Meet Deputy DA Frederick Washington

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 Deputy District Attorney Frederick Washington, who has been working at the DA’s office for the past six years, although he has served as a prosecutor for a total of 10 years. Frederick is currently assigned to the Family Protection Unit, where his caseload includes domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and internet crimes against children. Read more about what inspired him 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?

“I chose a career in public service because I think being a prosecutor is one of the most fulfilling jobs there is. Taken to its simplest point, our primary goal is merely to do good, and that pursuit is incredibly rewarding.” 

What does African American History Month/Black History Month mean to you/why is it important?

“African American history is a vital part of American history and the recognition the month provides allows for stories and people, that may be relatively unknown, to be spotlighted and celebrated.”

Brenda Spencer Denied Parole

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today the woman who opened fire on a San Diego elementary school as a teen in 1979, killing two people and injuring nine others, has been denied parole following the strong objection of prosecutors. The decision to deny release for Brenda Spencer, 62, came after a Board of Parole hearing which included three victim statements and input from the District Attorney’s Office. During its deliberation, the Board considered Elder and Youthful Parole Laws when reaching its decision.

“The shock of this brazen crime rippled through the community in San Diego at the time and it continues to hold a place of infamy in the history of mass shootings in our nation,” said DA Stephan. “ While new laws are in place that can potentially speed up releases for individuals who were convicted as minors, as well as inmates who are over 50 years old, our position is that the totality of the horrific circumstances of this crime and this case do not warrant release and we are gratified that the Parole Board agreed with our position.” 

On the morning of Monday, January 29, 1979, Spencer began shooting from her house at children waiting for 53-year-old Principal Burton Wragg to open the gates to Grover Cleveland Elementary School. She injured eight children. She began with nine-year-old Cam Miller, since he was wearing Spencer’s favorite color, blue. Spencer shot and killed Wragg as he and teacher Daryl Barnes tried to help children. She also killed 56-year-old custodian Mike Suchar as he tried to pull a student to safety. A 28-year-old police officer, Robert Robb, had responded to a call for assistance during the incident, where he was wounded in the neck as he arrived.

After firing thirty-six times, Spencer barricaded herself inside her home for several hours. While there, she spoke by telephone to a reporter. Spencer told the reporter she had shot at the school children and adults because, “I don’t like Mondays. This livens up the day.”

Spencer was charged as an adult. She pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. On April 4, 1980, a day after her 18th birthday, she was sentenced to concurrent terms of 25 years-to-life in prison. Under the terms of her sentencing, Spencer became eligible for hearings to consider her suitability for parole in 1993.

Spencer has been denied parole in 1993, 2001, 2005, 2009 and 2022. She is currently imprisoned at California Institution for Women in Chino. Spencer is often regarded as the first modern high-profile school shooter. She is eligible for parole again in 2028.

The DA’s Lifer Unit is responsible for handling parole hearings for inmates serving life sentences in California state prisons. The unit’s main role is to represent the interests of victims, their families, and public safety by advocating against the release of dangerous offenders when appropriate.

Meet DA Investigator Tony La Dell

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 Tony La Dell, who has been at the DA’s Office for five years. He is currently assigned to One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center, where he works with 120 partner agencies to support victims of crimes. His job includes safety planning for victims, firearms recovery and other investigations, maintaining the overall security of the office, and developing policies and procedures for One Safe Place. Read more about what inspired him 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?

“I chose a career in public service because I wanted to have a direct, positive impact on the lives of others. I also knew, based on my skill set and having participated in sports all my life, I had the tools to potentially be the kind of police officer who would contribute positively to the community. By contributing positively to the community that improves people’s well-being, I felt like I would be doing something meaningful with my life. I also had some great mentors, starting with my late father, who served in the Korean conflict and was wounded in combat, and my childhood wrestling coaches who were both former police officers.

Prior to joining the DA’s office, I was a police officer with the San Diego Police Department and then the Department of Justice for a combined 35 years. I thought I was ready for retirement but realized I had more to offer in public service, landing the perfect position at One Safe Place to finish my law enforcement career helping victims of crimes!”

Why is Black History Month important to you?

