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Former Chula Vista City Councilmember Andrea Cardenas Sentenced on Grand Theft Charges

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that defendant Andrea Cardenas, 32, a former Chula Vista City Councilmember, was sentenced on August 28 to two years of formal probation for committing two felony counts of grand theft. She was also ordered to complete 100 hours of volunteer work. The Probation Department and the District Attorney’s Office requested she serve 180 days in county jail, but she was ultimately sentenced to credit for time served of one day custody.

“Our dedicated prosecution team conducted a thorough investigation in which they served 27 search warrants to examine financial and email accounts,” DA Stephan said. “The investigation proved that Cardenas had engaged in multiple fraud schemes over several years. In these types of cases, we often rely on the public, the media, or people who suspect wrongdoing to report potential public integrity crimes to our office so we can investigate.”

Should Cardenas violate the terms of her probation, she could be ordered to serve up to two years and eight months in jail. Cardenas pleaded guilty to fraud, related to funds obtained from the federal Paycheck Protection Program and the state Employment Development Department. Cardenas cheated the U.S. government out of $176,000 in COVID-19 relief funds, which she laundered and used to pay for personal expenses such as her own campaign debt. She also unlawfully applied for over $28,000 in unemployment benefits. 

Superior Court Judge Rachel Cano ordered that Cardenas’ terms of probation also include that she submits to search and seizure, must operate any business legally and comply with all rules and regulations of such business including being licensed, paying taxes, and comply with any campaign finance laws. She must also pay back the full amount she stole including $176,227 to the Small Business Administration, $28,908 to the Employment Development Department, and an amount to be determined to the Franchise Tax Board.

Cardenas worked for a political consulting firm called Grassroots Resources, started in 2016 by her brother, Jesus Cardenas. She had the title of Director of Community Engagement, but really held a role as Chief Operating Officer. In 2019, Grassroots Resources began acting as a payroll service for one of their clients, Harbor Collective, a marijuana dispensary. In early 2021, Grassroots Resources was being pressured to pay off debts including money owed to TMC Direct, a political mailing company.

In February 2021, Jesus and Andrea Cardenas filed for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan from the Small Business Administration via PayPal. They misrepresented multiple items on the application, including: that Grassroots had 34 employees, when in reality 30 of these individuals worked for Harbor Collective; that they were not engaged in activity illegal under federal law (marijuana dispensaries are not legal under federal law); that they were not a business engaged in political consulting; and that the loan funds would be used to cover payroll expenses. The loan was approved for $176,227. 

On May 3, 2021, $176,227 of PPP loan funds were deposited into a Grassroots’ business account. Over the course of the next two weeks, the money was transferred between two different Grassroots accounts. From there, the Cardenas siblings used the PPP funds to pay off multiple personal expenses including campaign debt.

In a separate fraud scheme in 2020, Cardenas unlawfully applied for unemployment benefits and received $28,908 from the Employment Development Department. She misrepresented on applications that she was not working and not receiving any income. However, Grassroots Resources, for which she was working, was fully operational during that election year handling the campaigns of multiple candidates and other entities.

This case was prosecuted by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit. Team members included Deputy District Attorneys Chandelle Boyce, Hector Jimenez, Leon Schorr, District Attorney Investigators James Hawksley, Justin Bostic, and Forensic Accountant Kevin Boyne. The investigation was also aided by the Department of Homeland Security Covid Fraud Unit. 

“Our office remains committed to prosecuting cases involving misuse of public funds, political corruption, and criminal misconduct of government officials,” DA Stephan said. “The goals of these prosecutions are not solely to obtain the maximum time in custody but often include other goals like making sure that individuals who engage in corruption are not in public office and can’t seek public office in the future, as an example.”

Blurry photo of prisoner behind bars.

DA Alerts Victims of Upcoming Parole Hearing

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that in line with her office’s duties to ensure transparency and inform victims under Marsy’s law, that victims of the Santana High School shooting are allowed to attend an upcoming parole hearing for the gunman, Charles “Andy” Williams. Williams opened fire at the school in Santee, California in March 2001 with a revolver, killing two students and wounding 13 others. The DA’s Office will be representing the People at the hearing.

