Contra Costa Herald

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

7 Contra Costa men arrested for using internet to sexually exploit, abuse children

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11 arrested in multi-agency Predator Operation. Photos: Oakley PD

Multi-agency effort also nabs 4 other Bay Area suspects during Predator Operation; one suspect is a Boy Scouts Troop Master

By Danielle Navarro, Assistant City Manager, City of Oakley

The Oakley Police Department hosted an operation May 24 through 31 that involved identifying and arresting adults who use the internet to seek out children to sexually exploit and abuse them. This was done in conjunction with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force and it included the following agencies: Antioch, Brentwood, Pittsburg, Concord, Danville and Walnut Creek Police Departments, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, Contra Costa County Safe Streets Task Force, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Secret Service

Oakley Police Detective J. Dombrouski coordinated the operation, supported by Sergeant K. Morris, Detectives B. Gill, N. Pistello, R. Schiff and a host of other Oakley police officers. The coordination efforts included making sure enough personnel were dedicated and in place to account for an appropriate number of takedown teams and making sure there was enough technical, forensic and investigative support to lead to a successful operation.

This operation resulted in 11 arrests of adults who established inappropriate and sexually-based online relationships with who they believed were minor children. The 11 suspects arrested attempted to physically meet up with their intended target by driving to a predesignated “meet location.” Some brought candy with them as well as sexual contraception items. One of the suspects is a known Boy Scout Troop Master; another suspect is a known behavioral therapist for children with special needs. All 11 suspects were booked into jail on felony charges.

The identities of the 11 suspects who were arrested are:

  • Anthony Joseph Taormina, male, 64, Oakley
  • Jonathan Francisco Henriquez-Garcia, male, 32, Antioch
  • Humayoun Kabir, male, 60, Antioch
  • Yerson Josue Cruz-Perez, male, 27, Pittsburg
  • Isaias Valdez, Jr., male, 30, Pittsburg
  • Jason Michael Pearson, male, 48, Concord
  • Daniel Mark Sigmundson, male, 51, Concord
  • Elio Rodriguez-Martinez, male, 29, Oakland
  • Ashneel Singh, male, 29, Hayward
  • Luis Cuevas-Morales, male, 25, Hayward
  • Zuhair Mukatash, male, 59, South San Francisco

“I thoroughly appreciate all of the efforts and diligence exhibited by all of the law-enforcement personnel, Deputy District Attorneys, and support staff members that resulted in the arrests of these very dangerous men, said Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard. “Furthermore, I am very proud of my investigations staff who coordinated everything that went into this operation, and I am honored to be their Chief. I have always appreciated proactive, task-oriented missions. This operation ranks at the top of what I consider to be the most important type of proactive, task-oriented missions. In a very literal sense, the innocence of children was saved by the efforts that went into this operation. Knowing some of the back stories that went into these arrests, I have a very visceral feeling of disgust about the men who were arrested. I believe I speak for everybody involved in what happened when I say I fully support the prosecutors as they manage the criminal filings and cases against these men while they seek complete accountability against them. Stay safe Oakley and hold your children tight.”

Charges, Arrest History & Custody Status for Contra Costa Suspects

According to localcrimenews.com:

Taormina was arrested on May 30th and charged with lewd acts upon a child, attempted kidnapping, attempting to contact a minor with intent to a commit offense, arrestee arranged a meeting with a person he knows to be a minor for the purpose of exposing his or her genitals;

Henriquez-Garcia was arrested on May 29th for attempted lewd acts with a child, arranging a meeting with a child for lewd purposes and attempting to contact a minor with intent to commit an offense;

Kabir was arrested on May 30th for attempted kidnapping, attempting lewd acts with a child, arranging a meeting with a child for lewd purposes, attempting to contact a minor with intent to commit an offense and distribution or exhibition of lewd material to a minor (with prior);

Valdez was arrested on May 29th for lewd acts upon a child, warrants or holds only, arranging a meeting with a child for lewd purposes and attempting to contact a minor with intent to commit an offense. He was previously arrested in July 2022 by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department for vandalism – damage to property, carrying a concealed firearm upon person – pistol / revolver / other firearm and carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner;

Pearson was arrested on May 29 for attempt lewd acts with a child, warrants or holds only, arranging a meeting with a child for lewd purposes, attempting to contact minor with intent to commit offense. He was previously arrested in Nov. 2016 by Concord Police for battery on a spouse / cohabitant / former spouse; and