“Black History Month means looking back at the impact Black pioneers and leaders have had on our community, organizations, and cities. It means celebrating and honoring the legacy these pioneers and leaders have laid for future generations to follow. It means supporting the advancement of the Black community amidst the racial injustices that continue to happen throughout the U.S. today. It means educating myself further and honoring the fact that we would not be where we are today without the innovative contributions these Black leaders and pioneers have made — and to remind myself daily that Black history cannot be contained to a single month but should be celebrated and remembered year-round.”

Meet Human Resources Manager Kelly Lyons

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 DA Human Resources Manager Kelly Lyons, who has been working in the County for 26 years, and 24 of those years have been at the DA’s office. Kelly is the Human Resource Manager for the Human Resource Management Unit, which covers important areas of position management, recruitment, hiring, transfers, human resources policies and procedures, Covid management, workplace accommodations, workers’ compensation, leave administration, benefits administration, employee relations, performance appraisals and appeals, grievances, discipline, and employee investigations. Read more about what inspired her 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?

“Both my mother and sister worked in public service, but my mom was actually the one who pushed me to get a government job for the stability and great benefits. Once I started working in public service, I learned about the District Attorney’s Office and had a strong desire to work there. I enjoy supporting people who work to uphold justice. Human Resources is the backbone of any organization, and working at the District Attorney’s Office allows me to contribute behind the scenes ensuring that our staff has the resources, support and environment they need to do their jobs effectively.”

What does African American History Month mean to you/why is it important?

“As a Black woman, Black History Month is deeply personal. It’s a time to honor the strength, resilience, and brilliance of those who came before me, especially the Black women who have shaped history but whose contributions have often been overlooked. For me, it’s a time of reflection and pride, recognizing the sacrifices made so that I can stand where I am today. It’s a reminder that I come from a lineage of trailblazers, innovators, and leaders who have fought for justice, equality, and representation. It’s important because it ensures that the struggles and triumphs of Black individuals are acknowledged, and the future generations understand the significance of diversity, representation, and inclusion in shaping a better society for all. Most importantly it’s a call to action to honor the past by creating a future where Black excellence is acknowledged every day, not just in February.”

Defendant Sentenced for First-Degree Murder of Ex-Girlfriend’s Fiancé

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that Jesse M. Alvarez has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole plus an additional 25 years to life for killing Mario Fierro, the fiancé of his ex-girlfriend, in February 2021.

Last March, a jury found Alvarez, 34, guilty of first-degree murder, including the special circumstance of lying in wait.

“The defendant ambushed the victim and repeatedly shot him to death in a most cowardly and cruel manner,” DA Stephan said. “The victim, Mario Fierro, was a beloved teacher at Cathedral Catholic High School and his death left his school, family, fiancée and community grieving. I’m proud of the excellent investigation by the San Diego Police Department and the tireless work of the prosecution team led by Deputy DA Ramona McCarthy, who brought a measure of justice to this cold-blooded murderer.”

Defendant Alvarez prepared, planned, and executed the cold-blooded murder of a Cathedral Catholic High School teacher after he discovered he was engaged to Alvarez’s ex-girlfriend. On the morning of February 1, 2021, Alvarez arrived at the home of Fierro, ready to kill him. After waiting one hour for Fierro to come out of his home, Alvarez ambushed him, shooting him six times, four of which were at close range.

It’s not unusual for a new romantic partner to become a target of violence, as in this case and many others prosecuted in San Diego County. Domestic violence has many forms including physical aggression, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, stalking, or financial abuse.

The District Attorney’s Office not only prosecutes domestic violence offenders, but also works to prevent such crimes, providing resources to victims so they can safely leave their abusers and move on with their lives. If you or someone you know is being abused, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. More resources can be found on the District Attorney’s website.

In addition, One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center provides support services all under one roof to anyone who has experienced child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, a hate crime, elder abuse, human trafficking, violent loss, family violence, or other abuse or victimization. OneSafePlaceNorth.org

26 People Killed in DUI-Related Crashes Last Year

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that Brandon Janik, 38, was sentenced on January 24 to 15 years-to-life in state prison for driving under the influence, running a red light and killing 47-year-old Joshua Gilliland who was walking to work. Superior Court Judge Laura Parsky sentenced Janik to an additional seven years in prison to be served consecutively for committing insurance fraud and hit and run with death. The DA also confirmed today that 26 people were killed in DUI-related crashes last year.

“This was a tragic crime that took the life of a beloved community member. If you drive drunk, hit someone, and flee the scene, you’re committing a serious felony that carries serious penalties, including life in prison,” said DA Stephan. “Trying to cover it up with insurance fraud only adds to your charges, increasing the likelihood of getting caught and facing even steeper consequences. Law enforcement, forensic experts, and insurance investigators are highly skilled at uncovering these crimes—so do the right thing before you ruin lives, including your own.”

On November 7, 2024, after a nine-day trial, a jury found Brandon Janik guilty of all seven counts, including second degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, hit and run with death, and four insurance fraud charges.

On June 10, 2023, Janik, who had a prior DUI conviction in 2016, ran a red light and killed Gilliland, a well-liked bartender in University Heights. Surveillance footage showed Gilliland lawfully crossing the street at the intersection of Normal Street and El Cajon Boulevard when Janik sped through the intersection against the red light, struck Gilliland, and then fled the scene without calling 911.

The San Diego Police Traffic Division later connected the hit and run to an incident approximately 10 minutes earlier, when a passersby located Janik asleep in the driver’s seat of a car in the middle of the roadway. The person removed Janik, who was visibly intoxicated, from the driver’s seat and called 911. As they waited for paramedics to arrive, Janik thanked them and said, “I already have a DUI.” Once paramedics arrived on scene, Janik admitted he had been drinking, but claimed he would leave the vehicle parked and use a rideshare. Janik refused transportation to the hospital for medical treatment and paramedics cleared the scene.

Once the bystanders and paramedics left, Janik got back into his parked car and drove away, nearly striking another car as he sped off. The fatal collision took place only a minutes later and less than half a mile away.

The morning after the collision, the defendant read multiple news articles online about the crash. Janik proceeded to replace the vehicle’s smashed windshield using a mobile repair company. He later filed a false insurance claim with Esurance for additional damages to the passenger door and hood of the vehicle. Janik lied to support his false claim on three occasions and each time Janik denied anyone had been injured in the collision when directly asked. Janik’s primary concern was that his insurance premiums would go up.

At trial, Deputy District Attorneys Hailey Williams and Dana Dunlap presented evidence from 29 witnesses, including civilians, experts, police detectives, and Esurance employees. They introduced more than 100 exhibits, including surveillance video of the collision, Janik’s bar receipts prior to the collision, cell phone evidence, and recorded insurance phone calls. The jury deliberated for only a few hours before returning a guilty verdict on all counts.

Data shows that the number of young drivers involved in fatal DUI-related crashes has increased this past year. Prosecutors say that more than half of the individuals charged with DUI homicide offenses in 2024 were between the age of 18 and 26 at the time of the collision.

Insurance fraud, including auto insurance fraud, costs U.S. consumers an estimated$80 to $90 billion per year. In California, it’s a $15 billion-a-year problem. It’s the second-largest economic crime in America, exceeded only by tax evasion. The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office combats this problem by using experienced specialists to confront the insurance fraud epidemic.

 

Prisoner handcuffed behind bars

Ex-Convict Sentenced for Cold Case Sexual Assault in Pacific Beach Alley

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a 53-year-old man, who attacked a woman from behind in 2001 and dragged her into a Pacific Beach alley, forcing her to have sex with him, has been sentenced to 15 years-to-life in prison.

After deliberating for one day, a jury found John House guilty last November of forcible oral copulation as well as a kidnapping allegation.

“The victim waited more than 20 years for this defendant to be brought to justice for his horrific kidnap and sexual assault,” DA Stephan said. “Through the tireless work of specialized prosecutors and investigators in our Cold Case and Sex Crimes Units along with our law enforcement partners, we are able to solve these crimes that leave victims and their families living in fear and looking behind their shoulder for years.”

On a late morning in August 2001, the victim was walking down a Pacific Beach street when the defendant approached her from behind, put his hand over her mouth and dragged her into an alley to have sex while threatening her with a knife. Given the limitations of the DNA technology at the time, the San Diego Police Department Crime Laboratory was unable to develop a DNA profile from the sperm fraction collected from victim’s lips and the case went cold.

In 2022 there was a break in the case thanks to developments in DNA testing technology and retesting of the evidence. A full DNA profile was developed, which matched the defendant. It turned out he was involved in previous incidents, including a criminal case from 2001. In that case, defendant House approached five different female joggers from behind and sexually battered them, resulting in a prison sentence of seven years.

The DA’s Cold Case Homicide Division has dedicated and experienced investigators and prosecutors who use the latest forensic evidence technology to deliver justice to victims. The division promotes public safety by working with local law enforcement to resolve unsolved homicides within San Diego County. These partnerships are key to solving and successfully prosecuting cases where the trail has gone cold for years. Since it was established in 2003, the Cold Case Homicide Division has played a role in solving and prosecuting numerous murders.

Deputy District Attorney Zachary Wallace prosecuted this case.

 

Chief Technology Officer Julian Shelby.

Meet Chief Technology Officer Julian Shelby

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 the DA’s Chief Technology Officer, Julian Shelby, who leads the DA’s Information Technology Department, including cybersecurity. He began his County career with the DA’s Office in March 1998 and left with Child Support Enforcement when it separated from the DA’s Office to become Child Support Services. He returned in May 2024 as the Chief Information Security Officer (cybersecurity) after nearly 18 years with the County Technology Office. Read more about what inspired him to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law enforcement/ at the DA’s Office?

“I dreamed of being Q from the James Bond movies because I thought it would be awesome to invent cool gadgets. I switched from electronics to IT when I was hired by the DA’s Office, which was pure happenstance. Returning has been a blessing! Proud that my mother retried from law enforcement as a civilian as will I.”

What does African American History Month mean to you?

“African American History Month to me is a time when those of us from black African descent get to reflect on both the struggles and subsequent successes of our forefathers. I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana to a civil rights activist mother and a civil rights attorney father, who is not of African descent. Ironically, it was my father who named me Julian after the civil rights leader, Julian Bond, and my middle name Kenyatta is from Jomo Kenyatta, the first anti-colonial president of Kenya.”

Anything else you want to share?

“Yes. A piece from the great Langston Hughes: ‘O, I’m the man who sailed those early seas In search of what I meant to be my home — For I’m the one who left dark Ireland’s shore, And Poland’s plain, and England’s grassy lea, And torn from Black Africa’s strand I came To build a “homeland of the free.’

Photo of a Judge's gavel and a gun.

Man Sentenced for Shooting Spree Resulting in One Death and Three Injuries

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that a 24-year-old man, who killed one person and injured three others in January 2023 after going on a three-location shooting spree, has been sentenced to prison.

Jaime E. Gonzalez, III, has been sentenced to 86 years to life in prison. A jury found him guilty in December of five counts of premeditated attempted murder and one count of first-degree murder. For the murder he was sentenced to 51 years to life and for the attempted murders he was sentenced to seven years to life for each of the five victims.

“This defendant terrorized the community by driving to different locations to commit shootings on strangers,” DA Stephan said. “He has been held to account for the cruel and cowardly murder of Raul Rojas Valdez who was shot and stabbed by the defendant, along with the harm he inflicted on other innocent victims including three minors. We hope his conviction and sentence brings a measure of justice to the victim’s family and the community.”

Gonzalez opened fire on seven separate victims during a shooting spree that took place on the night of Jan. 27, 2023, over the course of 90 minutes. He terrorized victims in Spring Valley, an Encanto trolley station and Bay Terraces. His crime spree resulted in the death of one man and the injury of three other victims, who were shot. When Gonzalez was apprehended, investigators found a ghost gun inside his car, ammunition in the center console and a knife with the victim’s blood on Gonzalez’s waistband.

Gonzalez, who donned gang tattoos, appeared to be targeting victims with perceived rival gang associations. 

Deputy District Attorney Melissa Mack prosecuted this case.

DA Summer Stephan announces in a news conference with SDPD and DEA dozens of arrests resulting from a six-month, multi-agency law enforcement operation targeting Mexican Mafia prison inmates, who directed gang associates on the outside to commit violent crimes, traffic illegal drugs and ghost guns, and extort local businesses.

Organized Crime Takedown Nets 39 Arrests of Violent Criminals, Arms Traffickers and Drug Dealers

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today announced dozens of arrests resulting from a wide-ranging takedown of street gang members operating in San Diego County at the direction of the largest prison gang, known as the Mexican Mafia, which has ties to Mexico’s cartels. Many of those arrested have been involved in murders, attempted murders, robberies, arson, extortion, drug and weapons trafficking and violent assaults.

(WATCH NEWS CONFERENCE HERE)

During the six-month undercover investigation, dubbed Operation “Los Impuestos,” law enforcement partners from the San Diego Police Street Gang Unit, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office Gang Unit, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives developed evidence against 46 defendants for a variety of crimes. The investigation revealed that dozens of criminal street gang members from various gangs were being controlled and prolifically committed violent crimes, including at least one murder and two attempted murders at the behest of the Mexican Mafia. Seven of the defendants being charged are currently already in custody for other crimes.

Last Thursday, 39 defendants were arrested after law enforcement fanned out across the county in a coordinated takedown. Many of those arrested and charged were scheduled to be arraigned today at 1:30 p.m. in Department 101 of the downtown San Diego Superior Court. If convicted, the defendants are facing a wide range of possible prison sentences from three years to life terms in state prison. There are eight defendants who have been criminally charged but remain at large. Charges filed in 20 separate criminal cases include murder, conspiracy to commit murder, extortion, and firearms trafficking.

“This operation once again proves that we will not allow criminal organizations to terrorize our communities by threats or violence,” DA Stephan said. “Every person in every neighborhood deserves to be safe from crime and violence. These criminals took orders from gang bosses operating in state prison and they preyed on business owners by forcing mafia-style tax payments. They dealt illegal drugs, committed widespread violence and trafficked weapons such as ghost guns and AR 15s. The extraordinary cooperation and expertise from our law enforcement partners has exposed the cartel bosses in prison who were calling the shots and together we put a significant dent in their criminal operation.”

The Mexican Mafia, known as “La EME,” is the largest and most established prison gang in the United States. The Mexican Mafia was initially formed in the California state penal system and has been in existence for more than 50 years. At present, the Mexican Mafia operates both in the California State prison system, as well as in other states, and in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The prison gang controls and utilizes Southern California gang members who are both in custody and out of custody for their criminal enterprises. These gang members pay tribute to and engage in criminal activity with the Mexican Mafia.

Operation “Los Impuestos” revealed that the prison gang was using a vast network of gang members throughout San Diego County and its ties to international drug trafficking organizations to collect extortion payments or “taxes” from legal and illegal businesses, traffic drugs and firearms, intimidate witnesses and victims in the community, and to carry out violent acts including numerous beatings, shootings, and murders. The criminal acts happened all over San Diego with much of it centered downtown, in Barrio Logan, City Heights and in South San Diego.

In one case, it was uncovered that an order was given to blow up a business with a grenade that had stopped paying it’s ‘tax.’ Two grenades were seized during the operation. Other businesses were hit with Molotov cocktails and robbed, including illegal gambling dens.

On multiple occasions during the operation, violent acts that were about to be committed were prevented by law enforcement.

“This operation is the perfect example of how good, thorough policework keeps our communities safe and holds violent criminals accountable,” said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl. “The San Diego Police Department and our partners stand strong in our commitment to public safety and will continue to dedicate the necessary resources to bringing these violent criminals to justice.”

Guns and drugs were confiscated during the operation, including:

“Drug-related violent crime undermines public safety, leaving fear and uncertainty in its wake,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Clark. “The conclusion of this investigation marks the end to a deep-rooted criminal network operating in San Diego County. DEA and our partners will relentlessly pursue those who disregard the law to ensure San Diego is a safe place to live.”

A number of additional agencies assisted in the operation, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the San Diego Sheriff’s Office and the National City Police Department.

Deputy District Attorney Robert Eacret is overseeing the prosecutions and Deputy District Attorneys Martin Doyle, William Hopkins, Mary Naoom, Melissa Mack, and MaryLouise Wright are also prosecuting some of the 20 criminal cases that resulted from the operation.