Contra Costa Herald

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

Concord man charged with assaulting DEA Officer with deadly weapon, other crimes

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Joel Dowen also indicted for extortion and a drug offense; partner, a SF man also charged with drug offenses

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

OAKLAND – A federal grand jury has charged two defendants with various crimes, including one defendant with extortion and assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), San Francisco Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Brian M. Clark; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp; IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Mosley of the Oakland Field Office; and San Francisco Division Postal Inspector in Charge Rafael Nuñez.

The superseding indictment—which was returned by a federal grand jury on March 26, 2024, but unsealed on Wednesday, April 3, 2024,—charges Joel Roland Dowen, 44, of Concord, California, with one count each of mailing threatening communications with intent to extort, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 876(b), and assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111(b). The indictment also charges Micah-Luc Almeida, 45, of San Francisco, California, with one count of possession with intent to distribute 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine, commonly known as MDA, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). And it charges Dowen and Almeida together with one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute MDA, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(C). Dowen had originally been indicted on one count of mailing threatening communications with intent to extort, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 876(b), on January 9, 2024.

“We will protect our federal law enforcement partners when someone harms or threatens them merely for doing their jobs,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. “The defendants here are charged with serious crimes, and I am proud of the work being done by this Office to bring them to justice and safeguard everyone in the Northern District of California, including those sworn to protect us all.”

According to a KTVU FOX2 report, Dowen “was arrested following a raid by federal agents on his Concord home” and “indicted by a federal grand jury after investigators discovered that he allegedly sent letters via the United States Postal Service, attempting to extort money from a personal identified only as ‘M.S.’ He also allegedly threatened harm to another person identified as ‘P.S.’”

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Dowen faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison on each of the three charges against him. Almeida faces the same statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on each of the two charges on which he has been indicted. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

Dowen’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 3, 2024, before the Honorable Jon S. Tigar, United States District Judge for the Northern District of California. Dowen has been in federal custody since his arrest on January 17, 2024, and has been ordered detained pending trial. Almeida’s initial court appearance was scheduled for April 4, 2024, before the Honorable Kandis A. Westmore, United States Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of California.

According to the Alameda County Sherrif’s Office, Dowen is being held in the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. According to localcrimenews.com, he is white, five-foot, seven-inches tall and weighs 280-pounds.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Assistant United States Attorney Dan Karmel is prosecuting these cases with the assistance of Sara Slattery and Andy Ding. These prosecutions are the result of an investigation by the DEA, FBI, CI, and United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; San Francisco Homeland Security Investigations; and United States Customs and Border Protection.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Alamo doctor sentenced to prison for distributing opioids outside scope of medical practice

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Photo: CDC

Female defendant pleaded guilty to distributing Norco without a legitimate medical purpose; operated under the name “Mindful Medical”

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

OAKLAND – Parto Karimi, a former Bay Area doctor, has been sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for distributing powerful opioids outside the scope of medical practice, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), San Francisco Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Brian M. Clark. The sentence was handed down on March 15, 2024, by the Hon. Jon S. Tigar, United States District Judge.

Karimi, 59, of Alamo, California, pleaded guilty in July 2023 to one count of distributing hydrocodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, outside the scope of professional practice, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, Karimi practiced medicine from an accessory dwelling unit on the grounds of her suburban home from roughly 2011 to 2022. Her practice operated under the name “Mindful Medical.” Karimi was a licensed practitioner of internal medicine who had previously worked as an emergency room doctor at an East Bay hospital and was authorized to prescribe controlled substances as part of her medical practice.

According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, the DEA began investigating Karimi after receiving concerning information from the family of one of Karimi’s former patients, who had passed away. The investigation included multiple visits by undercover agents to Karimi’s medical practice. During one, on October 1, 2021, an undercover agent asked Karimi for 10mg Norco tablets based on a claim of leg pain resulting from work as a restaurant server. Karimi admitted in her plea agreement that she wrote the undercover agent a prescription for 60 high-dose Norco pills without conducting a physical examination, without asking follow-up questions about the undercover’s reported pain, without obtaining medical records, and without exploring alternative treatment options or trying a lower dose. Karimi admitted that, in doing so, she knew she was acting in an unauthorized manner by prescribing a controlled substance outside the usual course of medical practice. She also admitted she knew the drug she prescribed was a powerful opioid that can be highly addictive and is liable to abuse by patients.

The government argued in its papers that Karimi wrote medical prescriptions for opioids like Norco in exchange for street drugs including cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as cash payments.

In addition to sentencing Karimi to prison, Judge Tigar ordered the defendant to serve three years of supervised release to begin after her prison term is completed. Judge Tigar also ordered the defendant to forfeit her California medical license and to pay a $4,000 fine.

Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Pastor is prosecuting the case with assistance from Laurie Worthen. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by DEA, with assistance from the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the California Department of Justice Division of Medical Fraud and Elder Abuse.

Ensuring Safer Roadways: CHP reports 22% reduction in freeway shootings in 2023

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Source: CHP

Significant decline in number of highway violence incidents involving firearms for second year in a row.

By Jaime Coffee, CHP Media Relations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In a significant milestone for public safety, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) documented a substantial reduction in the number of freeway shootings across the state.  The number of confirmed freeway shootings in California dropped from 349 to 274 last year – a reduction of more than 21% from the previous year and a 38% reduction from 2021.

In addition to the reduction in the number of freeway shootings, CHP data confirms the number of victims killed and injured in highway violence incidents also decreased.  Last year there were four people killed in freeways shootings, which is a 60% reduction from 2022.  Additionally, there was an 8% reduction in the number of people injured – from 74 to 68 last year.  Reflecting the good work that contributed to these reductions, the number of arrests by the CHP in freeways shootings increased nearly 9% from 2022.

