Grand Jury Indicts 21 Defendants for Conspiring to Engage in Highly Dangerous Street Racing

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that 21 people have been indicted by a grand jury for conspiring to engage in exhibitions of speed as well as acts of illegal reckless driving and speed contests on public highways for thrill, competition, bragging rights and purposes of gaining social media fame. The charges come as law enforcement is coordinating efforts to deter and reduce illegal speed and street racing on roadways across the county.

Twenty of the twenty-one defendants were arrested or surrendered on January 6 and arraignments are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on January 12, 13 and 15.

“Racing down our freeways at extremely hazardous speeds with reckless disregard for other drivers and families sharing the roadways is a recipe for a catastrophe,” DA Stephan said. “This indictment is a warning to anyone even thinking of engaging in a speed contest that this illegal behavior will not be tolerated and you will be held accountable.”

The grand jury heard testimony and reviewed evidence over six days before returning the indictments. The street racing conduct occurred in March of 2025 on five separate occasions in various parts of San Diego County. Defendants communicated through social media to make plans to meet at locations where they showcased their high-performance vehicles, participated in donuts and burnouts, and conspired to engage in acts of speed exhibition on freeways.

Many of the vehicles were modified, sometimes illegally, to enhance their racing performance.  Throughout the incidents, members of the conspiracy participated in multiple races on freeways, reaching speeds over 100 miles per hour and, on some occasions, in excess of 150 to 160 miles per hour. The defendants raced through and around traffic without regard for the safety of other vehicles on the roadway. Racing took place on Interstates 8, 805 and 15 as well as SR-94, and on mountain roads winding through Pauma Valley. All members of the conspiracy participated in racing events, which were filmed by various participants and later posted on social media for the purpose of gaining attention.

Illegal speed contests are highly dangerous and have caused six fatalities and numerous injuries over the last four years, underscoring the growing danger these events pose to the public. Recent fatal crashes include:

  • The death of a 17-year-old in Chula Vista after a suspected racer lost control in July 2025.
  • The death of a Point Loma jogger, who was struck by vehicles believed to be racing in December 2024.
  • A fatal Otay Mesa crash in which a Mustang traveling at extreme speed hit and killed a spectator at an illegal drag race in October 2021.
  • The death of a teenager from a Linda Vista collision that left five others seriously injured in March 2021.
  • The death of a grandmother as a result of a Chula Vista crash where a street-racing driver ran a red light, killing the woman and injuring her grandchildren in June 2021.
  • One person was killed and two severely injured after an Oceanside crash in which the drivers were seen racing moments before impact in September 2021.

“Street racing, reckless driving and illegal takeovers put lives at risk, damage our streets, and disrupt our neighborhoods,” San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said. “This Grand Jury indictment reflects the hard work of our investigators and shows that when residents raise concerns, the City and County take action. We are grateful for our partnership with the District Attorney’s Office and our partner agencies to hold these drivers accountable, and we will continue our operations to deter these crimes from happening on our streets.”

Photo of vehicles seized.

Photo of vehicles seized.

During its investigation into the May 2025 incidents, law enforcement seized 16 vehicles, including:

  • Two Dodge Charger SRTs
  • One Dodge Charger R/T
  • One Chevrolet Camaro
  • One Ford Mustang
  • Three Dodge Challenger “Hellcats”
  • One Dodge Charger
  • One BMW 8 Series
  • One Chevrolet Corvette
  • One Honda Civic Type R
  • One Dodge Durango SRT
  • Two Jeep Grand Cherokee “Trackhawks”
  • One McLaren.

“Street racing is illegal, reckless, and deadly, and those who choose to participate or assist should expect to be identified, arrested, and criminally prosecuted,” CHP Chief Anthony Coronado said.  “The California Highway Patrol will aggressively investigate these crimes and hold drivers, organizers, and spectators accountable. Reckless use of a vehicle endangers lives and will not be tolerated.”

The arrests were a coordinated effort that included the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies throughout San Diego County, including the San Diego Police Department, California Highway Patrol, the Narcotics Task Force, the Regional Auto Theft Task Force, Chula Vista Police Department, La Mesa Police Department, San Diego Sheriff’s Office, Escondido Police Department, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. 

This six-month investigation began with San Diego Police Department’s Traffic Special Investigations Unit in conjunction with the California Highway Patrol in response to the string of fatalities in recent years. Collectively, these tragedies highlight the severe consequences of illegal street racing across the region and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat this reckless and often fatal behavior.

