Contra Costa Herald

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

Canadian man sentenced for “sextortion” of Contra Costa County minor

By Leave a Comment

Arrested in 2021 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador for multiple online child exploitation offences

Multi-agency effort

Sentenced to 2 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, must register as a sex offender for 10 years

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

A 25-year-old man from Gulf Island, Canada, has been sentenced to prison for sexually extorting a minor in Contra Costa County in 2020, in what is commonly referred to as a “Sextortion” attack.

In the fall of 2019, Nicholas Fahey used a social media application to contact a minor in Contra Costa County and solicited sexually explicit images from the victim. After the victim complied, Fahey sent the victim a series of threats, indicating he would release the images of the victim unless the victim complied with his demands for more photographs.

The investigation was referred to the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Fahey was identified as the suspect through an investigation of his social media accounts. Ultimately, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrested Fahey at his home in Bay Bulls, Canada, located in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Fahey was charged on May 21, 2021, in Canada’s version of Superior Court.

On January 23, 2025, Fahey was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years. Fahey will also serve a term of three years of supervised release.

“This investigation highlights the shared commitment of the ICAC Task Force and HSI to pursue criminals, even those operating beyond U.S. borders,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “Parents need to understand that individuals who prey on minors online are not restricted by national or state boundaries. Those who use the internet to harm our youth should know that my office will collaborate with law enforcement agencies like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to seek justice for the victims in our county.”

Sextortion is the most common crime targeting children on social media. According to the FBI, between 2021 and 2023, 12,600 children in the United States were victims of sextortion, resulting in at least 20 suicides.

To report sextortion, contact your local law enforcement agency or file a report with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about the risks associated with smartphone use and social media. If parents, educators, or organizations are interested in presentations on topics like smartphones, social media, or our Vigilant Parents initiative, please contact the District Attorney’s Office at DAOffice@contracostada.org.

According to Corporal Jolene Garland, Media Relations Officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland and Labrador, on April 29, 2021, then-twenty-two-year-old Nicholas Fahey of Gull Island was arrested, following an investigation by the RCMP/RNC Integrated Internet Child Exploitation (IICE) team. He is charged with multiple online child exploitation offences.

The investigation began in early 2020, after police received reports from the US Department of Homeland Security that two American youth had been exploited online by a resident of this province. A local investigation by IICE led to a search warrant that was executed on a Gull Island residence in July of 2020.

Fahey is now charged with the following criminal offences:
• Possession of Child Pornography
• Transmission of Child Pornography
• Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child
• Luring a Child (x2)
• Indecent Act (exposure)
• Extortion (x2)
• Invitation to Sexual Touching

Fahey was released from custody on conditions designed to protect the general public and was scheduled to appear in court on June 16, 2021.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to exercise proper supervision of children while online and to foster regular discussions with their children about online safety.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Antique unexploded military munitions found in Pleasant Hill home

By Leave a Comment

Walnut Creek PD Bomb Squad, Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team assist

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at about 1:27 p.m., Pleasant Hill Police officers were called to a residence in the 1700 block of Shirley Drive, after a person reported finding a box containing antique unexploded military ordnance and immediately notified police.

The Walnut Creek Police Department’s Bomb Squad and personnel from the U.S. Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Travis AFB responded to assess and assist in the safe removal and disposal of the materials. Con Fire personnel were also on site.

There was no threat to the general public.

As of 6:00 p.m. all explosives were removed, and the scene was cleared. There is no active criminal investigation associated with this matter.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood Police to hold Town Hall Meeting on Prop. 36 and organized retail theft Jan. 30

By Leave a Comment

If you’re interested in learning more about Proposition 36 and efforts to address organized retail theft, we invite you to join us at our next Town Hall Meeting:

Date: Thursday, January 30th, Location: Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.

This is a great opportunity to engage with the Brentwood Police Department, learn about these critical topics, and ask questions.

Following high-speed pursuit of stolen car on Hwy 4 two Antioch men arrested for Dublin robbery

By Leave a Comment

Source: Oakley PD

From Oakley to Hercules; with help from Contra Costa Sheriff’s helicopter, CHP

Kalil Houston still in custody on $70,000 bail, Isaiah J. Mitchell bonded out

By Oakley Police Department

On January 10, 2025, at 9:44PM, Oakley Police Officer F. Williams was on patrol on Main Street near Bridgehead Road. Officer Williams saw a gray Honda Accord with a license plate reported as lost or stolen and belonging on a Lexus. It was also made known to Officer Williams the same Honda with the same license plate had been used during a robbery in Dublin. Officer Williams was joined by Officer R. Hernandez and they attempted to stop the Honda, but it fled at a high rate of speed onto westbound Highway 4. Officers Williams and Hernandez initiated a pursuit and the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff helicopter (STARR) was in the area within a few minutes.

