Contra Costa Herald

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

Richmond man pleads guilty to first degree murder from 2015 shooting

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

On Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019, Seth Sears a 39-year-old resident of Richmond, CA, pled guilty to first degree murder during his trial for the 2015 killing of victim Neil Akin. Sears will be formally sentenced on September 27 before the Honorable Judge Charles Burch in Department 23 of the Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez. Sears in his pleading also admitted to using a firearm during the murder. He is expected to receive 25 years to life in state prison.

“The defendant pled guilty as charged to the first degree murder of Neil Akin, and further admitted that he personally used and fired the weapon that killed Mr. Akin. We hope that the defendant’s full admission of responsibility will help the victim’s family find closure after four long years,” Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney Satish Jallepalli stated. DDA Jallepalli prosecuted the case and is assigned to our Office’s Homicide Unit. DDA Alison Chandler and DDA Colleen Gleason also prosecuted the case for our Office.

In September 2015, the victim’s body was found deceased in Oakland with a gunshot wound to the head.  Days earlier, the defendant shot Akin and left his body initially in the defendant’s apartment in Richmond. Sears wrapped the body in trash bags and used silver tape to bind the bags together to try to conceal the body. He rented a white van in El Cerrito and used the van to transport the body from his apartment to Oakland. Surveillance video in Oakland showed a similar white van in the vicinity of where the body was found.

Fortunately, a witness came forward to report that Sears had invited her over after the murder while the victim’s body was still in his apartment, and implored her to help him dispose of the body. She refused to help him cover up the crime and later met with the Richmond Police Department to describe what she had seen.

Case information: People v. Seth Rumi Sears, Docket Number 05-171844-4

Walnut Creek man, former Seeno Construction executive found guilty of embezzlement, filing false tax returns

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Created shell company, funded expensive lifestyle and gambling losses

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

This past Friday, a Contra Costa County jury found defendant Edward Miller of Walnut Creek, California guilty as charged of four felonies tied to his criminal schemes to embezzle money from his employer Seeno Construction, Inc. and its affiliated entities. Miller was the former Chief Risk Officer for the Seeno Companies at the time of his criminal conduct.

Miller created a shell company to funnel funds held in trust from law firms representing the Albert Seeno Construction Company into his own personal accounts, using phony invoices to request that the law firms send him checks payable to a secret company he created. In turn, Miller claimed company expenses to hide the income and to avoid paying income taxes on the money he was collecting. Additionally, Miller used some of this money meant for the Seeno Companies to support his lifestyle at golf resorts and to account for his gambling losses. He spent this money at multiple casinos in Reno and Las Vegas.

“White collar crime is inherently complex, and this jury was willing to tackle a thorny body of evidence that wasn’t always straightforward,” Deputy District Attorney Adam Wilks stated. “This jury had to follow money moving across multiple bank accounts, and had to listen to testimony about issues of civil litigation, business formation, and interpersonal dealings within a corporate structure. The verdict in this case speaks volumes about our community, and specifically to those who sacrificed their time to be on this jury, have the sincere thanks of the Contra Costa County DA’s Office.”

Sentencing will occur later this fall in front of the Honorable Rebecca Hardie in Department 5 of the Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez. DDA Wilks prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. The case originated in the Office’s Special Operations Division, Real Estate Fraud Unit.

Case Information: People v. Edward Leroy Miller, Docket Number 05-180254-5

 

Delano man sentenced to life in state prison for sexually abusing Antioch girl

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

Last week, Donaciano Rodriguez a 66-year-old resident of Delano, California, was sentenced to 94 years to life in state prison for sexually abusing a minor in Antioch. His sentence was determined by the Honorable Judge Laurel Brady in Department 31 of the Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez.

The jury in this case found Rodriguez guilty of 11 felonies ranging from oral copulation, sexual penetration with a child 10 years old or younger and forced lewd acts upon a child. Deputy District Attorney Bryan Tierney with our Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. The trial occurred in late June and lasted eight days. Our Office would like to extend gratitude for the Antioch Police Department for their work investigating the case.

“The victim in this case and her family were very cooperative during the investigation and trial. Without their help there would be no justice. The defendant committed heinous crimes against Jane Doe that will forever impact her. I am thankful that the jury followed all the evidence and held the defendant accountable,” DDA Tierney stated.

In 2017, Jane Doe bravely came forward to the police to report the assaults which occurred years earlier. The victim reported that the defendant repeatedly assaulted her and threatened her if she came forward to authorities. Antioch Police continued the investigation and the defendant was eventually arrested later that year in Kern County. He has remained in custody since his arrest.

When the defendant was arrested by police, he admitted he molested the minor multiple times. He even demonstrated to the investigators what he did to Jane Doe. The attacks against Jane Doe occurred in multiple locations in Antioch.

