Contra Costa Herald

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

Operation Broken Heart results in child exploitation arrests in county

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

Investigators with the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force recently participated in Operation Broken Heart, a nationwide effort to investigate technology facilitated crimes against children, including those who receive and distribute child pornography. Throughout April and May, the team conducted investigations of subjects who distributed child pornography over the internet and focused on individuals traveling to Contra Costa County to meet minors to engage in sexual activity.

In addition to the proactive investigations the ICAC team participated in, a significant school outreach program was also undertaken to teach parents and student about the risks associated with smartphones and social media. During the last year, investigators and prosecutors delivered presentations at multiple schools and community organizations, reaching thousands of parents, students and educators.

Some notable arrests and investigations conducted during Operation Broken Heart include:

-On April 11, 2019, Investigators arrested Gerald Jue of Danville, California. During the investigation, investigators learned Jue was accessing the internet and searching for child pornography. Jue is a third and fourth grade teacher in the Fremont School District. When a search warrant was served at Jue’s residence, a computer was seized that contained evidence of Jue’s internet searches as well as web pages containing child pornography. Jue was indicted by a federal Grand Jury in Oakland, Ca on June 6, 2019 and arrested on June 7, 2019. He was subsequently released on bond and is awaiting trial. This case was investigated by the ICAC Task Force and the United States Secret Service.

-On May 2, 2019, investigators arrested Sonny Mitchell, a registered sex offender from Antioch, California. During the course of the two-month investigation, it was discovered that Mitchell was distributing child pornography via the Facebook Messenger platform. When a search warrant was executed at Mitchell’s residence, investigators seized a device that contained additional images of child pornography. Mitchell was indicted by a federal Grand Jury in Oakland, California on May 9, 2019 and remains in custody. This case was investigated by the ICAC Task Force and the United States Secret Service.

-On May 3, 2019, investigators arrested William Cashell of Walnut Creek, California. In April 2019, Yahoo sent tips to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children when child pornography was found in Cashell’s e-mail account. During a warrant at Cashell’s apartment, investigators located an iPhone which was later determined to contain images of child pornography. Cashell’s is charged with one count of possession of child pornography by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. This case was investigated by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the ICAC Task Force.

-On May 16, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant in the 2400 block of L Street in Antioch related to a child pornography possession investigation. ICAC Investigators found evidence the suspect, Henry Cordon, a 34-year-old resident of Antioch, California and formally of Orange Park, Florida, kept images of child pornography stored in his various e-mail accounts. Additionally, during the search warrant Cordon confessed to sexually assaulting a child under the age of ten in 2009 while living in Orange Park, Florida. Cordon produced at least one image of the sexual assault of that child. Cordon was indicted by a federal Grand Jury in Oakland, California on May 30, 2019 for Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography. Cordon remains in custody and is currently under investigation in both California and Florida for other offenses related to crimes against children. This case was investigated by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the ICAC Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.

The Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is managed by the San Jose Police Department. In Contra Costa County, detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Concord and Moraga Police Departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Contra Costa County Probation Department and Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate in the task force along with Special Agents from the United States Department of Homeland Security and the United States Secret Service.

Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety with their children and can visit the website www.kidsmartz.org for further information. If you believe your school or community organization would benefit from a smartphone and social media awareness presentation, please contact Senior Inspector Darryl Holcombe at dholcombe@contracostada.org.

 

Modesto gang member sentenced to over 16 years in prison for human trafficking in Contra Costa, other locations

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

On June 20, 2019, Timothy Townsel of Modesto, California was sentenced to 16 years 8 months in state prison for two felonies related to human trafficking of an adult and minor while a gang member. He was sentenced today by the Honorable Judge David Goldstein in Department 6. Townsel is a member of a gang based in Modesto – Family Over Everything (F.O.E.). Townsel will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his adult life.

The case was investigated by the Concord Police Department with major participation from the Modesto Police Department, the Alameda Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. During the investigation at least four victims were identified as being exploited for sex trafficking by the defendant. One of the Jane Doe victims was under the age of 16.