Sigmundson was arrested on May 31st for lewd acts upon a child, arranging a meeting with a child for lewd purposes and attempting to contact a minor with intent to commit an offense.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office:

as of Tuesday, June 4th, Taormina and Kabir had bonded out of custody;

as of Monday, June 10th Cruz-Perez was still in custody; the five-foot, five-inch, 220-pound Valdez (born 4/6/1994) is being held on no bail at the West County Detention Facility and has a court appearance scheduled for Thursday, June 12 at 8:30 AM in Superior Court;

as of Monday, June 3rd, Pearson had bonded out of custody; and

as of Wednesday, June 5, Sigmundson had also bonded out of custody.

No online information could be found from the CC Sheriff’s Office for Henriquez-Garcia.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

 

 

Stolen vehicle search leads to Walnut Creek man arrested on firearm, drug charges in Pleasant Hill

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Drone footage shows stolen vehicle in which a gun and drugs were discovered on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Wednesday night, June 5, 2024, patrol officers located a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of the Crossroads Shopping Center. After a few minutes of surveillance with the help of our Drone Team, two subjects were contacted attempting to leave in the vehicle.

During a search of the vehicle, a loaded firearm and narcotics were discovered. Ultimately, 54-year-old Phillip Nimrod Wilson, Jr. of Walnut Creek, was arrested and booked into county jail on numerous firearm and narcotics charges. The stolen vehicle was recovered and will be returned to its owner!

As the summer kicks off in the next couple of weeks, expect to see more active patrols and arrests throughout our local shopping centers!

According to recentlybooked.com, the six-foot, two-inch, 205-pound Wilson is Black and was also arrested in Dec. 2022 for possession of a controlled substance and unlawful paraphernalia.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of Friday night, June 7, he was out of custody without any charges filed.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood car stop leads to drug bust of Berkeley man

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Gun, drugs, cell phones and cash found with the suspect on Sunday, June 2, 2024.Photo: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

This past Sunday, June 2, 2024, around 11:30PM, a Brentwood PD Sergeant was patrolling Highway 4 near Lone Tree Way, when he observed a vehicle with expired registration. The driver, identified as 56-year-old Gerald Bernard Smith of Berkeley, had a suspended Driver’s License for DUI and an open container of alcohol in the car.

Upon searching the car, officers located a loaded firearm, and a variety individually packaged drugs, a digital scale, and a large amount of cash indicating that Smith was in possession of these drugs for sale.

Smith, a convicted felon, was placed under arrest for a variety of charges including being a felon in possession of a gun, possession of drugs for sale and several other related charges.

Smith was placed under arrest and transported to the County Jail for booking.

According to localcrimenews.com, Smith was also arrested in 2012 for possession of marijuana or hashish for sale, selling or furnishing marijuana or hashish while having a prior prison term.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Smith is Black, out of custody as of Thursday morning, June 5th and no charges have been filed against him.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Police investigate vandalism of Brentwood church

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Message spray painted on building

By Lindzie Laughridge, Community Engagement Officer, Brentwood Police Department

Brentwood, CA- On June 6th, 2024, around 07:00AM, officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of Highland Way for a church that had been vandalized. When officers arrived, they found that the church had been spray painted with, “Avenge al Aqsa, LDS invest in genocide ur tithes takes lives, free congo sudan invest in, divest invest from exxon meta apple jp morgan amazon google.” Officers also located two broken windows to the church.

Preliminary evidence suggests that the incident occurred overnight and in addition, no entry was made inside the building.

This incident is still under investigation, and we ask anyone from the public with information to contact our non-emergency line at 925-809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

Vallejo man charged in injury hit and run DUI in Walnut Creek

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

Martinez, California – A Vallejo man faces multiple charges stemming from a collision that injured two people at the Walnut Creek Farmers Market.

The incident occurred around 5:17 am on Sunday, June 2nd, on Locust Street in Walnut Creek, between Cole and Lacassie Avenues. This section of the street is typically closed on Sundays for a Farmers Market. While vendors were setting up, 33-year-old Jose Manuel Chavez (born 8/31/90) struck two female victims with his vehicle, causing serious injuries to both women. After the collision, Chavez fled the scene.

