Contra Costa Herald

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

21-year-old Brentwood man arrested for possession of 3D-printed machine gun conversion device

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Faces up to 10 years in prison, $250,000 fine; detention hearing on St. Patrick’s Day

By U.S. Attorney – Northern District of California

OAKLAND – A Brentwood man has been charged with unlawful possession of a machine gun conversion device. Noah Kanaye Bauer, 21 (born 12/13/2003), was arrested yesterday and made his initial appearance in federal district court in Oakland this morning.

According to the criminal complaint and court documents unsealed on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, on Sept. 6, 2024, officers with the Brentwood Police Department (BPD) responded to a call regarding an individual with a firearm at a grocery store in Brentwood and found Bauer with a 3D printed Glock style firearm. Officers allegedly removed the firearm from the front of Bauer’s waistband and saw that there was no serial number on it. In a search of Bauer’s home after his arrest for carrying a concealed weapon, BPD officers found a 3D printing machine, three 3D printed pistol frames, and a 3D printed machine gun conversion device in Bauer’s room.

The complaint describes that machine gun conversion devices, also known as “switches” or “auto sears,” are designed and created for the purpose of converting a semi-automatic Glock type pistol into a fully automatic machine gun. When BPD officers questioned Bauer on what the conversion devices were used for, Bauer allegedly stated, “to make it shoot faster.”

Bauer is next scheduled to appear in court on March 17, 2025, for a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore.

Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.

Bauer is charged with one count of 18 U.S.C. § 922(o). A complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Any sentence following conviction would 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.

The National Security and Special Prosecutions Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting this case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI with assistance from the BPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

According to a report by crimevoice.com, the incident occurred at the Raley’s grocery store on
Sand Creek Road. Bauer’s arrest in September 2024 prompted an FBI investigation of him conducted
by the domestic terrorism squad of the San Francisco field office.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, nine-inch tall, 145-pound Bauer is Hispanic and being held on no bail in the West County Detention Facility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pleasant Hill man arrested for attempted residential burglary

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Burglary suspect Lacy William Ball was arrested on March 7, 2025. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

Arrested again on March 12 for first-degree burglary by Concord PD

45-year-old Lacy Ball has some ‘splaining’ to do!

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Great investigation by our Patrol Officers!

This past Friday night (March 7, 2025), our officers responded to a residential burglary in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood. Thanks to quick action and surveillance footage, they were able to identify the suspect as 45-year-old Lacy William Ball (born 8/1/79) of Pleasant Hill.

Ball was located in Pleasant Hill and arrested for burglary in the 1400 block of Contra Costa Blvd. Officers also recovered stolen property, which was returned to the victim.

A big thank you to our Patrol Officers and the watchful neighbors who helped bring this case to a swift resolution!

According to the Pleasant Hill PD website, the five-feet, 10-inch tall, 205-pound Ball is White with blonde hair and blue eyes and is unemployed.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he is Hispanic, five-feet, nine inches tall, 170 pounds with blue eyes and grey hair, was arrested again by Concord Police on March 12 at 9:42 AM and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail. Ball faces two counts of first-degree burglary and his next court date is scheduled for 8:30 AM on April 17, 2025, in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Ball was also arrested four previous times, twice for burglary in 2023 by Concord Police and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch, Concord men found guilty of Brentwood armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon

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Following the crash of the suspects’ car, Orey Douglas was arrested car and a gun was recovered on August 4, 2024. Photos: Brentwood PD

Orey Douglas has history of over 20 arrests since 2014 including for murder, multiple gun and sex crimes

By Brentwood Police Department

Around 1:00 AM Sunday morning August 4th, 2024, Brentwood officers responded to an armed robbery at 50 Sand Creek Road. While officers were interviewing the victim, Oakley PD spotted the suspects’ vehicle in their jurisdiction and attempted a traffic stop. The driver fled at a high rate of speed, leading to a pursuit. The suspect vehicle eventually crashed into an embankment off Highway 160.

Brentwood officers arrived at the crash scene and confirmed that the vehicle matched the description of the suspects’ car. Both occupants were detained, and a loaded handgun, along with the stolen property from the victim, was found in the vehicle. The suspect, 28-year-old Orey Azniam Douglas of Antioch, was positively identified and placed under arrest. Douglas was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

This quick and coordinated response not only led to the arrest of the suspect but also likely prevented further crimes.

According to a report by crimevoice.com, they robbed Los Mexicanos Market and the second suspect Sam Donte Gray, 38 (born 11-10-85), of Concord, remained at large until he was arrested on August 8. Douglas was charged with second-degree robbery and three firearms-related charges and was held in the West County Detention Facility on $160,000 bail pending his Oct. 7th court hearing.

On March 3rd, 2025, the suspects, Douglas and Gray, were found guilty of armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, along with numerous firearm charges and enhancements.