“This case highlights the multi-agency anti-human trafficking initiative that our justice partners are employing to fight these heinous crimes in our County. Detective Gilfry’s tenacity in investigating what would have once been viewed as a routine prostitution bust is the reason this multi-jurisdictional human trafficker will no longer harm his victims,” stated Deputy District Attorney Jay Melaas. DDA Melaas is assigned to our Office’s Sexual Assault Unit and prosecuted the case on behalf of the People.

Townsel trafficked his victims in Las Vegas, Utah, Arizona and other parts of California. He took these victims to these areas to commit sex trafficking. Townsel was recruiting these victims from local high schools and middle schools in the Modesto area. A major break in the case came during a routine security check at the Best Western Motel in Concord, California when Concord Police Officers detained the trafficking victims for suspected prostitution activity.

Eventually Townsel was arrested in Santa Cruz, California last year after a five-month investigation led by Detective Joshua Gilfry of the Concord Police Department that established Townsel was profiting off his victims through manipulation, threats, and physical abuse. Our Office charged him with six felonies in September 2018. Once Townsel was arrested our Office’s Victim Witness Assistance Program provided victim services for those Jane Does involved.

If you or someone you know is being pressured to engage in prostitution to benefit or help support another person, help is only a phone call away. Contact Community Violence Solutions at 800-670-7273 to speak to a confidential counselor. Or visit the Contra Costa Family Justice Centers in Richmond or Concord to talk to a Navigator about a variety of services and support available right here in Contra Costa County. The Family Justice Centers are a family-friendly one-stop center serving victims of human trafficking, domestic violence and other types of interpersonal violence. No appointment is needed, and the centers are located at 256 24th Street in Richmond or 2151 Salvio St., Suite 201 in Concord.

To learn more about human trafficking in Contra Costa County, visit the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Coalition’s webpage at www.contracostacoalition.org

Case information: People v. Timothy Allen Townsel, Docket 01-187211-8

Concord man found guilty of stalking and criminal threats, made over 1,300 calls to victim in 42 days

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Has a child with the victim

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

Last week, a Contra Costa County jury found defendant Jason Laughlin of Concord guilty of three misdemeanors, including making criminal threats and stalking the victim Jane Doe. During a 42-day period earlier this year, Laughlin called the victim over 1,300 times, left over 1,000 menacing voicemails and threatened to kill her. The case was investigated by the Walnut Creek Police Department.

Laughlin was sentenced to two years in county jail by the Honorable Nancy Stark. Judge Stark also ordered a ten-year criminal protective order for the victim and her immediate family. Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney Kyle McCauley prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. The case originated in the Office’s Central Eastern Operations Division.

The facts of this case and the resulting sentence illustrates the very real danger that domestic abuse and stalking can have on people outside of the actual relationship, including their children, family members, and co-workers.

On March 16, 2019, Laughlin began calling the victim repeatedly at all hours of the day and night. Laughlin shared a child with the victim and knew where she lived and where she worked. As the victim described the threats at trial, she felt like a “sitting duck.” Laughlin not only called the victim’s personal cell phone but called her personal work phone, her work’s main office line, and her co-workers. The calls included menacing death threats and told the victim to “just wait.”

The calls became so frequent and threatening that the company she worked for implemented a locked front door policy even during business hours. The victim told the police, “something will happen, it is just a matter of time.”

“The conviction sends a strong message that domestic abuse is intolerable and will be punished to the fullest extent of the law, misdemeanors and felonies alike. The District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement agencies of the County are committed to ensuring the safety of victims, their families, and anyone else that domestic abuse affects,” stated DDA McCauley.

The misdemeanor counts against Laughlin for his verdict:

  • Count 1, Stalking
  • Count 2, Criminal Threats
  • Count 3, Annoying Phone Calls

Case information: People v. Jason Laughlin, Docket Number 01-189826-1

Selma man found guilty of second-degree murder for 2017 DUI crash in Concord

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

Today, Tuesday, June 11, 2019, a Contra Costa County jury found defendant Bo Robledo of Selma, California guilty of second-degree murder for a 2017 driving under the influence collision in Concord. Robledo was also convicted of driving under the influence causing great bodily injury at the time of the fatal crash that claimed the life of 21-year-old Natalie Davies, a resident of Concord.

Just before midnight on November 5, 2017, Robledo’s vehicle collided head-on with the victim’s vehicle near Kinne Bridge on Willow Pass Road in Concord. Robledo’s high rate of speed and intoxication caused the deadly collision. The collision also injured victim Zachary Punty and left him with significant life-altering injuries.

