Contra Costa Herald

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

Richmond PD asks help to ID suspect in Feb. 5 assault of woman, children

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Alleged suspect in Richmond assault of a woman and her young children on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. Photos: Richmond PD

CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS ASSAULT SUSPECT?

Rammed her car into victim’s vehicle dragging her across the parking lot more than 150 feet

By Richmond Police Department

Richmond PD detectives are requesting our community’s assistance to identify the suspect of a violent, unprovoked attack against a mother and her young children.

On Saturday, February 5th, 2022, at approximately 12:16 PM, the victim entered the McDonald’s drive-thru at 2301 MacDonald Avenue, with her children in the car. The suspect (pictured) accused the victim of cutting in line and rammed her car into the victim’s vehicle.

When the victim got out of her car, the suspect drove directly toward the victim, striking and dragging her across the parking lot for more than 150 feet before stopping. The suspect then got out of the car and punched the victim several times as she remained on the ground, before quickly fleeing the scene.

Investigators believe this incident was an unprovoked attack upon the victim and her children. We need your help to identify this violent and dangerous suspect! If you recognize the suspect (pictured), please contact Detective O. Guzman at OGuzman@RichmondPD.net or 510-672-2493.

Brentwood PD, Contra Costa task force arrest 28 for sex, human trafficking in February

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Suspects arrested, cash and firearms confiscated during the operation. Photos: Brentwood PD

Part of statewide 7th Annual Operation Reclaim and Rebuild which nabbed 494, rescued 82 victims

A victim is interviewed.

By Brentwood Police Department

Between February 6 and 12, 2022 our agency partnered with the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Task Force (CCCHTTF) in a state-wide operation dubbed “Operation Reclaim and Rebuild.” The operation involved more than 80 federal, state, and local agencies across California who partnered with victim advocacy groups. The purpose of the operation was to safely rescue and identify sexually exploited victims; however, to also identify and apprehend suspected human traffickers. In total 494 criminal arrests were made statewide, while 74 adults and 8 juveniles were rescued from sexual exploitation. Of those 494 arrested, 201 were sex buyers and 34 were suspected traffickers.

Our local agencies focused on enforcement operations wherever the trafficking of human beings took place, from confronting the reality of sidewalk prostitution to challenging the virtual reality of the cyber world where traffickers believe they can operate anonymously using the internet. But don’t take our word for it – the results speak for themselves! CCCHTTF made a total of 28 arrests and recovered a total of 8 firearms while a total of 18 commercial sex workers were contacted and provided victim services.

While this was a great success, one of our agency’s ongoing goals is to continue our efforts to stop modern day slavery. Our partnership with CCCHTTF is an example of how individual agencies can be far more effective when they join together in a shared mission. If you or anyone you know is a victim of human trafficking, we are here for you.

For more information, you can go to humantraffickinghotline.org and contracostacoalition.org to find out more about the various forms of human trafficking and what you can do to help.

 

Richmond standoff with armed, barricaded man de-escalated by SWAT, crisis negotiation teams Tuesday

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Gun confiscated from the suspect in a standoff in Richmond on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. Photo: Richmond PD

“Threatened to shoot the victim’s entire family”

“Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office helicopter kept an eye from the sky.”

By Richmond Police Department

Tuesday night, Richmond police officers successfully negotiated a peaceful resolution with an armed and barricaded suspect – through patience, collaboration and care.

On Feb. 15, 2022, RPD officers responded to the 2300 block of Grant Avenue on reports of a man armed with a gun. Officers learned that the suspect was a neighbor who had entered the victim’s home, pulled out a gun, and threatened to shoot the victim’s entire family. After a brief struggle, the victim was able to push the suspect outside of their home. The suspect was then seen entering his own house by arriving RPD officers.

Richmond police officers quickly guided the victim and her family to safety, and established a perimeter around the suspect’s house and the neighborhood. Officers from the RPD Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) established communication with the suspect, who refused to exit his house.

As this dangerous situation continued to unfold, the RPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was called upon to respond, along with additional members of the Crisis Negotiations Team. CNT officers patiently negotiated with the suspect for several hours, while the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office helicopter kept an eye from the sky.

Through patience, communication, and collaboration, the suspect eventually agreed to a peaceful surrender, and was safely detained by RPD officers. A realistic-looking replica firearm was also located at the scene.

We would like to thank our community for their patience and understanding during this volatile incident. Additionally – to our partners at the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, thank you for your assistance in providing additional resources to help ensure the safety of our officers and our community!

