Contra Costa Herald

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

Pittsburg native sworn in as city’s new police chief Thursday

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Outgoing Pittsburg Police Chief Brian Addington administers the oath of office to new Chief Steve Albanese. Photos Pittsburg PD

By Pittsburg Police Department

Chief Addington congratulates Chief Albanese.

He has served our community and the Pittsburg Police Department for 25 years, and now Steve Albanese will lead the proud women and men of this department as the new police chief following the retirement of Chief Brian Addington. (See related article)

Former Captain Steve Albanese is now Police Chief Albanese. He was sworn in yesterday to the top job rounding out his rise through the ranks of the Pittsburg Police Department.

Chief Albanese always wanted to be a police officer in Pittsburg. He graduated from the academy and, with an opportunity at hand, joined the Pleasant Hill Police Department. But after three months, the call of home led him to join our Pittsburg Police Department family. And, he has been a leader ever since.

Chief Albanese is determined to carry on the legacy of former Chief Brian Addington and his focus on transparency and breaking down barriers with the community we serve.

“As corny as it may sound, I’m not done here,” said Chief Albanese, “ I love this community. It is my honor to carry the torch forward and continue the proud service to Pittsburg that this department has shown time and time again.”

Chief Albanese holds an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from LMC, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Cal State Fresno, and a Master’s degree in Leadership from St. Mary’s College. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and California Peace Officers Standards and Training Command College.

Congratulations Chief Albanese. We look forward to your leadership and a bright future ahead!

 

Young Pittsburg man shot early Sunday morning

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Evidence shows multiple suspects targeted victim

By Pittsburg Police Department

On Sunday morning at approximately 7:20 AM, Pittsburg Police officers responded to a residence on East 12th Street in regards to a shooting that had occurred several minutes prior. When officers arrived, they found the victim of a shooting and immediately began providing medical aid to the victim. The victim, a 24-year-old male resident of Pittsburg, sustained a single gunshot wound to the lower body. He was transported to John Muir Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery and is currently listed in stable condition.

Shortly thereafter officers located the scene of the shooting, which was near the intersection of Railroad Avenue and E. 10th Street. Officers collected multiple items of evidence from the shooting and based on initial information, it appears there were multiple suspects that targeted the victim. Officers are currently contacting witnesses and collecting surveillance video from the area in order to identify the suspects. Additional information is not available at this time.

The Pittsburg Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance and asks anyone with additional information to please contact the Pittsburg Police Department tip line at (925)-252-4040.

Oakley woman arrested on 21 counts of illicit behavior with juveniles

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Victims were ages 13 to 16; bail set at $1,160,000

Jennifer Decarlo. Photo: OPD

By Oakley Police Department

In March 2022, the Oakley Police Department received a report involving lewd and lascivious acts between an adult female and a juvenile male victim. The suspect was identified as Jennifer Decarlo, a 34-year-old female and Oakley resident.

Oakley Police detectives immediately began investigating the allegations. Several interviews and search warrants were conducted, in addition to several items of evidence being collected and analyzed. The ongoing investigation revealed multiple lewd acts with the original victim and additional male victims, between the ages of 13 and 16 years old. The alleged criminal acts occurred between January 2022 to March 2022. Decarlo is believed to have met each victim through family, friends, or acquaintances.

On May 11, 2022 Oakley Police Detectives arrested Decarlo at her residence and she was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. The Oakley Police Department presented the case to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and 21 felony charges were filed. See list of charges below. Decarlo remains in custody on bail of $1,160,000.

Based on the facts gathered in this case, the Oakley Police Department believes there may be additional victims of Decarlo. Any additional victims are urged to contact Detective Minister at 925-625-8822 or Dispatch at 925-625-8060.

List of charges:

