Contra Costa Herald

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

Two suspects arrested following pursuit from Antioch to Bay Point, crash

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Throughout October, “The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Sheriffs Association teamed up in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Uniformed staff can wear a special shoulder patch this month. This is our way of supporting a meaningful and important cause.” – Sheriff David Livingston. Photos by CCC Sheriff’s Office

Passenger had felony warrants; driver twice headed wrong way on Highway 4; helicopter assists

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

On Saturday, October 10, 2026, at about 6:01 PM, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office specialized patrol unit J-Team, with the assistance of helicopter STARR 3, attempted a high-risk stop in Antioch on a Honda Civic. A person who was seen getting into the passenger seat of the vehicle was wanted for a post-release community supervision violation and multiple felony warrants.

The driver quickly reversed the vehicle narrowly missing a deputy sheriff and drove out of the parking lot at a high rate of speed.

The driver led deputies on a pursuit which traveled on surface streets in Antioch then onto Highway 4 at Loveridge Road where the Honda went the wrong way, heading eastbound in the westbound lanes. The deputies terminated the pursuit.

The Honda later corrected direction and drove westbound on Highway 4. The suspect vehicle exited Bailey Road in Bay Point and CHP successfully deployed spikes at Willow Pass Road and Alves Road.

The Honda continued to Highway 4 at San Marco Blvd. where the Honda entered eastbound Highway 4 going westbound on the shoulder. The pursuit was once again terminated.

The Honda continued westbound on the shoulder where it collided with a parked Sheriff’s Office vehicle. The suspect in the passenger seat fled on foot but was apprehended.

The Honda sped away in the wrong direction and collided with a vehicle on Highway 4. The driver of the suspect vehicle was arrested and was taken to the hospital for injuries sustained from the collision.

The suspect who was in the passenger seat and civilian driver were transported to the hospital as a precaution.

The two suspects will be booked later at the Martinez Detention Facility on multiple felony charges. They are not being identified at this time.

“MELT ICE” Act of 2026 authored by Contra Costa’s Ávila Farías signed by governor

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Prevents former ICE agents with history of misconduct from becoming law enforcement officers in California

Claims participating in ICE operations during Trump’s 2nd term “demonstrates an immorality”

Could be challenged in court, deemed unconstitutional

By Allen D. Payton

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law AB 1627, the Misconduct Ends Law-enforcement Trust Act of 2026 (MELT ICE) by Assemblywoman Anamarie Ávila Farías (D-Martinez), which disqualifies officers employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from being employed as a peace officer in California, if they “engaged in serious misconduct that would have resulted in their certification being revoked…if employed as a peace officer in this state.”

The Assemblywoman represents portions of Contra Costa County in the State Assembly’s 15th District.

While the law makes clear that existing police hiring rules covering serious misconduct by former law enforcement officers now, also apply to officers involved in immigration enforcement, it applies even if the ICE officer was not found guilty of misconduct in their current or previous position.

However, the soon to be new law could be challenged in court because of possible violation of federal labor law and deemed unconstitutional in part due to the “immorality” clause. That clause reads, “Participating in the operations of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on or after January 20, 2025, demonstrates an immorality that California cannot afford to have in its ranks of peace officer.”

On August 30th, the bill passed the state Senate on 29 to 10 party-line vote, and the Assembly by 57 to 16 also on a party-line vote. It was enrolled and presented to the Governor on Sept. 9th at 1 p.m.

Part of Package of Federal Immigration Enforcement Related Bills Signed by Governor

According to a press release from the governor’s office that day, “Governor Newsom signed 21 bills earlier today cementing California’s longstanding efforts to support immigrant communities and reflecting on the state’s response to an intensified federal immigration enforcement environment.”

“Newsom…signed a package of bills related to federal immigration enforcement in California to expand oversight of federal immigration enforcement in California.

“This action builds on years of work by Governor Newsom and the Legislature to support (illegal) immigrant families, protect communities and the economy from reckless immigration actions, strengthen transparency and oversight of detention facilities, and ensure that state resources are focused on public safety and the needs of Californians.

