Contra Costa Herald

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

Felony charges filed against Orinda, Alamo burglary suspects from Clayton

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Suspects James Lipston and Devaughn Cooper. Photos: CCCSheriff

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

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has filed five counts of first degree burglary against 57-year-old James Lipston and 25-year-old Devaughn Cooper both of Clayton. This comes after Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff detectives presented the case this morning.

The Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation after detectives were able to connect a recent burglary in Orinda to an attempted burglary in Alamo. The Investigation Division, along with the specialized patrol unit J-Team, were able to identify Lipston and Cooper as the suspects, as well as the vehicle they were using. They were linked to at least six residential burglaries in Alamo and Orinda.

On Tuesday, January 7, 2020, detectives began surveillance of the suspects. On Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at about 1145 AM, detectives arrested them in the area of Kaitlin Place and Court Lane in Concord. Lipston and Cooper were arrested as they exited a residence with stolen property.

Both were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges of residential burglary. Cooper is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail. Lipston, who is on parole, is being held without bail.

Detectives later executed a search warrant at the suspects’ residence in Clayton. During the search of their vehicles and residence, a large amount of stolen property was recovered, in addition to a significant amount of narcotics.  Detectives believe Lipston and Cooper may be responsible for numerous other burglaries. The Sheriff’s Office is now in the process of attempting to return the stolen property to the rightful owners.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. Tips could be email to: tips@so.ccounty.us. Anonymous voice messages could be left at (866) 846-3592.

Contra Costa D.A. and Code for America announce 3,264 marijuana convictions will be cleared

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Part of automatic record clearance partnership

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

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton and Code for America today announced that 3,264 marijuana convictions eligible for relief under Proposition 64 will be dismissed and sealed as part of their cutting-edge partnership.

“I am grateful the partnership with Code for America has given us the ability to deliver tangible results for members of our community by dismissing old marijuana convictions allowed under the law. Far too often old criminal convictions for minor drug offenses can leave a lasting mark on an individual’s life. The removal of these convictions effectively reduces barriers to licensing, education, housing and employment. It is imperative that we continue to be innovative in our approach to reforming and strengthening the criminal justice system,” said Diana Becton, District Attorney for Contra Costa County.

“At Code for America, we believe government can work dramatically better than it does today; the criminal justice system is one of the areas in which we are most failing the American people. We must make sure that California lives up to the obligation of Proposition 64 and now AB 1793,” said Jennifer Pahlka, Founder and Executive Director, Code for America. “I’d like to thank Contra Costa District Attorney Becton for her leadership on this issue. Through our partnership, we will remove barriers to employment, housing, health and education for thousands of Californians. By reimagining existing government systems through technology and user-centered design, we can rethink incarceration, reduce recidivism and restore opportunity.”

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s office used Code for America’s Clear My Record technology, which reads bulk criminal history data from the California Department of Justice, and securely and accurately analyzes eligibility for record remediation under state law.  This technology can analyze eligibility for thousands of convictions in just a few minutes, alleviating the need for DA staff to go through state criminal records one by one to evaluate eligibility, a time and labor-intensive process.

This partnership helps address wrongs caused by the failed war on drugs, felt most strongly by communities of color. Approximately 2,400 individuals will receive conviction relief through this partnership. Of those, approximately 36% are Black or African American, 45% are White, 15% are Latinx, 2% are Asian/Pacific Islander, and 2% are other or unknown.

Contra Costa is the fifth California District Attorney’s Office to announce a pilot partnership with Code for America and use Clear My Record Technology to clear marijuana-related convictions eligible under Proposition 64.  The other counties include San Francisco, Sacramento, San Joaquin and Los Angeles.   In total, these five pilots will help reduce or dismiss approximately 75,000 Proposition 64 eligible convictions.

Earlier this year, Code for America also launched its new Clear My Record Application and Implementation Blueprint, available at no cost and open source to all California counties.  These resources allow all District Attorneys’ offices to follow the lead of DA Becton and expedite and streamline review of Prop 64 convictions.

Record Clearance for the Digital Age

Record clearance was not built for the digital age.  Previously, each person seeking relief had to petition the court on their own to clear their records, but this is a time-consuming, expensive, and confusing process.  Because of these barriers, the vast majority of those eligible for relief have not received it.

With the aid of Code for America’s Clear My Record technology, a DA’s office can automatically and securely evaluate eligibility for record clearance for thousands of convictions in just a few minutes.

This requires no action on the part of the individual, and minimal staff time and resources from the DA’s office — two obstacles for record clearance. Streamlining conviction data processing will also make it easier for courts to update records, ensuring that individuals can obtain relief as soon as possible.

These partnerships set the standard for the statewide implementation of Assembly Bill 1793, which tasks prosecutors with affirmatively reviewing convictions eligible for dismissal or reduction under Proposition 64.  This novel approach also creates a blueprint for the future of record clearance for remedies beyond Proposition 64 — the development of policy and technology that expands, streamlines and automates the record clearance process at scale.

