Contra Costa Herald

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

Antioch man, a convicted felon found guilty of unlawful firearm possession

By Leave a Comment

U.S. Marshals and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Deputies on the scene of the arrest of Timothy Demetrius “Boo” Jeffrey on Almondwood Drive in Antioch on Wed., March 27, 2024. He was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney and convicted on March 12, 2025. Herald file photo.

Timothy “Boo” Jeffrey attempted to sell an assault rifle; became fugitive, later captured by U.S. Marshals and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies; faces 15 years in prison

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

SAN FRANCISCO – On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, a federal jury found Timothy Demetrius Jeffrey, aka “Boo,” 44, of Antioch, Calif. (born 4/24/80), guilty of two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, following a trial before Senior U.S. District Judge William Alsup.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 25, 2023, a Pittsburg Police Department officer attempted to stop the vehicle that Jeffrey was driving. Jeffrey drove into a shopping plaza parking lot, parked, exited the car, and fled on foot away from the officer. Jeffrey threw a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine and 19 rounds of ammunition over a fence behind the shopping plaza before he was arrested.

Jeffrey became a fugitive soon after his arrest, and his whereabouts were unknown until an investigation by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service led law enforcement to suspect Jeffrey’s presence at a relative’s home in Antioch. On March 27, 2024, the United States Marshals Service surveilled the address and spotted Jeffrey entering the home. U.S. Marshals arrested Jeffrey, after which the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the residence.

According to Abigail Meyer of the United States Marshals Service Office of Public Affairs, “The Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force (PSWRFTF) arrested Timothy Jeffrey, 43, on both his federal Supervised Release Violation warrant and Pittsburg PD Failure to Appear (FTA) warrant, the original charges for both were distribution of dangerous drugs. In addition, his FTA included charges for felon in possession of a firearm, possession of large capacity magazine, and resisting arrest. (See Fugitive task force arrests Antioch man for violating federal supervised release, failure to appear on gun, drug charges)

Sheriff’s deputies located and seized an Aero Precision AR-style rifle with a magazine and 25 rounds of ammunition from under a couch in the living room. They also seized a cell phone that had been used by Jeffrey. The phone contained multiple text messages in which Jeffrey attempted to sell the AR rifle and sent a photo of it.

At the time of his April 2023 and March 2024 arrests, Jeffrey was on federal supervised release following past felony convictions for being a felon-in-possession of a firearm, escape from custody, and conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

“The defendant, a convicted felon, not only possessed a semi-automatic pistol and assault rifle but also attempted to sell the rifle on the black market. His actions endangered the community, and law enforcement’s work on this case helped prevent this deadly weapon from falling into the wrong hands,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins. “We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to combat the presence of illegal firearms in our communities.”

“ATF works closely with our partners to track the illegal movement of firearms,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The defendant is a convicted felon who attempted to illegally sell firearms. ATF will continue to work side by side with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to ensure that our communities are safe. We will continue to focus on reducing gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking and ensuring that firearms stay out of the hands of prohibited persons.”

Jeffrey was convicted of two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). His sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2025. The defendant faces a maximum statutory sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. Any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aseem Padukone and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jillian Harvey are prosecuting this case, with the assistance of Claudia Hyslop, Nina Burney, and Yenni Weinberg. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the ATF, the United States Marshals Service, the Pittsburg Police Department, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

In addition to the two aforementioned arrests, according to localcrimenews.com, the five-feet, eleven-inch tall, 200-pound Jeffrey is Black and was previously arrested on Feb. 29, 2016, by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department for federal (21 U.S. Code Section 846) attempt and conspiracy charges and again on Nov. 16, 2020, by Alameda County Sheriff’s Department for unspecified charges. He was also arrested in Jan. 2010 by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for vehicle theft.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

DA charges two women with multiple felonies in Pittsburg animal cruelty incident

By 1 Comment

Suspects Lagashia Williams (left source: Pittsburg PD) and Graciela Amar (right, source: unknown) at the scene of the incident on Feb. 19, 2025.