“Having victim voices at hearings like this are an extremely important part of the process,” said DA Stephan. “This particular crime has hundreds of victims associated with it and it’s important to us that victims are aware of their rights under the law to participate in the parole hearing if they wish to do so.”

Williams was sentenced to 50 years-to-life in prison in June 2002. His parole hearing comes exactly 23 years since the mass shooting. His chance at parole is due to a change in state law that altered sentencing guidelines for juveniles who were tried as adults. In Williams’ case, the Youthful Parole law requires that any juvenile who was charged as an adult and received a life sentence has a chance at parole no later than 25 years into their sentence. Williams was 15 when he committed the crime.

Williams’ hearing before the Board of Parole Hearings is scheduled for September 10 at 8:30 a.m.and will be held via video conference. Victims who are interested in attending the hearing must contact the Parole Board by August 26.

Victims, victims’ next of kin, family members, support persons, or designated representatives may appear and participate in the hearing by videoconference or telephone. Participation includes an option to speak at the hearing. If you would like to attend the parole hearing, you may notify the Office of Victim & Survivor Rights & Services by e-mail at victimservices@cdcr.ca.gov or by telephone at 1-877-256-6877. When notifying them of your intent to attend a hearing, please provide them with the manner by which you will participate (by videoconference or by telephone).

For more information on how to be included at the hearing, victims may contact the District Attorney’s Lifer Hearing Unit at 619-531-4115 or at SanDiegoDA@sdcda.org.

More information about Youth Offender Parole Hearings can be found here.

Public bus driver cabin.

Attempted Murder Charge for Man Who Attacked MTS Bus Driver

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that premeditated attempted murder and attempted robbery charges have been filed against a 50-year-old man, who attacked an MTS bus driver in Escondido this week by viciously stabbing the victim multiple times with a large knife, causing great bodily injury. Defendant Mario Felix pleaded not guilty in Vista Superior Court this afternoon. He is facing 65 years to life in prison if convicted and is being held on no bail.

On Wednesday, Felix boarded an MTS bus at the Escondido Sprinter Station and demanded a free ride from the driver. When the driver told Felix he had to pay, he became enraged and demanded the victim’s wallet and threatened to kill him before using a knife to stab the driver in the torso, stomach, shoulder and back. The victim managed to push Felix out of the bus while he was being stabbed, but Felix immediately jumped back on the bus and delivered a final stab before walking away.

Witnesses followed Felix and they directed police to the defendant’s hiding spot behind a dumpster, where he was apprehended.

“Bus drivers and transit workers have been increasingly subjected to violence as they perform their important and essential jobs,” DA Stephan said. “This case is a horrific example of an escalating threat that makes the already-difficult job of transit workers more dangerous.”

The stabbing comes amid an uptick in violent crime and other criminal acts across San Diego County public transportation. The District Attorney’s Office looked at criminal case data for a 17-month period between January 2022 through April 2024 and found the following trends:

  • More than 1,200 cases issued by the DA’s Office involved a transit element, such as a passenger, worker, vehicle or transit facility such as MTS or NCTD.
  • 35% of cases issued involve a violent crime charge.
  • Beginning in the summer of 2023, there was a 65% increase in the monthly average number of issued cases involving the transit system, increasing from 35 to 58 per month.
  • Of the cases issued, 33% of them involve passengers whereas 13% of them involve crimes against a transit worker, with 6% involving drivers.

“This disturbing trend of crime involving our transportation systems has also impacted passengers,” DA Stephan said. “Everyone deserves to be safe and our team at the DA’s office will work in partnership with Escondido Police Department to bring justice in this case to the innocent victim, who was simply doing his job. Working with our law enforcement partners and MTS, we are committed to preventing crimes like this from being committed on public transit. My office has gathered this data to help guide strategic actions to improve the public’s safety.”

Felix will next be in court on August 20. Deputy District Attorney Keith Watanabe is prosecuting this case.

DA Charges Burglary Ring Defendants Operating in Southern California

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan and San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl announced today that nine defendants have been charged in connection with 30 burglaries in the City of San Diego, following a lengthy investigation. The investigation spanned approximately 55 residential burglaries committed in California and Nevada. The total loss for victims in San Diego County is at least $700,000. [WATCH NEWS CONFERENCE HERE]

In San Diego County, the defendants primarily targeted homes in the Mira Mesa neighborhood from February to May of this year. A multi-agency takedown led to arrests last week in Los Angeles, and throughout Riverside County. The defendants are being arraigned in San Diego Superior Court this week.

