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    DA Summer Stephan Senate Testimony on Organized Retail Crime. July 15, 2025, Washington, D.C.
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Latest News

Stock photo of two bullet rounds on the floor next to a crime scene marker.

Three Gang Members Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Multiple Murders

March 6, 2026

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that the three gang members involved in multiple shootings and killings have been sentenced to life without parole for the murders of three rival gang members. Defendants Ethan Apan, 33, Kristian Apan, 32, and Ismael Betancourt, 25, were convicted last May after an 11-week jury trial […]

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Photo of a consumer with a credit card and cell phone.

DA Doubles Down on Consumer Protection

March 3, 2026

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today recognized National Consumer Protection Week (March 1 – March 7), and said her office is doubling down on its commitment to protecting consumers and is reminding residents that speaking up about scams, fraud, and unfair business practices helps protect the entire community. “Consumer protection is about standing […]

Read more
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Photo of District Attorney Investigator Helen Williams for Black History Month.

Meet District Attorney Investigator Helen Williams

February 27, 2026

In honor of Black History Month, which is celebrated throughout the month of February, the DA’s Office is featuring stories of employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet District Attorney Investigator Helen Williams, who was born and raised in San Diego. While at San Diego State University, she worked […]

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https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Black-History-Month-Helen-Williams.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-27 16:00:352026-02-24 18:57:06Meet District Attorney Investigator Helen Williams
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Video

DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 02-26-26: Our Consumer Protection Division Gets Results!

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/da-weekly-news-with-da-summer-stephan-02-26-26-our-consumer-protection-division-gets-results.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-26 16:59:442026-02-26 16:59:44DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 02-26-26: Our Consumer Protection Division Gets Results!

DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 02-19-26: Ex-Convict Charged with Misusing Public Funds

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/da-weekly-news-with-da-summer-stephan-02-19-26-ex-convict-charged-with-misusing-public-funds.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-19 17:00:342026-02-26 17:02:43DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 02-19-26: Ex-Convict Charged with Misusing Public Funds
Photo of news conference at the DA's Office as DA Summer Stephan announces charges against Amy Knox for embezzlement of county funds.

NEWS CONFERENCE: DA Charges Woman with Embezzling Public Opioid Funds for Luxury Lifestyle

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/02-18-26-Amy-Knox-Embezzlement-Case-News-Conference.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-18 14:53:222026-02-18 15:01:20NEWS CONFERENCE: DA Charges Woman with Embezzling Public Opioid Funds for Luxury Lifestyle
Photo of news conference about Operation Street Sweeper.

NEWS CONFERENCE: 34 Drug Dealers Indicted in East Village: Inside Operation Street Sweeper

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Operation-Street-Sweeper.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-09 12:11:462026-02-17 12:18:07NEWS CONFERENCE: 34 Drug Dealers Indicted in East Village: Inside Operation Street Sweeper

San Diego County DA Summer Stephan Swears In 15 New Deputy District Attorneys

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/san-diego-county-da-summer-stephan-swears-in-15-new-deputy-district-attorneys.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-06 12:13:482026-02-17 12:15:29San Diego County DA Summer Stephan Swears In 15 New Deputy District Attorneys
Photo of news conference announcing $25 Million in Stolen Funds Returned to Support San Diego Students.

NEWS CONFERENCE: $25 Million in Stolen Funds Returned to Support San Diego Students

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/01-30-26-SDCOE-Trust-Fund-Grant-News-Conference-PHOTO.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-01-30 12:15:532026-02-17 12:17:27NEWS CONFERENCE: $25 Million in Stolen Funds Returned to Support San Diego Students

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San Diego County District Attorney and DA Summer Stephan

