Contra Costa Herald

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

Richmond man convicted of forcibly raping two women sentenced to 169 years to life

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First occurred in Concord, second in Martinez both in 2022 while on parole for previous rape, assault conviction; 44-year-old has history of 15 arrests since 2019

– See link to his mugshot

WARNING: Contains graphic content

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

Martinez, California – A Richmond man who cut off his parole ankle monitor and then violently assaulted two women in 2022 has been sentenced to 169 years to life in state prison.

Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge John W. Kennedy sentenced Mark Lewis Hinton, 44, on October 2nd to 150 years to life on the rape counts, plus a 19-year determinate term. A jury convicted Hinton of 11 felony counts on September 5th, 2025. Sentencing was delayed for more than a year after Hinton hired new defense counsel.

Two counts did not result in convictions:

Count 5 (PC 273.5(a)) was dismissed during the trial.

Count 11 (PC 207) ended in a hung jury and was then dismissed.

Hinton was convicted on the remaining 11 counts.

At the time of the assaults, Hinton was on state parole for a 2011 Contra Costa County conviction for forcible rape, sodomy and oral copulation, for which he had received a 12-year prison sentence.

The first assault: September 2022

In early September 2022, Hinton cut off his ankle monitor and went to a Concord motel where a woman he knew casually was staying with acquaintances. Armed with knives, he struck her, forced her into a different room and sexually assaulted her while strangling and beating her. He then threatened to kill her if she told anyone. When police arrived, she was too frightened to tell them about the sexual assault. She later came forward to Concord police and the District Attorney’s Office.

For that attack, the jury convicted Hinton of kidnapping to commit rape, forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, forcible sodomy and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury.

Note: The Concord Police Department’s Crime Map does not include incidents prior to 2023.

The Martinez Police Department’s CitizenRIMS Crime Map shows the location and details of the rape on December 30, 2022. Screenshot

The second assault: December 2022

Three months later, Hinton began what the second woman, who was experiencing homelessness, believed was a dating relationship. Within weeks he was beating her. One blow fractured the bone around her eye, and he told her to tell hospital staff she had been in a car accident. Witnesses testified she was terrified of him.

On December 29th, she escaped to her car and called 911, but Hinton forced her back inside while she was still on the line. The next day, armed with a knife, he threatened and sexually assaulted her. She fled to a nearby store, where employees called 911, and Hinton was arrested in Martinez that day.

For those attacks, Hinton was convicted of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, domestic violence causing great bodily injury, criminal threats with a knife, assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury and false imprisonment.

The Martinez PD CitizenRIMS Crime Map shows:

Rape By Force/fear/etc (F)

Crime: 261(A)(2) PC, 211 PC, 417(A)(1) PC
Crime Type: Rape
Crime Classification: Felony
Address: 600 Block Of J Street
City: Martinez
Occurred: 12/30/2022 at 1:53 PM
Case Number: 22-2563
Incident Number: 2212300038

At trial

The woman Hinton sexually assaulted in 2008 also testified, describing the attack that led to his 2011 conviction. In closing arguments, Deputy District Attorney Danielle Brown told jurors the second woman “said she’s lucky to be alive. She realized that he was going to kill her at some point.” Brown added, “He needs his victims to feel scared so that he can feel powerful.”

“These women showed extraordinary courage in facing the person who abused them and telling a jury what he did,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton. “Domestic violence cases are difficult to prosecute because abusers often isolate and intimidate their victims and choose people they believe won’t be heard. These survivors proved him wrong.”

See 01-23-00045 – Amended Information Filed

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this year’s national theme, With Survivors, Always, calls for moving from awareness to action in support of survivors’ safety, support and solidarity.

Anyone in Contra Costa County experiencing domestic violence can call the STAND! For Families Free of Violence 24-hour crisis line at 888-215-5555, or the District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Program at (925) 957-8650 (Martinez) or 510-374-3272 (Richmond). In an emergency, call 911.

The case was investigated by the Martinez and Concord police departments.

Case No. 01-23-00045 | The People of the State of California v. Mark Lewis Hinton

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 200-pound Hinton was born on Feb. 19, 1982, is listed as Non-Hispanic but also listed as Black, was arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies out of county on Feb. 4, 2025, and is currently being held in the Martinez Detention Facility. For the charge of 3000.08 PC F, the case number and court docket are FCR364634 / FCR364634/SOLANO. For the charges of 978.5 PC F, 10851(A) VC F, the case number and court docket are VCR240038 / VCR240038/SOLANO.