“Stopping this prolific burglary crew took incredible coordination among law enforcement in several jurisdictions and from many different agencies,” said DA Stephan. “This prosecution sends the strong message that if criminals come to San Diego County to steal from our residents, we will track them down and hold them accountable.”

Each defendant is charged with three to 24 counts of first-degree residential burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary. If convicted of all counts, they face between eight years, eight months to 35 years-to-life in state prison depending on their level of involvement and criminal history.

“Our homes are the place we should feel safe, but these criminals took advantage of our communities to carry out their crimes,” San Diego Police Deputy Chief Paul Connelly said. “This joint investigation took great collaboration and coordination, to put a stop to a burglary series spanning two states. San Diego residents can rest assured their homes are safer because of the great investigative work of the San Diego Police Department, along with so many other law enforcement partners.”

Map of residential burglary crimes committed by this burglary series.

Map of residential burglary crimes committed in this burglary series.

Nearly 100 law enforcement officers worked closely with the San Diego Police Department and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to conduct surveillance, serve search warrants, and make the arrests. Eleven firearms were recovered as well as large amounts of cash. Two separate groups that had a common co-conspirator committed the burglaries. The defendants reside in Riverside and Los Angeles counties. In addition to targeting San Diego County, the thieves also committed burglaries in Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange counties.

The burglary crews were typically groups of at least three people wearing masks and gloves. They would break out rear sliding glass windows, take as many items of value as possible and then flee the scene. Many of the burglaries were essentially mini crime-sprees that took place back-to-back on the same day.

The defendants charged in the case are Amaya Armstead, 24; Timmon Betts, 23; Gregory Davis III, 19; Daniel Esquivel, 22; Tyrell Haley, 24; Nakia McBarth Jr., 22; Khaliq Thomas, 22; Noel Torres, 23; and Keshaun Watson, 18.

[WATCH NEWS CONFERENCE HERE]

DA, County Counsel & Labor Standards Office Receive Grant to Prosecute Additional Wage Theft Cases

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that her office, the office of County Counsel and the County Office of Labor Standards & Enforcement (OLSE) have received a grant that will assist in prosecuting and preventing wage theft, which is currently rampant among low-wage and non-English speaking workers.

The Labor Commissioner’s Office is providing the two-year grant, which will provide $750,000 toward the salaries of a prosecutor, an investigator and paralegal to work on wage theft cases criminally or civilly in order to blunt the roughly $2 million in annual wage theft losses in San Diego County.

“Wage theft is oppressive and impacts the livelihood and dignity of hard-working people,” DA Stephan said. “This is why it has been a priority for our office to hold those who steal wages accountable through felony wage theft prosecutions. With this grant, we will be able to expand our efforts in partnership with our county partners and further protect workers. I want to thank California’s Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower for her trust in us and awarding us this valuable grant.”

The District Attorney’s Workplace Justice Unit and OLSE will work together to review worker rights cases using civil and criminal tools. The grant allows County Counsel/OLSE resources to assist in obtaining and enforcing civil judgments on behalf of the workers. The DA’s Workplace Justice Unit will continue to investigate and criminally prosecute those who criminally violate the law.

Wage theft occurs among all demographic groups but a disproportionate number of those most affected tend to be low wage workers, women, people of color, non-English speaking and foreign-born individuals. San Diego’s location and its thriving agricultural industry, valued at nearly $2 billion, attracts workers most vulnerable to labor exploitation and wage theft.

“Wage theft is a serious and persistent problem which demands increased collaboration with government agencies and community leaders,” said Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower. “District Attorney Summer Stephan has been a leader in combatting wage theft by partnering with my team and community leaders. I am confident that under her leadership, these grant funds will greatly benefit San Diego County workers and deter bad employers from engaging in wage theft.”