Fri March 6th

San Diego County District Attorney
San Diego County District Attorney DA Summer Stephan announced today that the three gang members involved in multiple shootings and killings have been sentenced to life without parole for the murders of three rival gang members.Defendants Ethan Apan, 33, Kristian Apan, 32, and Ismael Betancourt, 25, were convicted last May after an 11-week jury trial in which jurors found them guilty of multiple counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, shooting at an occupied vehicle, assault by means likely to cause great bodily injury and several other felony counts. The sentencing breakdown is: • Ethan Apan was sentenced to two terms of life without the possibility of parole plus a term of 132 years-to-life in state prison• Kristian Apan was sentenced to one term of life without the possibility of parole plus a term of 107 years-to-life in state prison• Betancourt was sentenced to two terms of life without the possibility of parole plus a term of 139 years-to-life in state prison“Today sentencing brings to a close the gang warfare the plagued a small South Bay city with murders, shootings and retaliation,” DA Stephan said. “I am grateful to our prosecution team, Robert Eacret and Abrey Zora,” who expertly navigated the complicated underworld of gang activity to bring justice for these senseless killings.” During their National City shooting rampage in 2019 and 2020, the trio killed Joaquin Ruiz, Marco Magana, and Juan Galvan, and severely injured Julio Martull, James Mullens, and Adan Duke. The initial killing of Ruiz was in retaliation for a rival killing a week prior. But the hunt down set off a wave of violence that included the three defendants routinely driving into rival gang territory to commit shootings, often mistakenly shooting innocent bystanders. After a joint investigation between four San Diego Police Department Homicide Teams, the National City Police Department, and the District Attorney’s Office’s Gangs Unit, Ethan Apan, Kristian Apan, Ismael Betancourt, and six fellow gang members were arrested for their involvement and prosecuted for this string of shootings. Prior to the trial, several co-defendants pleaded guilty and were sentenced for their involvement in the shootings. • Jorge Sanchez, 23 was sentenced to 105 years-to-life in state prison • John Anthony Orozco, 32, was sentenced to 38 years in state prison • Raymond Sandoval, 36, was sentenced to 20 years in state prison • Daisy Diaz, 28, was sentenced to 12 years in state prison The District Attorney’s Gangs Division prosecutes complex murder cases and other serious crimes perpetrated by violent gang members who terrorize neighborhoods. These cases are handled by one prosecutor from beginning to end – also called vertical prosecution. Deputy District Attorneys Robert Eacret and Abrey Zora prosecuted this case.FULL ARTICLE: https://danewscenter.com/?p=9983 EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=9987 ... See MoreSee Less

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San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan announced today that the three gang members involved in multiple shootings and killings have been sentenced to life without parole for the murders of three rival gang members.

Defendants Ethan Apan, 33, Kristian Apan, 32, and Ismael Betancourt, 25, were convicted last May after an 11-week jury trial in which jurors found them guilty of multiple counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, shooting at an occupied vehicle, assault by means likely to cause great bodily injury and several other felony counts. 

The sentencing breakdown is: 

•	Ethan Apan was sentenced to two terms of life without the possibility of parole plus a term of 132 years-to-life in state prison
•	Kristian Apan was sentenced to one term of life without the possibility of parole plus a term of 107 years-to-life in state prison
•	Betancourt was sentenced to two terms of life without the possibility of parole plus a term of 139 years-to-life in state prison

“Today sentencing brings to a close the gang warfare the plagued a small South Bay city with murders, shootings and retaliation,” DA Stephan said. “I am grateful to our prosecution team, Robert Eacret and Abrey Zora,” who expertly navigated the complicated underworld of gang activity to bring justice for these senseless killings.” 

During their National City shooting rampage in 2019 and 2020, the trio killed Joaquin Ruiz, Marco Magana, and Juan Galvan, and severely injured Julio Martull, James Mullens, and Adan Duke. The initial killing of Ruiz was in retaliation for a rival killing a week prior. But the hunt down set off a wave of violence that included the three defendants routinely driving into rival gang territory to commit shootings, often mistakenly shooting innocent bystanders. 

FULL ARTICLE: https://danewscenter.com/?p=9983 
EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=9987
Did you know that a book used by prosecutors acros Did you know that a book used by prosecutors across California starts right here in the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office? In the first episode of "Inside the DA’s Office," District Attorney @SummerStephan talks with Deputy DA Tom Papageorge, leader of the Consumer Protection Unit and co-author of California White Collar Crime. The book, now in its seventh edition, is widely used by prosecutors and defense attorneys across California as a legal resource on economic and white-collar crime. Since it is National Consumer Protection Week, their conversation highlights the expertise behind the team working every day to protect consumers and hold companies accountable. WATCH!

