Contra Costa Herald

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

Investigation continues into complaints by female ICE detainees at West County Detention Facility in Richmond

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Sheriff David Livingston, center, speaks with Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (to his left) and staff during a tour of the West County Detention Facility in Richmond on Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. Photos by CCCSheriff

Rep. DeSaulnier and staff, other officials tour facility

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

The investigation by the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff continues regarding complaints made by several female ICE detainees held in the West County Detention Facility (WCDF) in Richmond, California.

WCDF is a dormitory-style, program-based facility where all inmates are free to leave their rooms to go to educational and vocational programs, medical appointments or visits; the amount of free time all inmates receive exceeds state requirements.

The West County Detention Facility in Richmond.

“Although complaints such as excessive ‘lock down’ time or improper use of bio-hazard bags are extremely rare within the jail system’s 1,600 inmates and detainees, the fact that some ICE detainees have made such allegations demands a full and thorough investigation, which is well underway,” said Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston. “We routinely pass stringent state and federal jail inspections and are com-mitted to running safe, secure and Constitutionally compliant detention facilities.”

To date, Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Investigators have conducted over 110 interviews of both inmates and staff, reviewed hundreds of hours of building surveillance video, identified and inspected physical/documentary evidence (such as log books, booking information, bio-hazard red bag storage, etc.), and inspected the cells, bathrooms and open areas of the women’s dormitory.

On Monday, Nov. 27, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, (D, CA-11), and his staff, toured WCDF and was invited to view any area he wished to visit and speak to any detainee he liked. A number of other state and local officials have also recently visited the facility.

“Congressman DeSaulnier can now publicly call for any additional investigation he wants,” said Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston. “However, as the political rhetoric from some around this issue continues to boil, we remain undeterred in providing professional and diligent custody services for our county inmates and federal detainees.”

The Office of the Sheriff has been in close communication with California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and his staff as it is working to complete this investigation. A.G. staff have already met with us and conducted a tour once, on November 16, 2017, and will be conducting another review at the facility soon. The Sheriff’s Office will make its investigatory materials available to the Attorney General and have asked that he review our full investigation, and findings therein, when we complete the investigation on or about December 15, 2017.

 

Sheriff’s Detectives seize 600 marijuana plants worth $450,000 from Discovery Bay home Wednesday

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Some of the 600 marijuana plants growing in a Discovery Bay home seized by Sheriff’s Detectives on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017. Photo courtesy of CCCSheriff

By Jimmy Lee, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

Wednesday morning, November 22, 2017 Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Special Investigation Unit served a search warrant at a home on the 2000 block of Wayfarer Court in Discovery Bay. This follows an investigation into a marijuana grow-ing operation at the residence.

Detectives seized approximately 600 marijuana plants worth an estimated $450,000. No one was at the residence. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with any information on the case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or call the anonymous tip lines at (925) 313-1166 or (866) 846-3592. Tips can also be emailed to: tips@so.cccounty.us.

Marsh Creek Detention Facility holds show of over 1,500 Christmas toys made by inmates

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Some of the Marsh Creek Detention Facility inmates proudly display toys they made for children in the county. Photos by CCCSheriff

County’s collaborative program celebrates its 26th year of bringing joy to local at-risk children

By Jonathan Lance, Communications Specialist, Contra Costa County Office of Education

For the 26th straight year, a number of representatives from Contra Costa County non-profit agencies were on hand today for the annual Marsh Creek Detention Facility’s Toy Show to fulfill their at-risk children’s Christmas wish lists. The representatives were able to choose from numerous newly handcrafted toys and bicycles refurbished by the facility’s inmates. These gifts will then be given to the children who are being served by these agencies during the upcoming holidays.

All of the attendees were absolutely awestruck when walking into the Detention Center’s wood shop, which had been turned into an elaborate, colorful Santa’s Workshop. Coordinated by Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) teacher Paul Turner and with the help of some of his students, their beautiful bicycles and toys were on display among Holiday decorations. Joining the non-profit-agency representatives were Contra Costa County’s Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata and Sheriff David Livingston, as well as numerous representatives from both agencies to celebrate this longtime partnership that benefits the community.