We are relieved that this incident ended with a safe and peaceful resolution, and we are proud of the patience and professional composure exhibited by our patrol officers, SWAT, and CNT members during this dangerous situation! Excellent work, officers!

Search continues for Oakley woman missing since January 26 and last seen in Antioch

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Alexis Gabe – Missing fliers have been posted throughout East County. Source: Oakley PD

24-year-old Alexis Gabe’s car was found in Oakley the next day

One of the digital billboards on Highway 4 and I-680 provided by Mesa Outdoor. Source: Del Rey Advertising.

By Allen D. Payton

Today, Wednesday, February 16, 2022, Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard issued the following brief update on the search for the woman missing since January 26 and last seen by her ex-boyfriend in Antioch that night. (See related article)

“The investigation into the disappearance of Alexis Gabe has remained at the forefront of the Oakley Police Departments daily operations. We have also remained in frequent contact with the Gabe family throughout our investigation and we support them in their efforts as they try to locate Alexis as well.

We understand there is a great deal of public interest in this case. We remain committed to the tenets of completing a thorough investigation and making sure the integrity of our investigation outweighs public curiosity. The Oakley Police Department remains committed to locating Alexis and we are continuing on our path towards a complete investigation.”

Fliers about Gabe have been distributed and posted throughout East County, as well as posts on social media and ads have been placed on digital billboards along Highway 4 and I-680 to help in locating her.

If you have any information, please contact Oakley PD at (925) 625-8060.

Oakley arson suspect arrested for Brentwood fires after monthslong investigation

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Arson suspect from Oakley arrested by Brentwood Police Detectives on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022. Photos: Brentwood PD

Torched car, damaged yard of home with Molotov cocktail

By Brentwood Police Department

On Nov. 26, 2021, an unoccupied vehicle was torched in the area of Viola Court and Wildflower Loop in Brentwood and on Dec. 30, 2021, the side yard of a home in the 500 block of Foxglove Court was damaged with a Molotov cocktail. Both incidents involved the same victim and fire personnel confirmed the fires were a result of arson. Through the course of the investigation, the victim stated he knew the suspect, later identified as Justin Eric MartinSilva, a 25-year-old Oakley resident.

Brentwood PD Detectives confirmed these were targeted incidents involving MartinSilva. On Feb. 3, 2022, Brentwood PD Detectives conducted a search warrant related to this investigation at a residence located in the 1300 block of Gamay Circle in Oakley; where MartinSilva resides and was subsequently placed under arrest for several charges, primarily arson and possession of arson material.

On Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against MartinSilva for: Arson, Possession of arson material, possession of explosive device with intent to injure, and other charges. As of today, Saturday, Feb. 12, MartinSilva is still in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility with bail set at $625,000.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Man arrested in Pittsburg with “ghost gun” Wed. night, arrested again Thurs. night with “ghost gun” parts

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Ghost gun parts and other items confiscated from the suspect during his second arrest in two nights on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. Photo: Pittsburg PD

K-9 officer assists in the arrest detecting the odor of ammunition, explosives; police, DA asked why suspect was released

2/14/22 UPDATE: DA claims Pittsburg PD has offered no report of arrest night before, won’t respond to “multiple inquiries”

By Pittsburg Police Department

Last night, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, one of our proactive graveyard officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop for CVC (vehicle code) violations on Railroad Avenue. Upon contacting the driver, he was recognized as being previously arrested the night before for being in possession of a “ghost gun”.

K9 Kyra responded to the traffic stop to assist, which resulted in her alerting on the trunk of the vehicle (smelling/locating/detecting the odor of ammunition/explosives). A search of the vehicle was ultimately conducted, which resulted in officers locating 1 pound of marijuana, as well a large capacity magazine and ammunition. The driver was placed under arrest for the on-view charges.

However, officers weren’t done just yet. A search warrant was later authorized and served at the arrestee’s residence by multiple swing shift and graveyard officers. Upon searching the residence, multiple firearm manufacturing kits, high-capacity magazines, heroin, an assault rifle, and miscellaneous “ghost gun” parts were found. The driver had several additional felony charges added to his booking sheet and was transported to county jail.

Our officers are notorious for going the extra mile to making our city a safer place to be, along with our 4-legged furry partners.

A call was made to Pittsburg PD Investigations and an email was sent Saturday to Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton asking why the man was back out on the street to commit more crimes on Thursday following his arrest the night before.

