Contra Costa Herald

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

Brentwood youth football referee sentenced on child exploitation, firearm charges

By 1 Comment

Tommy Vance was arrested with a cache of illegal firearms and ammunition on April 10, 2025. Photos: Brentwood PD

48-year-old Tommy Ray Vance will serve two years, 10 months in state prison, register as sex offender for 20 years

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

Martinez, California – A Brentwood man was sentenced in Contra Costa County Superior Court after entering guilty pleas to felony charges of attempted sexual abuse of a child under 14 and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

48-year-old Tommy Ray Vance (born 12-19-1976) was sentenced by the Honorable Joni T. Hiramoto on August 18th, 2025, to two years and 10 months in state prison. Vance was further ordered to register for 20 years as a sex offender upon his release from custody.

Tommy Ray Vance following his arrest by on April 10, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD

The offenses for which Vance was sentenced occurred on April 9 and 10, 2025, when Vance attempted to coerce a person, whom he reasonably believed to be a 13-year-old child, into meeting him to engage in sex acts. The minor was in fact an undercover Detective with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. When Vance arrived at a park in Brentwood, he was arrested by patrol units of the Brentwood Police Department.

Investigators with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant at Vance’s home after his arrest and discovered over a dozen firearms. Investigators quickly learned Vance was prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of a 1996 conviction in Contra Costa County for Arson, Intimidating a Witness and Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

At the time of Vance’s arrest, he was working part-time as a volunteer youth football referee in Contra Costa County. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, he is six-feet tall, 230-pounds and Hispanic.

Vance has been in custody since his arrest and will begin to serve his sentence immediately. (See related articles here and here)

“Thanks to the investigative efforts of Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Brentwood Police, we were able to ensure this defendant faces consequences for his actions,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “This case exemplifies our continued dedication to defending our community’s children against those who would harm them.”

Deputy District Attorney Jenna Franklin from the Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case. The Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force led the investigation.

Case No. 01-25-01209 | The People of the State of California v. Tommy Ray Vance

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Over $530M in illegal weed seized in California in 2025 Q2

By 1 Comment

Illegal marijuana grow operation. Photos: CA Dept of Cannabis Control

Department of Cannabis Control also recalled 444 unsafe or noncompliant products; 413,302 plants eradicated, 185,873 pounds seized; approve over 1,000 new businesses throughout state

Recent efforts continue to prioritize consumer and public safety and support the legal cannabis market

By California Department of Cannabis Control

Sacramento, CA – In its ongoing efforts to protect consumer safety, expand access to the legal market while dismantling illegal cannabis operations, the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) today announced that it has seized over $62M in illegal cannabis, recalled 444 unsafe or noncompliant products, issued 256 new licenses, and transitioned 748 businesses from provisional licensure to annual licensure from April – June 2025.

Shutting down illegal cannabis operations

During the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, DCC-led or assisted enforcement actions (separate from UCETF actions) that resulted in the seizure of $62.4M worth of illegal cannabis, 44,187 illegal plants, 36,312 pounds of illegal cannabis flower, $89,535 in cash, and 16 firearms.

“DCC’s second quarter efforts show a department that is moving with urgency, strategy and accountability to protect Californians, support responsible operators and ensure the cannabis market delivers on its promise. These actions represent not just enforcement, but the protection of California’s communities, consumers, and natural resources.”
– Department of Cannabis Control Director Nicole Elliott

Consumer safety and business compliance

The DCC takes swift action to recall or embargo cannabis products that could pose a risk to consumers. In Q2, DCC issued 34 recalls covering 444 products. These recalls included 183 products recalled due to incomplete regulatory compliance testing and 181 recalls for labeling that was attractive to children. Additionally, 62 administrative actions were taken to ensure cannabis businesses operate within regulatory and consumer expectations resulting in 25 license revocations, 2 suspensions, and 35 citations with fines.

Transitioning and issuing cannabis licenses

During the second quarter, DCC converted 748 provisional licenses to annual status. The most transitions to annual licenses took place in Los Angeles County (328 licenses) followed by Mendocino County (137). Additionally, 256 new cannabis licenses were issued since April.

Aerial photo of illegal marijuana grow operation.

Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force Results Seizes Additional $476 million of Unlicensed Cannabis Products During Same 3 Months

Governor Gavin Newsom announced on July 10, 2025, that the state seized $476 million worth of illegal cannabis between April and June, thanks to the combined efforts of the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), co-led by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and the Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW).

“As a proof point of California’s commitment to the legal cannabis industry, the state seized over 92 tons of illicit cannabis product in the past three months alone,” said Newsom. “I thank the federal, state, and local partners who conducted these enforcement efforts for protecting consumers and supporting our legal cannabis market.”