Both Superintendent Sakata and Sheriff Livingston spoke to the large gathering about the extremely successful partnership of the Contra Costa County Office of Education’s (CCCOE) accredited shop classes being taught in a Contra Costa County Jail. “We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful agency collaboration that creates such value to our county,” said Superintendent Sakata. “With this project, these adult students will certainly bring a brighter Holiday Season to many children throughout our community.”

Sheriff Livingston agreed about the long-standing successful partnership during his morning welcome, and thanked the many representatives with the CCCOE and the Sheriff’s Office. “This outstanding event always officially kicks off the holidays for me,” said Sheriff Livingston. During his offer of gratitude to a number of attendees, he added a special message, addressing the inmates, who were also present at the event and had recently been working on the toys and bikes, “I want to thank you gentlemen and those before you that have been working diligently on this year-long program. You’ll bring a lot of joy to our community’s kids with your woodshop skills”

Contra Costa County non-profit organizations participating in this special event included: Bay Area Housing District, Bay Area Rescue Mission, Brighter Beginnings, Contra Costa County Independent Living Skills Program, El Cerrito Rotary, Friends of Oakley, Pittsburg Police Department, Shelter Inc., The Salvation Army-Antioch Corps, Shepherd’s Gate, La Casa, and VESTIA, Inc.

This year, these organizations were able to choose from more than 1,500 handcrafted toys and 90 bicycles refurbished by inmates from the facility. These toys and bikes are being donated to children served by these organizations for the upcoming holidays. A dedicated group of Marsh Creek Detention Facility inmates have been working on this project for the past year. They have been extremely busy fixing up used bikes to look and ride like brand new, and crafting colorful and beautiful wooden toys, such as, motorcycle rocking chairs, spinning carousels, cars, doll houses, baby cradles, toy tractors, train sets, and more. All of the toy makers and/or bike mechanics are students in the Contra Costa Adult School, an accredited school directed by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE), located within the jail facility.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

During the 2016-17 school year, over 3,000 adult inmates (throughout the three Contra Costa detention facilities) were enrolled in classes ranging from academic programs, including basic literacy and GED or HiSET high school equivalency preparation, to vocational programs, including woodshop, construction, and state-of-the-art computer training. By the end of the school year, 37 student-inmate(s) received their high school equivalency certificate (Hi SET) and 29 received a high school diploma. In addition, there were 328 students who demonstrated learning gains in reading or math, and 317 students earned a certificate of completion in computer applications. Another course directed by the CCCOE is the DEUCE Program (Deciding, Educating, Understanding, Counseling, and Evaluation). These three-part classes (90 days) focus on substance abuse prevention. Last year, 78 students completed at least one of the three phases, and 350 students graduated from DEUCE. The parenting class teaches vital parenting skills to women and men, with 140 certificates issued last school year through the COPE: Counseling Options and Parent Education or Parenting Inside/Out programs. Three years ago, the CCCOE opened a new re-entry class at the West County Detention Facility. The re-entry class offers workforce readiness, career exploration, soft skills workshops, and a nine-week cognitive-behavior-change program called Transitions. Currently, 218 inmates are enrolled in the re-entry course. These classes help to provide education and skills needed for successful transition back into the community.

County Sheriff Training Center graduates 26 from 184th Basic Academy Class

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Photos courtesy of CCCSheriff.

 

Sheriff David Livingston congratulations one of the graduates.

From the CCC Sheriff Facebook page

The 184th Basic Academy Class of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Law Enforcement Training Center graduated on Thursday, Nov. 9th at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek.

The 26 graduates represent the following law enforcement agencies: California Alcoholic Beverage Control, Berkeley, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Daly City, Marin County Sheriff’s Department, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, and San Pablo.

Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston administered the oath to the Office of the Sheriff graduates following the ceremony.

Congratulations to all the graduates!

