Deputy DA An Dang and her mother.

Meet Deputy DA An Dang

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Deputy District Attorney An Dang, who joined the DA’s Office in 2021. Prior to that, she spent two years at the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, and before that, she spent three years at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. Since joining our team, she’s been a Deputy DA in the Family Protection Division.

Read more about what inspired An to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

Why did you choose a career in public service/what inspired you to pursue this career?

“My mother was a trailblazer among Asian Americans in public service in San Diego. She is my biggest supporter, my hero, and I wouldn’t be where I am without her. I knew I wanted to be in public service, not only to prosecute Family Protection crimes, but to also be that source of support for those who did not have someone like my mom.”

 

What does AAPI Month mean to you/why is it important?

“AAPI Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the AAPI community, not only by honoring our past generations who paved the way for us to be here, but also by empowering the current and future generations to thrive. This month is particularly important to me as a first generation Asian American, and the Co-President of the San Diego chapter of the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association (NAPIPA). I hope by celebrating the achievements and diverse and sometimes traumatic histories of AAPIs in the United States, we can foster a greater sense of understanding and inclusion, and all stand together to fight hate.”

An and other Deputy DAs are featured in a recent PSA about hate crimes against the AAPI community that NAPIPA created, you can watch it here.

A fun fact about you or what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

“I started surfing at 33 years old, and now I’m obsessed. It’s intimidating to start, but once you overcome the challenges, it is the most healing and happy sport.”

Meet Legal Support Manager Maria Garlejo

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Legal Support Manager Maria Garlejo, who has been with the DA’s Office for 18 years.  She began her career in the office as an Intermediate Clerk in our North County Branch, then she transferred to the Hall of Justice in 2021 when she promoted to Legal Support Supervisor II in the Superior Court Division – Records Unit. As a supervisor she led a team of 8-10 support staff; Office Assistants, Legal Support Assistants, and Student Workers, and provided training for each desk in the unit. She made sure to motivate staff to always do their best in their assignments and encouraged professional growth. Just recently, Maria was promoted to Legal Support Manager.

“I am very excited to start this new chapter and opportunity in my career with the DA’s office,” she said.   

When she’s not busy working, you might see her spending a lot of time at Disneyland, because she loves “Disney and Mickey Mouse! I have an annual pass and go to Disneyland twice a month with my boys. Thankfully, they too love going and are not getting tired of it.”

Read more about what inspired Maria to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?

“I started at a younger age and honestly at the time, I did not know much about the District Attorney’s office. This was the first department in the County of San Diego to offer me an interview. Other departments offered me positions but it was our office that captured my interest. As my time in the DA’s office grew, I have learned to understand so much about how the justice system is important to the public in pursuing justice and helping victims. I am proud of what the DA’s Office stands for and honored to be part of the DA family. “

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“AAPI Month is important to me because it recognizes and honors the Asian community, for its culture, traditions and heritage. It also gives our young Asian generation a chance to learn more about AAPI heritage and history, to embrace where their ancestors are from and help understand what being Asian American and Pacific Islander is about.”

DA Succeeds in Reversing Parole Board Policy on Banning Crime Scene and Autopsy Photos

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today announced that in a major victory for crime victims, public safety, and due process, the California Office of Administrative Law (OAL) has granted a petition filed by the San Diego DA’s Office, striking down a controversial policy by the California Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) that banned the submission of crime scene and autopsy photographs in parole hearings.

Based on a petition submitted by the District Attorney’s Office, the OAL determined that the Board’s policy—enacted without public input or proper regulatory procedure—constituted an illegal “underground regulation” under California’s Administrative Procedure Act. The ruling requires the Board to cease enforcement of the policy and to follow formal rulemaking procedures if it wishes to pursue any similar restrictions in the future.

“This is a huge win for justice, transparency, and for every crime victim and family who deserves to have their voices heard and the full truth of a crime considered in parole decisions,” said DA Stephan. “The Board’s attempt to erase the harsh realities of violent crimes from parole hearings was not only improper—it was a disservice to public safety and victims’ rights. We’re proud to have stood up for what’s right, and we thank the OAL for correcting the Board’s procedure.”

The now-invalidated policy prohibited prosecutors, victims, and other stakeholders from submitting photographs that the Board deemed “graphic,” including crime scene and autopsy photos. The DA’s Office argued that these images are vital for parole board commissioners to fully understand the nature and impact of crimes and to evaluate an inmate’s credibility and insight. The OAL’s decision reaffirms that all relevant, reliable evidence must be considered in parole proceedings.