In addition, the Sheriff’s Office offered additional information about a cleared case against Hinton:

Case Number/Court Docket: 25-108 / 01-25-00462

Charges: 209(B)(1) PC F – aggravated kidnapping to commit robbery or certain sexual offenses, punishable by life imprisonment in state prison; 286(C)(2)(A) PC F – sodomy against the victim’s will by means of force, violence, duress, menace, or fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury on the victim or another person shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for three, six, or eight years; 273.5(A) PC F – willfully inflicting corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition upon a victim is guilty of a felony, and shall be punished by imprisonment in state prison for two, three, or four years, or in a county jail for not more than one year, or by a fine of up to $6,000, or by both that fine and imprisonment; 261(A)(2) PC F – rape; and 287(C)(2)(A) PC F – oral copulation accomplished against the victim’s will by means of force, violence, duress, menace, or fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury on the victim or another person shall be punished by imprisonment in state prison for three, six, or eight years.

Cleared Date – 6/10/2025 1:28:00 PM.

After work hours on Friday, both Asregadoo and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jimmy Lee were asked where Hinton was arrested. They were also asked for the suspect’s mugshot which appears on the VineLink website.

According to localcrimenews.com, Hinton is Black and has a history of 14 other arrests since October 2019 by multiple agencies in Contra Costa and Solano counties on drugs and gun charges, vehicle theft and more.

Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa juries convict former Florida airline pilot, ex-girlfriend co-defendant for “repeated sexual abuse” of girl

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Rustom Bhagwager and Jennifer Powell were convicted by separate juries on this week. Photos: CCC Sheriff’s Office

Face maximum of 230 years to life in state prison

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

Martinez, California – Separate juries in Contra Costa Superior Court convicted Rustom Bhagwagar and Jennifer Spitz Powell on all charges related to the repeated sexual abuse of a young girl.

A jury found 46-year-old Powell guilty on Monday, September 28th, and a second jury found 35-year-old Bhagwagar guilty on Tuesday, September 29th. Bhagwagar, a former commercial airline co-pilot from Florida, and Powell, from Walnut Creek, were each convicted of eight counts of oral copulation or sexual penetration with a child 10 years old or younger and 12 counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14.

Due to the victim’s age and the nature of the crimes, the victim will not be named by the District Attorney’s Office to protect her identity.

The case was heard in Martinez before Judge Danielle Douglas. In a rare dual-jury format, the court tried two defendants at once while making sure each jury heard only the evidence that applied to its assigned defendant. Evidence presented to both juries showed that the sexual abuse of the victim began when she was 7 years old and occurred from on or about October 17th, 2017, to October 16th, 2022. Powell, who was in a relationship with Bhagwagar, participated with him in numerous acts of abuse against the victim.

As previously reported, Bhagwagar, who worked as a co-pilot with a commercial airline, was arrested on July 26, 2025, at San Francisco International Airport by deputies with the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office – with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security.  Three days later, Detectives arrested Powell. (See related article)

Bhagwagar and Powell each face a maximum sentence of 230 years to life in state prison. Both remain in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility and will be sentenced by the court at a future date.

Deputy District Attorney Haleigh Parkinson of the Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case with support from a trial team that included legal assistants, a victim advocate, and victim support staff.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “This young survivor showed extraordinary courage by testifying in court and facing the people who used duress to harm her. These verdicts hold both defendants accountable. I am grateful to our entire team for their dedication in seeking, serving, and doing justice in this case.”

Case No. 01-25-02241 | The People of the State of California v. Rustom Bhagwagar R BHAGWAGAR Amended Info Filed 

Case No. 01-25-02242 | The People of the State of California v. Jennifer Spitz Powell J S POWELL Amended Info Filed

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa DA’s investigation report clears cops in death of Brentwood woman following 2025 arrest

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Photo source: Yolanda Bustos Ramirez’s obituary.

Becton says 72-year-old Yolanda Bustos Ramirez “died from a stroke and other health related issues” Oct. 3, 2025, while in the hospital and, “No further action will be taken in this case.”

Shares details about inquest jury’s split vote on findings

By Allen D. Payton

According to Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office PIO Ted Asregadoo, “The Contra Costa DA’s Office has released its full report on the investigation into the death of Yolanda Bustos Ramirez, following a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding her death. This release reflects our office’s commitment to transparency in matters that affect the community we serve.”

As previously reported, 72-year-old Yolanda Bustos Ramirez, died on Oct. 3, 2025, following her arrest during a family dispute. She was in the hospital and not in police custody at the time of her death. But her family is blaming police for causing her death and have filed a wrongful death lawsuit. A letter to the City from the family’s attorney claims she was “violently arrested by multiple Brentwood Police Officers.”

