Contra Costa Herald

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

Clayton man pleads guilty to communicating with minor for sex

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Daniel Steven Paul (in blue shirt) arrested at Martinez park. Drone video screenshot.

Subject of investigation in foreign country; gets 120 days in jail, will have to register as a sex offender

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

Suspect Daniel Steven Paul arrest photo. Courtesy of CCDA.

On Thursday, April 15, 2021, 41-year-old Clayton resident Daniel Paul pleaded guilty to unlawfully communicating with a minor for the purposes of engaging in sex, in violation of California Penal Code section 288.3(a). Pursuant to the plea agreement before the Honorable John Cope, Paul was sentenced to 120 days in county jail, probation and will be required to register as a sex offender. (See related article)

In early May 2020, investigators from the County’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force learned Paul had been the subject of an investigation in a foreign country, in which Paul distributed harmful material to a person he believed to be a minor. The investigation led agents to begin talking with Paul via text message and soon after contacting him, Paul began to attempt to entice what he believed to be a 14-year-old girl into meeting with him for sex.

On May 20, 2020, Paul went to Hidden Lakes Park in Martinez with the intention of engaging in sex acts with a minor. He was taken into custody and booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.  A search of his vehicle revealed he brought condoms and alcohol to the meeting. A video of the arrest is available here.

The case was prosecuted by deputy district attorneys Adam Wilks and Chris Sansoe. The investigation was conducted by the multi-agency Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which is managed by the San Jose Police Department. In Contra Costa County, detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Martinez, San Ramon, Danville, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Brentwood, San Pablo and Moraga Police Departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, United States Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Contra Costa County Probation Department, and senior inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate in the task force.

Bag of condoms and alcohol Paul had with him when arrested. Photo: CCDA

The Silicon Valley ICAC task force would like to thank the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Homeland Security Investigations Office in Ottawa, Canada for their assistance with this investigation.

Since the COVID-19 Shelter in Place order went into effect, law enforcement from around the United States has noted a significant increase in the number of online child exploitation reports. Many of these cases involve adult suspects grooming minors into taking explicit images of themselves. Parents are encouraged to be on heightened alert for this behavior and to both monitor their child’s online activity and to have candid conversations with their children about the dangers of smartphone use.

Parents seeking additional resources can visit www.kidsmartz.org or the website for the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at www.svicac.org. Reports of illegal activity involving minor victims on the internet should be reported at once to your local police department.

Case information: People v. Daniel Stevens Paul, Docket 01-193687-1

 

 

Private security guards in Walnut Creek charged with battery, illegal possession of tear gas

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

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed misdemeanors against two private security guards for the alleged altercation outside the Walnut Creek Planned Parenthood clinic. Specifically, defendants Ishatpal Momi (27-year-old resident of Elk Grove) and Peter Reeves (45-year-old resident of Sacramento) are each charged with battery and illegal possession of tear gas. Both defendants were armed with their respective firearms and carrying large canisters of pepper spray.

On October 13, 2020, members of the group 40 Days for Life were protesting outside the Planned Parenthood clinic on Oakland Blvd. Individuals were also gathered outside to support Planned Parenthood. Momi and Reeves were hired to provide security on behalf of 40 Days for Life.

During the late morning of October 13, an altercation ensued outside the clinic and as a result Momi and Reeves deployed their pepper spray canister against members of the opposing group. Hours later that same day, additional individuals arrived on scene and the security guards deployed their pepper spray again against the other victims. In total, four individuals were impacted by the pepper spray during October 13.

The canisters of pepper spray used by the private security guards were too large and against state law. State law only allows canisters of 2.5 ounces or smaller to be carried or used legally.

The case was reviewed and filed by Senior Deputy District Attorney Simon O’Connell. The defendants will be sent a notice to appear for their arraignment.

Concord man convicted for 2016 first-degree murder of his pregnant girlfriend

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Faces 25 and up to 75 years to life in state prison

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

Erick Lamar Nelson. Photo: Concord PD

Yesterday, Monday, April 4, 2021, a Contra Costa County jury found defendant Erick Lamar Nelson (31-year-old resident of Concord) guilty of first-degree murder for the 2016 slaying of his partner 25-year-old Poinsettia Gant-Parks. The victim reported to friends and family members concerns about Nelson and his prior violent actions against her. When the victim was murdered, she was six weeks pregnant.

Nelson will be sentenced on May 7, 2021 before Judge John Cope. Nelson faces 25 years to life for the murder conviction. Due to Nelson’s two prior strikes, which the court found him guilty of yesterday, he could face a total of 75 years to life in state prison.

