to be tested by accredited laboratories to meet specific safety standards. The bill also mandates labeling these products to show compliance with safety regulations, ensuring consumers are informed. Furthermore, it prohibits distributing, selling, or leasing e-bikes and related equipment unless they meet these standards, aiming to reduce risks like fire hazards and electrical malfunctions. Beginning January 1, 2028, the bill would prohibit a person from renting or offering for rental an electric bicycle, powered mobility device, charging system, or storage battery unless it has been tested to the specified safety standard.

Vehicles: Electric Bicycles (AB 1774, Gipson)

Assembly Bill 1774 prohibits modifying an electric bicycle’s speed capability to an extent it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle.  Also, it prohibits selling a product or device that can modify the speed capability of an electric bicycle to an extent it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle.

Vehicles: Electric Bicycles (AB 1778, Connolly)

Assembly Bill 1778 authorizes a local authority within the County of Marin, or the County of Marin in unincorporated areas, to enact an ordinance or resolution prohibiting a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 2 electric bicycle or requiring a person operating a class 2 electric bicycle to wear a helmet.

Vehicles: Electric Bicycles (AB 2234, Boerner)

Assembly Bill 2234 establishes the San Diego Electric Bicycle Safety Program and authorizes a local authority within the County of San Diego, or the County of San Diego in unincorporated areas, to enact an ordinance or resolution prohibiting a person under 12 years of age from operating a class 1 or 2 electric bicycle.

Photo Enforced Speed Enforcement Pilot Program:

The City of Malibu’s Speed Safety System Pilot Program (SB 1297, Allen)

Senate Bill 1297 establishes a five-year Speed Safety System Pilot Program in the City of Malibu. The bill defines a ‘speed safety system’ as a fixed or mobile radar or laser system, or any other electronic device that utilizes automated equipment, to detect a violation of speed laws and obtains a clear photograph of a speeding vehicle’s license plate. The bill establishes mandates regarding policy, enforcement, implementation, public notification, and a system evaluation report.

Clean Air Vehicle Sticker Extension:

Vehicles: High-Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (AB 2678, Wallis)

Assembly Bill 2678 permits vehicles with a Clean Air Vehicle decal to drive in High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes until January 1, 2027, if federal law permits.

Autonomous Vehicles:

Vehicle Equipment: Driver Monitoring Defeat Devices (SB 1313, Ashby)

Senate Bill 1313 prohibits using, possessing, or selling devices designed to interfere with driver monitoring systems in vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems or autonomous technology. These systems monitor driver alertness and help ensure safety when automated features are used. Violating this law is classified as an infraction. Exceptions are provided for manufacturers testing new technology, vehicle repairs, and updates compliant with safety standards or modifications for disability accommodations. This law aims to enhance road safety by preventing tampering with critical monitoring systems.

Autonomous Vehicles Interactions with First Responders and Traffic Violation Notices – AB 1777 (Ting)

Upon the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) adoption of necessary regulations, AB 1777 creates new authority for a law enforcement officer to issue a “notice of autonomous vehicle (AV) noncompliance” to an AV manufacturer for an alleged traffic violation committed by one of their vehicles.  Beginning July 1, 2026, AB 1777 establishes additional requirements for how AVs that operate without a human operator in the vehicle interact with first responders, including a requirement for manufacturers to provide a two-way device in the vehicles to communicate with first responders.

Pedestrian Safety Around Buses:

Transit buses: Yield Right-of-Way Sign (AB 1904, Ward)

Assembly Bill 1904 authorizes a transit agency to equip a transit bus with a “yield” right-of-way sign on the left rear of the bus.  The sign may be a static decal or a flashing light-emitting diode (LED).

License Plate Manipulation:

License Plates: Obstruction or Alteration (AB 2111, Wallis)

Assembly Bill 2111 prohibits any alteration of a license plate’s reflective coating to avoid detection from any entity, not just law enforcement.

Property Theft from a Vehicle:

Crimes: Theft from A Vehicle (SB 905, Wiener)

Senate Bill 905 creates the crime of Unlawful Entry of a Vehicle, which addresses unlawfully entering a vehicle with the intent to commit a theft or any felony. It also adds the crime of Automotive Property Theft for Resale, which addresses possessing stolen property obtained from a vehicle with the intent to sell or exchange the property for value. The property’s value must be over $950.00 and not for personal use. The value of property can be combined within two years of separate acts.

Combating Retail Theft:

Crimes: Organized Theft (SB 982, Wahab)

Senate Bill 982 makes the crime of organized retail theft permanent and strengthens measures to address retail crime. The bill eliminates the expiration date for specific provisions targeting organized retail theft, ensuring long-term tools for law enforcement to combat this issue.

Crimes: Fires (SB 1242, Min)

Senate Bill 1242 amends Penal Code Section 452 regarding the unlawful setting of fires. It updates penalties and legal language to clarify offenses, including circumstances involving organized retail theft.

Sentencing Enhancements: Sale, Exchange, Or Return of Stolen Property (SB 1416 Newman)

Senate Bill 1416 focuses on combating organized retail theft by increasing penalties for those involved in the resale of stolen goods, often referred to as “fencing.” The bill, until January 1, 2030, creates sentencing enhancements for individuals who sell, exchange, or return stolen property for value, particularly when the property exceeds specific thresholds. Punishment increases from one year to four years based on a property value scale ranging from $50,000 to over $3 million.

Theft: Jurisdiction (AB 1779, Irwin)

Assembly Bill 1779 addresses the issue of organized retail theft by streamlining the prosecution process. Specifically, it allows district attorneys to consolidate charges for theft offenses committed across multiple counties into a single trial, provided all affected county district attorneys agree.

Crimes: Organized Theft (AB 1802, Jones-Sawyer)

Assembly Bill 1802 ensures that the crime of organized retail theft remains permanently defined in state law and extends the CHP’s Property Crimes Task Force indefinitely. This bill eliminates the “sunset” clause that would have otherwise allowed the statute and the task force to expire.

Regional Property Crimes Task Force (AB 1972, Alanis)

Assembly Bill 1972 expands the scope of the CHP’s Regional Property Crimes Task Force to include cargo theft as a property crime for consideration and requires the task force to provide logistical and law enforcement support for railroad police.

This bill emphasizes cargo theft as a specific priority and aims to strengthen resources for law enforcement agencies to combat these issues. As an urgency statute, AB 1972 went into effect immediately upon its passage in August 2024 to address these concerns promptly.

Crimes: Shoplifting (AB 2943, Zbur)

Assembly Bill 2943, also called the “California Retail Theft Reduction Act,” strengthens measures to combat organized retail theft by creating a specific crime for serial retail theft, allowing the aggregation of property value for thefts committed within 90 days to qualify as grand theft. It empowers law enforcement to make arrests using video evidence or sworn statements, shields businesses from lawsuits for reporting crimes and promotes rehabilitation through diversion programs for minor offenders. The bill aims to dismantle theft rings while balancing public safety and criminal justice reforms.

Crimes: Theft: Retail Theft Restraining Orders (AB 3209, Berman)

Assembly Bill 3209 creates a retail crime restraining order.  A court may issue a restraining order when sentencing an individual for specific retail theft-related crimes, including vandalism of a retail store and assaulting a retail store employee.  The restraining order prohibits the individual from entering or being on the grounds of the establishment and may include parking lots adjacent to and used by the establishment.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.