Robledo now faces a sentence of 23 years to life in state prison. Sentencing will occur on July 26, 2019 in front of the Honorable Rebecca Hardie in Department 5 of the Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez. Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney Derek Butts prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. The case originated in the Office’s Homicide Unit.

DDA Butts was recently honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) as part of the organization’s 2019 Law Enforcement Recognition event. DDA Butts was recognized for his dedication in prosecuting DUI murder cases, including the recent convictions of defendants Fred Lowe and Lemuel Wilson.

The jury found Robledo guilty of the following charges:

  • Second-Degree Murder
  • Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while intoxicated with a prior conviction
  • Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Causing Injury Within 10 Years of Another DUI Offense
  • Driving with a .08% Blood Alcohol Content Causing Inquiry Within 10 Years of Another DUI Offense
  • Driving When Privilege Suspended or Revoked For A Driving Under The Influence Conviction

Case Information: People v. Bo Steven Robledo, Docket Number 05-181781-6

Contra Costa DA files Grand Jury Accusation against County Assessor Kramer for “willful or corrupt misconduct”

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Gus Kramer from the County Assessor’s webpage.

Kramer welcomes opportunity to face his accusers

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

Today, Wed., June 5, 2019 the Contra Costa County District Attorney Office’s filed a Grand Jury Accusation against Contra Costa County Assessor Gus Kramer for “willful or corrupt” misconduct while serving as the county’s elected assessor (Government Code §§ 3060 et seq). Contra Costa County’s Civil Grand Jury asserts that the defendant violated state law in creating a hostile work environment for multiple employees in the Assessor’s Office. Due to state law, our Office must accept, serve and file the accusation against the defendant. If a jury finds Mr. Kramer violated the law and if he is convicted, he will be removed from his position as the county’s elected assessor.

The Accusation alleges misconduct by Kramer which occurred from December 2013 through 2019. The Grand Jury Accusation alleges that Mr. Kramer made sexual comments towards female employees and his disparaging remarks targeted one of the victim’s ethnicity. The Civil Grand Jury found this alleged conduct was “hostile or abusive” against four employees. As a result, the Civil Grand Jury through its investigation found that this conduct by Mr. Kramer created a hostile work environment for his employees and is therefore a violation of the Fair Housing and Employment Act.

Due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and to protect the privacy of the victims we will not be releasing any of their names.

Earlier this morning Senior Deputy District Attorney Christopher Walpole presented the filing before Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge Theresa Canepa in Department 35. Our Office was not involved and did not participate in the investigation by the Civil Grand Jury. The District Attorney requested a judicial hearing to determine if the Office will be recused from the remainder of this proceeding.

The foreperson for the 2018-2019 Grand Jury is Richard S. Nakano. State law lists the requirements for the Civil Grand Jury and District Attorney’s Office to process an accusation against a public official.

UPDATE: When reached for comment Kramer stated, “I welcome the opportunity to face my accusers after all these years of these behind doors accusations. When the facts come out, I have had not one, I have had not two, but I have had three independent investigations done by the county and I have been exonerated for sexual harassment, hostile work environment, and retaliation.”

“The sad part in all of this, the Grand Jury Foreman refused to hear my witnesses who would have refuted their claims. Worse he refused to give me the time I requested to present my side. They gave me two hours. I requested eight hours. The other side had more than 10 hours. Nor did he share all the information I provided him” he continued.” “The Grand Jury Foreman is guilty of obstruction of justice.”

When this is all over, the East Bay Times, the Board of Supervisors and their appointees on the Grand Jury are going to be ashamed of themselves for the unwarranted prosecution and persecution of the County Assessor,” Kramer stated. “The saddest part of this is corruption in government is alive and well on our Board of Supervisors.”

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa DA creates office’s first ever standalone conviction integrity unit

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District Attorney Diana Becton announced recently that she has created the first ever standalone Conviction Integrity Unit for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. The unit will investigate wrongful conviction claims of actual innocence based on new evidence and information, and cases where there is evidence involving significant integrity issues. Interested parties can submit a claim using the forms on the district attorney’s website to the Conviction Integrity Unit through the District Attorney’s Office.