In its petition, the DA included legal arguments, examples of hearings where such photos were instrumental, and public outcry from victims and their families who were denied the ability to submit these materials. The specific cases cited included:

  • Frederick Walkey:  Walkey murdered his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son by beating and biting him to death. During the parole hearing, he minimized his actions and deflected blame. The panel used autopsy photos and the report to determine he was being untruthful and lacked insight, leading to a parole denial.
  • Dwight Culton:  Culton claimed self-defense after brutally murdering a woman at an auto shop. The parole board referenced crime scene photos, police, and autopsy reports to find that Culton lacked insight and maintained a criminal mindset, which contributed to his parole denial.
  • Charles Tyberg:  Tyberg murdered a police officer with a .357 magnum. Commissioner Ruff examined autopsy photos to assess the extent of the injuries, helping evaluate Tyberg’s insight and truthfulness. The photos were used to justify a parole denial based on a lack of insight.

“Our office will continue to fight for the rights of victims and the integrity of the criminal justice process,” Stephan added. “This decision ensures that parole boards must base their decisions on the full record—not a sanitized version of events.”

The DA’s Lifer Hearing Unit handles about 600 cases each year. It represents the state and victims at parole hearings for inmates serving life sentences. It ensures dangerous offenders aren’t released prematurely and supports victims and families in participating in hearings. The unit also tracks cases, assists with legal challenges, and handles new types of parole.  Due to changes in the law, many of these inmates are up for parole sooner than expected, and the Unit’s case load is increasing. hearings due to changes in state law.

Deputy District Attorney John Cross leads the Lifer Unit and drafted the petition that led to the change that will now allow crime scene and autopsy photos to be submitted as part of parole hearings.

DA Hate Crimes Prosecutor Honored with Anti-Defamation League’s ‘Sherwood Prize for Combatting Hate’

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that Deputy District Attorney Abigail Dillon, who leads the DA’s Hate Crimes Unit, was awarded the Anti-Defamation League’s prestigious, statewide Sherwood Prize for Combatting Hate, at a ceremony in Los Angeles. The organization cited Dillon’s innovative, proactive and reactive work within the DA’s Office and in the larger community, as well as her unwavering dedication to fighting hatred and bigotry.

The Los Angeles Anti-Defamation League’s Sherwood Prize recognizes law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect Americans from extremism, terrorism and hate. Specifically, the prize gives recognition to law enforcement professionals who are so committed to their work that they make a significant difference in their communities and serve as role models for their departments. In announcing the award, the League said Dillon’s work underscores the important idea that each person can make a significant difference in combating prejudice and discrimination.

“Lead Hate Crimes prosecutor Abbie Dillon exemplifies this prestigious statewide award by her deep commitment to bringing to justice and holding those accountable who harm others based on their religion, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation or disability,” DA Stephan said. “She has played a pivotal role in nearly tripling the number of hate crime prosecutions across San Diego County and is also dedicated to the prevention of hate crimes through training and education. She is very deserving of this coveted award.”

In her role as head of the Hate Crimes Unit, Dillon has prosecuted about 80 hate crime-related cases. She has also trained various law enforcement agencies, detectives, dispatchers, professionals, and area organizations on how to identify and respond to potential hate crimes and how to appropriately interact with individuals who have been victimized because of their actual or perceived status. She speaks at community forums where law enforcement interacts with community members, and she has organized a statewide training for the California District Attorneys Association to provide resources to smaller offices that do not have the same resources.

Some of Deputy DA Dillon’s recent cases include the prosecution of a defendant responsible for attacking a homeless shelter and repeatedly using a racial slur, which resulted in a nine-year prison sentence. She also prosecuted a defendant for a transphobic attack and handled the case of vandals who shot a gel pellet gun at various establishments in Hillcrest, known for its strong LGBTQ community. She also prosecuted several cases involving threats, vandalism and attacks on synagogues, a rabbi and Jewish organizations.

“My office has prioritized the prosecution of hate crimes with a specialized team led by Abbie Dillon because hate crimes leave a ripple effect of fear and pain, not just for the targeted victim, but for all those who share in the victim’s targeted characteristic,” DA Stephan said.

Meet Paralegal Lyka Huffman

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Paralegal Lyka Huffman, who has been working at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for 12 years. She started her career in our office as a volunteer, then was hired full-time as a Legal Support Assistant in South Bay in 2012 and became a Paralegal in Superior Court, where she worked for eight years. She is currently assigned to the Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division where she assists attorneys in criminal prosecution in cases related to identity theft, embezzlement, organized retail theft, securities fraud, consumer and environmental protection. As a Paralegal, she works alongside Deputy DAs, DA Investigators, and other staff members to ensure that all aspects of a case are prepared for preliminary exams and trials. She also guides victims to the proper resources to ensure that they receive all the answers and remedies they seek, including restitution.

