When notorious convicted murderer, Betty Broderick, was up for parole in 2017, it was Deputy DA Richard Sachs who represented the people of California at a record-breaking 11-hour hearing, arguing against her release. Ultimately, the board voted to deny parole for 15 years and Broderick will remain in state prison where she is serving time for the 1989 murders of her ex-husband and his new wife at their Hillcrest home. It was just another day at the office for Sachs, 60, who was recognized Thursday by the Victim Assistance Coordinating Council with a ‘Victim Advocate Award’ at its 30th Annual Candlelight Tribute for Crime Survivors on Thursday. [TWEET THIS]

Sachs, a statewide expert on parole issues and the founder the San Diego County District Attorney’s Lifer Hearing Unit – the first in the state – represents the DA’s Office before the Board of Parole when it is considering parole suitability for those who have been sentenced to life terms. Because of his expertise, Sachs is a go-to expert in California on all things involving the parole process and he has developed a reputation as a staunch advocate for family members whose loved ones have been killed. He’s a lifeline for victims or their next of kin throughout the parole process.

Sachs’ recognition comes during the annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, when law enforcement, prosecutorial agencies, victim advocates and community members come together to support survivors of crime.

“Richard Sachs combines his legal expertise with a sense of compassion that loved ones and next-of-kin need when navigating the parole process,” said District Attorney Summer Stephan. “I don’t know anyone more knowledgeable on parole issues in this state than him. Our office and the community are lucky to have such a resource fighting to protect public safety.”

Sachs founded the DA’s Lifer Hearing Unit in 1995 to ensure family members are not left out of the parole process, have a voice, and are treated with dignity and respect. He has been a Deputy District Attorney more than 34 years.

Sachs has worked on many prominent San Diego-related parole cases including helping obtain four parole reversals in the cop killer case involving Jesus Cecena, who shot and killed San Diego Police Officer Archie Buggs in 1978.

The DA’s Lifer Unit has been featured on national and local news broadcasts and has been referred to by the Board of Parole Hearings as a “model for the state.” Sachs also has extensive experience in appellate law and serves as the lead author for amicus briefs for the California District Attorneys Association, Lifer Committee. He also serves as the lead author for the lifer training material for the California District Attorneys Association. He is a dedicated victim advocate and has designed victim notification systems for the Lifer Unit working around the clock to ensure that no victim or next of kin is denied their opportunity to submit a victim impact statement.

Sachs, a native of Chicago, graduated from the John Marshall Law School in 1983. He served as a Judicial Clerk for the Presiding Justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeal and worked in a large civil firm in Los Angeles before joining the District Attorney’s Office in 1985. [TWEET THIS]

The names of 332 people have been removed from civil gang injunction lists affecting neighborhoods across San Diego County following a careful review by the District Attorney’s Office, which worked to confirm individuals’ lack of recent criminal and gang activity. The civil injunctions were filed several years ago in various cities across the county, often in response to communities seeing a spike in gang-related violence. The injunctions—which have had their critics— were court orders restricting the most active and dangerous gang members from congregating with other known gang members, fighting, carrying weapons, and intimidation. [TWEET THIS]

However, no gang injunctions have been filed by the DA in the past eight years and the oldest existing injunction dates back to 1997.  District Attorney Summer Stephan initiated the review of 799 individuals, recognizing the dated nature of most of the injunctions and the potential problems that being on the list pose to individuals who are no longer affiliated with a gang or engaging in criminal activity. When a civil gang injunction is issued against an individual, it remains in effect for a lifetime unless that person applies for removal and meets certain criteria. However, most people don’t know relief maybe available to them or how to go about requesting their name be removed.

“People who are genuinely taking steps to be a lawful, contributing member of our community shouldn’t be punished by a civil court order that might be stopping them from getting a job, connecting with their relatives or moving on with their lives,” DA Stephan said. “We worked closely with our law enforcement partners to identify people who might qualify for removal while at the same time making sure we’re continuing to protect the public from those who still engage in gang-related crimes and activities.”

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To qualify for removal from the list, a person:

• cannot have a conviction for a violent felony for the past 10 years
• must have remained out of custody and had no criminal convictions for the past five years (excluding minor traffic violations)
• have had no activity that demonstrates continued loyalty to, or membership in a criminal street gang for the past five years

In total, 42 percent of the individuals listed on 20 civil gang injunction lists affecting 12 gangs have been removed. The District Attorney sent letters in late February informing people their name had been purged from the lists, saying the action is “an effort to pursue justice that fairly reflects your current status as one moving away from the gang life. This should assist you in removing any negative consequences that come from being on an injunction list.” It also notes that if the individual reengages in gang activity they could be added back on the injunction.