#InsideTheDAsOffice #NationalConsumerProtectionWeek #WhiteCollarCrime #FraudPrevention #SanDiegoDA
On Saturday, San Diego County District Attorney @S On Saturday, San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan spoke at an important community event organized by Chula Vista Mayor @mayorjohnmccann focused on helping seniors recognize and avoid scams and financial elder abuse.
From fraudulent phone calls and phishing emails to investment schemes and impersonation scams, criminals continue to evolve their tactics. The discussion provided practical tools, real-world examples, and clear steps seniors could take to protect themselves and their hard-earned savings.
DA Stephan emphasized that preventing elder financial abuse is a top priority and encouraged attendees to report suspicious activity right away. Awareness remains one of the strongest defenses we have.
Deputy District Attorney Martin Núñez gave a very informative presentation about the most common scams and how to avoid them. 
Thank you to Mayor McCann and all our community partners for bringing this vital information directly to those who need it most. Together, we can protect our seniors and hold scammers accountable.
If you or someone you know may be a victim of elder financial abuse or fraud, report it to ic3.gov.
Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams targeting the elderly: https://www.sdcda.org/preventing/Elder-Scam-Prevention-Campaign-Materials

#ProtectOurSeniors #ElderAbusePrevention #StopScams #ConsumerProtection #CommunityStrong
San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan today recognized National Consumer Protection Week (March 1 – March 7), and said her office is doubling down on its commitment to protecting consumers and is reminding residents that speaking up about scams, fraud, and unfair business practices helps protect the entire community.

“Consumer protection is about standing up for everyday people who were misled, overcharged, or taken advantage of,” said Summer Stephan. “When a company breaks the law, the harm is not abstract — it affects families who trusted what they were told and worked hard for their money. Our Consumer Protection Unit fights to hold companies who sideline the rules to unfairly enrich themselves accountable and to recover money for the people who were harmed. Our team of specialized prosecutors and investigators fights against big companies with armies of lawyers and win the battles for our everyday neighbors.”

“But these cases often begin with one person speaking up. A retiree who feels something isn’t right, a small business owner who notices a deceptive practice, or a neighbor who refuses to stay silent after being misled. During National Consumer Protection Week, I want everyone in San Diego County to know that your voice matters. When you report wrongdoing, you help us uncover patterns of misconduct, stop bad actors, and protect thousands of other consumers from being harmed.”

The District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit investigates unlawful business practices, and environmental abuses and pursues both civil and criminal cases against companies and individuals who defraud consumers. These actions can lead to restitution for victims, financial penalties for violators, and criminal charges when appropriate.
 
READ THE FULL ARTICLE:  https://danewscenter.com/?p=9971 

EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=9975
Last week, @scrippshealth President and CEO Chris Last week, @scrippshealth  President and CEO Chris Van Gorder presented San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan with the Scripps President’s Award for her leadership and partnership in efforts to help reduce crimes involving workplace violence against hospital workers across the region.

The award is the nonprofit health system’s highest honor for distinguished service to patients, physicians and staff at Scripps and to the broader community. DA Stephan has played a pivotal role in the growth of the San Diego Hospital Workforce Violence Task Force and in prosecuting criminal cases that have come forward since the group began in mid-2023.

“We are deeply grateful to DA Stephan for championing the important work of our regional Hospital Workforce Violence Task Force,” Van Gorder said. “Her leadership is helping us continually improve the way we protect and bring justice for frontline health care workers all across San Diego County.”

A former police officer and a retired reserve assistant sheriff, Van Gorder initiated the San Diego Hospital Workforce Violence Task Force as violent incidents in Scripps’ hospitals grew more common. With strong support from DA Stephan, the group has gradually grown to include leaders from various hospitals and health systems from throughout San Diego County, the DA’s Office, San Diego City Attorney’s office, San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, various regional police departments and others. The DA’s Office has put in place a special unit to handle hospital violence cases.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive the Scripps President’s Award and to stand alongside President Chris Van Gorder and our hospital partners in sending a clear message that violence against health care workers will not be tolerated,” said DA Stephan. “Our nation and region have seen an alarming rise in violence against doctors, nurses and health workers who have devoted their lives to serving others. In San Diego County, we took action to protect these selfless health professionals through the Hospital Workforce Violence Task Force, and creating a specialized team within the DA’s Office to effectively prosecute crimes committed against health workers."
In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, which is celebrate In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, which is celebrated throughout the month of February, the DA’s Office is featuring stories of employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service.

Meet District Attorney Investigator Helen Williams, who was born and raised in San Diego.