According to the Department, “On Friday, September 26, 2025, at around 11:00 a.m., Brentwood Police officers responded to a call involving a family dispute, during which Yolanda Ramirez, approximately 70 years old, was placed under a citizen’s arrest at the request of a family member. When officers arrived, Ms. Ramirez attempted to flee the scene. Officers detained Ms. Ramirez, and after being secured in a patrol vehicle, officers noticed she appeared to be having a medical issue, and they immediately contacted medical personnel. Ms. Ramirez was promptly released from police custody and transported by medical personnel to a local hospital.

“Several days later, the Police Department was notified that Ms. Ramirez was still hospitalized, her condition had worsened, and that she was not expected to survive. In accordance with Contra Costa County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol, the Brentwood Police Department immediately notified the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, and their agency initiated an independent investigation into the incident.”

Video screenshot shows Yolanda Ramirez in the back of a Brentwood Police car following her arrest on Nov. 5, 2025, included in the report with descriptions. Source: CCDA

In February, Brentwood Police released “a community briefing video consisting of in-car and body-worn camera footage, as well as 911 audio” of Ramirez’s arrest. They reported, “the family of Ms. Ramirez was provided with an opportunity to privately view the video prior to its release to the public.” (See related article)

Then, in July, a Contra Costa Sheriff-Coroner’s inquest jury found her death to be an accident. “The inquest presented the facts of the incident, including witness testimony, medical information, and body-worn camera footage, to a jury tasked with determining the manner of death: natural causes, accident, at the hands of another, or suicide,” Asregadoo shared. (See related article)

Investigation Report & Timeline

The investigation report includes audio and video footage of both police body cam, dash cam and a home surveillance camera, interviews with the involved police officers, Bustos Ramirez’s family members and a Con Fire paramedic, as well as medical records, autopsy report and the results of the Sheriff-Coroner’s Inquest Jury findings.

Asregadoo’s press release provided the following additional details:

Brentwood Dispatch Receives a Call

On September 26, 2025, at 10:37 a.m., a family member called Brentwood police to report a disturbance involving Ramirez, who was outside a residence banging on the front door and had broken a coffee mug on the porch. The family member, who is Ramirez’s sister, told dispatch that Ramirez had been confrontational in the past and that she feared Ramirez would become combative again.

Officers Aaron Peachman and Danielle Tjhia arrived at approximately 10:49 a.m. and found Ramirez standing in the driveway. The family member told Officer Peachman that a dispute arose over who was responsible for driving their brother to a medical appointment. When the family member took their brother back inside, Ramirez banged on the door and broke a coffee mug on the porch. The family member told officers she wanted to press charges for property damage.

Ramirez’s Arrest

As Officer Peachman explained the process of a citizen’s arrest, Ramirez attempted to leave the scene. Despite repeated commands to sit down and statements that she was not free to leave, Ramirez refused the officer’s directives. When officers took hold of her wrists and attempted to guide her away from her car, she said “stop” and continued to resist. Officer Peachman advised her she was under arrest and ordered her to place her hands behind her back. When she refused, officers moved her hands behind her back, handcuffed her, and escorted her to the patrol vehicle.

At the patrol car, Ramirez pulled away as officers attempted to search her pockets and repeated instructions to enter the patrol vehicle. Officers Peachman and Tjhia held Ramirez by the upper arms and walked her toward the open rear door. Approximately two to three feet from the door,

Ramirez dropped to her knees and struck the left side of her face against the vehicle’s interior, crying out in pain. She appeared alert afterward, with no visible injury. When she did not respond to further requests to stand and enter the car, officers lifted her to her feet and placed her across the back seat. As Officer Peachman guided her feet inside and closed the door, Ramirez pushed her leg against it. When he closed it firmly, Ramirez’s body shifted forward and the top of her head struck the closed door on the opposite side of the vehicle. She did not react audibly, nor were there visible signs of being hurt.

Medical Distress in the Patrol Vehicle

At approximately 11:04 a.m., Ramirez shifted to an upright position in the back seat and appeared alert. She repeatedly asked to be uncuffed, given water, and allowed to call family. After Officer Peachman stepped away at 11:14 a.m., her condition declined. As captured on the interior video camera in the patrol vehicle, her breathing grew slower and shallower, and her speech became incomplete and incoherent. When Officer David Smith checked on her at 11:18 a.m., she had difficulty understanding his questions, though she was able to state her name. After several more minutes of attempted interaction, officers called for medical assistance at 11:21 a.m. While medical responders were en route, Ramirez vomited in the vehicle.

Transport to Hospital and Death Days Later

Paramedics arrived at 11:29 a.m. and transported Ramirez first to Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center and then to John Muir Health Walnut Creek Medical Center, where she was diagnosed with an intraparenchymal hemorrhage – which is bleeding in the right basal ganglia, deep inside the brain. She received medical treatment for several days before she died on October 3rd.