“Every law enforcement agency in the county wants individuals to disassociate themselves from the gangs and the activity that landed them on the civil injunctions,” said Escondido Police Chief Craig Carter. ”Police departments across the county are joining the DA in being proactive in removing individuals from these injunctions and we hope other gang members see this as a motivation to end their gang affiliation and become a productive member of their community. We want nothing more than to keep our youth from joining gangs in the first place.” [TWEET THIS]

Pastor Jesus Sandoval, Executive Director of San Diego’s Commission on Gang Prevention and Intervention, praised the collaboration that led to the removal of individuals from the injunctions.

“The Commissioners in our Sub-Committee for gang documentation laid the groundwork for this effort and did an outstanding job working with the DA and Chief of Police in advocating for this audit,” Sandoval said. “The removal of these names is in line with the Commission’s vision is to develop a more strategic, coordinated, and collaborative effort between the City and law enforcement agencies to curtail gang involvement and its negative impact in the City of San Diego.”

The DA also says 66 individuals were removed from injunctions not for lack of gang or criminal activity but because the injunction no longer applied because they were either sentenced to life in prison, deceased or appear to have left the jurisdiction or gang life entirely.

The District Attorney’s Office will conduct follow up audits once a year and continue to mail notices to the individuals removed from injunction enforcement. People wanting to find out if they’ve been removed you from an injunction can email SanDiegoDA@sdcda.org.

Individuals who believe they qualify and would like to petition for removal can fill out this form on the DA’s website and submit it for review. In 2017, a former gang member from Oceanside who was listed on a gang injunction 13 years earlier had a petition to have his name removed from the list granted. Over the years, 20 individuals have petitioned for removal and 15 petitions have been granted.

A review of individuals who remain on the lists shows 97 with arrests or convictions from September 2017 to September 2018. Four individuals on the lists have active warrants for murder and during the time the injunctions have been in place, 32 defendants who are on the lists have been sentenced to prison for 15 or more years.  Two individuals on the list have been charged with murder and are awaiting trial. [TWEET THIS]

Investigator Anthony “Tony” Pellegrino received the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks’ Enrique Camarena Award.  This award recognizes and honors law enforcement officers who have made a significant contribution in the field of drug prevention.

The District Attorney Bureau of Investigation nominated Tony for the drug awareness and prevention classes he has been teaching at Westview High School for the past 11 years.  Tony volunteers his time to teach 16 classes each year to all freshman students. He utilizes his over 30 years of experience in law enforcement to make the narcotic presentations authentic and real.  He has expanded the course to also cover drug-facilitated sexual assault.  Over the years, Tony has volunteered over 400 hours and has had an impact on approximately 5,000 students.

On Saturday, February 2, 2019, Tony was honored at the Encinitas Elks Lodge, where he was recognized for his contributions in drug prevention and presented with a certificate.

Today, 22 Deputy District Attorneys took their oath and were sworn in by District Attorney Summer Stephan at the Hall of Justice in Downtown. The members of the new class, who have diverse professional and personal backgrounds, bring an array of rich experience to the DA’s Office. [TWEET THIS]

“I am excited to welcome the class of 2019 to our office, consisting of professionals who reflect the diversity in our community and are committed to the principles of fair and equal justice for everyone,” District Attorney Summer Stephan said. “I am confident they will do an outstanding job supporting our mission to prevent crime, protect victims and prosecute those who break the law.”

WATCH the newest Deputy District Attorneys being sworn in, here.

The new class includes a naval officer, four collegiate athletes, prosecutors from different states, former business owners, a rodeo queen, a former Israeli women’s national soccer team member, a founder of a gang-prevention program, many law review members, a founder of a non-profit organization that provided educational resources to students in City Heights, a former Teach For America teacher, and award-winning law students. As a group, they speak 11 different languages.

Diva Aziz said the road to becoming a prosecutor was paved in her desire to want to provide justice to society’s most vulnerable people.

“I have seen violence, discrimination, and injustice – being born in Afghanistan and growing up in Russia,” Aziz said. “These experiences definitely shaped my character, and have taught me about standing up for what’s right, about integrity, commitment, being a team player, having compassion, and hard work. It has also helped me discover my purpose in life, which is being a prosecutor, serving, and giving back to my community.”

Malak Behrouznami, who was born in El Paso, but raised in Juarez, Mexico, said she grew up looking for a way to serve her community. She was especially motivated by the hundreds of women who would go missing and eventually turn up murdered in Juarez.

“That motivated me to want to do something,” Behrouznami said. “I’ve always wanted to find a way to serve the community I care about and this job is the best means for me to do fulfill that need. This office has shown me that it’s not about the wins or the losses, it’s about the justice.”