Count 1) PC288(a) – Lewd act with a child under 14

Count 2) PC288(a) – Lewd act with a child under 14

Count 3) PC288(a) – Lewd act with a child under 14

Count 4) PC261.5(d) – Unlawful intercourse with minor under 16

Count 5) PC287(b)(2) – Oral copulation with minor under 16

Count 6) PC288(c)(1) -Lewd act with a child 14 or 15; 10< year age difference

Count 7) PC288(c)(1) -Lewd act with a child 14 or 15; 10< year age difference

Count 8) PC288(c)(1) -Lewd act with a child 14 or 15; 10< year age difference

Count 9) PC288(c)(1) -Lewd act with a child 14 or 15; 10< year age difference

Count 10) PC288.2(a) – Sending harmful matter with intent to seduce minor

Count 11) PC288.3(a) – Communicating with minor for purpose of lewd act

Count 12) PC288.4(b) – Arranging to meet minor for purpose of lewd act

Count 13) PC261.5(c) – Unlawful intercourse with minor

Count 14) PC287(b)(1) – Oral copulation with minor

Count 15) PC288.3(a) – Communicating with minor for purpose of lewd act

Count 16) PC288.4(b) – Arranging to meet minor for purpose of lewd act

Count 17) PC288(c)(1) -Lewd act w/ a child 14 or 15; 10< year age difference

Count 18) PC287(b)(2) – Oral copulation with minor under 16

Count 19) PC261.5(d) – Unlawful intercourse with minor under 16

Count 20) PC288.3(a) – Communicating with minor for purpose of lewd act

Count 21) PC288.4(b) – Arranging to meet minor for purpose of lewd act

Pittsburg Police Chief Addington retires, leaves legacy of change for the better

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Recently retired Pittsburg Police Chief Brian Addington. Photo: PPD

By Pittsburg Police Department

In 1994, Officer Brian Addington made, what we think, was the best decision of his career. He joined the Pittsburg Police Department after having served for a year and a half with the Suisun City Police Department. That decision left a lasting mark on our department and our Pittsburg community as he rose through the ranks to become our Police Chief serving in that role for the last decade.

Chief Addington started as an officer in patrol on the Strategic Enforcement Team (SET) where he served for several years focused on reducing street-level crimes. From there, he became an undercover detective in the Narcotics Unit. In 1998, he was promoted to Sergeant where he trained and mentored officers in a wide variety of assignments. Chief Addington’s rise through the ranks included a promotion to Lieutenant in 2004 and then Captain in 2010.

He served as our Public Information Officer as well as duties in patrol, training, narcotics, criminal and administrative investigations and so much more.

As Police Chief, he focused on transparency and breaking down barriers between police and the community we’re sworn to serve. His modern approach to law enforcement strategies resulted in both a 10% decrease in crime and more than a 100% increase in diversity among the ranks of the Pittsburg Police Department. These are achievements that will last for decades to come.

Chief Addington brought respect and a broader footprint for the Pittsburg Police Department through his service and leadership in many roles including membership with the FBI National Academy Associates, California Police Chiefs Association, and the International Association of Police Chiefs.

Congratulations on your retirement, Chief Brian Addington. You will be missed, and the City of Pittsburg will benefit for years to come from your leadership.

See a brief video of his farewell posted on the Pittsburg PD’s Facebook page.

 

Contra Costa DA dismisses 40 cases due to Pittsburg, Antioch officers’ crimes of moral turpitude

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Won’t be prosecuted because the cases are “compromised to the point they can’t be salvaged” – Ted Asregadoo, CCDA PIO

By Allen D. Payton

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has dismissed 40 cases from prosecution as part of the investigation into crimes of moral turpitude by Pittsburg and Antioch Police Officers announced in March. As previously reported, several officers were placed on paid administrative leave due to the accusations against them. (See related articles here, here and here)

Asked for details about the 40 cases, CCDA Public Information Officer Ted Asregadoo said he could not provide it as “it’s still an active investigation of the Pittsburg and Antioch officers.”

Out of a group of the cases, there are 40 cases that can go forward in the investigative process. Approximately 40 of those cases were dismissed,” he continued.

Asked how cases were from which agency Asregadoo responded, “I can’t talk about that.”

“The DA’s office is involved in ongoing evaluations of the cases to determine if the cases are compromised due to the criminal wrongdoing and misconduct,” he stated. “Those 40 have been compromised to the point they can’t be salvaged so they were dismissed.”

“The Antioch and Pittsburg Police Departments are cooperating with us and are assisting,” Asregadoo shared. “It’s a complex endeavor and is wide ranging. The scope of it is not a single incident.”

Chief Assistant District Attorney Simon O’Connell offered the following statement about the matter:

“There are multiple officers who are subjects of an ongoing criminal investigation involving a range of offenses which constitute crimes of moral turpitude. The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is actively engaged in evaluating these cases to determine whether the charged case is compromised or whether the case can proceed. Community safety remains paramount, and the District Attorney’s Office remains steadfast in preserving as many cases as possible.”

An estimated three or five Antioch Police Officers are involved.

Antioch Police still won’t say how many Antioch officers are under investigation, APD Public Information Officer Darryl Safford said. But he did confirm they are still on paid administrative leave. Asked if the DA’s office shared how many of the 40 cases were from Antioch Saffold said, “they have not informed us.”

In addition, an effort to reach new Pittsburg Police Chief Steve Albanese for details from his department was unsuccessful prior to publication time. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Three suspects arrested for Friday armed robbery in Danville grocery store parking lot

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18-year-old from San Jose and two juveniles; Antioch Police, Sheriff’s Office STARR helicopter assist in search

By Danville Police Department

On Friday, July 1, 2022, at about 4:36 PM, Danville police officers were dispatched to a report of an armed robbery that occurred at the Trader Joe’s grocery store parking lot located on Railroad Avenue in Danville.