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Evan Andersen, Lauren Hugo, Jacob Carbajal, and Makenzie Harvey.

Judge Grants Recall and Re-Sentencing Hearing for Santana High School Shooter Andy Williams Over Strong Objection by the DA’s Office

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a Superior Court Judge has granted Santana High School Shooter Charles ‘Andy’ Williams’ request to recall his original sentence and allow him to be resentenced. The decision will result in the defendant being transferred to the juvenile court system and his immediate release from prison without any parole supervision or determination that such a move would not pose a risk to public safety. At the hearing, the judge heard strong legal arguments from the DA’s office against allowing a resentencing hearing for this killer. Prosecutors argued that 50 years-to-life does not constitute the functional equivalent of life without the possibility of parole. The judge, acknowledging a split of authority in Court of Appeal cases on the issue before this court, chose to follow the decisions by our appellate court and grant the request of inmate Williams to recall his sentence.

The DA’s office will immediately file an appeal to the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One, and again try to stop Willliams’ release.

“This defendant carried out a calculated, cold-blooded attack during which he executed two young students and shot 11 other students and two school officials, forever traumatizing a community,” said DA Stephan. “As prosecutors, our duty is to ensure justice for victims and protect public safety, and the defendant’s cruel actions in this case continue to warrant the 50-years-to-life sentence that was imposed. We respectfully disagree with the Court’s decision and will continue our legal fight in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court if need be. Prosecutors mounted a formidable legal position, led by Deputy District Attorney Nicole Roth, arguing that 50 years-to-life is not the functional equivalent of life without the possibility of parole on its own, and in addition, argued that the law allows the defendant an opportunity for youthful parole and elder parole in the future. In fact, Williams already had a youthful parole hearing and was found unsuitable for release. These same opportunities were not given to the two victims who were executed. They won’t be released from the grave and returned to their families. At some point our laws must balance the rights of defendants, the rights of victims, and the rights of the community to be safe. Many school shooters are young, so what message does our legislature want to give them to deter them from carrying out horrific shootings?”

Williams’ case was transferred to juvenile court for a disposition hearing.  At a disposition hearing, due to Williams’ age when he murdered two students and attempted to murder 13 others, his adult convictions will be re-designated as juvenile ‘true findings’ and he cannot be ordered to serve more custody time. Williams will be ordered released from prison and may be placed on up to two years of juvenile probation. The court will not have an opportunity under existing law to weigh factors in aggravation or mitigation in making the disposition order, nor will the court make a finding that the order is not a risk to public safety.

On March 5, 2001, a tragic school shooting occurred at Santana High School in Santee. Williams, who was 15 years old at the time, opened fire on campus, killing two students—14-year-old Bryan Zuckor and 17-year-old Randy Gordon—and wounding 13 others, including 11 students and two staff members.​

The Santana High School shooting incident began around 9:20 a.m. when Williams entered a boys’ bathroom with a .22-caliber revolver taken from his father’s locked gun cabinet. He shot a student inside the restroom, then emerged to fire at others in the hallway and school’s quad area. Witnesses described him as calm and methodical, returning to the bathroom to reload multiple times before continuing to fire at students and staff in the hallway. He was ultimately apprehended by police without resistance.​

In August 2002, Williams pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced as an adult to 50 years-to-life in prison. He is currently incarcerated at the California Institution for Men in Chino, California and became eligible for parole in September 2024. His first parole request was denied, with the Parole Board citing him as a continued risk to public safety.​ In making its decision, the Board said it is unclear if Williams understands why he committed “this horrendous act of violence.”

In 2011, a change in the law allowed judge to recall or reduce adult sentences in the “interests of justice” and created pathways for juvenile offenders with life without parole to seek recall of their sentence and resentencing. In 2022, the Court of Appeal decision in People v. Heard extended the resentencing petition process to juvenile offenders serving the ’functional equivalent’ of life without the possibility of parole.  On March 6 of this year, Williams’ attorney filed a petition for recall of sentence and resentencing with the court, setting the legal process in motion for a judge to consider his request.

The DA’s Office has notified dozens of victims who were impacted by the shooting about the defendant’s request for re-sentencing, complying with its responsibilities under Marsy’s Law.

The Santana High School shooting remains one of the most painful school shootings in San Diego County history.