Kicked neighbor’s dog; both out of custody; older suspect has previous arrest for assault

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

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has charged two women with cruelty to an animal, brandishing an imitation firearm, and making a false report to peace officers.

46-year-old Lagashia Shante Williams and 18-year-old Graciela Amar were arrested and booked into the Martinez and West County Detention Facilities on February 27th, 2025. The Sheriff’s Office released both Williams and Amar after posting bail of $172,500 on March 1st and March 2nd, respectively. Their arrests followed an investigation by Pittsburg Police into an incident that occurred on February 19th.

On that day, Williams and Amar confronted a homeowner in his driveway regarding an incident involving his elderly neighbor. The previous day, the neighbor had accidentally run over the homeowner’s growing plant while backing a vehicle into a driveway.

Security video shows neighbor being confronted in his driveway by Lagashia Williams (left) and Graciela Amar (right). Source: Unknown

During their conversation, which escalated into an argument, Amar walked toward a vehicle, retrieved what turned out to be an imitation firearm, and handed it to Williams. As the argument between the three individuals continued, Williams brandished the imitation weapon, causing the homeowner to back away.

The homeowner picked up one of the two dogs that were with him. As he was walking away, Williams told Amar to kick the other dog, which she did. The force of the kick sent the animal aloft, through the air, landing several feet away on the lawn of the homeowner’s property. The homeowner picked up the wounded animal, who was crying out, and went inside his home.

Security video shows Graciela Amar kicking the dog into the air. Source: Unknown

Williams called 911 and reported to police dispatch that the homeowner had a gun, a claim that proved to be false.
Both women will be arraigned in court on the following charges:
• PC 597(a) Cruelty to Animals (Williams and Amar)
• PC 417.4 (a) Drawing or exhibiting imitation firearm in a threatening manner (Williams and
Amar)
• PC 148.5 False report (Williams)

If convicted, both could be sentenced to a maximum of three years in county jail and fined up to $20,000.

According to localcrimenews.com, the five-feet, two-inch tall, 160-pound Williams is from Concord and was also arrested in 2016 by Oakland Police for assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm.

Also, according to localcrimenews.com, Amar is from Oakland.

The People of the State of California v. Williams, Lagashia Shante
The People of the State of California v. Amar, Graciela

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

New Costco store to open March 7th in the Innovation Center at Brentwood

By Leave a Comment

Ribbon cutting at 7:30 a.m, opens at 8:00 a.m.; police warn of traffic delays
Part of a planned Town Center Development in Eastern Contra Costa County

By Darin Gale, Assistant City Manager, City of Brentwood

The City of Brentwood in Contra Costa County, will celebrate the grand opening of a new Costco Wholesale warehouse store Friday, March 7th at 7:30 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The store will officially open at 8:00 a.m. in the Lone Tree Plaza at 5151 Heidorn Ranch Road off Lone Tree Way.

The retailer with stores across the nation and Bay Area has eyed the City of Brentwood for some time. This new store will represent one of the City’s largest sales tax generators. It will also serve as the first commercial development to break ground and open in the City’s highly anticipated Innovation Center; a 260-acre town center development strategically situated along Highway 4 between Lone Tree Way and Sand Creek Road.

Mayor Susannah Meyer shared the following as it relates to Costco’s effect on the city, “The arrival of Costco in Brentwood marks a significant milestone for the development of the Innovation Center at Brentwood. Costco is creating hundreds of good-paying jobs, boost our local economy, and generate millions in tax revenue to fund local improvements and community services, including public safety, road maintenance, and many other City services.