In May 2016, Nelson used a rock to kill the victim and he stuffed her left hand down her throat. The victim was found in the duck pond at Newhall Park in Concord. Nelson, who was described as 6’1″ and 185 lbs., fled the state and was eventually arrested in Reno, Nevada. (See related article)

Deputy District Attorney Mary Blumberg prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. DDA Blumberg is assigned to our Office’s Homicide Unit. The case was investigated by the Concord Police Department.

“Poinsettia Gant-Parks will forever be remembered for her sincere kindness to everyone she met and her smile that reached from ear to ear and touched so many hearts. This verdict finally brings justice to her family. Erick Nelson brutally took her life; she was merely 25 years old and pregnant at the time that he murdered her. Sadly, this terrible crime and the physical and mental abuse that proceeded it are not limited to Poinsettia Gant-Parks. All too often, women and men are victims of domestic violence. I hope that this verdict will encourage other victims of domestic violence to speak out and seek help. If you or someone you know suffers from domestic partner violence there are many groups in our community that can help you, including, the Family Justice Centers in Antioch, Richmond and Concord,” said DDA Blumberg.

The jury trial began on March 1, 2021 and ended last Friday. The jury began their deliberation on April 2 and concluded today with their verdict. In 2016, our Office filed a criminal complaint against Nelson. In 2017, he had a preliminary hearing, and he was held to answer.

UPDATE: The prior crimes include a felony violation for driving or taking a vehicle without consent. On or about May 23, 2016, in Contra Costa County, Nelson stole a Ford F-250 pickup owned by Joseph Silva. He was also convicted for serious and/or violent felonies of second-degree robbery committed on Sept. 28, 2010 and on Sept. 18, 2007. Filed Information Nelson April 2017

Case information: People v. Erick Lamar Nelson, Docket Number 05-170547-4

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

 

Richmond man sentenced to 36 years in state prison for 2019 rape

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

Delon Baptiste Ward. Photo: RPD

Last Friday, defendant Delon Baptiste Ward of Richmond was sentenced by Judge Leslie G. Landau to 36 years in state prison for the July 2019 rape of Jane Doe. Earlier, Ward pleaded guilty to kidnapping and forcible rape and he admitted to two enhancements since he used a gun during the attack. Ward is required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life as a result of his guilty plea.

Jane Doe did not know the defendant. While she was on her walk during the early morning of July 19, Ward followed her and waited until she was alone to confront her with a gun. He forcibly moved Jane Doe off the public sidewalk and proceeded to sexually assault her.

The defendant fled the scene after the sexual assault. Fortunately, the Richmond Police Department conducted an intensive investigation to secure evidence and surveillance video to tie the defendant to the crime.

Deputy District Attorney Scott Prosser prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. DDA Prosser is assigned to our office’s Sexual Assault Unit.

“In this case, the Richmond Police Department immediately conducted a large-scale investigation using officers and investigators who left no stone unturned. In particular, Officer Orlando Guzman, Detective Andrew Barbara, and Detective AJ Fonseca went over and above to ensure that we brought a strong case to court,” stated DDA Prosser. “Jane Doe bravely came forward to report the crime, and through the efforts of the Richmond Police Department, the defendant was identified and taken into custody quickly.”

Case information: People v. Delon Baptiste Ward, Docket Number 05-201379-5

Previously, according to localcrimenews.com, Ward was arrested in January 2018 by San Pablo Police for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle and vehicle theft.

 

Tulare couple sentenced for 2019 road rage murder of Oakland man in Antioch

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Defendants Tearri Richard and Lakia Poles. Photos by Antioch PD

Life in prison for him, 25 years to life in prison for her

Antioch Police forensic artist’s sketch helped lead to their arrest

By Allen Payton

Homicide Case Update: Defendants Tearri Richard and Lakia Poles were sentenced on Friday, March 26, 2021 in Contra Costa County Superior Court for the road rage murder of 57-year-old Oakland resident Raul Garcia in Antioch on Sept. 1, 2019.  (See related articles here, here, here and here)

Defendant Richard was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole and defendant Poles was sentenced to 25 years to life. Both defendants were age 26 at the time of the murder and will serve their time in state prison. DDA Aron DeFerrari prosecuted the case on behalf of the People.

“Raul Garcia, the man Tearri Richard and Lakia Poles viciously murdered over a traffic dispute, received justice today,” said DDA DeFerrari. “It is unfathomable that a man’s life could be taken over disagreement about a lane merger that didn’t even result in a collision, yet defendants Richard and Poles hunted Raul Garcia down in the street and killed him for something that trivial; they both deserve the life sentences they were given.”

“The justice achieved today was only possible due to the outstanding investigation by the Antioch Police Department and their top-notch Detective Division,” he added.