County Sheriff’s dispatchers, deputies honored with Siren Team Award for rescuing Orinda boy

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From CCC Sheriff Facebook page

Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff dispatchers and deputy sheriffs were among those who were recognized with the Siren Team Award at the recent EMS Survivor’s Reunion in Walnut Creek. The event reunites individuals who experienced a near-fatal incident with the public safety and medical personnel who played a significant role in their survival. These personnel include 9-1-1 dispatchers, law enforcement officers, fire fighters, EMTs, paramedics, and hospital emergency department staff. The reunion celebrates the gift of life and recognizes the amazing men and women who protect it.

The incident they were honored for involved Darren Grisham, a six-year-old Orinda boy who was trapped under a vehicle after he was accidentally run over by his father, Gabriel. It happened on June 20, 2017 and Gabriel called 9-1-1, according to other news reports.

An Office of the Sheriff dispatcher took the call, sent help to the scene, and kept the parents calm. Orinda police officers were first on scene. Firefighters from the Contra Costa County Consolidated Fire Protection District (CON Fire) arrived and lifted the car off the boy. Paramedics treated the boy who was taken to Children’s Hospital Oakland by ambulance.

The boy suffered several broken bones and injuries to his head and neck. He was released from the hospital just four days later.

This was truly a team effort among the Office of the Sheriff, CON Fire, AMR, and Children’s Hospital Oakland that resulted in a successful outcome.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Reward increased to $5,000 in Blackhawk building vehicle collision, hit and run

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Damage from vehicle crash into building in Blackhawk on August 18, 2017. Herald file photos courtesy of CCSheriff

From CCC Sheriff Facebook page

The reward being offered in the August 18, 2017 vehicle collision into an office building in Blackhawk has doubled to $5,000. The reward, being offered by an insurance company, is for the positive identification and arrest of the suspect in this case. (See related article)

On that evening at about 10 PM, a black, newer-model Land Rover with paper plates collided into the office building located on Executive Parkway, across from Blackhawk Plaza. There was major damage to the office building.

The vehicle then fled and crashed into two parked cars on Center Way near the Chevron Station in the town of Danville.

The Land Rover was driven by a white male described as being in his early 50’s wearing a floral Hawaiian shirt. There was also a white female passenger possibly named “Gloria”. According to witnesses, the Land Rover was later towed from the corner of Indian Rice Road and Goldenrod Lane in Danville.

The male driver was last seen waving down cars on Crow Canyon Road. It is believed the occupants had just left a free concert at Blackhawk Plaza.

If anyone has any information about the vehicle (which should have sustained major damage), its occupants, or the name of the tow truck company, please contact the Blackhawk Police Department at (925) 736-1018.  You can also call the anonymous tip line at (866) 846-3592. Tips can also be emailed to: tips@so.cccounty.us.

$25,000 reward offered for Friday burglaries in Blackhawk

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Two of the three burglary suspects are seen in this screenshot of a surveillance video at a Blackhawk home on Friday night, Nov. 3, 2017. Photo courtesy of CCCSheriff

B

One of the Blackhawk burglary suspects.

y Jimmy Lee, Public Information Office, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

The Blackhawk Homeowners Association is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the suspects involved in a string of burglaries in Blackhawk.

On Friday, November 3, 2017, at about 7:30 PM, Blackhawk Police Services received a report of a burglary on the 5400 block of Blackhawk Drive. Three suspects apparently entered a residence and took personal property and valuables. See images be-low. The suspects match the descriptions of those who committed previous burglaries.

Anyone with any information on this incident or the identity of the suspects is asked to contact Blackhawk Police Services at (925) 736-1018 or the Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Teen suspects arrested in Alamo coffeehouse laptop ‘grab and run’

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By Jimmy Lee, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

Please note that there have been a number of these cases throughout the Bay Area. Always keep your valuables with you at all times, be aware of your surroundings, and report suspicious people to law enforcement.

On Saturday at about 2:42 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff received reports of a strong arm robbery at a coffeehouse on the 3200 block of Danville Boulevard in Alamo.

The victim was sitting at a table using her laptop when three people entered the coffeehouse, took the laptop and ran. They got into a waiting vehicle in the parking lot.