The governor’s office claims the package of bills, “Prohibits ICE officers who have committed serious misconduct on the job from becoming peace officers or public employees in California.”

Included in the bills was AB 1627 by Ávila Farías, described as “Public employment: disqualifications”, and known as the MELT ICE Act.

Legislative Counsel’s Digest of AB 1627

According to the Legislative Counsel’s Digest, “Existing (state) law specifies circumstances that disqualify a person from holding office or being employed as a peace officer, including, among other things, any person previously employed in law enforcement in any state or United States territory or by the federal government whose name is listed in any of specified indexes whose certification as a law enforcement officer in that jurisdiction was revoked for misconduct or who, while employed as a law enforcement officer, engaged in serious misconduct that would have resulted in their certification being revoked by the commission if employed as a peace officer in this state.

“This bill would specify that, for purposes of the disqualification circumstances described above, the terms ‘employed in law enforcement’ and ‘law enforcement officer’ include a law enforcement officer employed in any state or United States territory or by the federal government who engages in immigration enforcement, as provided.”

Bill Text Claims Participating in ICE Operations During Trump’s Second Term “Demonstrates an Immorality”

According to the Bill Text in, “SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

“(a) Beginning in 2025, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have terrorized California residents, United States citizens and noncitizens alike, through untargeted arrests and brutality based on nothing more than a person’s racial appearance, language spoken, means of earning a living, or exercise of First Amendment-protected expression.

“(b) Beginning in 2025, the United States Department of Homeland Security has recruited peace officers to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement with the promise of being unrestrained in the manner in which officers engage with civilians or by the laws of the State of California.

“(c) Participating in the operations of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on or after January 20, 2025, demonstrates an immorality that California cannot afford to have in its ranks of peace officers whose duties include interacting with the public.”

Further according to the Bill Text, “…except as provided in subparagraph (B), any person previously employed as a sworn law enforcement officer or individual contractor, and personally engaged in immigration enforcement,” is “disqualified from holding office as a peace officer or being employed as a peace officer of the state, county, city, city and county, or other political subdivision, whether with or without compensation, and is disqualified from any office or employment by the state, county, city, city and county, or other political subdivision, whether with or without compensation, which confers upon the holder or employee the powers and duties of a peace officer.”

Subparagraph B (ii) reads, “‘Immigration enforcement’ includes any and all efforts to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal civil immigration law, and also includes any and all efforts to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal criminal immigration law that penalizes a person’s presence in, entry, or reentry to, or employment in, the United States.”

However, the bill “does not prohibit or restrict any governmental entity or official from sending to, or receiving from, federal immigration authorities information regarding the citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of an individual, or from requesting from federal immigration authorities immigration status information, lawful or unlawful, of any individual, or from maintaining or exchanging that information with any other federal, state, or local governmental entity.” That means existing law enforcement officers can cooperate with ICE within limits of California’s sanctuary state laws.

Assemblywoman Ávila Farías speaks about her bill, AB1627 on the Assembly Floor On May 27, 2026. Video screenshot source: CalMatters

Ávila Farías Comments About Bill, Signing by Governor

A press release issued earlier this year, after the State Assembly passed her bill, reads, “On the Assembly Floor, Assemblymember Ávila Farías emphasized that ICE enforcement has created fear across California—impacting both citizens and immigrants alike—and legislation is needed to proactively safeguard our communities and critical spaces.”

She is further quoted in a FOX11 Los Angeles report as saying in a statement, “California’s peace officers…must be guardians of constitutional rights, not participants in their erosion.” and “argued that participating in ICE operations during this period ‘demonstrates an immorality that California cannot afford to have in its ranks.’”

In her brief speech on the Assembly Floor on May 27th, Avila Farias said, “Communities are safer when we are policed by people who are committed to protecting the public rather than kidnapping them.”

