Contra Costa Herald

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

DA: Enough evidence against Danville karate coach for sex crimes against children to go to trial

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Will remain in custody while awaiting trial

Ramon Pruitt. Photo by Danville PD.

By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney

Martinez, Calif. – On April 21, 2020, the Honorable Patricia Scanlon found there to be enough evidence against defendant Ramon Pruitt (63-years-old) during his preliminary hearing for his case to proceed to trial. In total, Pruitt is facing eight felonies counts for sex crimes against children. Judge Scanlon agreed with our Office’s request to keep Pruitt in custody as he awaits trial. He is in custody on $500,000 bail. (See related article)

Pruitt of San Geronimo, California is a local karate instructor and operated Danville Karate International. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is working closely with the Danville Police Department on the case.

The criminal investigation into Pruitt’s activities associated with Danville Karate International is ongoing. There may be additional victims in addition to the two victims associated with the criminal charges in this case. Anyone with information should contact the Danville Police Department Detective Daniel Lynch at 925-314-3711.

Pruitt’s alleged offenses occurred as far back as 2013 and as recently as January of this year. The preliminary hearing conveyed evidence involving two male victims, both minors at the time of the allegations.

Case information: People v. Ramon Pruitt, Docket Number 01-193129-4.

Four teens arrested for Danville, Dublin store robberies

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Charged with looting due to coronavirus state of emergency

By Danville Police

Four teenagers are in custody following a Friday afternoon robbery of a Danville CVS store. Danville Police Chief Allan Shields said the incident occurred at approximately 4:53 p.m. on April 17, 2020, when police received a call from an employee of the CVS in the 600 block of San Ramon Boulevard reporting a robbery. The caller stated that two suspects entered the pharmacy, simulated a firearm, and demanded access to the narcotics safe. When employees stated they did not have access, the suspects fled.

Dublin PD had reported a similar incident two hours earlier and provided a description of the car. A deputy from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff located the vehicle on northbound I-680 near Treat Boulevard and initiated a traffic stop. Two of the suspects were identified by the victim of the Danville robbery and two were identified from the Dublin incident. All four have been booked into juvenile hall on charges of robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and looting. Looting is a unique charge that is applied when a person enters a building to commit any theft during state of emergency.

Chief Shields said he was pleased they were able to locate and detain the suspects quickly and praised the efforts of his officers along with officers from Dublin Police Department and the deputies from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff.

“This was an excellent example of how police work together to keep the community safe by capturing criminals,” said Shields. “During this ongoing crisis our officers are busy, but rest assured we will continue to aggressively arrest and seek prosecution for those wishing to do harm in our Town.”

For more information, contact Lt Jason Ingrassia at (925) 314-3700 or jingrassia@danville.ca.gov.

 

Concord Police seek help finding dognapping suspect and puppy missing since Saturday

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https://www.facebook.com/ConcordPolice/videos/543299893283830/?t=12

By Concord Police Department

PLEASE HELP US FIND THIS ADORABLE PUPPY!

Warning, you’re about to get really mad!

This is Max. He is an 11-week-old Malinois puppy. Today, around 10:00 am, Max was stolen from the garage of his owners’ house on Montgomery Ave.

The suspect is described as an adult male, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt (red patches on elbows), dark ball cap, blue jeans, dark shoes, and blue rubber gloves. He carried Max away from the area riding a gold and white bicycle.

If you see Max, know his whereabouts, or recognize this thief, please call Concord Dispatch at (925) 671-3333 and refer to case #20-4193.

Max’s family misses him so much. ~454

 

Max and screenshots of suspected dognapper oon April 18, 2020. Photos by Concord PD.

Monday, 04-20-20 UPDATE: Here are some clearer still images of the DOGNAPPER. We’re hoping something helps someone recognize this man. If so, please contact Concord PD’s Financial Crimes Unit at (925) 671-3030 or if you wish to remain anonymous you can call our tip line at (925) 603-5836. ~454

#findmax #dognapper #pleasehelp #concordpd

Three arrested for stealing catalytic converters in Concord early Monday morning

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Suspects’ car and catalytic converters Monday April 20, 2020. Photos by Concord PD.

By Concord Police Department

Catalytic converters thefts have become all too common because of their value and lack of identifying markings. So, when we’re able to catch one of these rampant thieves in action, we want to make sure to let you know!

Earlier this morning, Monday, April 20, 2020 around 3:00 am, employees from Wave Broadband found three men on their property trying to saw off a catalytic converter from one of their vehicles. The trio fled the scene in an SUV, but not before the driver almost hit one of the witnesses (fortunately, he was able to quickly jump aside).

The employees got in their vehicle and were able to follow the suspects from a safe distance while providing Dispatch with their updated location. Officers quickly responded, conducted an enforcement stop, and apprehended the suspects. A search of the SUV yielded burglary tools and two catalytic converters.

All three suspects were placed under arrest. The driver was also sent to County Jail for attempted assault with a deadly weapon. ~454/493

Martinez man arrested for stolen car, tools following hit-and-run collision and police chase into Concord

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Suspect Antonio Neely arrested and stolen SUV on Saturday April 18, 2020. Photos by Concord PD.