The victim reported he was held up at gunpoint by two suspects as he exited his car. The suspects fled in a waiting vehicle with the victim’s personal property.

Danville police and Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs along with Sheriff’s Office STARR helicopter began an extensive search for the suspects. Other law enforcement agencies were also notified.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division located the suspect vehicle in Antioch. With the assistance of the Antioch police department and STARR helicopter, all three suspects were arrested.

One suspect is identified as 18-year-old Leon Cathay Fountain of San Jose. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges that include armed robbery, conspiracy, participating in a criminal street gang, and several weapons violations. He is being held in lieu of $380,000 bail.

The two other suspects are juveniles and are not being identified.

The investigation is ongoing.

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

Armed Robbery at Trader Joe’s in Danville this afternoon. Vehicle fled the scene. No injuries.

East County police departments, CHP to conduct joint traffic enforcement May 27 to 29

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Source: APD

Will focus on reckless driving and sideshows, plus conduct emissions inspections for illegal equipment

By Sergeant Rob Green #3639, Antioch Police Traffic Unit

The Antioch Police Department in partnership with the Brentwood Police Department, Pittsburg Police Department, Oakley Police Department, and California Highway Patrol will conduct a joint traffic enforcement detail May 27 to 29, 2022. The joint operation will focus on reckless driving and sideshow activity in the East County and conduct vehicle emissions inspections. Any vehicles found with illegal emissions equipment will be referred to a California Smog Referee. This is in response to information provided by citizens regarding a planned sideshow event to take place in the East County area.

Antioch PD would like to thank our law enforcement partners and the citizens who help aid in our investigations.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Reward fund for missing Oakley woman Alexis Gabe increased to $60,000

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By Oakley Police Department

In April, the City of Oakley announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the location of Alexis Gabe, who was last seen on January 26, 2022, in Antioch. (See related articles here and here)

An anonymous donor has contributed $50,000 to the reward fund to help bring the 24-year-old Oakley resident home. A total of $60,000 will be awarded to anyone with information leading to Ms. Gabe’s whereabouts.

“The Oakley Police Department and partner agencies are relentlessly working on this case and investigating the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Our hope is that these reward funds will bring us closer to finding Alexis and bringing resolution to the Gabe family,” said Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard. “We are grateful for the donor’s generous contribution and to the community for their continued support.”

Detective Tyler Horn urges those with information to come forward, “we continue to comb through all the tips received and are working on this case around the clock. We ask that anyone with information please contact us.”

Those with information as to the whereabouts of Alexis Gabe are asked to call 925-625-7009 or Alexistips@ci.oakley.ca.us.

Investigators claim missing Oakley woman’s cell phone case located in Antioch is “key piece of evidence”

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Alexis Gabe’s cell phone case. Photo: Oakley PD

Alexis Gabe, last seen in Antioch, has been missing since Jan. 26

By Oakley Police Department

Investigators have located a key piece of evidence in the search for Alexis Gabe – her cell phone case. Alexis uniquely designed the cell phone case, and her family members and friends have confirmed the case belonged to Alexis.

The cell phone case (pictured in this post) was discovered in Antioch and has been submitted to the crime lab for further analysis.

Security camera video of suspect walking near Alexis Gabe’s car on Jan. 26, 2022. Source: Oakley PD

Investigators suspect the male captured on video walking away from Alexis’ vehicle on Trenton Street in Oakley discarded Alexis’ cell phone case on January 26th. (See related article)

The cell phone case (pictured in this post) was discovered in Antioch and has been submitted to the crime lab for further analysis.If anyone recognizes the male in the video, please call the Alexis Gabe tip line at (925) 625-7009 or email Alexistips@ci.oakley.ca.us. A $10,000 reward will be issued to anyone with information leading to Alexis Gabe’s location.

Police search Antioch home of missing Oakley woman Alexis Gabe’s ex-boyfriend

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Source: Oakley P.D.

Oakley Police Detectives served a search warrant at a home on Benttree Way in Antioch with the assistance of the Antioch Police Department in a continuing effort to locate evidence related to the disappearance of Alexis Gabe. The home in question is where she was reportedly last seen, and investigators are looking into whether this location is where she met with foul play.

“We are aware of numerous reports of recently recovered deceased bodies around the Bay Area and beyond. The community can be assured that the Oakley and Antioch Police Departments are actively looking into all reports and cases,” stated Chief of Police Paul Beard.

Those with information as to the whereabouts of Alexis Gabe are asked to call 925-625-7009 or email alexistips@ci.oakley.ca.us.