Traditionally, the Labor Commissioner’s office is the governmental agency with administrative enforcement authority for wage theft cases. However, AB 594, expanded this enforcement scope in 2024 to empower public prosecutors, including the District Attorney’s office and County Counsels with the autonomy to independently prosecute civil or criminal actions for violation of specified Labor Code provisions within their geographic jurisdiction.

“Wage theft is a grave injustice that affects many in San Diego County, especially our most vulnerable workers,” said Chairwoman Nora Vargas, of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “This grant empowers us to strengthen our efforts to protect workers’ rights and hold employers accountable for exploitation.”

San Diego County has been at the forefront of combating wage theft. OLSE is focused on protecting workers’ rights by ensuring all employers are following wage laws. In 2021, the DA’s Workplace Justice Unit was created with the specific goal of protecting the most vulnerable population from criminal workplace violations. The unit was one of the first formed in California to investigate and prosecute criminal wage theft cases.

“We are holding companies accountable that steal money from their workers and fail to pay the wages they have been promised,” said Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, Vice Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We established the County’s Office of Labor Standards to protect workers and this new program to prosecute bad employers is a significant step forward. I am thankful California’s Labor Commissioner awarded us this funding, OLSE will put it to good use, and help as many people as possible.”

According to a 2023 wage theft and labor rights study by the San Diego State University Center for Community Research and Engagement, wage theft is a rampant problem for workers. The study found a number of problems encountered by workers, including:

  • Of the 843 hourly employees surveyed, 87% experienced wage theft during the previous 12 months, with half of them regularly experiencing wage theft.
  • Minimum wage violations were widespread among survey participants who worked in the City of San Diego, where the minimum wage is higher than the state minimum.
  • More than 30% of the hourly employees working in the city were paid less than the 2023 minimum of $16.30.
  • Of the hourly employees working outside of the city, where the 2023 minimum wage was $15.50, almost one in 10 were paid under this amount.
  • Sick day violations were common among survey participants. Of the more than 900 workers surveyed (both hourly and salaried), approximately one third either did not get any sick days or were retaliated against for taking them.
  • In addition, over half of respondents did not know how many paid sick days they could earn at their job, and most of those did not know if they could earn them at all.
  • Lack of knowledge about wage theft and how to seek remedies was pervasive among survey participants.
  • Of the participants who reported having experienced at least one illegal practice, 87% did not know they had experienced wage theft.
  • Even more alarming is the fact that 82% of those that reported they regularly experienced violations did not recognize it as wage theft.
  • Nearly 90% of workers did not know where to file a wage theft complaint and the same amount had never heard of the City or County Offices for Labor Standards Enforcement.

“We’re going to hold the line on accountability and we’re going to do our best to try to help these workers recover.” said Branden Butler, OLSE Director.

Juvenile Homicide Case Referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office

In March of this year, two minors were arrested for murder, attempted murder involving firearms, and other felony crimes which occurred in the County of San Diego.

The District Attorney’s Office subsequently charged the minors for these violent and premeditated, offenses. Since that time, the District Attorney’s Office has worked closely with, local and federal agencies to continue to investigate the case and reduce the threat of violent crime in our community.

In the interest of public safety, and to address an ongoing increase in juvenile crime, the District Attorney’s Office made the decision to refer and transfer this case to the United States Attorney’s Office, today dismissing our petition charging the minors in Juvenile Court. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District has a long and distinguished expertise and history in successfully prosecuting crimes of this nature, and the U.S. Attorney is fully committed to keep our region safe further supporting the decision to defer prosecution to their office.

The number of juvenile cases in San Diego County has been increasing significantly year-over-year. Juvenile crime referrals for prosecution from law enforcement are up 13% from 2022 to 2023, and they are currently on track to increase another 13% this year. Juvenile cases filed (petitions) with the court went up 19% from 2022 to 2023, and they are currently on track to increase another 11% this year despite about 30% of cases involving non-violent crimes that are reviewed being diverted to the DA’s Juvenile Diversion Initiative program.

The increase of criminally sophisticated youths perpetrating violent crimes that include the use of firearms and result in great bodily injury and death is highly concerning to law enforcement. It is important that those who engage in violent crime in San Diego County understand that these crimes will be taken seriously, even when committed by minors.