By Concord Police Department

In case you weren’t aware, social distancing is not an excuse to run from the police!

On Saturday, April 18, 2020 several callers reported a black SUV driving recklessly while exiting southbound HWY 242 at Solano Way and Grant St. The left front tire completely came off of its wheel, but that didn’t stop the suspect from continuing to drive while dwindling down the rim.

Once the SUV reached the city streets of Concord it came to its resting point on the center median. The suspect frantically exited, but not before grabbing a backpack and a few boxes of tools. He then ran into a nearby neighborhood where several callers witnessed him jumping fences into various backyards.

At this point, our Dispatch received information from Martinez PD that the SUV was involved in a hit-and-run collision in their city after the driver stole tools from the Martinez Home Depot. Minutes later, Concord Dispatch got a call from a Concord resident wanting to report their SUV stolen. Turns out, the license plate number provided by the registered owner matched the one that the suspect used in his crime spree.

While Concord Officers were searching the area, another caller reported seeing the suspect jumping fences. Officers arrived at the address within seconds and found the suspect, who continued on his path of poor decisions, and ran. Officers gave chase and after a brief foot pursuit were able to apprehend the suspect without incident. Additionally, the suspect attempted to discard a backpack he was carrying while running, which was discovered to contain the stolen tools from Martinez.

The suspect in this case was identified as 24-year-old Martinez resident, Antonio Neely. A records check revealed he is on felony probation for robbery and evading police. For his actions, Concord PD placed Neely under arrest for a surfeit of criminal violations and provided him with a ride to County Jail.

A big thanks to all of the amazing witnesses who called and helped us apprehend Mr. Neely. As we repeatedly say, we couldn’t do this without you! ~454

#stolenvehicle #criminal #teamwork #concordpd #incustody

Contra Costa Sheriff Livingston calls $0 bail “irresponsible”, explains Brentwood machete man case

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Adam Ortega with machete on Brentwood residents’ porch, Sat. morning April 11, 2020. Sheriff Livingston’s badge. Herald file photos.

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

35-year-old Adam Ortega, a transient in Brentwood, was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility at about 10 AM on Friday, April 17, 2020. He was booked for the offenses requested by the Brentwood police, possession of a dangerous weapon and probation violation. (See related articles, here, here and here)

Because of the Judicial Council of California’s mandatory emergency rule of zero bail for misdemeanors and non-violent/non-serious felonies, both of the alleged offenses committed by Ortega were zero bail. He was later cite released. (See related article)

“I like most California Sheriffs believe the Judicial Council’s decision to implement $0 bail for a wide range of criminal offenses was irresponsible, unnecessary and an overreaction,” said Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston. “A state-wide solution to local issues is almost never good policy – that is certainly the case here. People who commit offenses against others should be held accountable, COVID-19 or not.”

Two arrested for stealing Amazon delivery van in Antioch, recovered in Pittsburg

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Amazon van theft suspects with their car and packages inside on Saturday, April 18, 2020. Photos by APD.

By Antioch Police Department

Be a good neighbor that you can always count on.

You wanna know what makes East county strong? Read below and I’ll tell you…

Just before 2 pm on Saturday, April 18, 2020, APD was notified that an Amazon delivery van had been stolen on West 9th and B Streets. Our awesome dispatchers put out a quick alert to all surrounding police departments to be-on-the-lookout. A short time later, an observant Pittsburg Police Department, Pittsburg, CA Police Officer found the van and began recovering it. While doing so, an equally observant Pittsburg resident approached the officer and said they saw some suspicious characters removing packages from the van, placing them into a silver Mitsubishi with Colorado plates.

The witness took a picture of the plate and gave it to the officer, which was relayed back to us. At about 3:30 pm, Officer Angelini (pictured upper left fitting the first crook with new bracelets) spotted said Mitsubishi on the south side of our fine city and halted this criminal spree. Officers found several stolen packages in the back of the vehicle and will be working with Amazon to get them back to their intended destinations.

Note to criminals: Stealing vehicles and packages are not essential activities. Your failure to #StayAtHome and your decision to mess with Antioch and Pittsburg resulted in an express trip to the County Motel (AKA jail).

Amazon packages APD Officer Angelini on April 18, 2020.

This incident is the classic example of “See Something, Say Something! This was a collaborative effort between two cities, two police departments, and a very alert citizen. Please continue to report suspicious incidents to our Dispatch at (925) 778-2441, or 9-1-1 if you think it’s an emergency.

A special thanks to the Pittsburg resident and Pittsburg PD for continuing to show they are a great neighbor!!! #EastCountyStrong #AntiochPD #PittsburgPD

Some of you have asked more about Officer Angelini after his good bust yesterday from the Amazon package theft caper. Here’s a picture of him taking a moment away from his investigation to proudly pose next to his find. Did you know Officer Angelini is originally from Brazil, speaks three languages, loves riding dirt bikes, and (sorry ladies!) is happily married! #OfficerAngelini #DontStealPackages

 

California federal prosecutors and FBI to hold telephone Town Hall Monday on COVID-19 scams

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Seniors, public invited to listen – must register, first

SAN FRANCISCO – Prosecutors from the four United States Attorney’s Offices in California, along with representatives from the FBI, will participate in a telephonic town hall to help California residents identify and avoid fraudulent schemes related to Coronavirus and COVID-19.  The event is being coordinated by the American Association of Retired Persons (“AARP”).