Autopsy Findings

On October 4th, 2025, Forensic Pathologist Dr. James Caruso conducted an autopsy of Ramirez and concluded that her death was caused by a cerebrovascular accident, or stroke, with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and obesity as other significant preexisting conditions.

On October 26th, 2025, a second forensic pathologist, Dr. Matthias Okoye, conducted a private autopsy of Ramirez and concluded that her death was due to “multiple blunt force trauma and asphyxiation with complications all due to, and as a consequence of, police restraint.”

Additional Witness Account

On February 2nd, 2026, a resident who lived near the scene of the incident provided a statement to a Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office inspector describing his observations of the arrest. The witness stated that he saw a male officer strike Ramirez three times in the back of the head with his elbow or forearm, driving her face into the closed rear passenger window as she stood next to the patrol vehicle. This account was incorporated into the investigation’s overall analysis, but a review of all witness statements and body-worn camera video capturing the entirety of the police contact with Ramirez found that the use of force described by the additional witness did not occur.

The officers “had the Legal Authority to detain/arrest Yolanda Ramirez” and “used objectively reasonable force” – Contra Costa DA Diana Becton

District Attorney’s Findings

The investigation report includes audio and video footage, interviews with the involved police officers, Bustos Ramirez’s family members and a Con Fire paramedic, as well as medical records, autopsy report and the results of the Sheriff-Coroner’s Inquest Jury findings.

DA Diana Becton’s Executive Summary provides more details about the results of the inquest jury writing, “The jury returned a split verdict on the case. Seven members of the jury determined that the cause of death was by ‘natural causes’, and eight members of the jury determined the cause of death was by ‘accident.’ None of the jurors concluded that the death was ‘at the hands of another’ or by ‘Suicide’.’”

Becton’s Executive Summary and Conclusion states, “In applying the law and the California District Attorney’s Uniform Crime Charging Standards to the present case, the CCCDAO finds the following:

  1. As a matter of law, Officers Peachman and Tjhia had the Legal Authority to detain/arrest Yolanda RAMIREZ.
  2. Officers Peachman and Tjhia used objectively reasonable force during the arrest of Yolanda RAMIREZ and there is no evidence that excess force was applied.
  3. While incredibly tragic, Yolanda RAMIREZ died from a stroke and other health related issues, as opposed to police use of force.

“Based on the aforementioned findings, no further action will be taken in this case.”

Read the complete findings here: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/92820/LEIFI-Final-Report-Yolanda-Bustos-Ramirez.

Antioch man charged with human, sex trafficking following years-long investigation

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DA Investigators searching for additional victims in multi-state case

Held on $600k bail, has history of arrests

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

Martinez, CA – Investigators with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office are asking the public for help identifying and contacting victims in a years-long human trafficking investigation.

Raymond Jamar Brooks, 32, of Antioch, (born 5/28/1994) is being held at the Martinez Detention Facility on $600,000 bail, facing multiple charges related to human trafficking. The investigation into Brooks’ alleged offenses found that he engaged in commercial sex acts with minors and adult woman through force, fraud, coercion and other means associated with sex trafficking.

The investigation has already identified several victims, whose accounts have uncovered evidence of trafficking activity spanning multiple states. To protect their privacy and safety, their identities are being withheld as the investigation continues.

Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Brooks, or who has additional information about his alleged involvement in sex trafficking in California or elsewhere, is urged to contact Senior Inspector Ann Shiraishi of the Contra Costa County Major Crimes Task Force at (925) 917-6857 or ann.shiraishi@contracostada.org.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Tip Line at *69 (925) 957-8658 to leave a tip for law enforcement. Confidential support and resources are also available through Community Violence Solutions at 1 (800) 670-7273.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall Brooks is non-Hispanic but also listed as Black, he was booked into custody on July 22, 2026, at 8:17 p.m.  and his next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. in Dep’t. 5 in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Brooks has a history of arrests dating back to 2017, including on April 7 this year by Antioch Police for disobeying a domestic relations court order. He was also arrested in 2020 by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, and by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for procuring another person for purpose of prostitution in 2019 and for pimping in 2017.

Asregadoo was asked where Brooks was arrested and by what agency. He responded, “Brooks was arrested in Antioch on April 9, 2026, by the Contra Costa County Probation Department for a probation violation. The Contra Costa DA’s Office leads the investigation in this case, since it runs the Human Trafficking Task Force in partnership with local police, the FBI, and community groups.

“Brooks’s next court date is 9/11/26 at 8:30 am in Department 29 (Judge Glenn Kim) at the A.F. Bray Courts Building in Martinez. This is a setting date, where the judge, prosecutor and defense attorney schedule future court dates. It’s typically a brief, administrative hearing.”