Code for America has been making it easier for people to remove eligible convictions from their records through Clear my Record technology since 2016.

About Code for America

Code for America believes government must work for the people, and by the people, in the digital age, starting with the people who need it most. We build digital services that enhance government capabilities, and we help others do the same across all levels of government. We organize thousands of volunteers across nearly 80 chapters nationwide who improve government in their local communities. Our goal: a 21st century government that effectively and equitably serves all Americans. Learn more at codeforamerica.org.

Miramonte High teacher arrested for sex abuse of students at Acalanes in late 90’s

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Suspect Kyle Ann Wood. Photo by CCCSheriff.

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

On Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at about 6:30 PM, Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff arrested 54-year-old Kyle Ann Wood at her home in Pleasant Hill.

The Lafayette Police Department, assisted by the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division, recently began an investigation into Wood after receiving reports of alleged inappropriate and unlawful relationships between Wood and two minors. The crimes occurred between 1996-1998. The victims were students at Acalanes High School where Wood was a teacher.

Wood is currently a teacher at Miramonte High School in Orinda.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed felony sex charges against Wood. She was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility and is being held in lieu of $150,000 bail.

The investigation is ongoing. The Lafayette Police Department is asking anyone with additional information regarding this case to contact detectives at (925) 283-3680 or (925) 299-3234 or email Sergeant T. Rossberg at tross@so.cccounty.us.

Wanted felon arrested in stolen car following police pursuit from Orinda to San Leandro Thursday

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Photo: CCC Sheriff

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

On Thursday, January 2, 2020, at about 11:16 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff was advised about a stolen vehicle on Highway 24. The vehicle was stolen out of Alameda County.

A Lafayette Police Officer located the stolen vehicle on westbound 24 at the Wilder exit and followed it. Sheriff’s Office STARR 1 helicopter provided aerial support for the officer.

In the area of Marina Boulevard and Highway 880 in San Leandro, the officer, assisted by other agencies, attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop. The suspect did not yield and drove away at a high rate of speed. The officers terminated the pursuit, while STARR 1 stayed overhead monitoring the vehicle’s location.

CHP helicopter. Photo: Wikimedia

The suspect drove to the Bay Fair BART station where he abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot along the tracks. STARR 1 and a CHP helicopter located the suspect who was trying to hide from officers. The suspect was later arrested after surrendering.

The suspect is identified as 20-year-old Joseph Willis. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges that include felony evading, obstruction, vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, and multiple weapons violations including felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a stolen firearm and having large capacity magazines. Willis also had three outstanding out of county arrest warrants. Willis, who was also booked for a probation viola-tion, is being held without bail.

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 police chase Bay Point couple arrested for “grab-n-run” theft from Sun Valley Mall

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Suspects’ vehicle. Photo: Concord PD.

By Concord Police Department

As the holiday time has come to an end, clearly the Christmas time grinchery shenanigans have not.

While patrolling the area around the Sun Valley Mall one of our SET Team officers spotted two individuals that were just involved in a ‘grab-n-run’ theft from JC Penney’s. Our officer attempted to stop the male and female duo however they jumped into their car and led us on a pursuit. While you can try and outrun our cars, you can’t outrun our radios!

One of our Sergeants was able to position himself well ahead of the pursuit on Highway 4 and was anxiously awaiting as the suspects approached the Willow Pass Rd. exit. Utilizing a timely placed set of ‘spike strips’ our Sgt. was able to disable 3 out of the 4 tires on the suspect vehicle, subsequently bringing this chase to a conclusion in Pittsburg. The driver decided to pull over on her own accord and both were arrested without further incident.

Make no mistake, we don’t like having to chase people, but if you come into our city and attempt to victimize any of our citizen’s and/or businesses, we will come after you.

We charged the 31-year-old female driver from Bay Point with multiple theft, driving related offenses and violating the terms of her probation. Her passenger, a 28-year-old male also from Bay Point, was also charged with theft and conspiracy.

Sheriff investigates death of inmate from Brentwood at county hospital

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Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. Photo by Contra Costa Health Department.

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

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is investigating the death of inmate Samuel Martinez that occurred at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC) in the City of Martinez.

61-year-old Martinez was a resident of Brentwood. He was arrested by the Office of the Sheriff on February 8, 2018 for felony elderly abuse and felony arson.

On Tuesday, December 24, 2019, Martinez, who was housed at the West County Detention Facility (WCDF), was taken by ambulance to Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center after suffering multiple seizures.

On Wednesday, December 25, 2019, Martinez was transferred by ambulance from Kaiser Richmond to CCRMC where he was admitted.

On Thursday, December 26, 2019, Martinez was cleared by medical staff to return to WCDF.

At about 6:40 PM, while still inside the hospital, Martinez apparently suffered a medical emergency and collapsed. Hospital staff administered CPR. Martinez was pronounced deceased at 7:08 PM.

The investigation by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Sheriff is ongoing.

