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Antioch man killed during family dispute at home near Concord

December 20, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a homicide that occurred on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 8:04 a.m. at a home on the 5100 block Laurel Drive in unincorporated Concord.

Valley Station deputy sheriffs responded to a welfare check and found a resident of the home deceased on the property. Detectives believe the incident began as a domestic issue when a family dispute escalated into an altercation. Three others who suffered from injuries were transported to a local hospital.

The victim is identified as 38-year-old Antonio Valdez of Antioch. A person in the home who suffered injuries remains in the hospital.

The Investigation Division Homicide Unit and Crime Lab responded to the scene. Detectives believe the incident began as a domestic issue when a family dispute escalated into an altercation. There are no outstanding suspects and no threat to the public.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident 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.

Filed Under: Central County, Concord, Crime, East County, News, Sheriff

4 arrested for illegal drug manufacturing, distribution operation in Pittsburg

October 25, 2025 By Publisher 2 Comments

A Con Fire hazmat team leaves the house where the operation was located. Bags of counterfeit prescription pills and a mask were confiscated. Video screenshots by Pittsburg PD

Each held on $2 million bail; Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies and helicopter, Antioch PD, Con Fire hazmat team assist

By Pittsburg Police Department

On Saturday afternoon, Oct. 18, 2025, our SIU (Special Investigations Unit) detectives, along with patrol officers, served a search warrant at a Pittsburg residence connected to an illegal narcotics manufacturing and distribution operation. While those involved may have imagined themselves as criminal masterminds, the reality was far less impressive—and now their operation has been shut down.

Four suspects were detained and later booked on multiple felony charges, including conspiracy, sales and manufacturing of controlled substances. Their criminal enterprise has been dismantled.

We want to extend our sincere appreciation to STARR1, our partners at the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and Antioch Police Department, and to Contra Costa Fire’s hazmat team for ensuring the safety of both our officers and the surrounding community throughout the operation.

Personnel from multiple agencies assisted in the effort.

Most importantly, SIU detectives seized more than 100,000 counterfeit prescription pills—approximately 70 pounds—many of which likely contained fentanyl, methamphetamine, or other dangerous substances. These pills were intended for distribution on our streets, and their removal undoubtedly prevented potential overdoses, injuries, and deaths in our community.

Tuesday morning, Oct. 21, 2025, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed charges on all four individuals, with bail set at over $2 million each.

 

Filed Under: Crime, East County, Fire, News, Police, Sheriff

Woman arrested for stabbing man to death in Bay Point home

October 25, 2025 By Publisher 1 Comment

Believed to be her husband; 57-year-old Libelyn Utt held on no bail

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

Thursday morning, October 23, 2025, at about 11:26, Muir Station deputy sheriffs were dispatched to a medical-police call at a residence on Solano Court in Bay Point.

Deputies entered the home finding a man bleeding from stab wounds. They provided first aid until the fire department and an ambulance arrived on scene. The man was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The suspect, believed to be the victim’s wife, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. She is identified as 57-year-old Libelyn Taculod Utt of Bay Point (born 8/7/68). She was booked on a murder charge and is being held without bail.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, she is five-feet and one-inch tall, 115-pounds, with brown eyes and black hair, and is Asian-Pacific Islander.

Detectives from the Homicide Unit are continuing the investigation. There are no outstanding suspects and no threat to the public. Anyone with any information on this incident 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.

Filed Under: Crime, East County, News, Sheriff

72-year-old driver in March fatal collision in Danville arrested

August 15, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Andrew Chao held on $50,000 bail

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and Jenn Starnes, PIO, Town of Danville

DANVILLE, CA: On March 1, 2025, at about 1:15 p.m., Danville police officers responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Sycamore Valley Road and Camino Ramon. When officers arrived, they discovered a minivan and a truck involved in a collision, with the truck overturned. A female passenger in the truck was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the minivan sustained minor injuries.

According to a report by DanvilleSanRamon.com, the victim was later identified as 57-year-old Sandy Hall of San Leandro.

Detectives from the Danville Police Department launched an investigation into the collision. Last month, detectives presented the case to the Contra Costa D.A.’s Office which filed felony vehicular manslaughter charges against the driver of the minivan. An arrest warrant was issued for the driver, who was arrested Friday afternoon,  August 15, 2025, by Danville police officers.