As co-chair of the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force, the District Attorney’s Office is committed to a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach in its work with survivors of human trafficking and all other victims of crime. Any victim who comes forward in response to this request will be offered supportive services and resources.

UPDATE 1: According to records of the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa, Brooks had an Arraignment on Complaint Hearing/ Minute Order on July 21st before Judge David E. Goldstein at which he was presented with the charges and pled not guilty to each of them.

001 PC266h(a)-F: PIMPING AND SOLICITING FOR PROSTITUTE 0002529265 Not Guilty
002 PC236.1(b)-F: HUMAN TRAFFICKING 0002532647 Not Guilty
003 PC266h(a)-F: PIMPING AND SOLICITING FOR PROSTITUTE 0002532648 Not Guilty
004 PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002532649 Not Guilty
005 PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002532650 Not Guilty
006 PC266h(a)-F: PIMPING AND SOLICITING FOR PROSTITUTE 0002532659 Not Guilty
007 PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002532651 Not Guilty
008 PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002532652 Not Guilty
009 PC236.1(b)-F: HUMAN TRAFFICKING 0002529266 Not Guilty
010 PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002529264 Not Guilty

His court hearing on Friday, Sept. 11th, before Judge H. Glenn Kim, was held “To Set Hearing/ Minute Order” and for a “Criminal Protective Order”. Brooks is represented by private Lead Attorney Vincent R. Maher and has also retained Sarah Shafer.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of Saturday, Sept. 12th, Brooks is now being held in the West County Detention Facility and his next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 12 at 8:30 a.m. in Martinez, Department 5.

Please check back later for any additional updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Multi-agency Internet Crimes Against Children operation ends with five men arrested

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A child predator was arrested using drone technology during a recent ICAC operation. Photo & video screenshot: Walnut Creek PD

They came to meet a child. They met Walnut Creek PD instead.

One each from Concord, Antioch, Walnut Creek, Marin County & visiting from Germany

By Walnut Creek Police Department

The Walnut Creek Police Department recently hosted a multi-agency operation with the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, targeting adults who used social media to target children for sexual exploitation. Five adults traveled to Walnut Creek believing they were meeting a child. All now face charges including attempted lewd acts with a minor (PC 664/288(a)), contacting a minor to commit a sex offense (PC 288.3(a)), and arranging to meet a minor for sex (PC 288.4(b)).

5 arrests:

  • Andrew Garcia, 32, Concord
  • Billie Ray Breland, 29, Antioch (born 02/12/1997)
  • Rudolf Naused Robl, 42, visiting from Germany (born 07/04/1984)
  • Jacek Markiewicz, 67, Walnut Creek, also charged with attempted kidnapping
  • Taesu Park, 36, Marin County

Photos: Walnut Creek PD

The ICAC Task Force exists to identify predators before a real child is harmed, combining investigations, training, and victim support across our region. Operations like this one are the result of that work.

Thank you to our partnering agencies for their work on this operation: Contra Costa County Sheriff, Contra Costa County District Attorney, FBI San Francisco, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, Contra Costa County Probation Department, Moraga, Brentwood, San Ramon, Concord, Hercules, Pleasant Hill, Oakley and Menlo Park Police Departments, Contra Costa County MCTF, San Francisco Sheriff’s Office and Marin County DA.

Child predators arrested in Walnut Creek with the help of Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies. Photos: Walnut Creek PD

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 237-pound Breland is Hispanic, was arrested on July 23rd and is being held in a Custody Alternative Facility on $50,000 bail. He’s also listed as White and as of Aug. 3, 2026, at 10:25 AM, he was released to Off Grounds Unsupervised Custody.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 200-pound Robl is Hispanic, but also listed as White, was arrested on July 26, is being held in the West Re-Entry Treatment and Housing facility on $475,000 bail. His next court date is scheduled for Aug. 28 at 8:30 AM in Martinez Superior Court Department 5.

According to localcrimenews.com, Park is a resident of Richmond and was charged with attempted kidnapping, attempted lewd acts with a child, attempting to contact a minor with intent to commit an offense, distributing or sending harmful matter to a minor by any means, and 288.4(A)(2) – Prior Conviction Enhancement. Every person who violates this subdivision after a prior conviction for an offense listed in subdivision (c) of Section 290, he Sex Offender Registration Act, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Richmond fire suspect charged with four counts of murder as second child, second adult die

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Suspect Sergio Rivera-Vega was charged with three murders of his relatives. Photo: Richmond PD

8/24/26 UPDATE: Now charged with 4 counts of murder

32-year-old is related to the victims

Only survivor, mother of the two children, remains in the hospital with serious injuries

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

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has filed murder charges against a Richmond man accused of setting a house fire that killed three family members and critically injured a fourth.