Sheriff’s Office investigates shooting death of robbery suspect by store clerk in Bay Point

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Screenshot of surveillance video of store clerk being pistol whipped by robbery suspect at Kam’s Market in Bay Point on Sun., Dec. 22. Source: KTVU Fox 2 News

Seek possible second suspect

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

On Sunday, December 22, 2019, at about 11:04 PM, Muir Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a market on the 200 block of Port Chicago Highway in Bay Point for a report of an assault with a deadly weapon and shooting. (See KTVU news report and store surveillance video – WARNING: contains violence)

Deputies found a clerk inside the store suffering from a head injury. A man was located on the ground near the store at the intersection of Lynbrook Street and Desanie Way. The man suffered from a gunshot wound and was later pronounced deceased at the scene. He is not being identified pending next of kin notification.

Forensic Services Division Crime Lab and Homicide Detectives responded to the scene. Detectives say the man struck the clerk in the head with a gun during a robbery at the market. During the attack, the clerk shot the man. The clerk was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

A second unknown suspect may also be involved.

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.

Stolen vehicle suspect arrested in Lafayette with two firearms found in car

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

On Saturday, December 21, 2019, at about 11:51 AM, Contra Costa Deputy Sheriffs located an occupied stolen vehicle traveling westbound on Highway 24 near the Pleasant Hill Road exit in Lafayette.

The vehicle continued on Highway 24 and eventually exited on 12th Street in Oakland.

Deputies followed the vehicle waiting for cover units to arrive. At no time did Deputies pursue the vehicle. A Deputy conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the area of Willow Street and Goss Street in Oakland.

With the assistance of the Oakland Police Department, the driver and passenger were both detained.

A search of the vehicle found two firearms under the possession of the driver, who was identified as 44-year-old Andres Williams of Oakland.

Williams was later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges that include felon in possession of a firearm, stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, and a parole hold. The passenger, who is not being identified, was released at the scene.

The Contra Costa Deputy Sheriffs involved in this case were part of the additional Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies assigned to both Lafayette and Orinda following recent violent crimes in those cities.

These Deputy Sheriffs are supplementing Lafayette and Orinda Police Departments’ regular patrols. ​Additional security measures have also been stepped up and are ongoing.

Pittsburg man, associate charged with selling fake oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl

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By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California, Department of Justice

SAN FRANCISCO – Jose Ricardo Loza and Randy Lee Walker were charged in a criminal complaint with distributing fentanyl and heroin, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Postal Inspector in Charge Rafael E. Nuñez, United States Postal Inspection Service.

An affidavit filed in the case by an agent of the United States Postal Inspection Service alleges that Loza sold blue counterfeit oxycodone pills that were laced with Fentanyl.  According to the affidavit, Loza sold to a third party 50 Fentanyl-laced pills on August 22, 2019, when at the auto body shop where he works in Pittsburg, Calif.  Loza allegedly did not initially have enough pills to sell, so he texted Walker, who arrived with more Fentanyl-laced pills.  The affidavit alleges that during the transaction, Loza warned the customer to be careful when taking these pills because he (Loza) gave the same pills to a mutual friend who overdosed and died.  According to the affidavit, a laboratory test verified that a sample of the pills Loza sold contained fentanyl.

In addition, the affidavit alleges that on November 22, 2019, Loza sold 500 more counterfeit pills to an undercover officer and then told the officer that he had 10,000 more of the same pills for sale.  Further, the affidavit alleges Loza sold two ounces of heroin on September 10, 2019.

Loza and Walker are charged with distribution of controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C).

Loza and Walker were arrested on December 12, 2019.  At the time of Loza’s arrest, law enforcement agents found more than 2,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills hidden in hollowed out compartments of his furniture.

Defendants Loza and Walker made their initial appearances Friday morning, Dec. 13 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson.  Both defendants currently are in custody.  Walker’s next court appearance was scheduled for Monday, December 16, 2019, for appointment of counsel. Loza’s next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, 2019, for a hearing to address detention issues.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison.  A term of supervised release, fines, forfeitures, and restitution also may be ordered, however, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

The complaint contains allegations only and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Weingarten is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Linda Love.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Man shot, killed by masked gunmen inside Pittsburg home Saturday morning

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By Pittsburg Police Department

Early Saturday morning, just after midnight, Pittsburg Officers responded to the report of a shooting at a residence in the 200 block of Havenwood Circle. Upon arrival, officers located a 34-year-old male resident suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. Officers provided aid to the man until medical personnel arrived. The man, identified by his fiance as Rafael Lopez, later died from his injuries.

Pittsburg Police Department Detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to the residence to conduct the investigation. From initial information, officers learned that two masked gunmen entered the residence and engaged in an altercation with the man and other people inside the residence. During this, the two suspects shot the victim and fled the residence in a gray or silver import sedan. Investigators are working to confirm information the man and the suspects knew each other, and this incident was the result of a disagreement that had occurred.

Detectives are currently contacting witnesses and obtaining additional statements. Additional information is not available at this time.

The Pittsburg Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance and asks anyone with additional information to please contact the Pittsburg Police Department Tip-Line at 925-252-4040.

This is the city’s seventh murder in 2019.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.