While at San Diego State University, she worked with teens at Juvenile Court and Community Schools, adolescents with disabilities as a teacher's aide, and the Probation Department's Repeat Offender Prevention Program (ROPP). After graduating from SDSU, she first joined the DA’s Office in 1999 as an Account Services Representative with Child Support Services, then served nearly 20 years as a Deputy Sheriff with the San Diego Sheriff's Office.  Then, she returned to the DA’s Office in 2019 as a District Attorney Investigator in Family Protection. She is currently a DA Investigator with the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (S.A.F.E.) Task Force in the Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Division, where she oversees enforcing sex offender registration laws and enhancing public safety. She monitors registered offenders, conducts compliance checks, supports public notifications, and assists Deputy District Attorneys with Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) investigations, court hearings, and Community Safety Team meetings for conditionally released SVPs.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office? 
“Growing up amid prevalent gang violence, I saw how it impacted good families and neighbors in my community. My student role on Probation's ROPP team gave me firsthand insight into juvenile offenders' underlying challenges, motivating me to be part of the solution. I chose law enforcement to protect and uplift my community, and the DA's Office to fight for victims of child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence—honoring my family's legacy of service through fairness and justice.”
 
(CONTINUED IN COMMENTS)
READ FULL ARTICLE: https://danewscenter.com/?p=9913
In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, which is celebrate In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, which is celebrated throughout the month of February, the DA’s Office is featuring stories of employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service.

Meet Senior I.T. Engineer Sunday Fateropa, who was born and raised in Osun State located in the southern part of Nigeria.

Before joining the District Attorney’s Office, he worked as a Software Engineer for a power-sports parts and accessories retailer. Additionally, for approximately two decades, he also worked as Information Technology Engineer, Computer Programmer, Web and Windows Application Developer, System Analyst and Software Developer for a series of employers in medical equipment, sales, marketing, traveling and banking industries.

He has been with the DA’s Office sin 2019. As Senior I.T. Engineer for the DA’s Information Technology Division, he is a web and windows application developer and a programmer, including the DA’s Case Management System application. As a web developer, he works on updating and supporting the DA’s public website as well as developing new standalone enterprise web applications that are customized to increase the organization’s productivity and efficiency.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office? 
“I joined the District Attorney’s Office to be able to use all the skills and experience that I’ve acquired over the years to contribute to society. The District Attorney’s Office is tasked with enforcing equality and protecting the rights of the less privileged through prosecuting crimes, protecting victims’ rights, and preventing crimes. Without law enforcement and accountability, there will be a breakdown of law and order so contributing my skills and experience in technology is a way of adding my own quota to the development and strengthening of my community, addressing inequality, and supporting vulnerable populations in the society.”

What is your favorite part of the job? 
(CONTINUED IN THE COMMENTS) 
READ FULL ARTICLE: https://danewscenter.com/?p=9902
In this week's DA News, San Diego County District In this week's DA News, San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan highlights the important work of the Consumer Protection Unit — the highly skilled team dedicated to safeguarding our community from fraud, deceptive business practices, and financial exploitation.
The Consumer Protection Division is made up of experienced prosecutors, investigators, forensic accountants, and professional staff who specialize in complex civil and criminal enforcement actions. These experts handle cases involving unfair competition, false advertising, environmental violations, price gouging, scams targeting seniors, and large-scale corporate misconduct.
In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, which is celebrate In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, which is celebrated throughout the month of February, the DA’s Office is featuring stories of employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service.

Meet Supervising District Attorney Investigator Ameilia Mitcalf, who was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California.  However, during her summers and school breaks, she traveled to Louisiana to spend time with her father and extended family, which allowed her to experience different cultures, values, and ways of life that helped shape who she is today.

Before working at the District Attorney’s Office, she served with several law enforcement agencies. Ameilia began her career in law enforcement in September 2001, working for the San Diego State University Police Department, where she served for several years. She then joined the San Diego Police Department and was assigned primarily to the Southeastern Division, working in patrol, Community Relations, the Juvenile Service Team, and Investigations as a Detective. She also spent time working investigations in the Vice Unit and later transferred to Southern Division. She moved to the Bay Area and worked for Walnut Creek Police Department.

She joined the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office as an Investigator in 2018. She worked in the Economic Crimes Division for several years before transferring to the Child Abduction Unit until she was promoted to Supervising District Attorney Investigator in 2025. She is currently assigned to the Juvenile Branch as the Supervising District Attorney Investigator, where she is responsible for leading a team of Investigators who each manage caseloads involving juvenile-related crimes. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the unit, including assigning cases, reviewing reports, evaluating performance, and providing guidance and support to both the investigators and Deputy District Attorneys. 

(CONTINUED IN COMMENTS)
READ FULL ARTICLE: https://danewscenter.com/?p=9892
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