Sergio Ivan Rivera-Vega, 32, faces three counts of murder, with special enhancements tied to the deaths of an adult victim and two minor victims. A fourth victim, an adult woman, remains hospitalized with serious injuries; Rivera-Vega is charged separately with arson causing great bodily injury in connection with her injuries. All four victims are related to the suspect.

As previously reported, Richmond police and firefighters responded to a house fire in the 200 block of 15th Street on the evening of August 18th, at approximately 8:58 p.m. Detectives investigating the blaze identified Rivera-Vega as the person who intentionally set the fire. He was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on August 19th, and the investigation continued in the days that followed.

The case was submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review today, Friday, August 21st, and charges were filed with Contra Costa Superior Court that same day. If convicted, the enhancements attached to the murder charges would carry a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

“This fire is devastating for the entire family,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “Knowing the suspect is related to the victims — including two children — makes this loss even harder to comprehend this senseless act. Our thoughts are with the family and the community affected by this tragedy. Just know that my office is committed to following the law and holding the suspect fully accountable.”

Rivera-Vega is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges on August 24th at 1:30 p.m. at the A.F. Bray Courts Building Annex in Martinez. He remains in custody in lieu of $2,500,000 bail.

8/24/26 UPDATE: The Contra Costa DA’s Office has filed an amended complaint charging Richmond resident Sergio Ivan Rivera-Vega, 32, with four counts of murder after a house fire on the 200 block of 15th Street killed three family members, including two children, and left a fourth relative hospitalized. The fourth victim died on Saturday. Rivera-Vega faces enhancements that could mean life without parole if convicted and is due in court in Martinez on August 24th to be arraigned.

Case No. 02-26-01475 | The People of the State of California v. Sergio Ivan Rivera-Vega

See 02-26-01475 – Charging Document

Former Pleasant Hill Tourism district V.P. faces felony grand theft embezzlement, bribery charges

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Viola Ncube. Source: LinkedIn

Following $55,000 loss, year-long investigation; worked remotely

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

After a year-long criminal investigation, felony charges have been filed against a former employee for the Pleasant Hill Tourism Improvement District, known as Visit Pleasant Hill, in connection with an embezzlement and bribery scheme.

In July 2025, the City of Pleasant Hill received a report from a contracted company regarding possible fraud involving former Tourism Improvement District Vice President of Sales and Marketing Sibongile Viola Ncube. The Pleasant Hill Police Department subsequently began an investigation.

The Pleasant Hill Police Department determined that Ncube overcharged invoices and bills paid by the Tourism Improvement District (PHTID) and received unauthorized monetary kickbacks. The fraudulent activity occurred between September 2022 and July 2025 and resulted in an estimated loss of approximately $55,000.

The Pleasant Hill Police Department requested assistance from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, including a forensic review of bank statements and related financial records. Following its review, on July 24, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed two felony charges against Ncube, 641.3(a) PC – Commercial Bribery and 508 PC – Grand Theft Embezzlement.

Ncube is scheduled to be arraigned in court later this month.

The PHTID was formed by the City Council in January 2017. According to the Visit Pleasant Hill 2024-25 Annual Report the District assesses all lodging businesses available for public occupancy located within the boundaries of the City of Pleasant Hill. According to the organization’s LinkedIn profile, it is the “Destination marketing organization advancing Pleasant Hill’s visitor economy,” which, according to their Facebook page, “provides official visitor information and promotes local businesses, experiences, and events in Pleasant Hill, CA.”

According to her LinkedIn profile, Ncube worked in the position with Visit Pleasant Hill remotely from May 2023 to August 2025, after starting as Director of Sales & Marketing from April 2020 to April 2023. She has since worked remotely on a contract as Director – AI, Sales & Marketing for Aspire Hospitality from Aug. to Oct. 2025 and now works as Director of Sales & Marketing Omni Hotels & Resorts, full-time since Oct. 2025.

She earned a MBA in Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management from Oxford Brookes University in 2003 and an Associate’s degree in Hospitality, Restaurant & Tourism Management from City St George’s, University of London in 2000. Ncube also earned a credential in Advanced AI in Marketing from the Digital Marketing Institute in 2025 and a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Certified Professional from Destinations International Issued in 2022.

Her Facebook page shows Ncube’s last post was in June 2025. It also shows she lives in Los Angeles, is the Founder and CEO of My Black Beauty Box and The Black Book Consultant, still works for Visit Pleasant Hill, and references the Bible verse Isaiah 55:5.