Antioch Police forensic artist, Detective Joeng and sketch of Tearri Richard. Source: APD

On their Facebook page on Sunday, March 21 the Antioch Police Department posted praise for their sketch artist that helped lead to the couple’s arrest:

“On September 1, 2019, Raul Garcia was murdered after a road rage incident in Antioch. Members of the APD Investigations Bureau began investigating the case and learned of a witness to the incident. Detective Jeong (who is a forensic sketch artist) met with the witness and developed a sketch of the suspect. In the following weeks, detectives obtained additional evidence which led to the arrest of Tearri Richard and Lakia Poles. On November 24, 2020, a jury found both Richard and Poles guilty of murder. Last week, Richard was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, and Poles was sentenced to 25-years-to-life. As you can see, Detective Jeong has a special talent in the field of forensic sketches, and we are very lucky he is a member of our team.

The Antioch Police Department will not tolerate violent crime in our city and works hard to achieve justice. We do this not just for our community, but also in memory of those who are lost to senseless violence. We are grateful to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, especially Deputy District Attorney Aron DeFerrari, for his tireless prosecution of this case.

On behalf of the men and women of APD, we express our condolences to the Garcia family.”

 

 

Pittsburg man sentenced to 19 years to life for 2017 murder of man he knew

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Had past confrontations with victim

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

Juan Muñoz in 2017. Photo: Pittsburg PD.

On Tuesday, March 16, 2021 defendant Juan Muñoz was sentenced to 19 years to life after he pleaded guilty to murder and admitting to the use of a firearm. The victim’s family was present during the sentencing of Muñoz. Earlier this month, Muñoz formally entered his guilty plea before his trial was to start.

On September 24, 2017, the defendant tracked down and shot the victim, 20-year-old Pittsburg resident Jose Escobedo-Ortega, in City Park in Pittsburg. The victim was hanging out and listening to music when the defendant murdered him.

Pittsburg Police conducted an exhaustive investigation and soon identified the defendant as the shooter. Officers arrived on scene within 90 seconds of receiving the call and located a 20-year-old male suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began performing lifesaving efforts on the victim.  The victim later succumbed to his injuries on scene. Pittsburg Police Detectives took over the investigation and began following up on leads.  During the investigation Detectives were able to determine Escobedo-Ortega and Muñoz knew each other and had confrontations in the past. Detectives were able to locate witnesses and review city video surveillance to aid their investigation.

The Pittsburg Police SWAT team served search warrants at residences in the 100 block of Jimno Avenue and the 100 block of Davi Avenue.   During the service of these warrants, Detectives located and arrested the 19-year-old Muñoz and an unnamed juvenile suspect for the shooting death of Escobedo-Ortega. In addition, Detectives located a firearm they believe was the weapon used against Escobedo-Ortega. Muñoz was arrested within about three days of his crime.

The District Attorney’s Office initially filed the murder charge against Muñoz in October 2017.

“While no amount of time will ever bring Jose Escobedo-Ortega back, we hope that this resolution will give his family some closure,” said Deputy District Attorney Satish Jallepalli.

Case information: People v. Juan Munoz, Docket Number 05-182274-1

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg man charged with 5 counts, including attempted kidnap of potential BART patron

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Source: CCCSheriff.

Has history of arrests dating back to 2014

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

Yesterday, Wednesday, March 10, 2021, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed five counts against Rashad Chavez Yarbrough (30-year-old Pittsburg resident), including a felony count for the attempted kidnapping on March 6 of a female. The case was investigated by the BART Police Department and presented to our office for a filing decision on March 10.

On March 6, the victim called for an Uber ride to go to the Pittsburg Bay Point BART station. When she left her residence, she spoke with the defendant who offered her a ride to the station. She declined the offer, yet the defendant followed her Uber ride to the station. The victim did not know the defendant, nor had she seen him before.

Once the victim’s Uber ride dropped her off at the BART station, the defendant followed her down an access road. The defendant tried to entice the victim to enter his car, but she refused. Yarbrough eventually got out of his car and approached the victim. He grabbed at her arm and tried to get her into his vehicle. In doing so, her wallet fell out of her purse and he picked up her wallet.

The victim ended up fleeing the area to a nearby shopping center. After the police were called to the scene, the defendant fled the area in his vehicle. The following day, when police went to check in on the victim, the defendant arrived at her residence and he was arrested. A search of his vehicle revealed a firearm and methamphetamine.

The complete counts filed against Yarbrough are as follows:

  • Attempted Kidnapping, Felony
  • Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Felony
  • Petty Theft, Misdemeanor
  • Possession of Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine, Misdemeanor
  • Possession of a Smoking Device, Misdemeanor

Case information: People v. Rashad Chavez Yarbrough, Docket Number 04-201433-0

According to localcrimenews.com Yarbrough has a history of arrests dating back to 2014, by various agencies including Pittsburg PD, Antioch PD, Concord PD, Fremont PD and Oakland PD, for burglary, resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia and grand theft.