2/14/22 UPDATE: DA’s Office Responds, Claims Can’t Get Response from Pittsburg PD

In response on Monday, Feb. 14, Simon O’Connell, Contra Costa County Chief Assistant District Attorney wrote in an email, “The suspect was booked in custody just after midnight Thursday 2/10 following a probable cause arrest by the Pittsburg Police Department. Today, Monday 2/14 the Pittsburg Police Department presented that arrest to the District Attorney’s Office for filing review and prosecution.

O’Connell further offered that, “generally speaking with regard to pre-filing custody or release, the District Attorney is not party to the decision by an officer book or release a suspect who is arrested on probable cause.  The decision to arrest or cite release is that of the arresting agency. If a judge approves the probable cause, the arresting agency will then present the case for any in custody filing. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for filing criminal charges when submitted for prosecutorial review.  Once charges are filed, the arraignment court judge will review the bail set at filing along with Probation Department’s recommendation regarding continued custody.”

As of Tuesday, Feb. 15 Pittsburg PD has not yet responded to the call from the Herald about the arrest the night before and why the suspect was released.

Please check back for any additional updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg Police arrest Antioch man, Sacramento woman in September 2021 homicide of two women

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Another Antioch man is wanted; victims were Pittsburg and San Leandro residents

By Pittsburg Police Department

Early Sunday morning, September 19, 2021, shortly before 6:30 A.M., Pittsburg Police Officers responded to the 7-11 store at 4600 Century Boulevard regarding a shooting. As officers arrived, they located a car parked in front of the business with two women inside. Both women were suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper torso. Unfortunately, 23-year-old San Leandro resident Courtnee Allen and 21-year-old Pittsburg resident Angelique Abercrombie died due to their injuries.

Initially, there was limited information for detectives to work with or identify the responsible in this case. Over the past few months, members of the Investigations Division, including the Pittsburg Police Department VICE Team, worked diligently to identify several subjects involved. After completing numerous interviews and working through a vast amount of evidence, detectives identified 28-year-old Lonnie Stewart of Antioch, 22-year-old Destiny Boyd of Sacramento, and 20-year-old Jordan Pierre Crear of Antioch as being involved in the incident. Crear was identified as the subject who shot and killed Courtney and Angelique. Detectives are continuing to determine the motive for the shooting.

Last week detectives presented the case to the Contra Costa County District Attorney for review. The DA charged all three subjects for Murder with enhancements. Boyd was arrested late last week in Elk Grove and is currently in custody on $3,000,000 bail. Wednesday, Crear was located and arrested at his home in Antioch and remains in custody with a $7,000,000 bail. A $3,000,000 warrant is issued for Stewart, and detectives are working to locate him.

The Pittsburg Police Department would like to thank our citizens and business community for their support during this investigation.

Oakley woman missing under suspicious circumstances since Thursday

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Alexis Gabe – Missing fliers have been posted throughout East County. Source: Oakley PD

Last seen in Antioch, fliers posted throughout community

By Oakley Police Department

The Oakley Police Department received a call of a missing person, under suspicious circumstances, on January 27, 2022. The missing person is identified as Alexis Gabe, 24, of Oakley. She was last seen on Benttree Way in Antioch.

Gabe is described as an Asian female, 5’7”, 170 pounds and last known to be wearing a white tank top, silver/black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and green/white shoes.

Oakley Police patrol personnel and detectives began immediate efforts to locate Gabe. The Oakley Police Department has been in contact with Gabe’s family and have spoken to key people who were last known to be with her. The efforts to locate Gabe are continuing as detectives analyze evidence and patrol personnel continue to field tips and conduct physical searches for Gabe.

Posters of Gabe have been posted throughout East County over the past two days.

Please report any credible sightings of Gabe, or any information that will lead to her discovery by calling the Oakley Police Department at 925-625-8060.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch man arrested for Brentwood bank robbery

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Brandon Elder arrest on Jan. 26, 2022. Photo: Brentwood PD

Bail set at $150,000

By Brentwood Police Department

1/27/22 UPDATE: The The suspect in the bank robbery that occurred at Tri Counties Bank in Brentwood on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at approximately 1:30 p.m.has been identified as Brandon Elder, 26-year-old Antioch resident.

Following the preliminary investigation, Elder was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for robbery, felony reckless evading, and several outstanding arrest warrants. In addition to the arrest warrants, Elder remains in-custody with bail set in the amount of $150,000.

On Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Brentwood officers responded to a reported robbery at the Tri Counties Bank located at 2400 Sand Creek Road. The suspect, described as a white male, in his 20’s early 30’s, wearing all dark clothing and a dark facemask, gave the bank teller a demand note before leaving in a vehicle with an undisclosed amount of money. No weapon was seen during the robbery and nobody was injured.