Walnut Creek Police responded quickly to emergency calls and located Chavez’s damaged vehicle entering I-680 at Lawrence Way. Officers pulled him over on Buskirk Avenue, near the Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre BART station, by 5:20 am and arrested him shortly after. (See related article)

On June 5th, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Chavez in Superior Court. He faces three felony charges, some with enhancements, and one misdemeanor. The complaint includes two felony counts of driving under the influence (DUI) causing injury to both victims [VC 23153(a)]. These charges include enhancements related to injuries sustained by both victims. Chavez is also charged with felony hit and run resulting in serious injury [VC 20001(b)(2)] and a misdemeanor for driving without a valid license after a DUI offense [VC 14601.5(a)].

Chavez was arraigned today, Thursday, June 6, at 1:35 pm in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez. He remains in custody at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond.

Case No. 01-24-02263 | The People of the State of California v. Chavez, Jose Manuel

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, six-foot, 230-pound Chavez is being held on no bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 17, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. in Superior Court.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood car stop leads to arrest of Antioch man with lots of keys

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Keys recovered inside suspect’s car on May 5, 2024. Photos: Brentwood PD

While on felony probation for vehicle theft; has history of arrests dating to 2014 including 5 times this year

By Brentwood Police Department

On Sunday, May 5, 2024, around 4:00 PM, a Brentwood officer was patrolling the area of Lone Tree Way and Canada Valley Road, when he saw a car without a rear license plate. The officer did a traffic stop and contacted the driver, identified as 35-year-old Robert Edward Garcia of Antioch (born 6/27/88).

Garcia told the officer he did not have a driver’s license and he was also on felony probation for vehicle theft.

After searching Garcia’s car, the officer found several sets of keys belonging to different makes of cars, along with shaved keys, numerous tools, blades, cutting instruments, a car jack, a flipper device (which can be used to hack digital devices) and other tools.

Garcia was placed under arrest for being in possession of burglary tools, probation violation, as well as bringing drugs into the County jail.

This incident exemplifies the proactive efforts of our officers in detecting and addressing criminal behavior, contributing to the maintenance of public safety and the prevention of further criminal activity in the community.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, 220-pound Garcia is Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail for his latest arrest by Oakley PD on May 19, 2024, for possession of stolen property at the Best Western Hotel in Oakley. (See 14:13 PM incident). He is scheduled to be released on June 30, 2024.

According to localcrimenews.com, Garcia has a history of arrests by multiple agencies dating to 2014 including five times this year and three times last year.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Police ask help IDing suspects in May Brentwood beauty store theft

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Suspects in Brentwood retail beauty store theft on May 6, 2024. Photos: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

CAN YOU ID? -Brentwood PD Case # 2402075

On May 6, 2024, the female suspects in these photos entered ULTA at the Streets of Brentwood and stole over $2,000 worth of fragrances and other products.

If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact the Brentwood Police Department non-emergency line at 925-809-7911.

 

Antioch man arrested for shoplifting in Brentwood

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Merchandise recovered on April 30, 2024. Photo: Brentwood PD

While on felony probation for theft; has history of arrests dating to 2018

By Brentwood Police Department

On April 30, 2024 around 8:30PM at night, Brentwood officers were dispatched to Michael’s Arts and Crafts for a report of a known shoplifter who had just stolen approximately $1,400 worth of merchandise and walked out of the store.

When officers arrived, a Brentwood Sergeant saw the suspect in the immediate area, and the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Mathew Davis of Antioch, fled on a bicycle after dumping the stolen merchandise.

As the Sergeant attempted to contact Davis, Davis attempted to flee on his bicycle. Another officer in the area had parked his patrol car and while walking towards Davis, Davis subsequently ran into the parked patrol car while trying to flee on his bicycle.

Davis, who did not sustain any injuries, was safely taken into custody.

Davis, who is on felony probation for theft, also has a court order to stay away from Kohl’s.

Davis was arrested for shoplifting, felony probation violation, court order violation and other related charges.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to 2018 by multiple agencies for crimes including threats of violence, drug possession, drawing or exhibiting an imitation firearm in a threatening manner, resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer and trespassing.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Vallejo man arrested for major injury hit and run collision in Walnut Creek Sunday

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Charges filed against suspected driver; two victims remain hospitalized

By Lt. Bruce Jower, Walnut Creek Police Department

A man is in custody today following an accident in Walnut Creek. Around 5:15 AM on Sunday, June 2, 2024, Walnut Creek Police Department received a call of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident in the area of Locust Street near Cole Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they located the two people who had been struck by an SUV and sustained major injuries. They were transported to the hospital, where they are listed in critical condition.