Case information: People v. Donaciano Rodriguez, Docket Number 05-182336-8

 

Antioch foster father and son charged with sexual abuse of multiple children

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

Earlier this month, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office charged defendant Simon Chavez, a 64-year-old resident of Antioch, California and his son Simon Magana Chavez, 31-year-old resident of Atwater, California for the sexual abuse of multiple children and unlawfully having sex with a minor.

The elder Chavez was a foster father at his home in Antioch with Contra Costa County’s Children and Family Services. Overall, he fostered young children under his care for at least 18 years.

Simon Chavez entered a not guilty plea to the 63 felonies on July 16 in the Pittsburg Superior Court before the Honorable Leonard Marquez. Chavez is in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility and his bail is $31.5 million.

Chavez’s son, Simon Magana Chavez was arraigned this past Friday in the Pittsburg Superior Court. He pleaded not guilty to the complaint. The younger Chavez is charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors related for crimes against two children, including lewd acts against a child and unlawful sex. As recently as 2018, Simon Magana Chavez was a correctional officer with the state of California. The bail for Simon Magana Chavez is $1.23 million.

Both cases are assigned to Deputy District Attorney Diana Weiss with our Office’s Sexual Assault Unit.

Our Office does not release how a victim may know a defendant in a sexual assault case as well as the age or name of a victim to protect their confidentiality.

The investigation is ongoing and active. Members of the public with information about the case should call Antioch Police Detective Kelly Inabnett at 925-779-6932.

Case information: People v. Simon Chavez, Docket Number 04-197245-4; People v. Simon Magana Chavez, Docket Number 04-197264-5.

DA charges two with murder in beating death of Bay Point man

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Suspects from Antioch, Bay Point

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

Two suspects involved in a homicide and assault with a deadly weapon case in Bay Point that occurred on Thursday, July 18, 2019 have been formally charged with murder by the Contra Costa D.A.’s Office. Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division presented their case to the D.A.’s Office on Thursday, July 25, 2019.

Both suspects remain in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility. 20-year-old Abel Garcia of Antioch, who was arrested on July 18, 2019, is held being held on murder, conspiracy, assault with a deadly weapon, and robbery charges. 24-year-old Erick Ruiz of Bay Point was arrested Friday, July 19, 2019. He is being held on the same charges. Both are being held without bail.

On Thursday, July 18, 2019, at about 9:09 PM, Muir Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a suspicious circumstance in the area of Riverside Drive and Mariners Cove in Bay Point. The caller stated that there was a man who appeared to be beaten in the street. Deputies arrived and found an unresponsive man in front of a home on the 200 block of Riverside Drive. The victim was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. He is identified as 38-year-old Johnny Burns of Bay Point. Later at about 9:21 PM, Deputy Sheriffs responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon on the 2700 block of Willow Pass Road in Bay Point. The victim was later treated and released from a local hospital.

The suspect vehicle and suspect descriptions were broadcast to law enforcement agencies in the area. The Concord Police Department later located the vehicle. Deputies responded to that location and took custody of Abel. An arrest warrant was issued for the Ruiz, who was arrested the next day.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff at (925) 646-2441 or 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.

 

Two arrested in armed robbery of Round 1 video arcade in Concord

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Vincent Timmons and Gary Dillahunty. Photos by Concord PD

By Concord Police Department

On May 12th, 2019, Concord Police Officers responded to Round 1 (185 Sun Valley Mall) for an armed robbery in progress. Two masked men forced two employees into a locked cash room at gunpoint where the employees’ hands were zip tied behind their backs and cash was stolen. One of the employees was able to free herself and called for help. Numerous officers responded, cleared the business and found the suspects had fled. It was determined the suspects gained access through a normally secured employee entrance.

Detectives from the Concord Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit began a two month investigation into this robbery. They uncovered a conspiracy involving Round 1 security guard Gary Dillahunty, who was working the night of and facilitated the robbery. Detectives also identified 37-year-old Vincent Timmons as one of the suspects who committed the robbery. Last week a search warrant was served at Timmons’ home in San Francisco. Evidence linking Timmons to the Round 1 robbery as well as an illegal assault weapon, a handgun, and a large quantity of cocaine was found. Timmons, who is on parole for kidnapping, was located at the home and arrested for robbery.

Yesterday, with the assistance of the United States Marshals, 43-year-old Dillahunty, who is on parole for assault with a deadly weapon, was located at a home in Vacaville. He was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant for the Round 1 robbery as well as a warrant for violating his parole.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has charged both men with multiple felonies including robbery, conspiracy, and kidnapping. They both remain in custody at the Contra Costa County Jail.

The investigation into others involved with this robbery, including the second masked suspect continues. The Concord Police Department would like to thank our partners with the San Francisco Police Department and the US Marshal’s for their assistance in bringing both of these suspects safely into custody.

The security guards working at Round 1 at the time of this robbery were employed by an outside security contractor. This information is being shared with the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, a regulator of the private security industry.