During a presentation before the Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety in April, she said, “Frankly, I don’t want my kids or anyone else’s counting on people who flaunt the rule of the law.” Ávila Farías also claimed, “this bill, does not have any legal issues, and challenges, because we’re simply doing a modest expansion of existing law in a way to protect our community members and holding the highest regard of what our law enforcement professionals. It also is not honing into the individuals that are doing their jobs to the letter of the law. This is protecting vulnerable community populations…”

She repeated her remarks before the state Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety in June saying, “AB 1627 ensures that immigration enforcement personnel are disqualified from becoming a peace officer in California if they have committed misconduct in their prior roles. This bill is about restoring public trust and holding federal law enforcement to the same standards as any other peace officer in California.”

About the governor signing her bill Ávila Farías said, “Our kids deserve role models in uniform, not individuals tied to fear and intimidation. AB 1627 is about accountability, integrity, and reducing harm before it happens. With the signing of the MELT ICE Act of 2026, California sends a clear message: Federal agents who have disregarded constitutional rights are not to be entrusted with peace enforcement roles in our state. Thank you, Governor Newsom, for your commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting our communities.”

Ávila Farías’ office issued a press release about the bill’s signing.

“Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed my bill to prevent former ICE employees with documented histories of misconduct from becoming peace officers in California.

“AB 1627, the Misconduct Ends Law-Enforcement Trust Act of 2026, started with people in my community speaking up. One year ago, at a No Kings Rally in Concord, our community came together and spoke out about the fear many immigrant families were experiencing. That community activism helped inspire this legislation, and I am proud that their voices helped lead to meaningful change.

“AB 1627 was not written overnight. It was the result of many conversations, a lot of listening, and working with people who care deeply about public safety and accountability.

“At the heart of this bill is a simple principle: if someone has a documented history of misconduct, they should not be able to leave one agency and simply put on another uniform without accountability.

“I am honored and humbled to have played a part in creating one more barrier to prevent individuals who have abused their authority from becoming peace officers in California. This is about protecting public trust and making sure the people entrusted with a badge are held to a high standard.

“I want to thank Governor Newsom, my legislative colleagues, the community partners who stood with me, and the law-enforcement professionals who worked with us throughout this process. “This is what people power looks like. A community raised its voice, we listened, we worked together, and we turned that vision into law.

“AB 1627 takes effect January 1, 2027.”

Opposed by Statewide Police Organization

According to a report on MSN.com, “The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) has voiced opposition to the bill. ‘This bill is unnecessary, duplicative and it jeopardizes qualified immunity for California employees,’ stated David Mastagni on behalf of PORAC.

The report further claims, “Critics argue the measure represents ‘guilty by association’ and could worsen existing staffing shortages in California’s police departments and schools. According to data from PORAC, law enforcement agencies throughout California have lost over 3,300 sworn officers since 2020, with an average of 10% of policing roles remaining unfilled.”

Could Be Challenged in Court, Deemed Unconstitutional

However, the new law could be ruled unconstitutional if challenged in court as questions have arisen whether the state can legally enforce a lifetime ban on a specific class of former federal employees without violating federal labor protections or constitutional due process.

According to a report by iHeart Radio in February, “Legal experts question whether California can legally enforce a lifetime ban on a specific class of federal employees without violating federal labor protections or constitutional due process rights.”

Inclusion of the “immorality” clause could give further basis for a court challenge.

Two wanted suspects arrested at Hercules apartment complex

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Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputies and police from Hercules and other agencies respond to the Dylan Apartment Homes in Hercules where the suspects were sleeping and then arrested. Photo: Hercules PD

Muti-agency effort assists Alameda County Sheriff’s Office

By Hercules Police Department

Hercules Police Department officers recently assisted the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office with the arrest of two wanted suspects.

Upon locating the suspects in a vehicle at the Dylan Apartment Complex on John Muir Parkway, officers observed that both suspects were asleep and that one had a pistol resting on his lap.

Recognizing the potential for a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation, officers developed and implemented a tactical plan centered on time, distance, communication, and de-escalation. Through patience, coordination and sound police tactics, the situation was resolved safely, and both suspects were taken into custody without further incident.