‘Home for the Holidays’ Human Trafficking Operation Recovers 19 Victims in Three Days

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that 19 victims of human trafficking were recovered over three days this month during law enforcement’s annual Home for the Holidays Human Trafficking Task Force Operation in San Diego County. The victims were offered services to help them escape and heal from exploitation and human trafficking.

This operation also resulted in four adult men, including a registered sex offender, being arrested and charged with pimping, pandering and violating a protective order. Six misdemeanor citations were issued to sex buyers.

“The ugly truth is that sex trafficking remains a lucrative criminal industry fueled by demand that generating over $810 million a year in San Diego County,” DA Stephan said. “I’m proud of our work with the San Diego Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, my office’s Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Division and all our partners that work around the clock to recover victims as young as 12. Together they hold human traffickers and criminal buyers accountable for their crimes. The ongoing efforts of the task force demonstrate that law enforcement will not tolerate this modern-day slavery of vulnerable victims who are bought and sold like a slice of pizza.”

Operation Home for the Holidays is an annual, multi-jurisdictional operation aimed at recovering victims of human trafficking, offering victim services, apprehending and prosecuting traffickers, and reducing the demand of sex for pay. During Operation Home for the Holidays, law enforcement officers worked undercover as sex buyers to identify and contact potential victims of trafficking and traffickers by responding to online advertisements for sex. This year’s operation was the sixth annual and was conducted at motels in Chula Vista, National City, and San Diego on December 10, 11, and 12.

“Operation Home for the Holidays is a key part of our efforts to keep our communities safe for the holidays and all year round,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I want to thank our partners at the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, who work to support victims, survivors, and their families. Together, we will continue to disrupt human trafficking operations and achieve meaningful results that uplift vulnerable Californians.”

Beginning January 1, a new law goes into effect that targets sex buyers, protects minors and supports survivors of human trafficking. AB 379, authored by Assemblymembers Nick Shultz (D-Burbank), Stephanie Nguyen (D-Elk Grove), and original author Assemblymember Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento) makes the buying of a minor for sex, a felony crime. It also reverses a portion of a misguided law that decriminalized loitering for prostitution, making it a crime again for criminal buyers. The law also creates a Survivor Support Fund to s provide grants to community-based organizations that provide direct services and outreach to victims of sex trafficking and exploitation. Finally, the law increases civil penalties for specific human trafficking-related violations by businesses.

“HSI is committed to a victim-centered approach in the fight against human trafficking, prioritizing both the well-being of victims and the pursuit of justice against those responsible for these crimes,” said Kevin Murphy, (A)Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego. “Through the Human Trafficking Task Force, our collaborative efforts have led to the removal of dangerous offenders from the community and ensured that the 19 victims received the support and services they need.”

The defendants in this case were arraigned on Friday, December 19 and Monday, December 22. If convicted they face between six and 20 years in prison.

The Human Trafficking Task Force is a cooperative effort led by the California Department of Justice with task force membership by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, San Diego Police Department, Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, National City Police Department, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, San Diego County Probation Department,

If you or someone you know is being coerced, deceived or forced to engage in sexual activity, or labor and needs help to leave, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 to access help and services. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

Over the past four years, there have been 23 arrests, 65 rescues— including two juveniles— and three guns recovered during Home for the Holidays Operations. The Human Trafficking Task Force conducts similar operations throughout the year. In 2024, the task force recovered 47 juveniles through various operations. In 2025, 62 juveniles have been recovered.

Rachel Solov, Assistant District Attorney

DA Stephan Appoints Rachel Solov as New Assistant District Attorney

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that she has appointed Rachel Solov to the position of Assistant District Attorney following the retirement of Dwain Woodley this month. She is the first woman to hold the number two post in the District Attorney’s Office.

During her time in the District Attorney’s Office, Solov has served in management roles as a team leader in North County, division chief of the Collaborative Justice Division, chief of Mental Health and Criminal Justice Reform Strategies, and as Chief Deputy District Attorney. As a Chief Deputy, Solov has supervised many divisions including Special Operations, Superior Court, Gangs, Juvenile, Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection, Insurance Fraud and Workplace Justice, Case Issuing, and Collaborative Justice.

In addition, she has worked closely with County Behavioral Health and other parts of the County to promote innovations that have advanced public safety.

“Rachel Solov brings exceptional leadership and prosecutorial experience, sound judgment and unique expertise to this critical public safety position as second in command in our office,” DA Stephan said. “Rachel’s statewide expertise in threat assessment and criminal justice innovations that address the intersection of mental health, addiction, homelessness and public safety are needed now more than ever. I look forward to working alongside Assistant DA Solov to fulfill our mission of pursuing a fair and equal justice for all, protection of victims of crime, prosecution of those who harm our neighborhoods and smart crime prevention.”