The telephonic town hall will happen on Monday, April 20 from 10 to 11 a.m. PDT. During the event, a special agent from the FBI and a federal prosecutor will make presentations, and participants from across California will be allowed to ask questions to a panel of Assistant United States Attorneys from the four offices that serve California.

AARP’s Fraud Watch Network is providing the infrastructure for the event. Approximately 100,000 AARP members will receive a phone call Monday morning inviting them to participate in the town hall. Those who wish to receive an invitation may sign up here (https://vekeo.com/aarpcalifornia/).

During the current health crisis, federal investigators and prosecutors continue to fulfill their critical mission of protecting public safety. Federal officials have prioritized the disruption, investigation and prosecution of crimes related to Coronavirus and COVID-19, including fraudulent schemes, unapproved treatments, and scams related to stimulus money. During the town hall, federal officials will discuss the types of schemes currently being seen, along with tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.

Soon after the town hall event, a recording will be available at https://vekeo.com/aarpcalifornia/.

REPORT COVID-19 CRIME.  Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline: 866-720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov.

UPDATE: It was a prank – Danville resident receives fraudulent COVID-19 Sheriff’s Dep’t violation letter

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

Tuesday, April 21, 2020 UPDATE: Further investigation of this incident by the Danville Police Department has determined that the COVID-19 notice was put on the door by a member of the household as a prank.

ORIGINAL POST: The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff would like to call your attention to a phony “cease and desist” letter that appears to have originated from the Sheriff’s Office.

A Danville resident on Lakefield Ct. notified the Danville Police Department that she found the warning letter on her door this morning. The letter is titled, ‘Notice to Cease and Desist for Specific Activity.’ The letter mentioned the reason was ‘non-essential construction activity,’ a reference to activities (or businesses) that are not allowed during the Health Officer order to shelter at home because of COVID-19. The letter included a Sheriff’s Office badge and warned of civil penalties for violations.

The Sheriff’s Office has not issued any such letters. Anyone who receives one should ignore it and notify the Office of the Sheriff at (925) 646-2441.

The Danville Police Department is looking into this fake letter. Any resident who might have received a similar letter or has any information is asked to contact Sergeant S. Stapleton of Danville PD at (925) 314-3700.

 

Brentwood machete man free on “zero dollar bail” but that can change once case is submitted to DA

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Adam Ortega with machete on residents’ porch Saturday morning April 11, 2020 and the machete, knives and billy club he was arrested with on Friday, April 17, 2020. Left photo – screenshot from resident’s security camera video. Right photo by Brentwood PD.

“It’s ridiculous. Common sense seems to have been tossed out the window.” – Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor

By Allen Payton

According to Brentwood Police Chief Tom Hansen, the man arrested with a billy club, machete and other knives Friday morning, after also being arrested for menacing a family twice – and once caught on security camera video holding the machete, last Saturday morning – was released from jail later in the day, Friday. (See related article)

“Yes, $0 bail as a result of the Judicial Council of California Emergency Bail Schedule,” he wrote in response to a question if the man, Adam Ortega, a 35-year-old resident of Brentwood, was released.

He was arrested with the machete, knives and billy club Friday morning and taken to county jail. (See related article).

However, those items were not returned to Ortega, Hansen shared.

“It’s ridiculous,” said Mayor Bob Taylor in frustration after learning the news. “It’s absurd. Safety is no longer a factor. Common sense seems to have been tossed out the door. I guess you have to kill somebody, first.”

At its meeting on Monday, April 6, 2020, the Judicial Council of California approved 11 temporary emergency rules, including setting bail statewide at $0 for misdemeanors and lower-level felonies to “safely reduce jail populations” and staying eviction and foreclosure proceedings to protect Californians from losing their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. (See related article).

“First of all, and we have given these instructions to all the law enforcement officers….we still have the same system available to us,” Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said when asked about the case. “Law enforcement officers can, if the person is a danger to the community, there is a declaration that can be filled out, I’m not saying it will be approved, for the court to decide to set bail.”

“The agency has to bring the case into our office for us to review it and decide what to charge him with,” she explained. “I don’t know what stage this case is in if it hasn’t been walked into us, and we have a chance for a filing deputy to review it.”

“Even though the photos are pretty frightening, if he’s still being charged with the same vandalism misdemeanor, then he will be released on no bail,” Becton added. “At this point we have to wait to evaluate the case once it is brought into our office. The bail issue is a bit more nuanced.”

Asked if the case had been submitted to the District Attorney’s office, yet, Chief Hansen responded, “We have not submitted them, yet. Hopefully, next week.”

There is a process the police have to go through including reports, evidence, approvals, records processing, records data entry and appointments, he shared. Until that’s completed and the DA’s office decides what to charge him with and until the court decides bail can be set in Ortega’s case, he will remain free.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.