He is identified as 72-year-old Andrew Chao of Danville (born 12/8/1952). He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for manslaughter. He is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot tall, 160-pound Chao has a court date scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 1:30 p.m. in Martinez Superior Court Dept. 5.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Crime, News, Police, San Ramon Valley, Sheriff

Brentwood man arrested during Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force operation

August 3, 2025 By Publisher 1 Comment

Ty Leighton was arrested for child sex crimes on July 29, 2025. Photos: Brentwood PD

Led by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department with assist from Brentwood, Orinda, Martinez PD’s; police seek additional victims

Was on felony probation with felony warrant for burglary, had 10 previous arrests dating to 2017

By Brentwood Police Department

As part of a week-long operation led by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force hosted by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and supported by the Brentwood Police Department and 13 additional agencies significant progress was made in protecting children from online exploitation.

During the operation, Detectives from the Brentwood Police Department, Orinda Police Department, and Martinez Police Department arrested 29-year-old Ty Oliver Leighton (born 9/26/1995) on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, for arranging to meet a 13-year-old minor with the intent to engage in lewd and lascivious acts, among other related charges.

Leighton, who is currently on felony probation, also had a felony warrant for a commercial burglary that occurred in the city of Brentwood.

Aerial photo of Ty Leighton’s arrest.

We are releasing Leighton’s photo in an effort to identify any additional victims. If you have any information or believe you may have had contact with him, please contact the Brentwood Police Department at (925) 809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

We would also like to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and all the partnering agencies that contributed to this operation.

According to localcrimenews.com, Leighton has a  history of arrests dating back to 2017 and is charged with attempting lewd acts with a child, arranging a meeting with a child for lewd purposes, attempting to contact a minor with intent to commit an offense and revocation of probation.

His previous arrests by multiple agencies including Napa PD, Napa County and San Joaquin Sheriff’s Departments, and Antioch PD for crimes including inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, receiving  known stolen property over $200, addict in possession of firearm possession of ammunition, theft, receiving or concealing stolen property, vandalism and trespassing upon private property after notice by peace officer that property is not open to the particular person or failure to leave said property upon request.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet-nine-inch tall, 150-pound Leighton is Hispanic, being held in West County Detention Facility on no bail, and his next court appearance is scheduled for August 8, 2025, at 8:30 AM in the Martinez Superior Court Department 5.

Filed Under: Children & Families, Crime, East County, News, Police, Sheriff

Contra Costa DA Becton’s campaign announces support for her recall

July 30, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Source: Diana Becton for District Attorney campaign

CCC Deputy Sheriff’s contribute $50K; Antioch Police Officers Association explains reasons for $5,000 contribution

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on Facebook on Monday, July 28, 2025, the Becton for DA campaign surprisingly announced new support for her recall from the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and two other “major law enforcement associations.” According to recall organizer Gwynn Gabe the other two are the Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA) and Concord Police Officers Association.

“She’s been keeping track of the people who are giving us money,” he added.

The post by “Team Becton” reads: “The recall against District Attorney Diana Becton just escalated.

Three major law enforcement associations, including the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, just poured tens of thousands into the recall effort—including a single $50,000 donation. Even more telling? They’ve hired the strategist behind the recalls of DAs in San Francisco and Alameda County.

This isn’t just a warning. This is a coordinated, well-funded effort to undo the will of the voters and take Contra Costa backwards.

But here’s the truth they don’t want you to remember: we’ve already won twice. And with your help, we will again, because here’s what they’re underestimating: you. Us. This community.

This is not the time to sit back. We need you on the front lines —because what’s at stake is bigger than any one election. It’s about protecting real public safety solutions, and standing up to those who want to take us backward. DA Becton has stood up for equity, justice, and real public safety. Now we must stand up for her.”

It then offers ways for opponents of the recall to “Take Action Now” including volunteering and donating through the Act Blue campaign fundraising website for Democrats currently under investigation for possible fraudulent political contributions.

The APOA Board issued the following statement about their contribution of $5,000 to the campaign to recall Becton: “The APOA was approached by members of the recall movement who asked if we would be willing to support them in their efforts to recall the DA. After careful consideration, we agreed as a board to support this endeavor in hopes that this would ultimately lead to a more transparent DA’s office that holds criminals accountable and keeps our streets safe. Whatever the outcome, we know the officers represented by the APOA will continue to work hard to keep our community safe and have a great working relationship with the DA’s office.”

Recall organizers have until 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 25, 2025, to submit 72,556 valid signatures to qualify the effort for the ballot.

 

Filed Under: District Attorney, Finances, News, Police, Politics & Elections, Sheriff

Additional suspect arrested in sex crimes against a child case

July 29, 2025 By Publisher 1 Comment

Suspect Jennifer Powell, the child’s mother and ex-girlfriend of Rustom Bhagwagar. Photo: Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department

45-year-old mother of child & ex-girlfriend of Florida pilot

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

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division have made an additional arrest in connection with an ongoing investigation into sex crimes against a child.