In the efforts announced today, UCETF received support from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Employment Development Department, and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Combined enforcement highlights from April through June include:

  •       413,302 illegal cannabis plants eradicated
  •       185,873 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
  •       214 warrants served
  •       77 firearms seized
  •       93 arrests

“Our teams continue to take an aggressive and proactive approach to eliminating unlicensed cannabis activities,” said DCC Director Nicole Elliott. “We will remain laser-focused on dismantling illicit cannabis operations until they are all permanently shut down.”

“Over the past quarter, UCETF conducted numerous highly strategic operations that significantly impacted the daily activities of illegal cannabis operators,” said Nathaniel Arnold, Chief of the Law Enforcement Division for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). “This success would not be possible without the continued support and dedication of our partners throughout the state.”

In May, UCETF conducted its largest successful operation to date with 200 sworn officers and staff from state, local, and federal agencies participating in an enforcement effort spanning 4,600 square miles in the Central Valley. Through 71 search warrants, officials seized:

  • 105,700 illicit cannabis plants
  • 22,057 pounds of processed cannabis valued at $123.5 million
  • Nine firearms

A unified strategy across California 

Since 2019, officials have seized and destroyed over 950 tons, or over 1.9 million pounds, of illegal cannabis worth an estimated retail value of $3.6 billion through over 1,700+ operations.

The cannabis task force was established in 2022 by Governor Newsom to enhance collaboration and enforcement coordination between state, local, and federal partners. Partners on the task force include the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, among others.

According to Moorea Warren of DCC Public Affairs, “The $476M is the amount of illegal cannabis seized by the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF). The Taskforce is co-chaired by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). The $62.4 million is the amount of illegal cannabis seized by DCC’s Law Enforcement Division and is separate from UCETF’s amounts.”

Financial support for long-term enforcement efforts

In June, the Legislature made key changes to strengthen the DCC’s long-term enforcement efforts. This included amending state law to dedicate cannabis tax revenue to fund DCC civil and criminal enforcement activities, reducing the burden on licensees while ensuring sustained actions against illegal operators. In addition, the Legislature expanded Board of State and Community Corrections grant eligibility to local jurisdictions, especially those allowing retail access, to further enhance and support local enforcement efforts against illegal cannabis activity.

About the Department of Cannabis Control

The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) licenses and regulates commercial cannabis activity within California. DCC works closely with all stakeholders, including businesses and local jurisdictions, to create a sustainable legal cannabis industry and a safe and equitable marketplace. DCC develops and implements progressive cannabis policies with robust protections for public health, safety and the environment. To learn more about the California cannabis market, state licenses or laws, visit http://www.cannabis.ca.gov.

To learn more about the legal California cannabis market, state licenses, and laws, visit cannabis.ca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Search warrant leads to arrest of Brentwood convicted felon

By Leave a Comment

The loaded stolen firearm discovered at Guzman’s home during a search on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD

31-year-old Carlos Guzman had drugs, stolen firearm at his home

By Brentwood Police Department

On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Brentwood officers were dispatched to the 7900 block of Lone Tree Way for a report that a suspect had threatened two victims with a gun. As officers arrived, they saw the suspect identified as 31-year-old Carlos Joseph Guzman of Brentwood leaving the scene in a vehicle. Officers conducted a traffic stop and detained Guzman.

Due to the violent nature of the incident and Guzman’s prior felony conviction, detectives obtained a search warrant for his residence. When the warrant was served, officers located a loaded stolen firearm and a large quantity of narcotics inside the home.

Guzman was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, being a felon in possession of a stolen firearm, possession of drugs for sale and other related charges.

This arrest highlights the outstanding teamwork between patrol officers and detectives, whose quick actions and thorough investigation ensured a dangerous individual was taken off the streets.

According to recentlybooked.com, Guzman is five-feet, eight inches tall, 200-pounds and Hispanic.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

72-year-old driver in March fatal collision in Danville arrested

By Leave a Comment

Andrew Chao held on $50,000 bail

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and Jenn Starnes, PIO, Town of Danville

DANVILLE, CA: On March 1, 2025, at about 1:15 p.m., Danville police officers responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Sycamore Valley Road and Camino Ramon. When officers arrived, they discovered a minivan and a truck involved in a collision, with the truck overturned. A female passenger in the truck was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the minivan sustained minor injuries.

According to a report by DanvilleSanRamon.com, the victim was later identified as 57-year-old Sandy Hall of San Leandro.