 

 

Owner of Concord landscaping company charged with two felonies for 2018 death of employee

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Had suspended contractor’s license at the time; death of Antioch man occurred in San Ramon

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

Segundo Collazos. From
his Facebook page posted on April 26, 2019.

On Monday, March 1, 2021, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed a felony complaint against Segundo Collazos, the owner of Amazon’s Landscaping Company based out of Concord. (See Complaint Collazos February 2021)

The charges relate to the 2018 death of Manuel Peralta, then 68, of Antioch, California, who died while operating a rented tree stump grinder in San Ramon. At the time of the incident, defendant Segundo Collazos had a suspended license with the Contractors State License Board. The investigation began from the California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety & Health Bureau of Investigations.

The first felony alleges that defendant Collazos permitted the victim Manuel Peralta to use a stump grinder in a manner contrary to manufacturer recommendations and to work in the danger zone of the cutting wheel, resulting in his death. The second felony alleges that Collazos failed to properly train Peralta on the proper and safe use of the stump grinder, also resulting in his death.

The District Attorney’s Office reminds homeowners to check that a contractor is currently licensed and insured before hiring them for residential construction work. Homeowners can check the validity of a license number on the Contractors’ State Licensing Board website or call (800) 321-CSLB (2752).

“When a Cal/OSHA investigation reveals evidence a worker’s serious injury or death involves criminal misconduct, our Bureau of Investigations Unit refers those cases to the local District Attorney’s Office for prosecution,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Doug Parker. “We thank the Contra Costa County District Attorney for their work on this case. Employers must be made aware that disregarding the requirement to train and supervise workers using dangerous equipment can lead to tragedy and possible jail time.”

Deputy District Attorney Ryan Morris is prosecuting the case on behalf of the People. DDA Morris is assigned to our Office’s Special Operations Division.

Case information: People v. Segundo Collazos, Docket Number 01-195521-0.

Contra Costa DA Becton supports California Supreme Court decision to prevent minors from being tried as adults

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By Allen Payton

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton issued a statement regarding Thursday’s California Supreme Court decision to uphold the constitutionality of Senate Bill 1391 (Lara).

Proposition 57, passed in the November 2016 general election, requires prosecutors to commence all cases involving a minor in juvenile court. Senate Bill No. 1391 enacted in 2018, amended Proposition 57 to prohibit minors under the age of 16 from being transferred to adult criminal court.

In the case of O.G. v. The Superior Court of Ventura County, the Court of Appeal held that Senate Bill 1391 is inconsistent with Proposition 57 and thus invalid. The state Supreme Court overruled the lower court’s decision.

“We agree with the majority view that Senate Bill 1391 was a permissible amendment to Proposition 57 and we reverse the judgment in this case,” the decision reads.

“Today’s unanimous decision by the Supreme Court is an important moment for the criminal justice system to give children a chance at rehabilitation for crimes they committed during their youth,” said Becton. “I have always believed this law was constitutional and should be followed. Our local judges in Contra Costa County have also agreed with me.”

“The juvenile justice system currently is not working,” she continued. “I established a task force to examine how to reform our juvenile justice system. We must think differently on how we treat children and ensure we strategically allocate resources to focus on prevention and rehabilitation efforts.”

The full Supreme Court decision is available here.

Scott Alonso, PIO, CCCDA contributed to this report.

Formal charges of murder, other crimes filed against suspect in Discovery Bay homicide and Antioch drive-by shooting

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Also tied to Brentwood store robbery; bail lowered from $11 million to $9.8 million

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

This morning detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, Antioch Police

Department and Brentwood Police Department jointly filed their cases against 26-year-old Darryon Williams of Stockton. He is the suspect in Saturday’s multiple shooting of first responders in Antioch, a murder in Discovery Bay and robbery in Brentwood. The Contra Costa D.A.’s Office has filed the following charges against Williams: Complaint filed vs. Williams February 24 2021

  • Murder
  • Second degree robbery
  • Shooting from a vehicle
  • Assault on peace officer/firefighter with semiautomatic firearm (6 counts)
  • Assault with a semiautomatic firearm (3 counts)
  • Fleeing a pursuing peace officer’s motor vehicle while driving recklessly

Williams remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility. He is being held in lieu of $9,790,270 bail. According to Scott Alonso, PIO for the Contra Costa DA’s Office, Williams’ arraignment will be held Thursday, Feb. 25 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 1 of the Contra Costa County Superior Court building in Martinez.

The Office of the Sheriff would like to thank the Antioch and Brentwood Police Departments for their assistance during our homicide investigation. The three agencies worked together closely and collaboratively. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information on the Discovery Bay homicide is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441 or at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

The Antioch Police Department can be reached at (925) 778-2441. Anonymous text tips can be sent to 274637 with the keyword ANTIOCH. The Brentwood Police Department can be reached at (925) 809-7911.