Solov, a career prosecutor, began in the DA’s Office as an intern with the Victim Witness program in 1994. She started her prosecutorial role in 1999 and has worked across numerous divisions in the DA’s Office including Superior Court, Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking, the North County branch, East County branch, Case Issuing, and the Collaborative Justice Division. Throughout her career Solov has prosecuted misdemeanors and felonies, sexual assault, sexually violent predators, stalking, threat, and homicide cases. She is a certified threat manager and has been recognized nationally for her significant contributions to the field of threat assessment and management.

“I am deeply honored to be selected by District Attorney Summer Stephan to serve as Assistant District Attorney,” Solov said. “Having spent my career as a prosecutor, I am committed to using my experience to advance public safety, support victims of crime, and ensure justice is pursued fairly and thoughtfully. It is a privilege to serve the residents of San Diego County and to work alongside the dedicated prosecutors and staff who carry out this important mission every day.”

Solov, 54, grew up in Los Angeles but has been part of the San Diego Community since attending and graduating Cum Laude from San Diego State University. She attended the University of San Diego Law School, graduating in 1998. While there, she served as executive editor of the San Diego Law Review.

The appointment is effective immediately.

Dwain Woodley spent 24 years in the District Attorney’s Office and had been Assistant DA since 2021.

“It is with deep gratitude that I bid Assistant DA Dwain Woodley a wonderful retirement,” DA Stephan said. “I’m so proud of all of ADA Woodley’s accomplishments that helped keep San Diego County one of the safest regions in the country through ethical prosecution and public service.”

DA Stephan Testifies Before U.S. House Committee on Crime, Updates Congress on National Threat of Organized Retail Crime

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan testified before Congress today for the second time this year, addressing the Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance within the House Judiciary Committee. During her remarks, the DA provided a snapshot of how organized retail crime has evolved in the last few years, including an update on progress being made in San Diego County under Proposition 36.

“Organized retail crime is not a victimless offense,” Stephan told lawmakers. “It harms workers, consumers, small businesses, and entire communities. It undermines public safety and erodes confidence in the rule of law.”

Watch DA Stephan’s testimony here.

DA Stephan urged Congressional action to combat the growing threat of organized retail crime (ORC) and transnational theft networks that are harming communities and businesses across the nation with commercial and residential thefts and burglaries. DA Stephan was called to testify for her expertise in combatting these types of crimes in San Diego County.

Stephan cited national data estimating that U.S. retailers lost $45 billion to theft in 2024, with losses projected to exceed $53 billion by 2027. She emphasized that organized theft contributes to store closures, job losses, higher consumer prices, and increased violence against retail employees.

In San Diego County alone, the DA’s Office has filed organized retail theft cases against 336 defendants over a three-year period, resulting in more than $3.2 million in documented losses and significant prison and jail sentences for convicted offenders.

Stephan’s testimony highlighted numerous cases involving coordinated “flash mob” thefts, multi-state retail burglary rings, and transnational criminal organizations — including South American Theft Groups (SATGs) — responsible for high-end residential burglaries and large-scale commercial thefts with stolen goods shipped overseas.

Stephan pointed to California’s recent legal reforms, including voter-approved Proposition 36, which strengthened penalties for habitual theft and expanded prosecutors’ ability to aggregate thefts across locations and time periods. These changes have allowed law enforcement to better target organized criminal networks rather than treating theft as isolated incidents.

“Our experience in California shows that strong, clear laws combined with collaboration work,” Stephan said. “Prop 36 has made a real difference to local businesses and prosecuting these habitual offenders is making stores and the community safer. By emphasizing accountability alongside treatment and rehabilitation, data also shows that Prop 36 is working to address the core drivers of habitual criminal behavior. This kind of reform can serve as a model for the nation.”

District Attorney Stephan voiced strong support for the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would expand federal enforcement tools and create a national Organized Retail Crime Coordination Center. She emphasized that organized theft rings routinely cross city, county, state, and international borders — making federal coordination essential.

She also highlighted the need for improved data-sharing, stronger public-private partnerships, and public awareness campaigns to reduce the resale of stolen goods online and in informal markets.