This operation was a strong example of the importance of interagency cooperation and teamwork. We extend our sincere appreciation to our allied agency partners who assisted:

  • Vallejo Police Department — K-9
  • Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office
  • San Pablo Police Department — SWAT
  • Pinole Police Department
  • Pittsburg Police Department

The hard work, professionalism, and dedication of frontline law enforcement officers can never be overstated. Kudos to every officer and deputy who worked together to bring this incident to a safe resolution.

Efforts have been made to reach the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and Hercules Police Department for more details, including the names of the suspects and what they were wanted for, as no police activity is shown on the department’s CitizenRims crime map for that location since August 1st, nor are addresses included in the list of arrests dating back to Aug. 28th. Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa DA’s investigation report clears cops in death of Brentwood woman following 2025 arrest

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Photo source: Yolanda Bustos Ramirez’s obituary.

Becton says 72-year-old Yolanda Bustos Ramirez “died from a stroke and other health related issues” Oct. 3, 2025, while in the hospital and, “No further action will be taken in this case.”

Shares details about inquest jury’s split vote on findings

By Allen D. Payton

According to Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office PIO Ted Asregadoo, “The Contra Costa DA’s Office has released its full report on the investigation into the death of Yolanda Bustos Ramirez, following a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding her death. This release reflects our office’s commitment to transparency in matters that affect the community we serve.”

As previously reported, 72-year-old Yolanda Bustos Ramirez, died on Oct. 3, 2025, following her arrest during a family dispute. She was in the hospital and not in police custody at the time of her death. But her family is blaming police for causing her death and have filed a wrongful death lawsuit. A letter to the City from the family’s attorney claims she was “violently arrested by multiple Brentwood Police Officers.”

According to the Department, “On Friday, September 26, 2025, at around 11:00 a.m., Brentwood Police officers responded to a call involving a family dispute, during which Yolanda Ramirez, approximately 70 years old, was placed under a citizen’s arrest at the request of a family member. When officers arrived, Ms. Ramirez attempted to flee the scene. Officers detained Ms. Ramirez, and after being secured in a patrol vehicle, officers noticed she appeared to be having a medical issue, and they immediately contacted medical personnel. Ms. Ramirez was promptly released from police custody and transported by medical personnel to a local hospital.

“Several days later, the Police Department was notified that Ms. Ramirez was still hospitalized, her condition had worsened, and that she was not expected to survive. In accordance with Contra Costa County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol, the Brentwood Police Department immediately notified the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, and their agency initiated an independent investigation into the incident.”

Video screenshot shows Yolanda Ramirez in the back of a Brentwood Police car following her arrest on Nov. 5, 2025, included in the report with descriptions. Source: CCDA

In February, Brentwood Police released “a community briefing video consisting of in-car and body-worn camera footage, as well as 911 audio” of Ramirez’s arrest. They reported, “the family of Ms. Ramirez was provided with an opportunity to privately view the video prior to its release to the public.” (See related article)

Then, in July, a Contra Costa Sheriff-Coroner’s inquest jury found her death to be an accident. “The inquest presented the facts of the incident, including witness testimony, medical information, and body-worn camera footage, to a jury tasked with determining the manner of death: natural causes, accident, at the hands of another, or suicide,” Asregadoo shared. (See related article)

Investigation Report & Timeline

The investigation report includes audio and video footage of both police body cam, dash cam and a home surveillance camera, interviews with the involved police officers, Bustos Ramirez’s family members and a Con Fire paramedic, as well as medical records, autopsy report and the results of the Sheriff-Coroner’s Inquest Jury findings.

Asregadoo’s press release provided the following additional details:

Brentwood Dispatch Receives a Call

On September 26, 2025, at 10:37 a.m., a family member called Brentwood police to report a disturbance involving Ramirez, who was outside a residence banging on the front door and had broken a coffee mug on the porch. The family member, who is Ramirez’s sister, told dispatch that Ramirez had been confrontational in the past and that she feared Ramirez would become combative again.

Officers Aaron Peachman and Danielle Tjhia arrived at approximately 10:49 a.m. and found Ramirez standing in the driveway. The family member told Officer Peachman that a dispute arose over who was responsible for driving their brother to a medical appointment. When the family member took their brother back inside, Ramirez banged on the door and broke a coffee mug on the porch. The family member told officers she wanted to press charges for property damage.