The suspect continued to flee travelling westbound on Highway 4 reaching very high speeds at times. The pursuit continued for several minutes. Due to the nexus of this vehicle to violent crimes, our officers remained engaged in the pursuit all the way to the City of Hercules. The pursuit ultimately ended in the 1900 block of Railroad Avenue when the driver, identified as Kalil Houston (male, 20, Antioch, born 7/6/04) foot bailed from the vehicle. The passenger, identified as Isaiah J. Mitchell (male, 21, Antioch), remained in the vehicle and was taken into custody immediately. Our officers later caught Houston as he was trying to flee the area and took him into custody as well.

Pursuits by their very nature are dangerous and police agencies diligently assess the need to continue them when they occur. Every decision made in a pursuit weighs the seriousness of the incident versus the public’s safety. When a vehicle is associated with a crime(s) of violence, it becomes more critical to apprehend the violator(s).

Our officers found several stolen license plates and a blank key fob in the possession of Houston and Mitchell and fired shell casings could also be seen inside the vehicle. The Honda was towed to be examined for evidence.

During this pursuit, a Black Ford Mustang started pacing our officers, even at the high speeds that were reached, turned its lights off, and tried to block our officers. The driver of the black Mustang intentionally interfered with our officers and placed our officers in a great degree of danger. Our officers will be doing additional follow-up in an attempt to identify the driver of the Mustang.

Houston and Mitchell were both booked into jail for crimes associated with possession of stolen property, conspiracy and felony evading. The Oakley Police Department will be working with the Dublin Police Department in regards to the robbery that occurred in Dublin.

Chief Beard said of this incident, “It does appear as if Houston and Mitchell were going to continue the destructive and violent behavior their vehicle had already previously been involved in. The action of fleeing at high speeds, the propensity to work in concert with others against police officers, having stolen license plates and spent shell casings is not a good look in any scenario. It is my concern a crime of violence was going to be perpetrated against an innocent person(s) in Oakley. I appreciate and respect Officer Williams and Officer Hernandez for keeping the residents of Oakley safe. Officers from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol and the Hercules Police Department all assisted Officers Williams and Hernandez during this incident, and I extend a personal thank you to each of them.

“The experiences of Officer Williams and Officer Hernandez in this investigation underscores the risks American peace officers face everyday. I am grateful for the service of all peace officers who stand between those who wish to do harm and the rest of society and I am honored to be associated with them.

Stay safe Oakley!”

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch, 175-pound Houston is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $70,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 27 at 8:30 a.m. in Delta Superior Court in Pittsburg.

Also, according to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Mitchell is Black and as of Jan. 11th, he bonded out of custody. According to localcrimenews.com, Mitchell was arrested on Dec. 22, 2021, by Antioch Police for vandalism – property damage.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Oakley man with priors arrested for stealing shoes from Brentwood store

By Leave a Comment

Charged with felony thanks to passage of Prop. 36

By Brentwood Police Department

On the evening of Sunday, January 12, 2025, around 9 PM, BPD officers responded to a call to a business at the 5500 block of Lone Tree Way regarding a suspect who had stolen shoes from the store.

Upon arrival, officers observed the suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Don Cornell Capers from Oakley (born 4/5/86), attempting to flee in a getaway vehicle. Capers was quickly taken into custody with the assistance of a second BPD officer who had just shown up while Capers was attempting to get into the vehicle.

Capers, who already had a warrant for a probation violation related to his Post Release Community Supervision, also has two prior theft convictions.

As a result of the passing of Proposition 36, which elevates theft offenses for individuals with prior convictions, Capers was place under arrest with “Petty Theft with Priors”, making this incident a felony rather than a misdemeanor. He was also arrested for the warrant, evading police, and other related charges.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Capers was transferred to another facility and is in custody at the Santa Rita Jail. According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 150-pound suspect is Black and has a court appearance for arraignment in Dept. 702 at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin on Jan. 22 at 8:30 a.m.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Four juveniles arrested in Oakley for armed robbery at the Streets of Brentwood

By Leave a Comment

The suspects’ gun used in the armed robbery was confiscated by Oakley Police. Photo source: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

On Saturday, January 11, 2025, at approximately 7:45 PM, a Brentwood officer patrolling the Streets of Brentwood shopping center was flagged down by security, who reported that an armed robbery had just occurred, and the suspects had fled in a vehicle.

The juvenile victim stated that he and a friend were approached by four suspects. During the confrontation, one suspect struck the victim in the face, and another suspect threatened him with a firearm, demanding his belongings. Fortunately, the victim did not sustain any injuries.

Shortly after the incident was reported, an Oakley PD officer located the suspect vehicle, conducted a traffic stop, and detained four juvenile suspects. Our officers responded to the car stop and recovered a firearm and the victim’s stolen property from the vehicle.