A Brentwood officer in the immediate area located and pursued the suspect vehicle westbound on Highway 4 at Lone Tree Way. The vehicle pursuit continued into Antioch where the suspect abandoned the vehicle in the 2100 block of Peppertree Way without injuring others. The suspect fled on foot, but after an extensive search was taken into custody.

This investigation is ongoing and no additional information is being released at this time. Special thanks to Antioch PD staff for their assistance.

There is no threat to public safety.

Anyone with additional information related to this robbery investigation who has not already been interviewed is asked to contact Detective Agostinho at 925-809-7870. Callers may remain anonymous.

 

San Pablo man sentenced to more than 19 years for producing child pornography

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Then 38-year-old defendant recorded his sexual abuse of 16-year-old female high school student; admits to other sex crimes

OAKLAND – Ranbir Singh was sentenced Wednesday to 230 months in prison in Oakland federal court today for the production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King.  The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Haywood S. Gilliam, Jr.

“No statute of limitations exists for federal child pornography crimes, including the production of child pornography,” said United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds.  “This tragic child sexual abuse occurred nine years ago, yet we still obtained justice for these victims.  Their strength and perseverance in coming forward enabled our successful result.  For those who suffered at any time from a similar crime, please find the strength to come forward as these victims did.”

“HSI special agents worked closely with Richmond Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California to hold Singh accountable for the production of child sexual abuse material which involved the exploitation of a 16-year-old victim,” said Tatum King, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco. “Singh’s sentence will hopefully bring closure to the impacted victims and their families so they can begin the process of healing after surviving this horrible crime.”

Singh, 47, of San Pablo, California, pleaded guilty on September 15, 2021, to one count of production of child pornography.  In his plea agreement, Singh admitted that on March 13, 2013, he engaged in sexual acts in an Alameda County hotel room with a female high school student.  At the time, the minor female was 16 years old.  He was 38 years old. The plea agreement describes that Singh set up a video camera in the hotel room before the crime occurred.  Singh then persuaded the minor female to engage in sex acts.  Singh positioned the camera, he admitted, to record the acts.  The minor female repeatedly protested during sex and told Singh to stop, but he continued. (See related article)

Singh further admitted that earlier, in January 2013, he video-recorded the same minor female sitting in a car’s backseat in a compromising and exposed sexual position.

In a memo filed for sentencing, the government describes that Singh first contacted the minor female on Facebook after he observed her at a local temple when she was 14 years old.  He made in-person contact with her when she was 15 years old.  At that time Singh told her he was in his 20s, despite being 38 and married with three children.  In the months that followed, Singh picked up the minor female from her high school after classes or during breaks.  He made ongoing attempts to pressure her into sexual acts.  The sexual contact eventually occurred when the minor female was 16, a high school junior.

Singh also admitted in his plea agreement that he traveled later, in May 2013, to a casino hotel in Placer County with a different minor female.  Singh admitted he knew this female was also a minor.  The government’s sentencing memo describes that Singh enticed the minor female onto the trip using a ruse about tickets to a concert.  Singh admitted in his plea agreement that he rented a casino hotel room for them and then showed this minor female a video recording depicting Singh’s sexual acts with the other minor female described above.  Singh admitted he engaged in sex with this minor female in the Placer County casino hotel room.

Singh’s conduct traumatized both minor female victims, as the government’s sentencing memo describes.  The first victim suffered severe adverse consequences that have become well documented.  The second victim could not, years later, describe what happened in the Placer County hotel without weeping uncontrollably.

The initial federal charges were brought against Singh in a complaint filed March 1, 2021.  The complaint reflects that a local law enforcement investigation began when the two minor female victims came forward, but they did not know Singh’s true name.  After determining his identity, and years after Singh had sexually abused these minor victims, the video recordings were discovered on Singh’s laptop, having been stored there for years.

The federal investigation began when the video recordings were discovered on Singh’s laptop.  There is no federal statute of limitations for charges relating to child pornography crimes, including production of child pornography, under 18 U.S.C. § 3299.

In addition to the 230 month prison term, United States District Judge Haywood S. Gilliam Jr. sentenced Singh, who was in custody at the sentencing hearing, to a 15 year term of supervised release to follow his release from prison.  He began serving his prison sentence immediately.

Jonathan U. Lee is the Assistant U.S. Attorney who prosecuted the case, with the assistance of Leeya Kekona, Kay Konopaske, and Kathleen Turner.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Richmond Police Department.

This federal case was brought in U.S. District Court as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.