Anyone with information about this case may call the Concord Police Department Tip-line at ‪(925) 603-5836.

Brentwood man suspected in Concord homicide arrested in South Dakota

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Adam Renfroe. Photo courtesy of Concord PD.

By Concord Police Department

Earlier this month, Concord Police Officers responded to Motel 6 on Clayton Road for a possible shooting. When they arrived, they found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries. Information was quickly gathered, and the suspects were identified as Adam Renfroe and Robert Brown. Detectives from the Major Crimes Unit immediately obtained arrests warrants for Renfroe and Brown. (See related article.)

Yesterday morning, July 24, 2019, Adam Renfroe was arrested by US Marshals in Pierre, South Dakota on the murder warrant. Concord Detectives are in South Dakota to continue this investigation and arrange extradition to California. The second suspect, Robert Brown remains wanted in connection to this homicide. His whereabouts are unknown. No further information is available for release at this time.

Anyone with information about this case can contact Detective Giacoletto at (925) 671-3040 or the Anonymous Tip-line at (925) 603-5836.

Arrest made in Six Flags Hurricane Harbor shooting in Concord

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Donald Sims. Photo by Concord PD.

Felony attempted murder charges filed against him

By Concord Police Department

A nearly week-long investigation into a shooting at the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor shooting has ended in an arrest. (See related article)

On July 13th just before ‪5p.m., a man was shot in the parking lot of Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Officers responded to the parking lot where they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to his lower body. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

With the help of victim interviews and surveillance videos, Concord Police Detectives identified 28-year-old Donald Sims of Oakland as the shooter. Sims already had a warrant issued for his arrest out of the Oakland Police Department for an assault that happened several weeks before the shooting in Concord. On Thursday July 18th, Sims was captured by U.S. Marshals in Sacramento and was transferred to Santa Rita Jail on the Oakland PD warrant.

Our investigation revealed Sims and the victim were involved in a minor dispute in the parking lot of the water park. The victim was sitting in his car when Sims unexpectedly pulled a handgun from his car and fired at the victim.

On Monday July 22nd, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed felony attempted murder charges against Sims along with weapon enhancements for the shooting at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Additionally, Sims was charged by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office with an unrelated assault with a firearm case out of Oakland. Sims remains in custody.

 

Concord Police search for driver in fatal hit and run collision Sunday

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By Concord Police Department

On Sunday, July 21, 2019, at approximately 12:24 A.M., Concord PD Officers were dispatched to a motorcycle vs. automobile collision that occurred near the intersection of Concord Blvd. and Lodato Way. A motorcyclist was traveling east on Concord Blvd. when he attempted to pass a Toyota Prius also traveling east on Concord Blvd. ahead of him. The motorcycle collided with the rear end of the Prius and the solo rider was ejected, landing in the westbound lane of Concord Blvd. A dark-colored pickup truck, traveling west on Concord Blvd., ran over the motorcyclist while he was laying in the roadway. The driver of the truck continued west on Concord Blvd. and was not located. The driver of the Prius remained on scene and was cooperative with the investigation.

Due to injuries he sustained, the motorcyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene by Emergency Medical Personnel. His identity is not being released pending notification of next of kin.

The collision is still under investigation. Officers are attempting to identify and locate the driver of the pickup truck that left the scene.

Concord Blvd., between Ayers Road and Kirker Pass Road, was closed for approximately three hours for the investigation. No further details are being released at this time.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has any information on this case is asked to contact Traffic Officer Derrick King at the Concord Police Department, 925-671-5880.

Antioch, Bay Point men arrested for beating Bay Point man to death, assault on another Thursday

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

On Thursday, July 18, 2019, at about 9:09 PM, Muir Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a suspicious circumstance in the area of Riverside Drive and Mariners Cove in Bay Point. The caller stated that there was a man who appeared to be beaten in the street.

Deputies arrived and found an unresponsive man in front of a home on the 200 block of Riverside Drive. The victim was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. He is identified as 38-year-old Johnny Burns of Bay Point.

At about 9:21 PM, Deputy Sheriffs responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon on the 2700 block of Willow Pass Road in Bay Point. The victim was later treated and released from a local hospital.

The suspect vehicle and suspect descriptions were broadcast to law enforcement agencies in the area. The Concord Police Department later located the vehicle. Deputies responded to that location and took custody of 20-year-old Abel Garcia of Antioch. An arrest warrant was issued for the second suspect, Erick Ruiz. The 24-year-old Bay Point resident was arrested Friday, July 19, 2019.

Garcia was later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility (MDF) on the following charges: assault with a deadly weapon, felony battery, conspiracy and participating in acriminal street gang. Garcia is being held in lieu of $140,000 bail. Ruiz was also booked into the MDF for assault with a deadly weapon, felony battery and conspiracy. He is being held in lieu of $160,000 bail.

Detectives are still investigating both incidents to determine if they are linked.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff at (925) 646-2441 or 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.