In addition to retail theft, Stephan addressed fraud-based crimes such as gift card scams and elder fraud, noting that San Diego County alone recorded $149 million in elder scam losses in one year. She stressed that integrated national data systems could expose connections between organized theft and fraud networks operating simultaneously.

“Restoring the rule of law means accountability that fits the crime,” Stephan said. “We must distinguish between minor offenses and sophisticated criminal enterprises that prey on consumers and businesses alike.”

District Attorney Stephan reaffirmed her office’s commitment to working with Congress, law enforcement, retailers, and community partners to combat organized crime.

“We stand ready to assist in strengthening laws and resources to protect our communities, our businesses, and our consumers,” she said. “Together, we can meet this challenge and ensure justice is served.”

Also testifying at today’s hearing were Scott McBride, Chief Global Asset Protection Officer & Chief Security Officer, American Eagle Inc.; Chris Spear, President and CEO, American Trucking Association; and Shane Bennett, Principal of Cyber Defense for Theft, Fraud & Abuse, Target.

DA, Downtown Partnership Join Forces to Deter Retail Theft, Support Businesses

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan joined forces with the Downtown San Diego Partnership and the San Diego Police Department today to educate businesses that the new laws under Proposition 36 passed by the People are providing accountability alongside treatment, and to encourage reporting of crimes to law enforcement.

To support the effective implementation of the new laws, businesses are being informed that free window signage courtesy of the San Diego Organized Retail Crime Alliance and the DA is available that warns those who would commit retail theft that they will be prosecuted, especially repeat offenders who chronically target businesses and threaten public safety. One year after Proposition 36 went into effect, DA Stephan also provided an update on prosecutions under the new law.

“Prop 36 has made a real difference to local businesses and prosecuting these habitual offenders is making stores and the community safer—across the county and in Downtown San Diego,” DA Stephan said. “Since the new law went into effect, business owners have been able to call police to stop repeat thieves from terrorizing their employees and customers. By emphasizing accountability alongside treatment and rehabilitation, data also shows that Prop 36 is working to address the core drivers of habitual criminal behavior.”

Data released last month shows that as of November 11, 2025, 2,721 cases have been charged with one of the two key portions of Prop 36: repeat theft offenders charged under Penal Code section 666.1 and repeat hard drug offenders charged under Health and Safety Code section 11395. About 65 percent of the cases fall under drug charges, while about 35 percent pertain to retail theft.

In about 98 percent of those cases, the court has placed defendants on a treatment track to address their addiction or other underlying causes of crime.

DA Stephan was joined at a news conference today by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, San Diego Police Captain Ryan Hallahan and Alonso Vivas, the Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Senior Vice President and Executive Director of its Clean and Safe program, to provide an update on Prop 36 prosecutions, explain how police are responding to calls for service when thefts occur, and highlight the support the Downtown Partnership provides to businesses in the City’s urban core.

Over the past 12 months, local small and large businesses have expressed relief over the implementation of the repeat theft offender provisions of Prop 36, with some reporting that stricter penalties are deterring theft and providing a sense of security for businesses previously targeted by recurring offenders.

“For the first time in years, Downtown businesses, residents, and visitors feel like the system is working with them instead of against them,” Vivas said. “Since Prop 36 took effect, we’re hearing from shops that they are finally seeing real relief from retail theft and fewer repeat offenders walking back through their doors.”

San Diego Police Department statistics for 2025 show there’s been a 23 percent decrease in the downtown San Diego area for theft, robbery, burglary/breaking and entering, larceny, and other property crimes. In 2024, there were 3,515 such crimes and this year there have been 2,708.

“SDPD’s efforts in downtown are about protecting our community from criminal behavior that threatens safety, commerce, and quality of life,” said SDPD Captain Ryan Hallahan. “Prop 36 provides us with the ability to enforce specific narcotic and theft violations as a felony, hold people accountable for criminal acts, and provide treatment for those battling addiction. It’s encouraging to see the statistics showing positive results for our downtown businesses, and our teams will continue working to keep it that way.”

 

“Proposition 36 is delivering results for San Diego,” Mayor Gloria said. “Downtown is seeing fewer property crimes, and we’re bringing accountability back for repeat offenders while still offering treatment and services for those struggling with addiction. Retail theft hurts everyone – small business owners, workers, and customers. I urge San Diegans to report these crimes when they happen. Every report helps us hold offenders accountable and keep our city safe for all of us.”