Ramirez’s Arrest

As Officer Peachman explained the process of a citizen’s arrest, Ramirez attempted to leave the scene. Despite repeated commands to sit down and statements that she was not free to leave, Ramirez refused the officer’s directives. When officers took hold of her wrists and attempted to guide her away from her car, she said “stop” and continued to resist. Officer Peachman advised her she was under arrest and ordered her to place her hands behind her back. When she refused, officers moved her hands behind her back, handcuffed her, and escorted her to the patrol vehicle.

At the patrol car, Ramirez pulled away as officers attempted to search her pockets and repeated instructions to enter the patrol vehicle. Officers Peachman and Tjhia held Ramirez by the upper arms and walked her toward the open rear door. Approximately two to three feet from the door,

Ramirez dropped to her knees and struck the left side of her face against the vehicle’s interior, crying out in pain. She appeared alert afterward, with no visible injury. When she did not respond to further requests to stand and enter the car, officers lifted her to her feet and placed her across the back seat. As Officer Peachman guided her feet inside and closed the door, Ramirez pushed her leg against it. When he closed it firmly, Ramirez’s body shifted forward and the top of her head struck the closed door on the opposite side of the vehicle. She did not react audibly, nor were there visible signs of being hurt.

Medical Distress in the Patrol Vehicle

At approximately 11:04 a.m., Ramirez shifted to an upright position in the back seat and appeared alert. She repeatedly asked to be uncuffed, given water, and allowed to call family. After Officer Peachman stepped away at 11:14 a.m., her condition declined. As captured on the interior video camera in the patrol vehicle, her breathing grew slower and shallower, and her speech became incomplete and incoherent. When Officer David Smith checked on her at 11:18 a.m., she had difficulty understanding his questions, though she was able to state her name. After several more minutes of attempted interaction, officers called for medical assistance at 11:21 a.m. While medical responders were en route, Ramirez vomited in the vehicle.

Transport to Hospital and Death Days Later

Paramedics arrived at 11:29 a.m. and transported Ramirez first to Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center and then to John Muir Health Walnut Creek Medical Center, where she was diagnosed with an intraparenchymal hemorrhage – which is bleeding in the right basal ganglia, deep inside the brain. She received medical treatment for several days before she died on October 3rd.

Autopsy Findings

On October 4th, 2025, Forensic Pathologist Dr. James Caruso conducted an autopsy of Ramirez and concluded that her death was caused by a cerebrovascular accident, or stroke, with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and obesity as other significant preexisting conditions.

On October 26th, 2025, a second forensic pathologist, Dr. Matthias Okoye, conducted a private autopsy of Ramirez and concluded that her death was due to “multiple blunt force trauma and asphyxiation with complications all due to, and as a consequence of, police restraint.”

Additional Witness Account

On February 2nd, 2026, a resident who lived near the scene of the incident provided a statement to a Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office inspector describing his observations of the arrest. The witness stated that he saw a male officer strike Ramirez three times in the back of the head with his elbow or forearm, driving her face into the closed rear passenger window as she stood next to the patrol vehicle. This account was incorporated into the investigation’s overall analysis, but a review of all witness statements and body-worn camera video capturing the entirety of the police contact with Ramirez found that the use of force described by the additional witness did not occur.

The officers “had the Legal Authority to detain/arrest Yolanda Ramirez” and “used objectively reasonable force” – Contra Costa DA Diana Becton

District Attorney’s Findings

The investigation report includes audio and video footage, interviews with the involved police officers, Bustos Ramirez’s family members and a Con Fire paramedic, as well as medical records, autopsy report and the results of the Sheriff-Coroner’s Inquest Jury findings.

DA Diana Becton’s Executive Summary provides more details about the results of the inquest jury writing, “The jury returned a split verdict on the case. Seven members of the jury determined that the cause of death was by ‘natural causes’, and eight members of the jury determined the cause of death was by ‘accident.’ None of the jurors concluded that the death was ‘at the hands of another’ or by ‘Suicide’.’”