This case highlights the collective efforts of everyone involved, including patrol officers from both Brentwood PD and Oakley PD, along with our Detectives. Their dedication and teamwork played a critical role in this successful conviction while also ensuring the safety of our community.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-feet, three-inch tall, 215-pound Douglas is Black and has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by multiple agencies including police departments in Antioch, Hayward, Fremont, BART, Oakland, San Jose, Vacaville, as well as Sheriff’s Departments in Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano counties, and Contra Costa CHP. Charges include murder, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, multiple gun crimes, sex with a minor and unlawfully causing a minor to engage in a commercial sex act by force, carjacking, vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, false imprisonment, threatening a witness, evading police and resisting arrest.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, nine-inch tall, 217-pound Gray is Black and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $140,0000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 9, 2025, at 8:30 AM in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was arrested for conspiracy to commit a crime, robbery, assault with a firearm on a person, felony parole violation and addict in possession of a firearm. Gray was previously arrested on Sept. 8, 2023, by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department on order for a person’s removal from prison to appear in court.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Auto burglary in Pleasant Hill ends with 3 suspects arrested

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Gun and bullets seized during arrest on Friday morning, March 14, 2025. Graphic & photo: Pleasant Hill PD

19-year-old, two 18-year-olds including one from Pittsburg with Dec. 2024 gun arrest; two held on $150,000 bail

Loaded firearm seized, stolen items recovered

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

A solid late-night arrest leads to a firearm recovery and three suspects in jail!

Early this morning officers were dispatched to a possible auto burglary in progress in the Camelback neighborhood. Immediately upon arriving to the area, they located a suspicious vehicle matching the description fleeing the area. Following a traffic stop, three suspects were detained and a large amount of suspected stolen items were recovered. During the contact, a loaded firearm was recovered from the vehicle as well.

Through this investigation, we were able to assist surrounding agencies with their investigations into similar auto burglaries, and property belonging to their victims was returned.

All three suspects were booked into Martinez Detention Facility for numerous charges including burglary and firearms charges. These cases will be sent to the District Attorney for filings.

Great work by our weekday night teams!!

According to the Pleasant Hill PD website, the suspects are 19-year-old Shawndell Torrybreon Hines who is Black, six-feet, one-inch tall and 184 pounds; 18-year-old Jabari Cleon James McKinney who is Black, five-feet, eight inches tall and 190 pounds; and Enrique Dexter Lafrades, who is also 18 years old and Black, is five-feet, 11-inches tall and 180 pounds.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Hines was born 8/27/2005, and is being held on $150,000 bail.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, McKinney was still in custody as of 8:18 AM Friday morning.

According to localcrimenews.com, Lafrades is from Pittsburg and was also arrested on Dec. 17, 2024, by Pittsburg Police for carrying a loaded firearm on a person or in a vehicle while in a public place. According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he was born 6/25/2006, and is being held on $150,000 bail.

No additional information about Hines or McKinney could be found in online searches.

Case #25-00764

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

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

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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

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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.

Police seek suspects in smash-and-grab robbery at Orinda consignment shop

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Photo: Hilton House Facebook page.

Pepper sprayed employee, customers

By Orinda Police Department

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, at about 11:44 AM, Orinda police officers were dispatched to a report of a robbery at a business in the first block of Orinda Way. Several male suspects entered a store and pepper-sprayed an employee and some customers. They fled after stealing multiple items. Police checked the area and notified other law enforcement agencies. The suspects were not located. The victims were treated at the scene.

According to a KTVU FOX 2 news report, five suspects entered the store with hammers, breaking glass display cases and robbed the Hilton House Consign & Design in Orinda and pepper sprayed one employee and some customers.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Orinda Police Department at (925) 254-6820. Tips could be email to: orindatip@cityoforinda.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Vallejo man charged by Contra Costa DA for stealing $25,000 of LEGOs

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Photos: Target.com and Waymarking.com

From Walnut Creek, San Ramon Target stores

Has history of arrests dating to 2014

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

A Vallejo man has been charged by the Contra Costa County District Attorney with multiple counts of second-degree commercial burglary and grand theft for stealing nearly $25,000 worth of merchandise from Target.

32-year-old Michael Ivory Fletcher (born 7/10/92) is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility, awaiting a preliminary hearing on a 12-count felony complaint filed in court on February 20th.

His bail has been set at $467,500.

Fletcher’s offenses go beyond Contra Costa County. He is suspected of thefts in Solano, Alameda, San Joaquin, Sonoma, and Santa Clara Counties.

The thefts at Target stores in Walnut Creek and San Ramon occurred between August 15th, 2024, and February 15th, 2025. Fletcher’s actions followed a similar method of entering a store alone, filling up a shopping cart of LEGO products, and exiting with the stolen merchandise in a matter of minutes. Before fleeing from a store, he would load the stolen items in a vehicle parked in a disabled parking space.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “The effective investigative efforts of the Walnut Creek and San Ramon police departments were crucial in bringing this case forward. We are committed to holding this individual accountable. Moreover, these brazen retail thefts demonstrate the necessity of reporting these crimes to law enforcement. Collaborative efforts are essential to ensuring the safety of our communities and businesses.”

Case No. 01-25-00704 | The People of the State of California v. Fletcher, Michael Ivory

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, 10-inch, 165 lb. Fletcher is Black, and as of March 5, he is being held in the West County Detention Facility. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11 at 8:30 AM in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was arrested on Feb. 15, 2025, by Walnut Creek Police for felony committed while released on bail or own recognizance, revocation of probation, conspiracy to commit a crime, burglary, grand theft and organized retail theft. 01-25-00704 – MIFletcher Charging Document

In addition, Fletcher has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by multiple agencies including Oakland, Emeryville, Albany and Vallejo PD’s, Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, Solano and San Joaquin counties Sheriff’s Departments and Castro Valley CHP for multiple gun-related and drug-related crimes, grand theft, burglary, organized retail theft, battery on a spouse, ex-spouse or co-habitant, and resisting arrest.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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

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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

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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.