According to an undated report by Black Meetings & Tourism, “Viola has held VP and Director roles specializing in the luxury hotel brands, holding key positions such as Regional Sales Manager with Accor Hotels (3200 hotels), then moving to Director of Sales with the prestigious hotel group Red Carnations (16 global hotels) before joining US based L.E. Hotels (400+hotels) as Director of Business Development – EMEA. Viola then joined the luxury Pineapple Hotels firm as Director of Corporate Sales before being head-hunted in 2011 to set-up Global Hospitality Services for a private investor, a hotel sales & marketing representation company, where she held the position of Vice President.

“Viola Ncube founded The Black Book Consultant in 2017, a boutique full-service management, sales & marketing consulting agency specializing in a curated selection of luxury hotels and DMO’s worldwide. The Black Book Consultant has since acquired several contracts within its first few years of operation, including managing the $300 million dollar opening of Svart.no and Melody Maker Cancun. Viola is currently contracted as VP of Sales & Marketing with Stay Pleasant Hill, the tourism district for the city of Pleasant Hill, CA.

“In 2012, Viola founded iROCK! UK, a social enterprise, an empowerment program, mentoring women into employment & business enterprise.”

The Pleasant Hill Police Department extends its appreciation to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for its thorough forensic review and assistance throughout the investigation.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Martinez man charged with murder in stabbing death, faces special circumstance allegation

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Suspect Marcos Eduardo Iriarte-Valdez and victim Todd Stewart. Photo sources: (left) Martinez Police, (right) Blue Lives Matter.

Committed during burglary while out on conditional release; pleads not guilty

Faces life without parole

Now, labeled by Homeland Security as “criminal illegal alien”

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

Martinez, California – On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed a felony complaint charging 36-year-old Marcos Eduardo Iriarte-Valdez of Martinez with the murder of Todd Stewart of Martinez, who was 68 years old at the time of his death.

On August 6, 2026, at approximately 5:10 pm, Iriarte-Valdez stabbed Todd Stewart to death with a knife while committing a residential burglary. The Martinez Police Department quickly identified and located Iriarte-Valdez with assistance from the public and through multiple investigative sources. This included video surveillance capturing events related to the crime, as well as physical evidence processed by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab. (See related article)

On August 11, 2026, the Martinez Police Department presented the case to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for review. That same day, the District Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint charging Iriarte-Valdez with one count of murder for the unlawful killing of Todd Stewart.

The complaint also includes three additional enhancements to the murder charge:

  • Killing during a burglary: The District Attorney’s Office alleges the murder took place while the defendant was committing, attempting, or fleeing a burglary. This special allegation, if found true by a jury, means the defendant could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
  • Use of a knife: The complaint alleges that Iriarte-Valdez personally used a knife during the commission of the crime, which qualifies as a serious felony enhancement under state law.
  • Committed while out on conditional release: At the time of the killing, Iriarte-Valdez was out of custody on electronic monitoring, as ordered by the court, in a separate, unrelated burglary case.

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Our office will pursue this case with diligence and integrity to hold Iriarte-Valdez fully accountable under the law for this devastating act of violence. Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones and the larger community as they navigate this unimaginable loss. Our Victim-Witness Assistance Program is available to guide the family members through the criminal justice process and connect them with the services and support they may need.”

Iriarte-Valdez was arraigned Thursday in Contra Costa Superior Court, pleading not guilty to the murder charge and denying all enhancements. Judge David Goldstein, who presided over the arraignment, called the defendant “a risk to public safety” and ordered him held without bail. The case returns to court September 9th at 8:30 am before Judge Michael Nieto in Richmond to set a preliminary hearing date.

According to charging documents, the suspect faces life without parole for the murder charge. 01-26-04140 – Charging Document

As previously reported by FOX News and ABC7 Eyewitness News, the Department of Homeland Security has labeled Iriarte-Valdez a “criminal illegal alien” as the agency had placed an immigration detainer on him on Sept. 23, 2025.

In addition, according to the California Globe, “On August 8, 2026, ICE placed a detainer on him with the Contra Costa County Jail.”

Case No. 01-26-04140 | The People of the State of California v. Marcos Eduardo Iriarte-Valdez

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Oakland man charged in Concord burglaries, theft ring

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The Contra Costa DA charged Wuillian Heriberto Cordova-Cubias with five felonies following his arrest in Oakland by Concord Police on Aug. 5, 2026. Video screenshots source: Concord PD

Has history of arrests; released from custody Thursday back in custody Friday

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

Martinez, California – An Oakland resident faces five felony charges for his role in an organized theft ring connected to a series of burglaries in Concord.