Becton’s Executive Summary and Conclusion states, “In applying the law and the California District Attorney’s Uniform Crime Charging Standards to the present case, the CCCDAO finds the following:

  1. As a matter of law, Officers Peachman and Tjhia had the Legal Authority to detain/arrest Yolanda RAMIREZ.
  2. Officers Peachman and Tjhia used objectively reasonable force during the arrest of Yolanda RAMIREZ and there is no evidence that excess force was applied.
  3. While incredibly tragic, Yolanda RAMIREZ died from a stroke and other health related issues, as opposed to police use of force.

“Based on the aforementioned findings, no further action will be taken in this case.”

Read the complete findings here: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/92820/LEIFI-Final-Report-Yolanda-Bustos-Ramirez.

Contra Costa Supervisors proclaim August as National Emergency Management Awareness Month

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Photo source: CCC Sheriff’s Office

By Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County recently proclaimed August 2026 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Contra Costa County.

The Board proclamation stated, “Contra Costa County is committed to building a culture of all-hazard emergency management throughout the County, to include all County Departments, Cities, Towns, and Special Districts charged with establishing and maintaining the capabilities necessary to effectively prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters…”

“The County’s Office of Emergency Services, under the operations of the Office of the Sheriff and in collaboration with multiple County Departments, nineteen incorporated cities, special districts, First Responder Agencies, and community partners, works year-round to enhance our ability to prevent, mitigate, respond to, and recover from disasters, ensuring the community is positioned to return to normalcy after disaster…”

Here are some links for preparing for disasters and emergencies:

www.contracosta.ca.gov/5435/Public-Safety-Emergency-Info

www.listoscalifornia.org/disaster-readiness

www.redcross.org/local/california/northern-california-coastal/about-us/our-work/prepare.html

Contra Costa County is recognizing the professionals who plan, coordinate, mitigate, respond and help communities recover from disasters year-round. Learn more at https://ready.gov

Multi-agency Internet Crimes Against Children operation ends with five men arrested

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A child predator was arrested using drone technology during a recent ICAC operation. Photo & video screenshot: Walnut Creek PD

They came to meet a child. They met Walnut Creek PD instead.

One each from Concord, Antioch, Walnut Creek, Marin County & visiting from Germany

By Walnut Creek Police Department

The Walnut Creek Police Department recently hosted a multi-agency operation with the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, targeting adults who used social media to target children for sexual exploitation. Five adults traveled to Walnut Creek believing they were meeting a child. All now face charges including attempted lewd acts with a minor (PC 664/288(a)), contacting a minor to commit a sex offense (PC 288.3(a)), and arranging to meet a minor for sex (PC 288.4(b)).

5 arrests:

  • Andrew Garcia, 32, Concord
  • Billie Ray Breland, 29, Antioch (born 02/12/1997)
  • Rudolf Naused Robl, 42, visiting from Germany (born 07/04/1984)
  • Jacek Markiewicz, 67, Walnut Creek, also charged with attempted kidnapping
  • Taesu Park, 36, Marin County

Photos: Walnut Creek PD

The ICAC Task Force exists to identify predators before a real child is harmed, combining investigations, training, and victim support across our region. Operations like this one are the result of that work.

Thank you to our partnering agencies for their work on this operation: Contra Costa County Sheriff, Contra Costa County District Attorney, FBI San Francisco, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, Contra Costa County Probation Department, Moraga, Brentwood, San Ramon, Concord, Hercules, Pleasant Hill, Oakley and Menlo Park Police Departments, Contra Costa County MCTF, San Francisco Sheriff’s Office and Marin County DA.

Child predators arrested in Walnut Creek with the help of Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies. Photos: Walnut Creek PD

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 237-pound Breland is Hispanic, was arrested on July 23rd and is being held in a Custody Alternative Facility on $50,000 bail. He’s also listed as White and as of Aug. 3, 2026, at 10:25 AM, he was released to Off Grounds Unsupervised Custody.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 200-pound Robl is Hispanic, but also listed as White, was arrested on July 26, is being held in the West Re-Entry Treatment and Housing facility on $475,000 bail. His next court date is scheduled for Aug. 28 at 8:30 AM in Martinez Superior Court Department 5.