“Violent crime committed by minors is a threat to our community and will not be tolerated in our county without consequences,” said San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan.  “It is imperative that minors committing murders and other serious and violent crimes understand they will not escape accountability.  There’s a growing public safety concern that adult criminals are enticing minors to commit violent crimes with assurances that they will escape accountability due to California’s state juvenile laws.  The referral for federal prosecution in this case aims to stop the recruitment of minors to execute violent crimes. San Diego will remain committed to strong collaboration between our courageous federal, state, and local partners to keep our community safe and to not permit these violent acts to occur in our local neighborhoods.”

DA Summer Stephan swearing in as President for NDAA.

DA Summer Stephan Elected National DA Association President for Historic 75th Year

The National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) has elected San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan as its president for the 2024-2025 term. Stephan was sworn in at NDAA’s annual Summer Summit in Boise, Idaho on Monday July 15, where she chose a platform of elevating victim voices through enhanced prosecution, protection and prevention strategies. With a professional legacy marked by a relentless commitment to justice, service to her community, and innovative crime-fighting strategies, Stephan’s inauguration promises a visionary and inclusive approach to the role.

Stephan’s distinguished career is marked by a passionate devotion to protecting the most vulnerable members of society. As NDAA president, Stephan aims to elevate the role of prosecutors in safeguarding the rights of crime victims and enhancing public safety across the United States.

“It is a tremendous honor to lead the NDAA and work alongside dedicated prosecutors nationwide,” said Stephan. “Together, we will continue to implement forward-thinking strategies that ensure justice, promote public trust, and protect our communities.”

Square photo of DA Summer Stephan swearing in as President for NDAA.Since becoming the elected District Attorney for San Diego County in 2018, Stephan has led one of the nation’s largest DA offices, with a professional staff of 1,000 employees, serving as the People’s prosecutor for over 3.3 million people. Under her leadership, the office has launched numerous initiatives that are viewed as justice models nationwide, including the creation of a countywide school threats protocol to stop those who might carry out mass shootings before they can act, and a Juvenile Diversion Initiative that actively interrupts the school to prison pipeline. Stephan created a Blueprint for Mental Health Reform by working collaboratively to address the intersection of mental health, homelessness and the criminal justice system. She led and funded countywide de-escalation training for every San Diego County police department to better protect the lives of community members and officers, and opened a state-of-the-art Family Justice Center. Stephan’s focus on protecting seniors led to a first of its kind Elder Justice Taskforce. Her office is laser focused on the prosecution of hate crimes and deadly fentanyl dealers. Stephan also formed a specialized team to effectively combat Organized Retail theft which is plaguing our nation.

Summer Stephan is recognized as a national leader in combatting human trafficking and sexual exploitation and has been named Angel of Anti Human Trafficking. She pioneered San Diego’s Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Division and co-chairs the National Association of Women Judges Human Trafficking committee. Stephan is a fierce fighter for crime victims, personally trying many high-profile murder and rape cases and ensuring the testing of every rape kit in San Diego County. Her contributions to public service have earned her numerous accolades, including the U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Meritorious Public Service in 2023, the highest public service award from the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2022, she was named one of The Best Five Prosecutors in America.

“Summer Stephan’s leadership and vision will undoubtedly guide NDAA to new heights,” said outgoing president Charlie Smith. “Her dedication to justice and innovative approach to prosecution make her an outstanding choice to lead our association.”

Before she was elected District Attorney, Stephan served as a Deputy District Attorney in San Diego County for 28 years, trying over 100 jury trials, including complex homicides, sex crimes against children, and human trafficking cases. She graduated from the University of California, Davis, and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.

In addition to Stephan’s election, NDAA elected the following prosecutors to the 2024 – 2025 Slate of Officers:

President-Elect: Tim Cruz, District Attorney, Brockton, MA

Chairman of the Board: Charlie Smith, State’s Attorney, Frederick, MD

Secretary/Treasurer: Jennifer Webb-McRae, County Prosecutor, Bridgeton, NJ

Vice Presidents:

  • Greg Banks, Prosecuting Attorney, Coupeville, WA
  • Spencer Merriweather, District Attorney, Charlotte, NC
  • Mark Dupree, District Attorney, Kansas City, KS

Directors-at-Large:

  • Ivan Bates, State’s Attorney, Baltimore City, MD
  • Kevin Barton, District Attorney, Hillsboro, OR
  • Rich Gibson, State’s Attorney, Ellicott City, MD
  • Lorrin Freeman, District Attorney, Raleigh, NC
  • Michael Ferrarese, District Attorney, Norwich, NY

 

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

Murder Defendant in 24-Year-Old Cold Case Sentenced for Triple Homicide

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that a 47-year-old man who shot and killed three people, including a 22-month-old baby, on Labor Day in 2000, has been sentenced to three terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole plus 75 years to life.