 

“A year after voters resoundingly approved Prop 36, we’re seeing its promise delivered,” said San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who represents downtown. “District Attorney Stephan and our law enforcement officers are holding repeat offenders accountable, and that’s critical for protecting downtown residents and businesses. This coordinated effort is renewing confidence for my constituents who live and work downtown.”

At today’s news conference, businesses were reminded that they can take proactive steps to maximize the impact of Prop 36, including:

  • Reporting crimes and educating employees on aspects of the new laws.
  • Investing in surveillance to better document crimes and training employees on how to document evidence and losses suffered.
  • Engaging with law enforcement to collaborate and stay informed about solutions available under the new law.

Business owners and the public should report theft, share information, and support efforts to hold offenders accountable to promote public safety and maintain a thriving community.

In addition, businesses were reminded today that free window cling stickers are available that warn would-be thieves they will be prosecuted. To request a free window cling theft warning, businesses can email SanDiegoDA@sdcda.org

Recognizing an increase in organized retail theft, several years ago the DA’s Office formed a specialized team of prosecutors and investigators to fight this crime. The team works with local businesses and law enforcement to build sound evidence, which ultimately leads to stronger cases. In addition to engaging the Downtown San Diego Partnership and Chambers of Commerce across the county, the DA’s Office also participates in the San Diego Organized Retail Crime Alliance, (SDORCA) bridging the gap between public and private investigations of organized retail theft in both large and small businesses in the county.

Proposition 36, which passed with 68 percent of the vote in 2024, took effect in December of last year. The DA’s Office has been committed to successfully implementing the transformational proposition in partnership with the Sheriff, the county’s police chiefs, the court and the community. The measure:

  • Provides stricter consequences for repeat theft offenders, those who are committing smash and grab retail crimes, and organized theft rings, to help stop the cycle of recidivism.
  • Requires convicted dealers of fentanyl and hard drugs to receive a warning that the next time they sell illegal drugs, and someone dies, they will be held responsible for a victim’s death. The law provides additional consequences for illegal drug dealers who cause great bodily injury or death, who carry firearms while dealing narcotics, or are involved in the distribution of unusually large quantities of narcotics.
  • Incentivizes lifesaving treatment for defendants suffering from addiction by creating the new Treatment Mandated Felony that offers treatment as an alternative to incarceration for those who illegally possess hard drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine, addressing the root cause of many crimes.

More information about the implementation of Prop 36 can be found on the DA’s website here.

 

Consumer Protection Charge Against Pet Cremation Business Owner

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that the DA’s Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division has charged the owner of a pet cremation business in San Marcos for not delivering promised cremation services to customers and not refunding their payments. Christopher Settle, 39, was arraigned in San Diego Superior Court today on one felony count of grand theft.

Twenty victims have been identified as not receiving refunds for services from Angel Paws Pet Cremation that weren’t completed between July and September of this year. The combined loss for all 20 victims is over $4,700. Three victims received ashes that were supposed to be cremains of their pets but later discovered their pet’s deceased bodies remained intact at the business. Settle continued to operate his pet cremation business without the legal or physical ability to complete orders customers paid for. The business closed this past summer.

“These pet owners trusted this business to handle their pets’ remains with dignity and respect but instead were denied that consideration,” said DA Stephan. “The owner is being held accountable for his actions thanks to the hard work of our consumer protection prosecution team.”

Settle was taken into custody at his Temecula home on December 2 by deputies from the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station. The defendant waived extradition and was transported to San Diego County, where he was booked at the Vista Detention Facility on an outstanding arrest warrant.

The business’s abrupt closure in the summer caused significant distress to grieving pet owners who made multiple complaints to law enforcement. In court filings, prosecutors said power was cut off to the business during the summer because of non-payment, leaving some of the deceased animals unrefrigerated for extended periods. Settle continued to accept animals for cremation services despite the gas being shut off.

Settle’s permit from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District to operate expired in March of 2024 and the permit retired in September of last year. Without a valid permit from the SDCAPCD, Settle did not have the legal or physical ability to operate the incinerator at the business.

Between September 24 and December 1 of this year, 46 Angel Paws customers contacted the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office in San Marcos to make a complaint regarding Angel Paws. Several of the Angel Paws customers are not included in victim list because their veterinary clinic outsourced cremations with Angel Paws. Angel Paws picked up several deceased pets from ABC Veterinary Hospital, Julian Pet Clinic, Pets Place Animal Hospital, and Santa Fe Pet Clinic, but never sent invoices for payment. Some pet owners received ashes back during the time Angel Paws was nonoperational, and some have still not received ashes or their pet’s body back.

The District Attorney’s Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division is responsible for prosecuting a wide variety of wrongdoing, including elder financial abuse, computer intrusion, complex identity theft, investment scams, embezzlements, real estate matters, counterfeit goods, environmental crimes and the theft of public assistance funds.

Deputy District Attorney Alexander Poyhonen is prosecuting this case.

 

Police cars with lights on.

Person of Interest Named in Connection with Ongoing Investigation in Southcrest

Law enforcement has named Dwight William Rhone, 74, as a person of interest connected to an ongoing investigation at 3443 Newton Avenue in the Southcrest neighborhood of San Diego. On December 2, human remains were located at the property. A joint law enforcement investigation involving San Diego Police, CHP, FBI and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is ongoing. Rhone, who was a previous tenant at the Newton Avenue address, is currently in custody and is charged with the homicide of Bernardo Moreno. Anyone with information regarding Rhone’s potential involvement in additional crimes is asked to call the San Diego Police Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

On December 2, 2025, San Diego Police Cold Case/Missing Persons investigators and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office assisted the California Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the service of a search warrant at the Newton Street address. C.H.P. Detectives had developed information leading investigators to suspect human remains were on the property. Due to the jurisdiction of the address being in the City of San Diego, San Diego Police Cold Case/Missing Persons detectives in conjunction with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office will be investigating the circumstances of the remains recovered at the location. Detectives will be working with the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the identity of the remains and the cause of death.

There are no additional details on this case at this time. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Prison Sentence for Man Convicted of Murdering His Ex-Girlfriend

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that 48-year-old Eduardo Magana has been sentenced to 15 years-to-life in prison for the murder of his former girlfriend, Alexis Berenice Guadarrama Orozco, 33.

Magana was convicted by a jury of second-degree murder in November.

At his trial, prosecutors laid out a timeline that showed the defendant met Guadarrama at the Star Motel in Otay Mesa on July 15. The defendant was later seen placing a large, heavy object in the trunk of his car in the early morning hours of July 16. At the same time, all communication from the victim to her friends and family stopped. Magana was arrested three days later in Bell Gardens, Calif. near Los Angeles.

Guadarrama’s body was never found and is believed to be in the Southern California area. DA Stephan and San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl are asking for the public’s help locating it.

“Even though we have obtained a measure of justice with the murder conviction and today’s sentencing, true semblance of closure and dignity will come when the victim’s remains are returned to her grieving family,” DA Stephan said. “I am grateful to our prosecution team and the San Diego Police Department detectives who solved this case.”

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477.  Please visit www.sdcrimestoppers.org for information on how to send a web or mobile app tip.

While murder prosecutions where no body has been located are rare, hundreds of such convictions have occurred in the U.S. and here in San Diego County over the past several decades, thanks to advances in forensic science and digital evidence.

Deputy District Attorneys Justine Santiago and Jennifer Crampton prosecuted this case. Assistance on this case was also provided by the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department, and the San Bernardino County Sherriff’s Department.

DA Launches Elder Scam Prevention Campaign

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan released disturbing numbers today related to the amount money seniors lost in San Diego County from various online and phone scams targeting the elderly. During a one-year period, seniors in the county were scammed out of more than $130 million according to San Diego County’s Elder Justice Task Force (EJTF).

Citing the devastating losses, DA Stephan was joined by law enforcement partners at a news conference today to also share details of a large-scale elder scam prevention campaign that has garnered nearly 26 million advertising impressions since mid-September. The campaign began in September and will continue through the end of the year. Its goal is to educate seniors, their loved ones, caregivers, and the public about the types of scams that are currently most prevalent. The outreach is being led by the DA’s Office and is running on outdoor media, multiple digital platforms, print media, and radio outlets.

“We’ve had enough of criminals aggressively targeting some of the most vulnerable people in San Diego County and, in some cases, bilking them out of their life savings,” DA Stephan said. “We want to educate senior citizens and their families about how to recognize scams and what specific actions they should take if they suspect they are being targeted. At the same time, our collaborative work through the Elder Justice Task Force is reaping rewards in both prosecutions and restitution for victims who previously were devastated by their losses.”

WATCH THE NEWS CONFERENCE, HERE.

The county’s Elder Justice Task Force was formed in 2020 and for the first time, combined investigative resources and critical data sharing from federal, state, and local authorities. Since its inception, the EJTF has tracked or identified more than 4,600 victims and over $325 million in losses in San Diego County. The figures are likely much higher, however, since elder fraud is chronically underreported due to shame and embarrassment. In a game-changing effort, the EJTF combines the efforts of the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office, DA’s Office, Law Enforcement Coordination Center, County’s Aging and Independence Services, and local law enforcement to focus solely on the financial exploitation of older adults.

“Elder justice has long been a priority for the FBI and the San Diego Division is passionate about protecting this vulnerable population,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Dargis of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “Ensuring seniors are safe is part of our mission and we take this violation seriously. We aggressively investigate those who seek to destroy the financial livelihood of our elder community and are committed to holding scammers accountable for their crimes to help restore justice to their victims.”

The Elder Justice Task Force investigates cases, prosecutes criminals, and seizes and recovers lost funds whenever possible. Since October of 2023, the Task Force has identified dozens of suspects who have been investigated by EJTF or are still pending investigation and has filed cases on over 70 defendants in state and federal court. Total losses for San Diego-based victims for all EJTF cases currently being investigated is $4.5 million. The District Attorney’s Office has recovered over $274,000 in victim restitution related to 10 of its prosecutions, money that went directly back to victims. Additionally, the EJTF has recovered more than $16 million of victim funds through federal seizure warrants, bank-to-bank coordination, and active loss prevention measures.

“Scammers who target seniors don’t just steal money — they steal their dignity and security,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “When seniors are defrauded, they often lose the financial ability to live their lives on their terms. Early reporting makes all the difference. It has already allowed us to interrupt millions of dollars in scams and return money to victims before it’s gone. We urge anyone who suspects they’ve been targeted to report it immediately. Together, we can stop these fraudsters and give our seniors the peace of mind and financial freedom they have earned.”

Despite the Task Force’s successes, the amount of loss continues to increase year-to-year, leading the DA to create its new outreach campaign to reduce victimization of the county’s older residents. The DA’s Elder Scam Prevention campaign includes a comprehensive media strategy and is running through December 31. It is structured to provide broad awareness, multilingual coverage, and consistent reinforcement during the holiday season when scams are most active.

The campaign’s strategy balances mass reach for visibility with targeted placements for cultural and community relevance. By aligning traditional media with digital channels, it is ensuring that both seniors and their families are reached multiple times in multiple formats, increasing retention of the message.

Two months into the campaign, the combined media efforts have already generated more than 25.9 million impressions and is expected to generate over 43 million impressions and reach approximately 3.5 million unique individuals across San Diego County. This wide reach ensures that seniors, caregivers, and families receive repeated exposure to the prevention message in English, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese through a combination of traditional, digital, and community-based media channels.

Scams against older adults have grown more sophisticated, with tactics ranging from government impersonation to AI-generated voices mimicking family members. The campaign is anchored by the message “Stop. Hang Up. Tell Someone.” This simple, repeatable call-to-action provides clarity and reduces hesitation when a senior or caregiver encounters a suspicious request.

The Federal Trade Commission warned that scams targeting older adults have skyrocketed in the last four years. Reports of adults 60 and older losing $10,000 or more to impersonation scams have increased more than four-fold since 2020. Even more alarming: combined losses of over $100,000 per victim jumped eight times higher, from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024.

The DA’s outreach campaign notes that scams almost always follow the same playbook: a call, text, or pop-up warning about a fake “urgent” problem. The scammer—pretending to be from a government agency, bank, or major company—pressures victims into moving money to “protect” it. In reality, they’re tricking people into handing over their cash.

The scams often come in three common forms:

  • “Someone is using your accounts.” They pose as your bank or PayPal, claiming they spotted suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions.
  • “Your information is tied to a crime.” They impersonate law enforcement, warning that your Social Security number is linked to drug trafficking or money laundering.
  • “Your computer has been hacked.” A fake security alert—appearing to be from Microsoft or Apple—directs you to call a number where scammers claim your accounts are compromised.

Once hooked, victims are told to transfer funds, deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs, or even hand over money or gold to couriers. Different stories—same goal: to steal your money.

How to protect yourself:

  • Never move money to “keep it safe.” No legitimate agency or company will ever tell you to do this.
  • Verify independently. Hang up and call back using a number you know is real—never the one they give you.
  • Stop the call before it starts. Use call-blocking tools to reduce scam attempts.

More information about the campaign and examples of ads can be found on the DA’s website here.