On Sat., July 26, 2025, Sheriff’s Office detectives, with the assistance of HSI, boarded a plane at San Francisco International Airport to arrest 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar of Florida. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on sex crimes against a child charges. (See related article)

Detectives this afternoon, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, arrested 45-year-old Jennifer Powell. She was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on numerous charges involving sex crimes against a child.

Questions were sent to Jimmy Lee and Ted Asregadoo, PIO for the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office asking for Powell’s city of residence and where the crimes occurred, but no response was received prior to publication time. Asregadoo later responded, “We’re not going to disclose any additional information about the defendant you’re asking about. For now, we’re hoping media outlets won’t disclose information that could negatively affect the victim. She’s listed as a Jane Doe in the complaint and is a minor.”

According to a KTVU FOX2 news report, Powell is the ex-gifrlfiend of Bhagwagar and “According to court documents, Powell was aware that her daughter was being sexually abused by her then-boyfriend. The court documents said she watched and even participated in the alleged sex crimes against her daughter.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Children & Families, Crime, News, Sheriff

Sex crimes suspect arrested at SFO by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies

July 28, 2025 By Publisher 3 Comments

Rustom Bhagwager. Photo: CCC Sheriff’s Department

Florida airline pilot was flying in; held on $5 million bail

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

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division have been conducting an investigation since April 2025 after receiving a report of sex crimes against a child. A Ramey arrest warrant was later secured for the suspect.

Through the investigation, it was learned that the suspect was an airline pilot and that he was due to fly into San Francisco

International Airport on the evening of Saturday, July 26, 2025.

At about 9:35 PM, Sheriff’s Office detectives, with the

assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, boarded the plane to arrest the suspect who is identified as 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar of Florida, born 12/15/1990. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on five counts of oral copulation with a child under 10 years of age. He is being held in lieu of $5 million bail.

An inquiry of where the incidents occurred in the county was made. Please check back later for the response and any other updates to this report.

According to a San Francisco Chronicle report, Bhagwagar is a co-pilot for Delta Airlines. According to the Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 220-pound is being held in the West County Detention Center

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Crime, News, Sheriff

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Detectives investigate Bay Point homicide

July 5, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Early Saturday morning; public’s help sought

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

This morning at about 1:02, Muir Station deputy sheriffs were dispatched to a call of ‘shots-fired’ on Harbor Drive in Bay Point.

Deputies arrived on scene and located a person suffering from gunshot wounds in front of a residence on Harbor Drive.

Deputies performed life-saving measures until the fire department and an ambulance arrived. The victim was later pronounced deceased at the scene and is not being identified at this time.

Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives and crime lab personnel responded to the scene.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident 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.

Filed Under: Crime, East County, News, Sheriff

Two Oakley men arrested following boating incident at Discovery Bay marina

June 26, 2025 By Publisher 7 Comments

Screenshots of videos posted on social media of the incident in Discovery Bay on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

Erick & Danny Garcia were held on $95K bail each

Erick arrested in 2024, both arrested in May all on violence charges; Danny already out of custody

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

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office arrested two suspects after a reckless boating incident at Discovery Bay Marina on Sunday, June 22, 2025, that was widely shared on social media.

Deputy Sheriffs from the Marine Services Unit launched an investigation after multiple witnesses reported a Malibu ski boat chasing a personal watercraft (PWC) through the marina at high speeds. Deputies identified two operators during the incident, 33-year-old Erick Garcia and 34-year-old Danny Garcia, both from Oakley, who were seen operating the boat recklessly. The ski boat was later found abandoned in Stockton.

Erick Garcia was detained yesterday during a traffic stop in Oakley. With assistance from detectives in the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division, Marine Patrol Deputies served a search warrant at Danny’s home in Oakley, leading to his arrest.

Both Danny and Erick Garcia were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on identical charges:

  1. Assault with a Deadly Weapon (not a firearm) – 2 counts
  2. Criminal Threats – 1 count
  3. Vandalism – 2 counts

Each were being held in lieu of $95,000 bail. According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Danny bonded out of custody today at 4:27 PM. However, as of Wednesday, June 25, at 4:42 PM, Erick was still in custody.

According to localcrimenews.com, Erick was arrested on May 3 this year by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department for assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury. He was also arrested on Sept. 5, 2024, by Contra Costa CHP for threats of violence. Danny was also arrested on May 3 this year, but by Walnut Creek Police, for being intoxicated in public and resisting a peace officer with injury.

See videos posted on social media here, here and here. (Warning: Explicit language)

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information or video footage is encouraged to contact the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit at (925) 383-4906.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report. In an earlier version of this report the photo of Danny Garcia was not the correct man from Oakley. Apologies for the mistake.

Filed Under: Crime, East County, News, Recreation, Sheriff

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