When she’s not busy working, she enjoys spending time with her family and catching up with friends over a meal. In her free time, she also likes to read, learn new recipes, and watch K-Dramas. Read more about what inspired her to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?

“I chose to become a public servant because I believe that our work is meaningful and I’m able to use my skills and knowledge for the public good. Having been born and raised in Metro Manila, I was raised to value hard work, service, and humility. Seeing my grandparents, parents, and other relatives serve the community made it an easy choice for me to follow the same path. As a Paralegal, I enjoy the excitement in victims when they learn of a conviction. I also enjoy letting victims know when our office collects restitution for them, especially when they didn’t expect to get relief after being defrauded. Beyond the fulfilling work, I picked a career with the County because it provides a good work-life balance. I can feel good about pursuing a career while remaining present for my family.”

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“As a parent raising second generation Americans, I believe that teaching our kids about our history, heritage and culture is crucial to shaping their character. AAPI Heritage Month celebrates the perseverance, resilience, and contributions of AAPI communities in the United States. By celebrating our heritage, we can uphold our values while recognizing our American identity.”

Meet DA Investigator Jacqueline Hurtado

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet District Attorney Investigator Jacqueline Hurtado, who has been with the DA’s Office for almost five years, after a long career as a police officer. Her first assignment was at the Juvenile Branch for about two years, and she is currently assigned to the South Bay branch. When she is not busy working, any free time she has is spent with her husband and two children that keep them very busy!

Read more about what inspired her to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?

“A career in public service wasn’t what I initially saw myself pursuing. When I applied to become a police officer, I never thought I had the chance. Fast forward 20 years later, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. This career has been deeply rewarding and turned out to be a path that fit better than I expected.

My father inspired me to pursue a career in law enforcement. He was also a law enforcement officer when we lived in Florida and retired from his agency. My father was my biggest supporter and was very proud when I decided to become a police officer.”

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“As a second generation Filipino, AAPI Month is very important to me. My grandfather served in the military during WWII and was granted U.S. citizenship, so my mother also became a citizen.  My father and three older sisters were Philippine citizens. Like many Filipinos, my mother and father wanted to move to the U.S. for a better life. Essentially to “live the American dream”.  My mother went through the process of petitioning citizenship for my father and three sisters. After approximately seven years of my mother traveling back and forth, my father and sisters finally came to the U.S. becoming lawful permanent residents and were later naturalized. My father arrived first after a three-year waiting process. Then my sisters arrived four years later.  Apparently, my sisters did not know I existed until they arrived in the U.S., and I was 10 days old!!!

AAPI Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of our families and ancestors. It is also a reminder of the struggles, sacrifices, and successes that are overcome by many and help shape our presence. I will always be grateful for the sacrifices my parents made for me and my sisters to give us a better future. Their journey was the reason mine was possible.”

Meet Deputy DA Shanish Aloor

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Deputy District Attorney Shanish Aloor, who has been with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for more than 17 years. He first joined our office as a Legal Intern, then a Graduate Law Clerk and finally as a Deputy DA. He is currently the team leader for the DA’s Workplace Justice Unit, which investigates and prosecutes crimes where workers are victimized including wage theft and labor trafficking. When he is not busy working, Shanish enjoys reading biographies of famous historical figures, especially those involved in WWII and the Civil War.

Read more about what inspired him to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?

“When I was in college a close family member was murdered. This crime shook me to my core and made me want to empower victims. I went to law school with the idea of working in the criminal justice system to make a difference. As an intern with the DA’s Office, I saw all the positive impacts we could have on the community. “

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“AAPI month is important because it acknowledges a group that has been historically invisible while highlighting its powerful emergence. Minority voices, including those of AAPI, seek not just to uphold the law, but to make it more just, human and reflective of the America that we all deserve. AAPI month gives us a platform to reach out to future leaders to inspire them to strive to make this a ‘more perfect union’.”

Photo of gavel and scales of justice.

Former Teacher of the Year Sentenced to Prison for Sexually Abusing Students

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that Jacqueline Ma, 36, the former San Diego County Teacher of the Year who taught at Lincoln Acres Elementary School in National City, has been sentenced to 30 years-to-life in prison for sexually abusing two students.

Ma pleaded guilty on February 5 to two counts of forcible lewd act on a child, one count of lewd act on a child, and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material including allegations substantial sexual conduct and having multiple victims. She had been scheduled to stand trial in April.