According to localcrimenews.com, Park is a resident of Richmond and was charged with attempted kidnapping, attempted lewd acts with a child, attempting to contact a minor with intent to commit an offense, distributing or sending harmful matter to a minor by any means, and 288.4(A)(2) – Prior Conviction Enhancement. Every person who violates this subdivision after a prior conviction for an offense listed in subdivision (c) of Section 290, he Sex Offender Registration Act, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Apply now for Contra Costa Sheriff’s Fall 2026 Citizen’s Academy

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Photos: CCC Sheriff

Deadline: Sept. 13

Interested in learning more about the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office? Apply for our Fall 2026 Citizen’s Academy!

This free, six-week program offers a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at the vital work of the Office of the Sheriff and its role in keeping our community safe. Topics include patrol, investigations, dispatch, and more, along with guided tours of several Sheriff’s Office facilities.

  • October 7 to November 18 (No class November 11)
  • Wednesday evenings in Martinez, 6 PM to 9 PM
  • Saturday session: October 24 in Clayton, 9 AM to 3 PM
  • Open to adults 18+ who live or work in Contra Costa County

For more information, visit our Community Services/Crime Prevention Unit webpage:

https://www.cocosheriff.org/…/community-services-crime…

To apply for the Citizen’s Academy, fill out this application and email it to csu@so.cccounty.us.

https://www.cocosheriff.org/…/596/638416872883770000

Deadline to apply: September 13, or until all spots are filled.

Captain Charlene Jacquez promoted to Contra Costa County Assistant Sheriff

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New Contra Costa County Assistant Sheriff Charlene Jacquez. Photo: CCC Sheriff’s Office

East County native will oversee Administrative Services Bureau

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston announces the promotion of Captain Charlene Jacquez to the rank of Assistant Sheriff.

Captain Charlene Jacquez began her public safety career in 1999 with the City of Galt Police Department, serving as both a 9-1-1 Dispatcher and Community Service Officer (CSO). In 2001, she joined the Brentwood Police Department as a CSO, a position she held for five years. While working full time, she attended the police academy graduating in 2005.

In 2006, Captain Jacquez began her career with the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff in the Custody Services Bureau where she worked in detention facilities, served as a Jail Training Officer, and worked in the Classification Unit. Captain Jacquez later transferred to the Field Operations Bureau where her assignments included county patrol, contract City of Oakley, and Detective in Investigations where she handled domestic violence, sexual as-sault, and homicide cases.

Captain Jacquez was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2019, serving at the Martinez Deten-tion Facility and later in the contract City of Lafayette. In 2022, she was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned as the Station House Commander of Delta Station. In February last year, she was promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned as the West County Detention Division Commander, which includes the Marsh Creek Detention Facility.

Captain Jacquez served on the SWAT Hostage Negotiations Team and as Commander of the County’s Mutual Aid Mobile Field Force (MAMFF) Team. She is a graduate of POST Command College, Class 75, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership.

“I am pleased to promote Captain Charlene Jacquez to the rank of Assistant Sheriff,” said Sheriff David Livingston. “Captain Jacquez has been dedicated and committed to the agency and serving Contra Costa County residents. I am proud of her accomplishments and throughout her career she has shown leadership and is well-positioned to guide the Sheriff’s Office and staff into the future.”

As Assistant Sheriff, Jacquez will oversee the Administrative Services Bureau which includes Personnel & Finance, Professional Standards, Recruiting, and Training.

“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as Assistant Sheriff,” said Captain Jacquez. “Having been born and raised in East Contra Costa County, I have a deep connection to this community and am committed to continuing to serve our residents while supporting the men and women of the Office of the Sheriff.”