In September 2000, Sergio Contreras opened fire into an apartment, after one of the residents failed to pay for a small amount of illegal drugs. Contreras shot 27-year-old Michael Plummer more than a dozen times. He also shot 18-year-old Adah Pearson in the heart as she lay sleeping on the couch. Another shot went through the wall and hit 22-month-old Julio Rangel, Jr. in the head as he lay asleep on a bed in the next room. All three victims died from their wounds. Contreras fled and case went cold for several years.

Contreras was initially a suspect in the crime, but it wasn’t until 2007, after additional witnesses came forward, that murder charges were filed. On March 22, 2023, Contreras was successfully extradited from Mexico where he had been serving time for an unrelated robbery and murder.

“When a murder is unsolved for decades, it takes an enormous toll on the victim’s loved ones, but now the families of Michael Plummer, Adah Pearson and Julio Rangel Jr. have a measure of justice after many years of mourning their loss,” DA Stephan said. “I am grateful to our Cold Case Unit and detectives in the San Diego Police Department who worked tirelessly on this case until it was solved, and the killer was brought to justice.”

Deputy District Attorney Chris Lindberg prosecuted this case.

Established in 2003, the DA’s Cold Case Homicide Unit works with law enforcement to solve and prosecute unsolved murders. The victims come from all walks of life and from all areas of the county, including children and the elderly. The District Attorney’s Office prioritizes these cases through the Cold Case Unit, which has dedicated and experienced investigators and prosecutors who use the latest forensic technology to deliver justice to victims.

The oldest case solved and prosecuted by the unit is the 1969 rape and murder of Mary Scott which resulted in a conviction following a trial in 2022. The Cold Case Unit also manages the Cold Homicide and Research Genealogy Effort (CHARGE.) Funded by a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, CHARGE uses the power of investigative genetic genealogy to solve more cold case homicides. The San Diego District Attorney’s Office was one of only 10 prosecutor’s offices nationwide to receive this grant.

Violent Cartel Associates Sentenced to Life in Prison for Kidnapping for Ransom

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that three defendants, who were previously indicted by a grand jury, were sentenced to lengthy prison sentences for their violent acts on behalf of a Mexican drug cartel. Defendants Victor Medrano, 44, and Eliceo Flores, 36 were sentenced to life in state prison without parole and defendant Emily Gonzalez, 33, was sentenced to 24 years, eight months in custody. A fourth indicted defendant, 32-year-old Julie Soto, is scheduled for trial in December.

All four defendants were indicted by a grand jury for their roles in the kidnappings of two women, who allegedly stole from the Sinaloa Cartel. The two men were also indicted for brutally assaulting the two women. Flores, Medrano, and Soto were further indicted for a variety of conspiracies to sell large amounts of fentanyl, meth, heroin, and ghost guns on behalf of the cartel. Additionally, Flores and Medrano were indicted for conspiracies to commit a separate kidnapping, robbery, possession of numerous stolen vehicles, and for passing over $10,000 in fraudulent checks.

“Drug cartels are a serious and violent threat to our community and their criminal networks should not and will not be allowed to operate in our county,” DA Stephan said. “Let this case be an example of the type of justice that will be brought forth by our dedicated gang prosecutors who work with our law enforcement partners and who risk their lives to deliver justice on behalf of victims to protect the community.”

Medrano and Flores each pleaded guilty on June 5 to two counts of kidnapping for ransom causing bodily harm. Gonzalez pleaded guilty to two counts of kidnapping and carjacking. Both Flores and Gonzalez also admitted to having a serious felony strike prior.