“Our Office is ethically bound to consider any legal wrongs committed during a prosecution of an individual. With this new unit, the public can be assured we have resources now at our disposal to investigate prior convictions and seek justice for the wrongly convicted. We have a duty as prosecutors to uphold the law and administer fair justice for all. Our Office now joins over 30 jurisdictions across the country in a growing movement to establish Conviction Integrity Units,” said Becton.

The Conviction Integrity Unit will also assist in reviewing and developing practices and policies related to training, case assessment, investigations, and disclosure obligations with the goal of preventing wrongful convictions in the first place. The unit is supervised by Deputy District Attorney Brian Feinberg and overseen by Assistant District Attorney Venus D. Johnson.

Multiple national and local criminal justice organizations such as the Innocence Project, Fair and Just Prosecution, and Immigration Legal Resource Center support DA Becton’s move to create the Conviction Integrity Unit.

In a support letter, Fair and Just Prosecution’s Miriam Aroni Krinsky wrote: “Having a process for review of convictions through a CIU is a recognized best practice around the nation. Establishing these protocols in Contra Costa County will protect the integrity of the criminal justice process and promote public safety by bolstering trust and confidence in local law enforcement and the justice system as a whole.”

Rose Cahn, a Criminal and Immigrant Justice Attorney with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center’s said: “We applaud the CCCDA’s leadership and its commitment to ensuring that innocent people do not face continued punishment, from inside or outside the criminal justice system.”

Northern California Innocence Project’s Executive Director, Linda Starr, also supports the creation of a standalone Conviction Integrity Unit as our Office’s new unit “includes all of the best practices — neutral, expansive, and collaborative review — which will lead to just results.”

DA Becton updates immigration policy to avoid deportation of defendants to comply with state law

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By Allen Payton

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton issued a new policy for the DA’s Office focused on immigration. In order to comply with state and federal laws, the office has updated its immigration policy.

“It is important to have a standardized process in place to ensure we meet our obligations under the law. I am confident that with this new policy we can fairly review all options for a disposition while at the same time ensuring we meet the demands to protect the public and victims,” said DA Becton. “Moving forward, cases will be evaluated by our state legislative mandate to ‘consider the avoidance of adverse immigration consequences in the plea negotiation process as one factor in an effort to reach a just resolution.’”

Last July, for the first time ever, the entire DA’s office staff received an in-depth immigration training which focused on the role of prosecutors in considering adverse immigration consequences, i.e. deportation.

The law was changed in California in 2016 and now Penal Code Section 1016.3(b) mandates, “the prosecution … consider the avoidance of adverse immigration consequences in the plea negotiation process as one factor in an effort to reach a just resolution.”

The legislature enacted the law after finding “the immigration consequences of criminal convictions have a particularly strong impact in California. One out of every four persons living in the state is foreign-born. One out of every two children lives in a household headed by at least one foreign-born person. The majority of these children are United States citizens. It is estimated that 50,000 parents of California United States citizen children were deported in a little over two years. Once a person is deported, especially after a criminal conviction, it is extremely unlikely that he or she ever is permitted to return.” (Cal. Penal Code Section 1016.2(g)).

Following are aspects of Becton’s updated policy, under governing law, “consideration of immigration consequences during the plea negotiation process is mandatory” and “victim’s rights must also be included and considered in the plea negotiation process.”

The policy notes that “These internal guidelines are not intended to create any new procedural rights in favor of criminal defendants or to be enforceable in a court of law. Nor shall these guidelines be construed to create any presumptions that a previously sentenced defendant would have received any offer other than that which has already been extended and accepted.

The policy further states, “Prosecutors do not have an obligation to independently research or investigate the adverse immigration consequences that may result from a plea or criminal conviction.” But, they “shall consider adverse immigration consequences presented by the defense.”

In addition, the new policy requires that “the supervising prosecutor…determine based upon the totality of the circumstances if an appropriate disposition can be reached that neither jeopardizes public safety nor leads to disproportionate immigration consequences based on the information provided by the defense.”

According to the new policy, alternative considerations include, “Devising an alternative plea agreement that is factually honest and of a similar nature and consequence to the originally charged offense, but minimizes the defendant’s exposure to adverse immigration consequences;” and “Allowing language to be stricken from a charging document or plea colloquy while maintaining the truthfulness of the remaining charging language.”

Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Office of the Contra Costa County District Attorney contributed to this report.

Pittsburg man found guilty on 14 counts of molesting two underage victims

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Faces a sentence of over 100 years to life in state prison.

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

On April 15, a Contra Costa County jury found defendant Abel Peña-Catalan of Pittsburg guilty of 14 felonies, including the molestation of two underage victims and the attempted rape of one of the victims. The criminal conduct by Peña-Catalan also included forcible oral copulation against Jane Doe #1 who was under the age of 18. The District Attorney’s Office does not disclose the age or victim’s name in a sexual assault case to protect the confidentiality of the victims.

Fortunately, a witness encouraged the victims to report the sexual abuse to authorities. In turn, the victims disclosed the molestation to a mandated reporting agency and an investigation ensued. Overall, the Pittsburg Police Department and Alameda County Sheriff’s Office were involved in the investigations for both victims. Peña-Catalan at one time, lived in Alameda County where the abuse started against one of the victims. He then continued his violent and threatening assaults in Pittsburg against the minors.

“Crimes against children often involve secrecy and deception. In this case, the defendant repeatedly threatened these victims and committed horrible sexual assaults against them. The Jane Does in this case were incredibly brave for ensuring the defendant is held accountable for his crimes,” DDA Weiss said.

Peña-Catalan now faces a sentence of over 100 years to life in state prison. Sentencing will occur on May 10, 2019 in front of the Honorable Christopher Bowen – Department 40 of the Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez. Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney Diana Weiss prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. The case originated in the Office’s Sexual Assault Unit.

The felony counts against Peña-Catalan for his verdict:

  • Count 1, Attempted Forcible Rape-Child Victim Over 14 Years
  • Count 2, Attempted Forcible Rape-Child Victim Over 14 Years
  • Count 3, Forcible Oral Copulation-Minor Victim Over 14 Years
    • Enhancement 1, Special Allegation, Sex Crimes – Aggravated Circumstances
  • Count 4, Lewd Act Upon a Child
  • Count 5, Lewd Act Upon a Child
  • Count 6, Lewd Act Upon a Child
  • Count 7, Lewd Act Upon a Child
    • Enhancement 1, Special Allegation, Sex Crimes – Aggravated Circumstances
  • Count 8, Lewd Act Upon a Child
    • Enhancement 1, Special Allegation, Sex Crimes – Aggravated Circumstances
  • Count 9, Lewd Act Upon a Child
    • Enhancement 1, Special Allegation, Sex Crimes – Aggravated Circumstances
  • Count 10, Forcible Lewd Act Upon a Child
    • Enhancement 1, Special Allegation, Sex Crimes – Aggravated Circumstances
  • Count 11, Forcible Lewd Act Upon a Child
    • Enhancement 1, Special Allegation, Sex Crimes – Aggravated Circumstances
  • Count 12, Forcible Lewd Act Upon a Child
    • Enhancement 1, Special Allegation, Sex Crimes – Aggravated Circumstances
  • Count 13, Forcible Lewd Act Upon a Child
    • Enhancement 1, Special Allegation, Sex Crimes – Aggravated Circumstances
  • Count 14, Forcible Lewd Act Upon a Child

Case information: People v. Abel Pena-Catalan, Docket Number 05-180571-2

Defendant sentenced to 135 years to life for 4 counts of murder from 2017 fatal DUI collision in San Pablo

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Screenshots of CBS13 Sacramento new report, Nov. 26, 2017.

Had five prior DUI convictions

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

On April 12, 2019, 48-year-old Sacramento resident Fred Lowe was sentenced to 135 years to life in state prison by the Honorable John W. Kennedy. Lowe was convicted of seven felonies by a Contra Costa County jury, including the murder of four victims from a collision caused by Lowe in November 2017. Lowe was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash and he had five prior DUI convictions. (See related article).

The four deceased victims are Joseph Horn, his father Daryl, Baden Biddle and his father Troy Biddle. Joe Horn’s older brother Jared was the driver of the Nissan Rogue and was only slightly injured. The Biddle Family were relatives of the Horn’s visiting from out of state over the Thanksgiving weekend.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), drunk driving remains the number one killer on the roadways in the United States. Tragically, almost 11,000 people are killed each year in drunk driving crashes. Two in three people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime.