After breaking ground on July 23, 2024, Costco’s new store provides well over 150,000 local residents of both Brentwood and our surrounding East Contra Costa County neighbors reduced travel times to Costco, decreasing traffic congestion and improving air quality. This store will also serve as a catalyst to attract new national retailers to the remaining four-acre site adjacent to the store and continue to strengthen Brentwood’s role as a leader in the East Contra Costa County shopping experience. The new store will also help foster a planned mixed-use development just south, along Heidorn Ranch Road as part of the Innovation Center.

City Manager Tim Ogden stated, “Brentwood is excited to have Costco make a home here and offer great jobs for so many. The additional revenue to the City will continue to help maintain the high quality of life residents enjoy. Costco will also be a catalyst for more commercial development to follow in our Innovation Center @ Brentwood master planned community.”

Antioch Police warned of traffic delays in a Facebook post on Tuesday, March 4 writing, “We’re anticipating traffic delays due to the grand opening of Costco. If you’re heading to Costco, they recommend using the Sand Creek exit for easier access. Please plan ahead and allow extra travel time. Thank you for your patience!”

The City’s Economic Development staff are pro-actively seeking a developer(s) to acquire and assemble approximately 25 acres just south of Costco and adjacent to both a pedestrian and bicycle trail and the future Brentwood BART Station, which will create a new town center. The town center will consist of townhomes and apartments with upwards of 100,000 square feet of retail and office development in a Main Street format. To learn more about this mixed-use development opportunity, please contact the City’s Economic Development Team at https://www.brentwoodca.gov/business/economic-development.

For more information on the Costco development, please contact Darin Gale, Assistant City Manager at dgale@brentwoodca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg native serves aboard U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer

By Leave a Comment

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hannah Fry.

As USS Ralph Johnson departs Sasebo, Japan

U.S. Navy sailors serve and protect from around the globe, and every sailor got their start somewhere.

By Ashley Craig Public Affairs Specialist Media Outreach Dept. Navy Office of Community Outreach

SASEBO, Japan (February 18, 2025) – Electronics Technician 3rd Class Gabriel Alas from Pittsburg, California, right, and Electronics Technician 3rd Class Zane Cunningham from Rusk, Texas, middle, stand along port side on the flight deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) while getting underway from Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, Feb. 18. Ralph Johnson is forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force.

USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) pulls into Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jamaal Liddell

SASEBO, Japan (July 22, 2023) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) pulls into Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, July 22. Ralph Johnson is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.

LMC to host 2nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Feb. 26

By Leave a Comment

Three awards to be presented during luncheon including “Visionary Leadership” Award to Contra Costa DA Diana Becton

By Jennifer Adams, Senior Executive Assistant, President’s Office, Los Medanos College Los Medanos College will host its 2nd Annual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Three people will receive the 2025 Los Medanos College MLK Awards: • “Visionary Leadership” Award – Diana Becton | District Attorney for Contra Costa County • “Beloved Community” Award – Kolette Simonton | Director of Recreation for the City of Pittsburg • “Emerging Leadership” Award – Annisha Geran | LMC Alumna, School Site Council Chairperson at MLK, Jr. Junior High School & School Site Council Vice Chairperson at Pittsburg High School The awards will be presented during the luncheon that day. The “Visionary Leadership” Award recognizes a member of the eastern Contra Costa County community who embodies Dr. King’s strengths as a transformational, servant leader. Dr. King inspired others to shape the future articulated in his vision. He focused on the well-being, growth, and empowerment of others and the community he served. Dr. King said, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable … Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” This award recognizes local leaders who have demonstrated the courage to speak up when needed, to step up when no one else would, and to lift others whose efforts would serve the greater good. The “Beloved Community” Award is inspired by the term popularized by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and is presented to a local resident who has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to service. As noted by The King Center, the “Beloved Community” is a global vision in which: all people can share in the wealth of the earth; poverty, hunger, and homelessness will not be tolerated; racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry, and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood; and love and trust will triumph over fear and hatred.” Recipients of this award demonstrate agape love, which Dr. King described as “understanding, redeeming goodwill for all” – a love “seeking to preserve and create community.” The “Emerging Leadership” Award is given to an LMC student or alumna/us who exemplifies the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and, within the last year, has made a significant impact on the LMC campus or in the local community in the areas of advocacy and social justice. Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” – and these emerging leaders are already demonstrating that commitment to service. RSVPs for the luncheon are no longer being accepted. About LMC Los Medanos College is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. • The Pittsburg Campus boasts 120 acres, a lake, advanced library, science, math and student union buildings. • The Brentwood Center, which opened May 2022, is nestled on 17.5 acres along the rolling hills of the City of Brentwood. • The college offers more than 90 transfer and career-technical programs of study to help students achieve a lifetime of higher earnings. • Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. LMC is located at 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. The Brentwood Center is located at 1351 Pioneer Square.