The grand jury indictment alleges that Soto, Medrano, and Flores were part of a large-scale drug and gun importation scheme, with Medrano referring to Soto as “the big boss” and “the one that takes care of most SD.” The indictment references messages from the group about pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl powder for sale. Additional messages discuss the illicit sale of AR-15 assault rifles and ghost handguns. The indictment also describes efforts by Medrano and Flores to kidnap, attempt to kidnap, or “take out” several different victims.

The grand jury alleged that on May 2, 2022, Soto was actively looking for one of two women, who Soto suspected had stolen a load of drugs. Soto allegedly contacted Medrano about retrieving the stolen items. Medrano, Flores, and Gonzalez drove to the victims’ El Cajon residence, where the two men forcibly entered and ordered the victims to leave at gunpoint. The trio took the victims to a house in Lemon Grove and held them for ransom before transporting the women to Medrano’s Chula Vista home.

Once inside Medrano’s home, the indictment alleges Medrano, Flores, and Gonzalez drugged the victims, threatened the victims with torture, and then brutally assaulted the women.

In a statement to the court, one of the victims described the women as “survivors of an unimaginable ordeal.” She described the anxiety and PTSD she has endured since this “humiliating” incident and remarked at how “truly scary [it is] to know that people with these characteristics and mindsets live among us.” Ultimately, she addressed the male defendants, saying that even though they only pleaded guilty to the aggravated kidnapping charges, she “rest[s] just fine because God knows what you did and there’s no way around that one. Now the question of the day: was it worth it? Was the money that was promised you worth the rest of your life? I don’t believe in reincarnation, but if that does happen, hopefully you don’t decide to be a puppet in that life as you were in this one.”

Deputy District Attorney Drew Garrison prosecuted this case.

Photo of a judge's gavel and handcuffs on top of books.

Burglars on U.S. Visa Waivers Sentenced to Prison in Carlsbad Theft Case

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that three defendants who burglarized a home in Carlsbad in January, were sentenced prison terms between four and six years. The group is part of a foreign traveling crew using the Visa Waiver Program to get into the country to commit ‘burglary tourism,’ which has exploded in prevalence across the country.

Christian Tapia, 39 and Romai Aranedapogge, 36 each received a six-year prison sentence and Joe Acevedo, 20, was sentenced to four years. All three pleaded guilty on June 4 to conspiracy to commit burglary, residential burglary, identity theft and resisting arrest.

“These criminals not only stole cash and valuables from the victims, but they also stole the community’s peace of mind,” DA Stephan said. “The message is clear: If organized criminal burglary rings come to San Diego County to commit crime, they will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

On January 25, Carlsbad Police officers responded to a residence in a neighborhood that just months before was the subject to several residential burglaries. Once at the residence, police identified a suspect vehicle with stolen plates. When police secured the perimeter, the three defendants ran from the home into neighboring yards. When the defendants were caught and upon further investigation, police found that the defendants were wanted in Illinois and in Colorado for similar crimes.

The defendants are from Chile and Italy, and they largely follow the prototype of the South American Theft Group, believed to be responsible for 100 burglaries across San Diego County. Police investigations have found the suspect group to be made up of mostly Chilean men between 18-55. It has been determined that those involved in the theft group travel to the U.S. through the ESTA Visa Waiver program. This program allows people from Chile fill out an online questionnaire with no foreign background checks and receive a 90-day tourist visa. Most of the defendants involved in theft cases in the U.S. also have a criminal record in Chile.

Once in the country, the suspects obtain false foreign driver’s license and IDs and use the fake identities to rent the vehicles. The burglary team members will all have what is considered a work phone which most often is a pre-paid cellular phone. The suspects change the phone and or SIM card every 30 days or sooner.

The residential burglaries have similar circumstances. The homes were wealthy neighborhoods where houses backed up open space, a golf course, hiking trail or horse trail. On many homes, entry was made via a second story balcony.

“This case is part of a crime spree that has plagued our nation where organized criminal rings, often with criminal records in their own country, are given a visa to the United States that they use to commit burglary tourism,” DA Stephan said. “I’m proud of the Carlsbad Police department investigation and of our prosecution team for their continued work on taking down these roving theft networks that eat away at the safety and security of residential neighborhoods.”

Deputy District Attorney Malak Behrouznami prosecuted this case.