Detectives from the Danville Police Department launched an investigation into the collision. Last month, detectives presented the case to the Contra Costa D.A.’s Office which filed felony vehicular manslaughter charges against the driver of the minivan. An arrest warrant was issued for the driver, who was arrested Friday afternoon,  August 15, 2025, by Danville police officers.

He is identified as 72-year-old Andrew Chao of Danville (born 12/8/1952). He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for manslaughter. He is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot tall, 160-pound Chao has a court date scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 1:30 p.m. in Martinez Superior Court Dept. 5.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pleasant Hill drunk driver arrested for driving car off parking garage 2nd story

By Leave a Comment

A drunk driver plunged their SUV off the second story of the downtown parking garage in Pleasant Hill early Sunday morning, Aug. 10, 2025. Photo: Pleasant Hill PD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Do not drink and drive!

Sunday morning August 10, 2025, around 4 AM, Officers responded to a collision involving a vehicle driving off the second story of the downtown parking garage. Thankfully nobody was seriously injured. Following an immediate investigation, the driver was arrested for DUI and booked at the station. Their vehicle was towed.

Please, designate a sober driver, use ride share or public transportation if you are planning on consuming alcohol. Again, everyone involved here was extremely lucky there were no serious injuries.

Be safe Pleasant Hill!

 

4 female teens arrested after assault of elderly victim in Walnut Creek

By 1 Comment

Two 18-year-olds from Concord, two juveniles from Walnut Creek

By Lt. Bruce Jower, Walnut Creek Police Department

Four people remain in custody following an incident near Rossmoor. On Thursday, August 7, at approximately 11:00 PM, the Walnut Creek Police Department was dispatched to the 1900 block of Tice Valley Blvd. on the report of an elderly male being assaulted. Numerous Officers quickly arrived on scene and learned the victim had suffered significant injuries. Officers learned four female suspects had assaulted the victim, stole some of his personal property and then fled the scene in a vehicle.

Arrested:

Antonina Abdul-Wajid (18-year-old resident of Concord, born 8/19/2006)

Jaycee Behnke (18-year-old resident of Concord, born 3/19/2007)

Juvenile 1 (17-year-old resident of Walnut Creek)

Juvenile 2 (15-year-old resident of Walnut Creek)

Charges: 4 felony counts: robbery, assault with a deadly weapon that is not a firearm, causing injury to an elder and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Witnesses to the crime provided valuable information and Officers were able to leverage technology to confirm the suspect vehicle. Walnut Creek Police Officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle a short time later. All four suspects were taken into custody. The adults were booked into Martinez Detention Facility. The juveniles were booked into Juvenile Hall.

Walnut Creek Police Department Officers and Detectives are continuing to investigate this crime. There appears to be no continued threat to community at this stage. Due to the age of two of the suspects, their names cannot be released. The victim’s name is being withheld to protect their privacy.

Any other potential victims are encouraged to contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844. Related information can also be provided anonymously via the tip line at 925-943-5865.

According to localcrimenews.com, Abudl-Wajid was also arrested by Walnut Creek Police on April 16, 2025, for battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse and for being intoxicated in public. According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 150-pound teen is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Behnke is five-feet, five inches tall, 110-pounds, Hispanic, but is also listed as white, and is being held on $280,000 bail also at the West County Detention Facility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Walnut Creek police warn residents of “courier scam”

By Leave a Comment

By Walnut Creek Police Department

We want to share an urgent message regarding a prolific scam targeting our residents. The scam is generally referred to as a “courier” scam, and preys on victims through manipulation and technology. The scam employs several methods, to include:

– Receiving a pop-up window on your computer alerting you to fraud or a hack. The pop-up will typically urge you to click on a button within the window or ask you to call tech support (a phone number provided by the suspects). Once you do these two things, the suspects have access to your computer, as well as the ability to manipulate you over the phone.

– Receiving an email alerting you to a purchase you did not make (commonly PayPal), and then requesting that you call tech support, which is connecting the suspects to you.

– Receiving an alert that your computer is vulnerable to viruses and is unprotected. Once you follow the prompts to pay for current protection, you are contacted by the suspect informing you that you overpaid, an excessive refund will be issued to you, at which point you are responsible for paying them back the difference. (This is common using PayPal).

– Receiving a call from someone posing as a family member or friend, stating they’ve been arrested or had an accident, and need cash quickly.

– Receiving an alert that your money has been used for criminal activity and that you are under investigation, after which you need to deliver your money to the suspects so they can “secure” it.

Almost all of these scams include the following techniques:

– You will be required to go to the bank to withdraw a large sum of cash, after which you will be instructed to meet with a “courier” or driver to hand over the cash.