After withdrawing significant funds Antioch bank customer robbed at home in Brentwood

By Leave a Comment

Police seek three suspects

By Brentwood Police Department

On Thursday, February 13, 2025, at approximately 3:30 PM, our Dispatch received a report of an armed robbery that just occurred. It was reported that the victim had just withdrawn a significant amount of money from the Wells Fargo Bank on Lone Tree Way in Antioch.

Upon arriving at their residence, the victim was confronted by three suspects dressed in dark clothing, believed to be adults. One suspect threatened the victim with a gun while another physically assaulted the victim. The suspects then stole the victim’s cash and fled on foot.

Thankfully, the victim did not sustain serious injuries. This incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Brentwood Police Department Dispatch at 925-809-7911 or 9-1-1 if it’s an emergency. Callers may remain anonymous.

We encourage everyone to stay vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. Be aware of your surroundings, and if you suspect you are being followed, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Antioch convicted felon arrested for illegal possession of stolen gun

By Leave a Comment

Stolen gun recovered by a Brentwood Police Officer from suspect during traffic stop in Antioch on Feb. 12, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD

Already out of custody; Officer’s 4th gun arrest in city this year

By Brentwood Police Department

Last Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, around midnight, a Brentwood officer conducted a traffic stop near Lone Tree Way and Williamson Ranch for expired registration.

The driver, 33-year-old Deontae Markell Alexander of Antioch, was found to be unlicensed. Further investigation revealed that Alexander, a convicted felon, was in possession of a loaded firearm, which he is legally prohibited from owning or carrying. Officers also determined the firearm had been reported stolen.

This marks the officer’s fourth gun-related arrest this year, reinforcing the department’s commitment to keeping illegal firearms out of the community.

According to localcrimenews.com, Alexander was charged with Receiving or Concealing Stolen Property, Addict in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Ammunition, Carrying a Loaded Firearm on Person or in Vehicle while in a Public Place, and Carrying a Concealed Weapon in a Vehicle. He also has a history of arrests dating back to before 2014 by multiple agencies including Antioch PD and Oakland PD for crimes including vehicle theft, possession of marijuana over 28.5 grams, DUI alcohol with BAC over .08 and battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of Friday, Feb. 14, he is out of custody and on his own recognizance.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Event Park seeks applications for new CEO

By Leave a Comment

Home of the Contra Costa County Fair

ANTIOCH – The Board of Director of the Contra Costa Event Park, Home of the Contra Costa County Fair announce their search for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Current CEO Joe Brengle announced that he would be retiring at the end of June 2025.

Under the Board’s guidance, the CEO plans, executes and manages the annual Contra Costa County Fair. In addition to the Annual Fair, the CEO leads the planning, organization, recruitment, and management of the Contra Costa Event Parks facility rental program (Interim Events), along with negotiating and facilitating long term rental agreements.

Current CEO Joe Brengle with a character during the 2024 Contra Costa County Fair. Photo: CC Event Park

The Monthly Salary Range for the position is $8,630 – $10,567. The salary will be based on the successful candidate’s qualifications with CalHR approval. An example of additional benefits include: State of California, Public Employment Retirement System (PERS), Vacation & Sick Leave, Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan and State Holidays.