“MADD commends Prosecutor Derek Butts and the court system for ensuring justice in this case,” said MADD National Board Member Carol Leister who attended the sentencing hearing. “The Horn and Biddle family suffered the ultimate consequences of drunk driving and MADD will always be here for them and other families who’ve been impacted by this 100 percent preventable crime.”

Case information: People v. Fred Douglas Lowe, Docket Number 05-181540-6

Richmond man sentenced to 16 years in prison for sex trafficking two girls from jail

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Corell Olajuwon Hackett. Photo by Richmond P.D.

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

On April 12, 2019 Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Clare Maier sentenced Corell Olajuwon Hackett to 16 years and eight months in state prison for sex trafficking two young women from 2016 to 2018. The 21-year-old Richmond resident received concurrent sentences for criminal convictions in several other criminal cases as well. Judge Maier also imposed criminal court protective orders barring Hackett from having contact with any of the victims for a period of 10 years and ordered him to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Human Trafficking Unit Supervisor Dana Filkowski praised the work of police investigators in this complex case, particularly the Richmond Police Department Bravo Team working to suppress trafficking along the 23rd Street corridor of Richmond and Richmond Police Department Family Violence Detectives Bureau.

“The fact that an exploiter is also in a dating or intimate relationship with the victim is no defense to human trafficking,” said Deputy District Attorney Filkowski. “In fact, love and affection are often tools of manipulation and control used to keep the victim engaged in prostitution to benefit the trafficker and deter the victim from cooperating with law enforcement.”

Filkowski also emphasized that under the law, a minor’s consent is never a defense to sex trafficking.

In 2016, 17-year-old Jane Doe 2 gave birth to defendant’s baby. Within weeks of the birth, defendant pressured her to go out and make money for him by working as a prostitute. She disclosed to a Richmond Detective working out of the Family Justice Center that Hackett took her from Richmond to San Francisco so that she could prostitute on five separate occasions and that she gave him all the money she earned. Not long thereafter, Hackett began a relationship with Jane Doe 1. He started trafficking this victim when she was 17-years-old by putting her on the “blade” in Richmond – the area around 23rd St. known for street prostitution.

The defendant was arrested in the fall of 2018 for a domestic violence incident against Jane Doe 1. Investigators later learned that defendant was using the recorded jail phone to continue to have contact with Jane Doe 1, in violation of the court order. In more than 100 separate phone calls between November 2018 and February 2019, Hackett used threats, coercion, menace and manipulation of Jane Doe 1’s love for him to keep the 18-year-old Jane Doe prostituting so that she could put money on his jail account.

The 16-year, 8-month prison sentence was handed down by Judge Maier after Hackett pleaded guilty to the following charges from the four dockets:

  • Human Trafficking of a Minor for a Sex Act
  • Dissuading a Witness by Force or Threat
  • Human Trafficking to Commit Another Crime
  • Conspiracy to Dissuade Witnesses
  • Contempt of Court
  • Contempt of Court
  • Contempt of Court
  • Contempt of Court
  • Leaving the Scene of an Accident
  • Robbery
  • Grand Theft from Person
  • Domestic Violence

The sex trafficking and domestic violence cases (Dockets 02-329276-0 & 02-328628-3) were prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Dana Filkowski. The robbery and hit & run cases (dockets 05-180928-8 and 05-182443-2) were prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Christina Stevens and Deputy District Attorney Sarah Barkley.

If you or someone you know are being pressured to engage in prostitution to benefit or help support another person, help is only a phone call away. Contact Community Violence Solutions at 800-670-7273 to speak to a confidential counselor. Or visit the Contra Costa Family Justice Centers in Richmond or Concord to talk to a Navigator about a variety of services and support available right here in Contra Costa County. The Family Justice Centers are a family-friendly one-stop center serving victims of all human trafficking, domestic violence and other types of interpersonal violence. No appointment is needed, and the centers are located at 256 24th Street in Richmond or 2151 Salvio St., Suite 201 in Concord.

To learn more about human trafficking in Contra Costa County, contact the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Coalition at www.contracostacoalition.org.