“While this downward trend marks progress, let’s be clear: one life lost by gun violence is one too many,” said Governor Newsom. “California will remain relentless in our pursuit to improve public safety, reduce gun violence, and invest in smart crime-fighting strategies that deliver real results.”

“Freeway shootings are serious crimes, and the CHP actively investigates every incident of highway violence,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “This accomplishment reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of our highways throughout California and fostering an environment where motorists can travel without fear.”

If you are driving on the freeway and a shooting takes place near you, you should remain calm, be a good witness and note any details such as vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers.  Maintain a safe distance from the suspect, and call 9-1-1 if possible, to report the incident and your current location.

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

 

National Prescription Drug TAKE BACK Day Saturday, Oct. 28

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Source: CCC Sheriff’s Office

By Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff’

On Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, or unused prescription drugs.

Needles and sharps cannot be accepted; only pills, patches, and liquids sealed in their original containers will be accepted. Vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers are accepted only after the batteries are removed from the devices.

The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked. Bring your pills for disposal at the following sites:

DROP OFF LOCATIONS

Muir Station – 1980 Muir Road, Martinez

Bay Station – 5555 Giant Highway, Richmond

Valley Station – 150 Alamo Plaza, #C, Alamo

Delta Station – 14830 Highway 4, Discovery Bay

Danville Police Department – 510 La Gonda Way, Danville

Lafayette Police Department – 3471 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

Orinda Police Department – 22 Orinda Way, Orinda

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, locations, or the Take Back event, visit: www.dea.gov/takebackday.

National Prescription Drug TAKE BACK Day is Saturday, April 22

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Photo: CCCSheriff

On Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired or unused prescription drugs.

“The Take Back event is a great opportunity to dispose of unwanted medication in our homes,” said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. “These drugs could fall into the wrong hands or harm family members. Take Back helps prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.”

Needles and sharps cannot be accepted; only pills, patches, and liquids sealed in their original container will be accepted. Vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers are accepted only after the batteries are removed from the devices.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Bring your pills for disposal at the following sites:

DROP OFF LOCATIONS

-Sheriff’s Office Muir Station, 1980 Muir Road, Martinez

-Sheriff’s Office Bay Station, 5555 Giant Highway, Richmond

Sheriff’s Office Valley Station, 150 Alamo Plaza, #C, Alamo

-Delta Station/Discovery Bay Annex 1555 Riverlake Rd., Discovery Bay

-Danville Police Department, 510 La Gonda Way, Danville

-Lafayette Police Department, 3471 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

-Orinda Police Department, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, locations, or the Take Back event, visit: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday.

 

Concord man, woman charged with murdering her husband, other crimes

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By Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County District Attorney

The Contra Costa District Attorney announced, today murder charges have been filed against a Concord couple. 34-year-old Ismael Alvarez and 44-year-old Francesca Charlene Lopez are currently being held at the Martinez Detention Facility for the murder of Felipe Dejesus Lopez which occurred on January 31, 2022, in Concord. Alvarez was scheduled to be arraigned on May 3, 2022, in Martinez while Francesca Lopez’s arraignment was today, May 4, 2022.

Francesca Lopez is the wife of Felipe Lopez, but it appears she was in a relationship with Alvarez at the time of the murder in Felipe’s home.

Alvarez and Francesca Lopez are also charged with two special circumstances allegations accusing the pair of murder for financial gain and murder in the course of a burglary. Alvarez faces other allegations due to a prior conviction for attempted robbery in 2019.

Case information: People v. Ismael Alvarez. Docket Number: 01-22-00305

People v. Francesca Charlene Lopez. Docket Number: 01-22-00307

National Prescription Drug TAKE BACK – Saturday, April 30

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Photo: CCCSheriff

On Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

“The Take Back Event addresses not only a public health issue but also public safety,” said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. “These drugs could fall into the wrong hands and harm family members and friends. This is an opportunity for everyone to help prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.”

Needles and sharps cannot be accepted; only pills, patches, and liquids sealed in their original container will be accepted. Vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers are accepted only after the batteries are removed from the devices.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Bring your pills for disposal at the following sites.

DROP OFF LOCATIONS

-Office of the Sheriff Muir Station, 980 Muir Road, Martinez

-Office of the Sheriff Bay Station, 5555 Giant Highway, Richmond

-Office of the Sheriff Valley Station, 150 Alamo Plaza, #C, Alamo

-Danville Police Department, 510 La Gonda Way, Danville

-Lafayette Police Department, 3471 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

-Orinda Police Department, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, locations or the Take Back event, visit: www.dea.gov/takebackday.

National Prescription Drug TAKE BACK Saturday, Oct. 23

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On Saturday, October 23, 2021, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

“This is a great way to get rid of unused prescription drugs in our homes,” said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. “These drugs could fall into the wrong hands and harm family members and friends. This is an opportunity for everyone to help prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.”

Needles and sharps cannot be accepted; only pills, patches, and liquids sealed in their original container will be accepted. Vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers are accepted only after the batteries are removed from the devices.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Bring your pills for disposal at the following sites. COVID-19 protocols will be followed.

DROP OFF LOCATIONS:

-Office of the Sheriff Muir Station, 1980 Muir Road, Martinez (Field Operations Building)

-Office of the Sheriff Bay Station, 5555 Giant Highway, Richmond (West County Detention Facility)

-Office of the Sheriff Valley Station, 150 Alamo Plaza, #C, Alamo

-Danville Police Department, 510 La Gonda Way, Danville

-Orinda Police Department, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda (Lafayette residents can drop off prescription drugs in Orinda or Sheriff’s Office Valley Station).

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people aged 12 or older misused prescription pain relievers in the past year. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Take Back event, go to the DEA Office of Diversion Control website at: www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov.