Meet Paralegal Sandy Barajas

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet Paralegal Sandy Barajas.

Sandy was born in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, but came to the United States when she was only six months old. She grew up in San Diego County, in the community of Barrio Logan, where her family has lived for over 50 years.

She attended Southwestern College and graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies, then went directly to National University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She then pursued a Pre-Law degree in Paralegal Studies at the University of San Diego.

Currently, Sandy is assigned as a Paralegal I for the East County Division, where she works on Misdemeanor DUI cases. She also serves in the County’s Peer Support Team because she has always been passionate about giving back to her community.

When she is not busy working, she loves to make her spare time useful. She currently has a business which consumes half of her time, but she also likes to stay active in her community.

“I volunteer my time and expertise to help others,” she said. “I feel I have a duty to give back and help younger women to reach their potential. Once I had women who gave to me, who mentored me, so it’s only fair that I continue to keep the ball rolling. I enjoy non-profit volunteer work.”

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

“There were several factors that inspired me to pursue a career at the District Attorney’s office. Firstly, I have always had a strong passion for justice and protecting the rights of individuals. Here at the DA’s Office, we believe in protecting victims, building safe neighborhoods and partnering with the community. I have worked with diverse communities for the past 20 years.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“I love to work with diverse populations and give back to my community. I believe it’s important to pay it forward and help others.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?  

“Hispanic Heritage Month holds a special significance for me as it is a time to celebrate and honor the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic individuals to our society. It is also a time that I get to indulge in the beautiful traditions, history and accomplishments of the Hispanic community and to educate others about the diversity within this group. I am very passionate about my roots and that is why I decided to create a business that entails the art, culture and traditions of my Hispanic culture. As a Latina, Hispanic Heritage Month allows me to connect with my roots, showcase the beauty and resilience of my culture, and feel a sense of pride in my heritage.”

Happy IT Professionals Day! Meet Senior IT Engineer Dustin Harger

IT Professionals Day, which is recognized on the third Tuesday of September, was established in 2015 to honor the IT pros who do the critical but often unseen work to keep our networks and applications running. So, today we want to highlight one of our amazing Information Technology Engineers here at the DA’s Office!

Meet Senior IT Engineer Dustin Harger, who was born and raised in San Diego County. He studied Architectural Engineering and Graphic Design at California State University Long Beach before finding his way into IT.

Dustin has been with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for one year and is currently a Senior IT Engineer. When he is not busy working, he enjoys playing guitar, piano, golf and baseball. In his free time, he also likes reading, designing, and tinkering with computers, as he is a part of various IT trade organizations. Read more below about what inspired him to pursue a career in the Information Technology Division of the DA’s Office.

What is your position/describe your role at the DA’s Office?

“I am an IT Engineer – much of our day consists of finding effective solutions for complex issues and staying on the forefront of new technology to help everyone work safely and efficiently. Also reviewing A LOT of data.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“Working with a great team at SDCDA and finding new, interesting problems to solve every day.”

What inspired you to pursue a career in IT for criminal justice system/law enforcement/DA’s Office?

“I really enjoy helping people, that’s the heart of any service/support role – I grew up working on electronics and building computers, so the IT part was a natural fit. Working for the San Diego DA’s office is an honor – what better way to help your community than to help support its justice system?”

Anything else you would like people to know about IT professionals?

“It is impossible to know everything in IT. We rely on each other as a team to share our expertise to resolve issues together. Just like in life – remember to reach out when you need help!”

The Information Technology Division strategically uses technology to support the operation of the District Attorney’s Office. The 28 employees who make up this unit, design, develop, implement, and support all information technology hardware, software, business applications, and websites. They also provide support for prosecution in the courtroom and community outreach efforts. In addition, ITD provides direct support to the City Attorney’s Office in their use of the District Attorney’s case management system for criminal prosecution.

Join us in recognizing all our IT Pros today and don’t forget to say “Happy IT Professionals Day” to your IT division!

#ITProDay #ITProfessionalsDay #InformationTechnology

 

 

 

Meet One Safe Place Executive Director Claudia Grasso

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet Claudia Grasso, Executive Director of the DA’s One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center.

Claudia Grasso was born and raised in East Los Angeles in a one-bedroom apartment where she lived with her parents and three siblings until she went off to college.

Claudia attended UCLA for her undergraduate studies, then Harvard for graduate school and later, the University of San Diego School of Law.

She is currently assigned as the Executive Director of One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center, where she oversees the DA’s Family Justice Center in San Marcos that provides wrap around services to victims of abuse.

When she is not busy helping victims or working on all the important services offered by One Safe Place, she loves watching her son play football and baseball, spending time with family and friends, listening to 80s music, reading, watching movies and traveling to visit her daughter who recently graduated from college.

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

“I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a lawyer. Where I grew up, I was exposed early on to victimization of our family and neighbors and had positive experiences with law enforcement. When I learned that there was a branch of law that works with law enforcement, helps victims and fights to bring them justice, I was drawn to prosecution work.”

What is your favorite part of the job? 

“I have served our San Diego’s District Attorney’s Office for over 21 years, first as a volunteer attorney and then as a Deputy District Attorney.  I loved my assignments in Family Protection and getting to try cases where I worked hard to bring justice for women and children. Now, I am thoroughly rewarded by seeing every day the lives we are saving at One Safe Place by providing alternatives to living with abuse that are safe and hope filled.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?

“According to the last census, 35% of San Diego County residents identify as Hispanic/Latino. As a member of this community and proud Latina, I have a passion for outreach, prevention and training geared to our Latinos. So many live in fear of deportation, are misinformed, lack culturally sensitive services in Spanish and are outright marginalized. It is important to not only bring to light the wonderful accomplishments of Latinos during this month but also pay it forward with assistance to those who need it all year round.”

Police cars with lights on.

Defendant Who Shot Police Officer Sentenced

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a defendant who led police on a high-speed chase and then shot and wounded a San Diego Police Officer has been sentenced to 47 years-to-life in state prison. Andrew Joseph Garcia, 22, was sentenced today by Judge Aaron Katz. On August 12, Garcia pleaded guilty to premeditated and deliberate attempted murder on a peace officer, assault with a semi-automatic firearm on a peace officer, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, unlawful driving of a stolen vehicle, felony reckless evading and felon in possession of a firearm.

“Peace officers have an incredibly difficult job, and this case demonstrates how in an instant their lives can be in danger—in this instance from a suspect wielding a ghost gun,” said DA Stephan. “Our office is dedicated to prosecuting these types of crimes with the focus they deserve and to holding defendants accountable who would seek to harm officers.”

In December of 2022, Garcia was pursued by police for driving a stolen car and led officers on a chase that lasted more than an hour, on and off freeways at speeds of 90 miles per hour. Garcia eventually fled the car and ran into an apartment complex in Mountain View. Officers followed Garcia into the complex and when they rounded a corner, he opened fire with a ghost gun, firing multiple rounds and hitting one of the officers in the chest and arm. The officer crawled to safety and a standoff in a vacant building ensued, during which time Garcia overdosed on drugs. Officers were able to revive him using Narcan and placed him under arrest.

“Police work is extremely dangerous, yet such a necessary function in our society. Being severely or mortally wounded is a constant threat looming in the hearts and minds of all law enforcement.” Said SDPD Chief Scott Wahl. “Every day, San Diego Police Officers take on the challenge of keeping San Diego safe through much adversity and with pride, honor and integrity. The San Diego Police Department thanks the District Attorney’s office for their hard work in prosecuting this suspect and getting justice for the officer involved. This type of violence against law enforcement or any of our community members will not be tolerated in San Diego.”

Garcia’s sentence includes guilty pleas on a separate gang-related case that occurred in April of 2022, in which he got out of a vehicle in broad daylight and shot at two individuals who were eating burritos on the sidewalk because he mistakenly perceived them to be rival gang members. Garcia fled the scene and remained at large. This incident occurred prior to the attempted murder of a police officer. It remained unsolved until District Attorney Investigator Jonah Conley reviewed social media records and discovered additional evidence related to the crime.

According to the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), 378 peace officers were shot in the line of duty last year, the highest number the FOP has ever recorded.

“While some may look at that data and just see numbers, we must remember that they represent fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters who are committed to protecting our neighborhoods every day,” DA Stephan said.

The cases against Garcia were prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Clay Biddle and Mary Naoom.

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

Man Who Killed His 87-Year-Old Mother Sentenced to Prison

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a 57-year-old East County man has been sentenced to 76 years-to-life in prison for the 2022 shooting death of his elderly mother while she was standing by the kitchen table. 

Chase Folkes, who was found guilty of second-degree murder and of being a felon in possession of a firearm, shot 87-year-old Carolyn Folkes in the forehead on May 17, 2022 after his mother hid her debit card from him, preventing him from buying alcohol. A jury delivered the guilty verdict on July 9 after one day of deliberation.

“This is a heartbreaking example of elder abuse in its most extreme form,” DA Stephan said. “Taking the life of an innocent person is always horrific but when it is in the context of a son against an elderly mother, the complexity and harm committed is very deep.”  

Folkes used a homemade shotgun to commit the murder.

“I am proud of the dedication of our prosecution team which delivered a conviction and a measure of justice for the family of Ms. Folkes,” DA Stephan said. “We’re also proud of the work of law enforcement in conducting this investigation.”

Deputy District Attorney Briana Wilford prosecuted this case.

 

Home Depot to Pay Nearly $2 Million

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that Home Depot U.S.A. Inc., entered into a stipulated judgment and will pay $1,977,251 to settle a civil law enforcement complaint that alleged Home Depot engaged in false advertising and unfair competition.

The action was filed in San Diego Superior Court by the DA’s Consumer Protection Unit along with the District Attorneys of Alameda, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Sonoma counties.

The civil complaint filed by prosecutors alleged that Home Depot charged customers prices higher than Home Depot’s lowest advertised or posted price. The problem is often called a “scanner violation,” which is when the price on the item, or on the item’s shelf tag, is not the same once the UPC code is scanned at the point-of-sale device or register.

“Our Consumer Protection Unit is committed to ensuring businesses charge consumers their lowest advertised or posted price,” said DA Stephan. “In addition to county agencies monitoring companies’ actions, the public can also help ensure that scanner prices and shelf tag prices are the same by checking receipts and reporting overcharges.”

The judgment includes an injunction that prohibits Home Depot from engaging in false or misleading advertising and charging an amount greater than the lowest price posted for an item. The judgment requires Home Depot to implement a Price Accuracy Program which adds additional audits and training and eliminates price increases on weekend days.  The new price accuracy procedures will assist Home Depot with compliance with California’s pricing accuracy requirements.

The judgment requires Home Depot to pay $1,700,000 in civil penalties and $277,251 in costs and restitution to cover investigation costs and support future enforcement of consumer protection laws. Home Depot has not admitted any liability or wrongdoing but has cooperated with the weights and measures inspectors throughout the state and with the prosecutors.

The San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures, is the agency that inspected Home Depot throughout San Diego County and is instrumental in monitoring retailers to make sure that consumers are being charged the correct price. Consumers may report overcharges to Weights and Measures online by using the General Consumer Complaint Form or by calling 1-888-TRUE-SCAN (878-3722) (toll free) or e-mail wm.awm@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Deputy District Attorney Kathryn Turner was the prosecutor for the San Diego County District Attorney.

Public Events Scheduled to Educate About Prop. 36

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today she will be joining the business community at several community events over the next two months to educate business owners and the public about Proposition 36: The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act, an initiative on the November ballot that would address the issue of repeat retail crime and fentanyl dealers, along with other related changes to the law.  Knowledge is power and these events will provide an opportunity to learn about this initiative that Californians and San Diegans placed on the ballot through signature gathering.

 

In the first event on September 18, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with DA Stephan, Mayor Todd Gloria, the San Diego Downtown Partnership, and the Gaslamp Quarter Association to host the Prop 36 educational workshop. Organizers say participants will hear why Prop 36 is an important measure to consider for not just California, but also for San Diego’s binational region.

 

Other forums are being co-organized by the Asian Business Association, Black Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Young Black & N’ Business, Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, Vista Chamber of Commerce, Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce, Encinitas Chamber of Commerce, San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce, National City Chamber of Commerce, East County Chamber of Commerce, La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce, Santee Chamber of Commerce and East County Economic Development Corporation.

 

The dates of the business-sponsored events are:

 

September 18:  Downtown

12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Gaslamp Marriott Hotel

Registration (suggested) and more information can be found here.

 

September 26: North County

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Mira Costa College

Registration (suggested) and more information can be found here.

 

October 3: South County

12 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Chula Vista Civic Center Library Auditorium

You can register here.

 

October 10:  East County Event

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Virtual on Zoom – Details to be posted here.

 

Parole Denied for 2001 Santana High School Shooter

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that the Santana High School shooting defendant who opened fire at the school in Santee, California in March 2001 with a
revolver, killing two students and wounding 13 others was denied parole after an eight-hour hearing this morning in which 22 victims testified. After the hearing to weigh suitability for release, parole officials denied 38-year-old Charles “Andy” Williams’ request and said he should not be up for consideration again for another three years.

“I’m grateful to the Parole Board for listening to the victims in this case whose lives were forever changed by the defendant’s premeditated and cruel acts that terrorized an innocent school campus,” DA Stephan said. “Neither the 13 wounded victims nor the families of the two murdered students can regain what the defendant took from them.”

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.

In today’s hearing, the District Attorney’s Office argued that Williams remains an unreasonable risk and danger to society. Twenty-two victims who suffered as a result of the school shooting attended the video hearing and provided victim impact statements regarding the effects of the shooting.

The DA’s Lifer Hearing Unit has two main goals: to ensure that dangerous prisoners with life sentences are not released carelessly or improvidently, and to ensure that crime victims and their families are given an opportunity to participate in the parole hearing process and have their voices heard.

When a defendant is given a life sentence, the Lifer Hearing Unit processes the case to ensure that it is ready for future parole suitability hearings. This involves preserving victims’ statements and documenting the gravity of the crimes to ensure the offenders serve sentences proportional to their crimes.

Last year, there were 664 lifer parole hearings scheduled in San Diego County. Of those, 96 inmates received parole grants from the California Board of Parole Hearings. The remainder of the hearings –568– resulted in denials, postponements, or stipulations to a denial of parole.

The Lifer Hearing Unit is the state-wide leader in lifer matters and San Diego County serves as the training office for other prosecutors who seek to understand the complex laws governing parole hearings.

“Our DA Lifer Unit handles these complex and often gut-wrenching hearings, led by Deputy DA John Cross who is a statewide leader in lifer law,” DA Stephan said. “The Unit does an excellent job of representing victims and working to protect the safety of our communities when violent criminals are being considered for release.”

Photo of a Judge's gavel and a gun.

TikToker Sentenced to LWOP Plus 50 Years for Murdering Wife and Her Friend

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that Ali Abulaban, the TikTok personality who killed his wife and her friend in October 2021, has been sentenced to two terms of life in prison without parole plus 50 years to life in state prison.

The sentence was handed down today by San Diego Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Fraser. A jury found Abulaban guilty of two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances on May 29 after a 16-day trial.

“This defendant mercilessly took the lives of two young people and the pain he left their families with is unimaginable. We hope the guilty jury verdicts and today’s sentence will bring some semblance of justice and peace for the families left behind in the wake of this terrible violence,” DA Summer Stephan said. “Every year, domestic violence kills an average of 13 people in San Diego County. This is a statistic we must confront and continue to fight. One death at the hands of an intimate partner is one too many.”

The evidence in this case proved that defendant Abulaban drove to their apartment with a loaded gun, used a key card to enter the apartment, and immediately killed both his estranged wife Ana Abulaban and her friend Rayburn Barron by shooting them in the head.

Deputy District Attorney Taren Brast worked tirelessly to bring justice and successfully prosecuted this case.

If you or someone you know is being abused by a current or former partner, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) for confidential support and assistance planning for safety.

During a news conference,DA Summer Stephan holds up the Tax Form used by gang members accused of COVID Tax Fraud.

17 Defendants Indicted for Committing $1.7 Million in COVID Tax Fraud

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today announced a grand jury indictment of 17 defendants who filed illegal tax returns claiming credits for COVID relief totaling more than $2.2 million. The case involves four separate San Diego-based criminal street gangs, including one rival gang, which participated in the tax fraud scheme for an ultimate loss to the IRS of $1,752,788.

[WATCH THE LIVE STREAM OF THE NEWS CONFERENCE, HERE.]

Photo of the Tax Refund confirmation and the jewelry bought by the defendants.

Photo of the tax refund confirmation and the jewelry bought by the defendant.

Defendant Stephen Pittman, Jr., 31, recruited individuals and assisted them in filing their fraudulent tax claims and then took a large percentage of the refund. Between April 2022 and October 2022, multiple known, violent, gang members conspired with one another to commit this scam for personal profit, and to benefit their criminal street gangs. Pittman used some of the money to purchase diamond encrusted Cartier and Rolex watches, three diamond chains, and a diamond encrusted necklace of his gang moniker.

“This case demonstrates the lengths to which streets gangs will go to seek novel ways to fund their violent criminal enterprises and line their pockets, in this case successfully bilking the taxpayers out of nearly two million dollars,” said DA Stephan. “The dedicated investigators and prosecutors handling this case followed the paper trail for months in order to allow us to file charges and hold these individuals responsible for this large-scale scam.”

The scam was simple. 2021 Tax Form 7202 included a line item intended for COVID Relief, entitled “Credits for Sick Leave and Family Leave for Certain Self-Employed Individuals.” The IRS system stated, “Don’t enter more than 60 days” in this field. However, the number was manipulated to increase the fraudulent tax refund. In each of the co-defendants’ cases, more than 60 days were fraudulently inputted: ranging from 790 days to 15,678 days. As a result of the fraudulent entries, the returns garnered payments from the IRS ranging from $97,645 to $229,153 directly into their bank accounts.

The various defendants are charged with 81 felony counts including conspiracy to commit a crime, filing a fraudulent tax return, assisting in the filing of a fraudulent tax, receiving stolen property, and money laundering. Law enforcement arrested 14 of the defendants on Tuesday, two defendants were already in custody and one defendant remains at large. Arraignments for most of the defendants took place today in San Diego Superior Court. If convicted of the charges, the defendants face sentencing ranging from 16 months in jail, to life in state prison.

The fraud was discovered during the course of a homicide investigation when law enforcement found notice of an IRS refund on one of the suspect’s phones. That separate homicide investigation has led to four defendants being charged for the revenge murder of a rival gang member. That case is pending with one of the defendants having been convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The San Diego Police Department’s Financial Crimes Division was the lead investigative agency on the case and prosecutors worked closely with the East County Gangs Task Force.

“This case is a testament to the thoroughness of our investigators, whose diligence not only helped solve a homicide but helped uncover a significant criminal scheme involving a network of street gangs,” said SDPD Chief Scott Wahl. “The funds these suspects siphoned away were meant for the community most deeply touched by the pandemic, and that’s fraud our department won’t stand for.”

The defendants named in the grand jury indictment are Dajon Johnson, 23, Deonte Sherman, 29; Cora Wulff, 25; Roshan McKinney, 29; Shamira Clark, 21; Ashley Davis, 34; Shamar Garcia, 37; Haben Haile, 26; Stephen Pittman, Jr., 31; Jenelle Poutoa, 27; Brandon Scales, 53; Donte Sheffield, 35; Dominik Wells, 47; Gregory Baul, 23; Michael Brooks, 41; Tahamon Brooks, 53; and Michael Bullock, 55.

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Vanessa Gerard and Ted Fiorito.

[WATCH THE LIVE STREAM OF THE NEWS CONFERENCE, HERE.]