A full description of the position and application process is available on the Fairs website CEO-Flyer.pdf, or can be picked up at the Fair Administration Office, 1201 W. 10th Street, Antioch.

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Contra Costa County Fair May 15 – 18, with the theme “Let’s Go Country”.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Sand Creek Road Extension in Brentwood now open

By Leave a Comment

Eastbound and westbound views of the now open Sand Creek Road Extension including the bridge over the creek. Herald file photos.

Connects Hwy 4 to Heidorn Ranch Road and Hillcrest Avenue in Antioch

By Allen D. Payton

The City of Brentwood announced on Monday, “The Sand Creek Road Extension is NOW OPEN! We’re thrilled to bring this new roadway to the community and hope it enhances your travels. Please drive safely and enjoy the new route!”

About the delay in the road’s opening two weeks after the ribbon cutting, Assistant City Manager Darin Gale said, “The extension is a unique project because it starts at an intersection that’s controlled by Caltrans and ends at an intersection that’s controlled by Antioch.”

“There were still some items that needed to be completed before we could open the road,” he shared, reiterating what City Manager Tim Ogden said during the ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 28. (See related article)

“We appreciate the partnership with those two agencies in getting the road open as quickly as possible” Gale added.

“Part of the intersection built by the developer in Antioch had not yet been approved by the City of Antioch,” he explained as one of the reasons for the delay.

Aerial view of the Sand Creek Road Extension at Heidorn Ranch Road. Source: City of Brentwood

Gale was asked about the timing of the opening and if it had anything to do with the new Costco opening nearby.

He responded, “The City of Brentwood was moving forward with the Sand Creek Road anyway. However, the road does provide a connection to Costco. While it was coincidental to the timing of the opening of Costco, it helped us with attracting the store to Brentwood.”

“We look forward to Sand Creek Road serving the Brentwood Innovation Center (located to the north) and bringing jobs to the residents of East County,” Gale stated.

The new section of the road now connects to the Antioch section at Heidorn Ranch Road, then to Hillcrest Avenue and west to the road that runs north adjacent to Dozier Libbey Medical High School in Antioch.

Gale also reiterated what Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal said at the ribbon cutting, as previously reported. He said, “Richland Communities over to the west of us, they’re going to be starting this year, I’m told, on their subdivision that’s going to build that final link between Sand Creek Road, where it terminates right now, and Deer Valley Road. So, that’s going to be able to get residents and folks over to Kaiser, which is important, getting people off of Deer Valley Road.”

Sand Creek Road will eventually connect to Dallas Ranch Road in Antioch, on the west side of Deer Valley Road and run through The Ranch 1,177-new home subdivision developed by Richland Communities and approved by the Antioch City Council in July 2020.

Fatal head-on crash in Byron takes life of woman in her 70’s Thursday night

By Leave a Comment

By CHP Contra Costa

BYRON, Calif. – A two-vehicle head-on crash that left one passenger dead and three others with major injuries

On February 6th, at approximately 6:11 PM, officers assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Contra Costa Area office responded to a two-vehicle head-on crash which occurred on Vasco Road, just south of Camino Diablo in the township of Byron.

Our preliminary investigation indicates a Honda CRV, driven by an adult male, was traveling northbound on Vasco Road when, for reasons still under investigation, it crossed over the double-yellow divider lines and crashed head-on into a Toyota Prius occupied by three.

Tragically, one passenger in the Prius sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. All other parties involved sustained major injuries and were transported to the hospital. An impaired driving investigation was also conducted, and DUI was ruled out as a factor in this crash.

According to Officer Dan Gilmore, the victim was an Asian female adult approximately 70 years old. He said he doesn’t know what city she lived in.

This crash remains under investigation. If anyone witnessed the incident or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa Area office in Martinez at (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

The Mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.