– The suspects contacting you on the phone will be highly aggressive, controlling your movements through manipulation, and may even threaten you or your family.

– The suspects will attempt to avoid apprehension by using spoofed email addresses and phone numbers, and will state they work for major financial institutions and government entities.

– The suspects will ensure you’re following instructions by insisting you stay on the phone with them, FaceTime them, and photograph cash you intend to deliver to them.

It is WCPD’s first priority that its community members do not fall victim to crimes such as these. If you are contacted through any of the above means by people employing these tactics, simply disregard pop-ups and emails, do not click on anything within them, and do not call tech support phone numbers offered within these messages. If there are people in your family who may be vulnerable to these scams, please have conversations with them regarding tech and financial safety.

Thank you for reading and stay safe.

Police seek Daly City man as person of interest in series of Brentwood auto vandalism cases

By Leave a Comment

Person of interest Arpy Yap and the Volkswagen Touareg he’s known to drive. Photos: Brentwood PD

Targets solo females in parking lots in ruse

By Brentwood Police Department

The Brentwood Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance regarding a series of vandalism incidents that have occurred throughout the City of Brentwood.

The individual in the photo has been identified as 48-year-old Arpy Yap of Daly City. Yap is suspected of targeting solo female victims in parking lots. In each incident, the victims returned to their vehicles to discover their tires had been vandalized or deflated. Yap reportedly appeared shortly after, offering assistance in exchange for money.

Yap is known to drive a blue Volkswagen Touareg with a roof rack.

We are releasing this photo in an effort to identify any additional victims or witnesses who may have information related to these incidents.

This is also being shared as a public safety advisory. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Brentwood Police Department at (925) 809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

San Pablo: CHP detectives arrest suspect in I-880 shooting investigation

By Leave a Comment

By CHP – Golden Gate Division

California Highway Patrol (CHP) detectives arrested a 39-year-old Hayward man in connection with a May freeway shooting on Interstate 880.

Detectives identified Rony David Murciascastillo as the suspect after a May 26 incident in which a driver reported being shot at while merging onto northbound I-880 from Jackson Street. The victim was not injured.

On July 30, CHP Special Investigations Unit detectives and the Golden Gate Division Warrant Service Team served a search warrant at Murciascastillo’s home. Detectives located him at a San Pablo casino, where the San Pablo Police Department took him into custody.

Authorities booked Murciascastillo into Santa Rita Jail on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and multiple felony gun and drug charges.

“The incredible work our detectives do is responsible for yet another freeway shooter being held to answer for their crimes,” said CHP Golden Gate Division Chief Don Goodbrand. “I also want to thank our partners at the San Pablo Police Department for their assistance in taking the suspect into custody quickly and safely.”

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-foot tall, 190-pound Murciastillo is Hispanic and is a resident of Hayward.

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood man arrested during Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force operation

By 1 Comment

Ty Leighton was arrested for child sex crimes on July 29, 2025. Photos: Brentwood PD

Led by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department with assist from Brentwood, Orinda, Martinez PD’s; police seek additional victims

Was on felony probation with felony warrant for burglary, had 10 previous arrests dating to 2017

By Brentwood Police Department

As part of a week-long operation led by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force hosted by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and supported by the Brentwood Police Department and 13 additional agencies significant progress was made in protecting children from online exploitation.

During the operation, Detectives from the Brentwood Police Department, Orinda Police Department, and Martinez Police Department arrested 29-year-old Ty Oliver Leighton (born 9/26/1995) on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, for arranging to meet a 13-year-old minor with the intent to engage in lewd and lascivious acts, among other related charges.

Leighton, who is currently on felony probation, also had a felony warrant for a commercial burglary that occurred in the city of Brentwood.

Aerial photo of Ty Leighton’s arrest.

We are releasing Leighton’s photo in an effort to identify any additional victims. If you have any information or believe you may have had contact with him, please contact the Brentwood Police Department at (925) 809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

We would also like to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and all the partnering agencies that contributed to this operation.

According to localcrimenews.com, Leighton has a  history of arrests dating back to 2017 and is charged with 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 revocation of probation.

His previous arrests by multiple agencies including Napa PD, Napa County and San Joaquin Sheriff’s Departments, and Antioch PD for crimes including inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, receiving  known stolen property over $200, addict in possession of firearm possession of ammunition, theft, receiving or concealing stolen property, vandalism and trespassing upon private property after notice by peace officer that property is not open to the particular person or failure to leave said property upon request.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet-nine-inch tall, 150-pound Leighton is Hispanic, being held in West County Detention Facility on no bail, and his next court appearance is scheduled for August 8, 2025, at 8:30 AM in the Martinez Superior Court Department 5.