Deputies broadcast the description of the suspect vehicle, which fled northbound on Danville Boulevard. An Orinda police officer located the vehicle traveling westbound on Highway 24. Four suspects were detained after the vehicle was stopped. They were positively identified as the suspects. The laptop was returned to the victim.

Two of the suspects are juveniles and were taken to Juvenile Hall. Two adults were taken to Martinez Detention Facility. 19-year-old Nequwan Taylor of Oakland and 18-year-old Isaiah Taylor (residence unknown) were booked on the following charges: robbery, burglary, and conspiracy. Each one is being held in lieu of $220,000 bail.

Walnut Creek middle school teacher, a Martinez resident charged with multiple sex and child porn offenses

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Michael Bartel from his Facebook page.

Michael Bartel in happier times. From his page on Facebook.

Includes sexual assault of a child under the age of 10 and arranging to meet a minor for sex

On Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, investigators from the Martinez Police Department, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, and District Attorney’s Office arrested 33-year-old Martinez resident Michael Bartel for sexual assault of a child and arranging to meet a minor for sex. Bartel was booked Friday evening at the Martinez Detention Facility. His bail was set at $16 million. Bartel is a science teacher at Walnut Creek Intermediate in Walnut Creek. There is currently no indication Bartel victimized a student at the school.

Bartel’s arrest was a result of an investigation initiated by the Martinez Police Department. Martinez police detectives learned Bartel was talking online with others and had made statements about molesting children. Martinez police detectives, along with investigators from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force launched an investigation to determine if the statements were true. After a weeklong investigation, Bartel was arrested during a traffic stop at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon at the intersection of Danville Blvd. and Camille Lane in Alamo.

Michael Bartel upon being booked into county jail.

Friday afternoon, investigators from the Walnut Creek Police Department executed a search warrant at Bartel’s classroom at Walnut Creek Intermediate and notified the school administration of the arrest. Later that afternoon, investigators from the Martinez Police Department with substantial assistance from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Contra Costa County Crime Lab and District Attorney’s Office searched Bartle’s home in Martinez.

On Monday, November 6, 2017, the District Attorney’s Office filed a 16-count criminal complaint against Bartel. The charges include multiple sex offenses against a child under the age of 10 including oral copulation, arranging to meet a minor for sex and possession and distribution of child pornography.

Bartel will make his first appearance in court on Tuesday November 7, 2017 at 8:45 a.m. in front of the Honorable John Laettner for arraignment. Bartel remains in custody of the Contra Costa County Sheriff.

Anyone with investigative information should contact Senior Inspector Darryl Holcombe, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office at (925) 957-2263.

Suspect in Discovery Bay homicide identified as Antioch teen, arrested Wednesday

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The car believed to be driven by suspect Brayan Zavala. Photos by CCCSheriff

Suspect Brayan Zavala, age 19

Turned himself in to Antioch Police

By Jimmy Lee, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff have identified 19-year-old Brayan Zavala of Antioch as the suspect in the early Sunday morning homicide of 48-year-old Bradley MacHugh of Discovery Bay. (See related articles here, and here)

An arrest warrant was issued for Zavala, who is described as a Hispanic male, 5’,8”, 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was believed to be driving a 2005 silver C240 Mercedes Benz sedan with California license plate — 7TMJ018.

Detectives say MacHugh was involved in a dispute with occupants in two vehicles over reckless driving early Sunday morning. During the dispute, Detectives believe suspect Zavala produced a gun and shot MacHugh.

Zavala was considered armed and dangerous and the Sheriff warned the public that he should not be approached.

Wednesday afternoon at about 5:00 PM, suspect Brayan Zavala volunteered to turn himself in to police. Deputy Sheriffs, assisted by the Antioch Police Department, arrested Zavala.

Zavala was interviewed by Sheriff’s Detectives and at about 7:30 PM, Zavala was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on a murder charge. He is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

The investigation into this case is ongoing. Anyone with any information on the case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 404-4200 or call the anonymous tip lines at (925) 313-1166 or (866) 846-3592. Tips can also be emailed to: tips@so.cccounty.us.