“This defendant violated the trust she had with her students in the most extreme and traumatic way possible and her actions are despicable,” DA Stephan said. “Her victims will have to deal with a lifetime of negative effects and her 30-year sentence is appropriate. No child deserves what this defendant did and I hope this sentence brings a measure of justice to the victims, their families and the community that was left reeling from this defendant’s crimes.”

In March 2023, the mother of one of the victims found inappropriate messages on a family tablet between the student and teacher. Ma had groomed the minor for over a year before performing sexual acts on the him when he was 12. The parents did not allow the boy to have social media or his own electronics, but Ma was able to get access to him by setting up an unsanctioned after school program and directing him to communicate with her through a school chat application.

The sex acts perpetrated by Ma occurred in her classroom while the parents believed their son was participating in an afterschool basketball program, and the abuse continued for a period of three months. Further investigation found that Ma had targeted and sexually assaulted another student in 2020. That boy was 11at the time. Ma had been grooming young boys with gifts, food and special attention and even completed their homework for them. She also gained the trust of the parents with her reputation and personal investment in their academic development.

Every student in San Diego County deserves to have a safe and nurturing educational environment, free of sexual and physical abuse. But if that kind of abuse does happen, students, parents and teachers can report it directly to the District Attorney’s Office at https://www.sdcda.org/helping/studentsafety/.

Once suspected abuse is reported, the task force members will evaluate and investigate the claim, law enforcement will be notified to investigate allegations when appropriate, and families will be connected with trauma-informed resources and support.

Deputy District Attorney Andrew Hart prosecuted this case.

Photo of a gavel over law books and scales of justice.

Prolific Thief Sentenced for Stealing Thousands in Merchandise from Retailers

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a 27-year-old man who went on a stealing rampage in South County has been sentenced to six years in state prison on multiple felony counts of organized retail theft and robbery.

Edgar Figueroa pleaded guilty on March 28 to two counts of organized retail theft and one count of robbery for his role in stealing $16,300 in shoes and other merchandise from the Nike store at the Las Americas Premium Outlets, Dick’s Sporting Goods in Chula Vista and Burlington in Chula Vista on multiple dates in February. Figueroa also pleaded guilty to one count of organized retail theft for his role in stealing an additional $3,050 worth of merchandise from the Nike store in Carlsbad in January.

Figueroa’s theft spree came to an end on March 16, when he was loading up merchandise in a duffel bag at Dick’s Sporting Goods and he was recognized as a chronic thief. An employee called Chula Vista Police who responded quickly to detain Figueroa, who was a wanted suspect identified in a robbery that happened at Burlington on February 17. On that date, Figueroa worked with three other suspects to steal $1,684 worth of merchandise. He pointed a firearm at an employee who inquired about the stolen merchandise and his accomplice threatened the employee with a Taser.

Figueroa was a leader in a crew of at least six suspects who helped commit each of the thefts. On several occasions, the thieves attempted to change their appearance when returning to stores they had previously targeted. Thanks to the diligence of store employees and law enforcement, the remaining suspects have been identified and are being prosecuted for their roles in the theft ring.

Deputy District Attorney Gentre Martinez prosecuted this case.

DA Stephan Releases ‘2024 Annual Report’ Highlighting Public Safety Achievements

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today released her 2024 Annual Report, which details the office’s ongoing efforts to improve public safety, hold offenders accountable, support victims, and implement crime-preventing innovations across the county.

“This past year, our team worked tirelessly to ensure justice was served and our communities remained safe,” said District Attorney Stephan. “We are proud to share the progress we have made in prosecuting violent offenders and sexual predators, supporting victims, and launching initiatives that address the root causes of criminal behavior, especially among juveniles.”

2024 Annual Report Highlights:

  • Combating the Fentanyl Crisis: The District Attorney ramped up her efforts against organized crime and drug trafficking, contributing to a reduction in fentanyl-related deaths among teens and adults.
  • Victim Support Services: Thousands of vulnerable victims and their children received assistance through One Safe Place: North County Family Justice Center, helping them escape cycles of abuse and homelessness.
  • Prop 36 Implementation: The District Attorney’s Office is actively working to implement Prop 36, with the goal of deterring chronic theft and drug-related crimes through the use of drug courts and treatment programs.
  • Elder Justice Task Force: This task force expanded its efforts to protect seniors from fraud and abuse, safeguarding their well-being and financial security.

“We are firmly committed to the right of every child, adult, and senior to live safely and with dignity,” stated District Attorney Stephan. “This unwavering commitment, in partnership with law enforcement and the communities we serve, keeps us one of the safest urban counties in our nation.”

To view the full report, click here.