All four juveniles were placed under arrest for robbery, conspiracy to commit a crime, and other related offenses. They were transported to Juvenile Hall for booking.

A big thank you to the Streets of Brentwood security team and the Oakley Police Department for their crucial assistance in apprehending the suspects and ensuring community safety.

 

San Leandro man arrested for stolen gun in Brentwood

By Leave a Comment

Stolen gun and ammunition confiscated from suspect on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD

Held on $120,000 bail

By Brentwood Police Departmen

On Monday, Jan. 14, 2025, at approximately 6:00 PM, a Brentwood officer noticed a car parked in a handicap space without a placard in front of Trader Joe’s. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer observed a firearm with an extended magazine in plain view inside the car.

While on scene, the owner of the vehicle returned from a nearby business. During the investigation, it was determined that the firearm was stolen.

The vehicle’s owner, identified as 18-year-old Michael Wayne Sherman, III of San Leandro (born 4/18/06), was arrested for possession of the stolen firearm. Sherman was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive policing in keeping our community safe.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, ten inch tall, 130-pound Sherman is being held on $120,000 bail.

According to Recently Booked, he is charged with carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, receiving known stolen property and carrying a loaded firearm in public under specific circumstances.

13 arrested during Internet Crimes Against Children operation

By Leave a Comment

Photos source: Walnut Creek PD

Multi-agency effort

By Walnut Creek Police Department

Walnut Creek PD recently hosted an extensive and successful Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) operation, partnering with numerous local and federal agencies to safeguard children in our communities. This collaborative effort resulted in 13 arrests, showcasing the strength of teamwork and technology in the fight against child exploitation.

We’re proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners to make a difference. Swipe through for a behind-the-scenes look at the operation and its results.

Photos source: Walnut Creek PD

More information regarding specific individuals and their pending charges will be made available to the public once the cases have been reviewed by the CCCDA’s Office.

Participating agencies included Contra Costa District Attorney, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, and Brentwood, Concord, Danville, Moraga, Oakley, Pleasant Hill, Novato, San Jose and San Francisco Police Departments.

Together, we stand united in protecting our most vulnerable.

Domestic disturbance in Concord leads to arrest for illegal gun of man who fled scene

By Leave a Comment

Photos source: Concord PD

With assistance by U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force

By Concord Police Department

On December 9, 2024, Concord Police responded to a domestic disturbance where a domestic violence incident was confirmed. During a protective sweep of the residence, officers discovered a loaded, illegally modified short-barrel rifle with a high-capacity magazine.

The suspect, who had prior felony convictions, fled the scene. Detectives secured a warrant and worked with federal agencies to track him down. With help from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, the suspect was located in another city and taken into custody without incident.

Concord Police remain dedicated to ensuring community safety and working with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and partner agencies to seek justice for victims.

117 arrested during CHP’s multi-agency Operation Holiday Watch retail theft campaign

By Leave a Comment

Photos courtesy of the CHP

$38,000 stolen merch recovered from 10 communities including Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Livermore

SACRAMENTO – In the final shopping days before Christmas, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) conducted a successful enforcement operation targeting organized retail crime, promoting safe shopping experiences for communities throughout California.

The collaborative statewide retail theft crackdown on Friday, December 20, just four days after Prop. 36 went into effect increasing penalties, resulted in 117 arrests, the recovery of over $38,000 in stolen merchandise, the seizure of two illegal firearms, and the recovery of three stolen vehicles. Charges range from petty theft, grand theft, organized retail crime, felon in possession of a firearm, and auto theft.

The daylong operation was conducted in collaboration with the Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Livermore, Hemet, Los Angeles, Glendale, Bakersfield and Woodland Police Departments, and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

“Through proactive enforcement operations and strong partnerships with local law enforcement and retailers, we were able to protect the state’s businesses and consumers during one of the busiest times of the year,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Our efforts send a clear message that retail theft in California will not be tolerated.”

Key Results of the Operation:

  • 117 arrests made for organized retail theft and related offenses.
  • Recovery of 767 stolen items, valued at $38,290.70, including clothing, shoes, and fragrances.
  • Enhanced collaboration among 10 California law enforcement agencies and 56 different retail partners to improve in-store security and reporting.
  • Increased law enforcement visibility in high-traffic shopping areas, deterring additional crimes.

“The state stands committed to protecting consumers, especially as they go about the final shopping sprint before the holiday season,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “I’m proud of the efforts of CHP and local law enforcement to protect consumers and businesses throughout California.”

As the holiday season winds down, the CHP will continue working with businesses and the community to prevent retail theft year-round. Anyone with information about organized retail theft operations is encouraged to contact the CHP.

Since the Organized Retail Crime Task Force’s inception in 2019, the CHP has been involved in over 3,200 investigations, leading to the arrest of more than 3,500 suspects and the recovery of nearly 1.3 million stolen goods valued at $51.3 million.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.