The charges stem from a series of burglaries that occurred in Concord between April and July 2026 located in the Ygnacio and Clayton Valley region. Concord Police found that an organized group of juveniles carried out around 37 burglaries in that area. Richmond Police arrested the juvenile suspects for vehicle theft in May, and a subsequent investigation revealed they were part of a fencing operation led by 37-year-old Wuillian Heriberto Cordova-Cubias. Fencing operations are a hallmark of organized theft rings, which buy stolen goods from thieves and resell them to the public.

On August 5th law enforcement officers from the Concord Police Department, Oakland Police Department, and U.S. Marshals Service executed a search warrant at Cordova-Cubias’s Oakland residence. When officers entered the home, they located numerous items of suspected stolen property, including at least 500 power tools.  (See related article)

After law enforcement referred the case for review, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office today filed a complaint in Superior Court against Cordova-Cubias. He faces the following charges:

  • Receiving stolen property, including power tools, survey equipment, motor vehicles, and pipe inspection equipment
  • Two counts of receiving stolen motor vehicles (a utility ATV and a forklift)
  • Unlawful firearm activity
  • Conspiracy to commit a crime with juvenile conspirators

All charges include enhancements that increase the potential penalties.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “As organized theft offenses have increased, my office has responded by building an effective Organized Theft Unit that works closely with law enforcement to file strong cases we believe we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt in court. Concord Police Department’s thorough investigation into these burglaries and the fencing operation reflects the kind of collaboration that holds individuals accountable.”

Cordova-Cubias was in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility and will appear for arraignment in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez on August 10th at 1:30 pm. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, as of Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at 09:28 AM he had bonded out of custody. UPDATE: However, according to Asregadoo, he’s “not out of custody anymore. He was brought back in earlier today.”

According to localcrimenews.com, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 240-pound Cordova-Cubias is Hispanic and has been arrested at least five other times for guns, drugs and violent crimes including battery and threats of violence, and receiving or concealing stolen property.

According to the Oakland Police, he was arrested in February 2020 “after a month-long investigation…charged…with possession of a firearm, possession of controlled substance, and possession of roughly 250 stolen power tools, worth an estimated $300,000. The suspect sold some of the items at flea markets in Oakland and San Jose.” (See video)

Case No. 01-26-04086 | The People of the State of California v. Wuillian Cordova-Cubias

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pinole man sentenced to 50 years to life for 2024 murder of ex-girlfriend, mother of their son

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Brittany Elizabeth Ligdis in a photo posted on her Facebook page May 23, 2023, and Jeffrey Kendall’s arrest photo in 2024. Source: Pinole PD

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

Martinez, California — Today, a Contra Costa Superior Court judge sentenced a Pinole man to 50 years to life in prison for murdering a woman just 10 days after she ended their relationship.

On May 7, 2026, a jury found 39-year-old Jeffery Kendall guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of 30-year-old Brittany Elizabeth Ligdis on February 16, 2024. Jurors also convicted him of child endangerment for placing the couple’s young son in a situation that threatened his safety. Before trial, the defense successfully petitioned the court to try a separate charge — possession of an assault weapon — before a judge rather than a jury.

The homicide

A 911 call captured the murder as it unfolded on the morning of February 16th. The victim, Brittany Ligdis, told dispatchers that Jeffery Kendall had broken into her home and that she was hiding in the laundry room with her son. About 90 seconds into the call, Kendall entered the room. Brittany pleaded, “Let go of me” and “You’re scaring him,” before screaming, “Stop it.” Kendall then shot Brittany in the head. The couple’s four-year-old son cried “Momma” and fled the room; Kendall fled the scene shortly after. Responding officers found the victim dead of a gunshot wound to the head.

The case for a harsher sentence

Deputy District Attorney Tylyn Wells described the killing as “an execution in front of a 4-year-old child,” arguing it was not the product of “a mental break” but a familiar pattern in domestic violence cases: a threat that escalates once a victim decides to leave. Citing these factors, Wells asked the court to impose a sentencing enhancement, raising Kendall’s exposure to 50 years to life.

During the bench trial on the weapons charge, Judge Glenn Kim found Kendall guilty of possessing an assault weapon — a 3D-printed pistol capable of semi-automatic fire — and ruled that six aggravating sentencing factors tied to that charge were true.

The sentence

At today’s sentencing hearing, Judge Kim called the case “one of the most difficult” he has experienced. He imposed two consecutive terms of 25 years to life, totaling 50 years to life, and barred Kendall from contacting his son, with limited exceptions subject to court approval, until November 2035, when the boy turns 16.

Kendall remains in county jail awaiting transfer to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to begin serving his sentence.

Case No. 02-24-00229 | The People of the State of California v. Jeffrey Kendall