Alleged Mexico-based meth trafficker from Bay Point transported back to U.S. to face federal charges

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Faces lifetime of imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine

Multi-agency effort by DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Secretaría de Seguridad Pública Jalisco and the Instituto Nacional de Migración

Part of Homeland Security Task Force’s “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” initiative

By U.S. Attorney Northern District of California

OAKLAND – The government of Mexico recently deported Julio Cesar Palafox, a United States citizen, to the United States where he was arrested by the United States Marshals on a warrant to appear on charges stemming from his alleged involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine in the Bay Area.  U.S. Marshals Foreign Field Office (FFO) – Guadalajara coordinated the arrest with the Secretaría de Seguridad Pública (SSP) Jalisco and the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM).  Palafox appeared in court today in Oakland before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ajay S. Krishnan.

On July 11, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Palafox, 34 (bon 9/27/1991), of Bay Point, CA, in connection with a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.  The indictment charges Palafox with multiple counts of distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A)(viii).  According to court documents, Palafox is a Mexico-based methamphetamine trafficker that during the period of the conspiracy was responsible for hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine entering the Northern District of California.

Palafox has been living in the town of Yahualica in the state of Jalisco, Mexico.  Palafox was transported back to the United States on July 24, 2026.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Anna Y. Park on July 28, 2026, in the Central District of California for an initial appearance and arraignment on the indictment and was ordered detained pending trial.  Palafox appeared today before Judge Krishnan for further proceedings in this district and will next appear before the Honorable Araceli Martinez-Olguin on August 17, 2026.

“Julio Palafox’s return to the United States from Mexico sends a clear message to drug traffickers everywhere that they can run, but they cannot hide. This was a complex operation, and we are grateful to the agencies whose hard work led to his capture. We remain firmly committed to protecting our communities from the scourge of illegal drugs and will pursue drug traffickers wherever they may be found,” said U.S. Attorney Craig Missakian.

“The trafficking of methamphetamine in the United States is an ever-present threat to public safety,” said HSI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Jeff Brannigan. “Homeland Security Investigations, as part of the Homeland Security Task Force, will pursue smugglers and traffickers worldwide to protect our communities in the Bay Area and across the country.”

“This investigation is a testament to great teamwork. This coordinated action was a combination of increased focus on enforcement, intelligence, and domestic and international collaboration,” said Bob P. Beris, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA San Francisco Field Division.  “DEA is relentless in dismantling criminal operations responsible for trafficking poison in our communities with deadly synthetic drugs like methamphetamine. This is another example of a successful operation resulting in arrests and removal of significant amounts of meth. Every arrest we make represents lives saved and communities defended.”

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  If convicted, Defendant faces a maximum sentence of a lifetime of imprisonment, a fine of $10,000,000, a lifetime of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by a court only after considerations of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF San Francisco comprises agents and officers from DEA and HSI, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maya Karwande and Kevin Yeh are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sara Slattery and Andy Ding.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by DEA and HSI, with assistance from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the Salinas Police Department.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, five-inch tall, 160-pound Palafox is Hispanic and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was previously arrested in 2016 by the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Substation Deputies in Los Angeles County for transporting a controlled substance.

Further Information:

Case No. 24-CR-00394-AMO

Electronic court filings and further procedural and docket information are available at https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. Judges’ calendars with schedules for upcoming court hearings can be viewed on the court’s website at www.cand.uscourts.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Alameda man charged with murder in 20-year-old Orinda resident’s fentanyl death

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By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

In September 2024, the Orinda Police Department investigated a death case involving a 20-year-old Orinda resident. The cause of death was later determined to be ‘acute fentanyl and para-flurofentanyl intoxication.’

During the course of the investigation, detectives from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office determined where the drugs were purchased and later identified the suspect who sold them to the victim.

Detectives secured a Ramey arrest warrant for the suspect who was arrested on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. He is identified as 26-year-old Ulzii Orshikh Batsukh (born 9/6/1999) of the city of Alameda. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on a murder charge.

Thursday afternoon, detectives filed the case with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office which formally charged Batsukh with murder for selling narcotics laced with fentanyl that led to the death of the Orinda resident. He is being held without bail although it’s been set at $1 million.

Batsukh is listed as five-feet, seven-inches tall, 145-pounds and as Asian-Pacific Islander.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was previously arrested in October 2025 by Hayward Police for DUI.

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.