The suspect vehicle involved in this collision was located by an officer, and the driver, Jose Chavez, 33 years old of Vallejo, was arrested. The regular Sunday Farmer’s Market held on Locust Street was closed for the day while the investigation continued, and residents were asked to avoid the area of Locust Street between Giammona Drive and Lacassie Avenue.

Case #: 24-15390

Charges:  CVC 23153(A)- DUI Alcohol: Causing serious bodily Injury- 2 counts

CVC 20001(A)- Hit and Run causing serious bodily injury or death- 2 counts

PC 12022.7(b)- Enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury or death during the Commission of a felony – 2 counts

On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Walnut Creek Police presented the case from Sunday’s hit-and-run accident to the District Attorney’s office, and the DA filed significant charges against a 33-year-old man from Vallejo, Jose Chavez. Chavez is charged with two counts each of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing serious bodily injury, hit and run causing serious bodily injury or death, and an enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury or death during the commission of a felony. Chavez remains in the Contra Costa County Jail with bail set at $260,000.

The charges stem from an incident on Sunday, June 2, prior to the regular opening of the Farmers Market in downtown Walnut Creek. Around 5:15 that morning, Walnut Creek Police received a call of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident in the area of Locust Street near Cole Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they located the two people who had been struck by an SUV and sustained major injuries. They were transported to the hospital, where they remain in critical condition.

This case continues to be under investigation, and the names of the victims are not being released at this time.

If you or someone you know has information about this case, please contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844 or call the Anonymous Tip Line at 925-943-5865.

Backed by the badge: Ledo announces endorsements of law enforcement in Assembly race

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Source: Ledo for Assembly campaign

Sonia Ledo proudly announced today she is the only State Assembly candidate in District 15 who is dorsed by four local police associations and the Deputy District Attorneys Association in Contra Costa County.

Ledo secured endorsements from the Walnut Creek Police Association, Concord Police Association, Martinez Police Officers Association and BART Police Officers’ Association. The Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorneys Association also endorsed the Assembly candidate for her commitment to address low-level crime and keep dangerous criminals off the streets.

“As representatives of the Martinez Police Officers Association, we wholeheartedly endorse Sonia Ledo for the California State Assembly seat in District 15,” said Martinez POA Board President Sean Angoco. “Sonia Ledo’s unwavering support for law enforcement is unparalleled. Sonia’s commitment to addressing urgent issues such as public safety is deeply rooted in her understanding of the critical role law enforcement plays in safeguarding our communities.

We believe Sonia Ledo’s unwavering support for law enforcement, coupled with her fairness, transparency, and strong work ethic, make her the ideal candidate to represent us in the State Assembly. We urge you to join us in supporting Sonia Ledo on November 5th for a safer and brighter future for California.”

Concord Police Association Board President Paul Van Diver referred to Ledo as “a true champion for public safety and community well-being”. He believes Ledo is “an obvious and compelling choice for endorsement because her consistent dedication to upholding important values only solidifies her as an exceptional candidate.”

Shane Reiss, President of BART Police Officers’ Association said, “BART POA endorses Sonia Ledo because she’s the only candidate in this race that opposes Prop. 47 and she believes in enforcing laws and keeping dangerous criminals off the streets.”

“I am honored to have earned the endorsements of so many local law enforcement organizations within Assembly District 15”, Ledo said. “It says they believe in me to go to work on day one in Sacramento and address the failed policies of the last decade. Such failed state policies have made us less safe in our communities while shopping, enjoying public spaces, and even in our own homes. We need new direction in Sacramento and that’s what I will bring”, Ledo said.

Her plan for improving public safety is a comprehensive four-part approach that includes a focus on police, prosecutors, judges and rehabilitation.

Ledo will work for:

  • Better recruitment, training and technology programs for our police departments;
  • Tougher mandates for prosecution of criminals by our district attorneys;
  • Stricter sentencing guidelines for our judges; and
  • Mandated rehabilitation and transition services for first-time offenders and those who have served their time.

For more information, contact Sonia Ledo at info@SoniaLedo.com call 925-567-9988 or visit SoniaLedo.com.