Katherine Grabar, who was drawn to a career in prosecution, said she was inspired by San Diego’s collaborative courts programs and its Computer and Technology Crime High Tech (CATCH) Team. After hearing from seasoned prosecutors throughout the training process, she wants to focus on being an accomplished trial attorney.

“The people here not only want to help the community, but they also want to help each other,” Grabar said. “I am eager to give back to the community of San Diego and the DA’s Office.”

WATCH the newest Deputy District Attorneys being sworn in, here.

The new prosecutors recently completed a three-week, intensive training to learn the functions of the office and practice essential trial advocacy skills, under the guidance of senior Deputy District Attorneys. Their training motto was “setting the standard of excellence.” The new prosecutors will report to their assignments today across all branches and divisions of the District Attorney’s Office.

The San Diego DA’s Office has more than 1,080 employees, including a diverse group of 330 Deputy District Attorneys of which 184 are women and 146 are men. [TWEET THIS]

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan  announced a coordinated trio of new programs that aims to bring human trafficking education, prevention and awareness training into every public school in San Diego County and protect children from exploitation under the umbrella of the newly-established San Diego Trafficking Prevention Collective. The announcement comes during national Human Trafficking Awareness Month and responds to FBI data showing San Diego ranks as one of the top 13 worst regions for human trafficking.[TWEET THIS]

The Collective obtained a three-year grant to fund the critical training, helping school districts comply with a law passed in 2017 requiring schools to provide a human trafficking curriculum. This first-of-its-kind public-private partnership will bring three unique programs to schools under the Collective’s umbrella: PROTECT, Project ROOTS, and kNOw MORE.

The Collective empowers students in elementary, middle and high school and teaches them about human trafficking in schools and neighborhoods, through a three pronged approach: in-school prevention education, after-school intervention, and interactive multimedia training.

The grant has been funded by the UBS Optimus Foundation, which identified San Diego as a region with opportunities to augment its approach to human trafficking prevention and education.

“Combatting human trafficking and protecting children from falling victim to this terrible form of modern-day slavery is one of my top public safety priorities,” DA Stephan said. “Human trafficking is the second largest criminal industry in the world in which traffickers profit by preying on unsuspecting children, luring them right out of their schools and homes with deception and lies. This first-of-its-kind human trafficking prevention education collective will arm our kids with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves and to engage with trusted adults to help them remain free of abuse and exploitation.”

[WATCH VIDEO OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT]

Recognizing the unfunded legislative mandate that schools must provide human trafficking education, DA Stephan worked to secure a public-private partnership to properly fund the curriculum and she coordinated with various San Diego County school districts to implement the three programs included in the Collective’s programming.

“UBS Optimus Foundation is proud to be a founding partner in this effort,” said Sally Faiz, Program Director of Child Protection for UBS Optimus Foundation. “Trafficking is a horror affecting over 400,000 people in the U.S. We see prevention as the most ‎desirable point to intervene, giving children the skills and knowledge they need to protect themselves from threat and keep safe. This collective, as a partnership of San Diego law enforcement, schools, philanthropists, business, universities and community nonprofits, builds a strong and resilient community. UBS is honored to be part of this group here in San Diego and to continue its active work supporting human-trafficking prevention across the U.S. and across the world.”

San Diego County ranks in the top three areas in the state for human trafficking and research estimates an underground sex economy worth $810 million a year. Victims can be anyone – women, men, children, U.S. citizens or foreign nationals. However, in the area of sex trafficking, minors are particularly vulnerable targets. Social media is one way traffickers access and exploit children.

“This investment allows the San Diego Unified School District to make sure our middle and high school teachers are fully informed and prepared for the fight against human trafficking,” said San Diego Unified School District Superintendent Cindy Marten. “We are deeply grateful to District Attorney Summer Stephan for supporting our efforts to keep students safe. Human trafficking is an issue San Diegans must confront together, and that is why we are proud to take part in this unique interagency effort being announced this morning.”

The ugly truth is that schools across San Diego County have confirmed that traffickers actively recruit children on or near school campuses and use social media to lure and manipulate victims. In fact, 90 percent of high schools studied in San Diego County identified cases of human trafficking involving students, according to a 2016 study done by Point Loma Nazarene University and the University of San Diego.

“We know that young people are especially vulnerable to commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking, which means schools must play an important part in addressing it,” said San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Gothold. “The San Diego County Office of Education is dedicated to supporting local school districts in prevention and intervention best practices to address the potential or actual victimization of our students. By taking a proactive approach to address the commercial sexual exploitation of children, we are more likely to reduce the incidents of human trafficking in our schools.”

So far, the school districts are using the free curriculum include the San Diego County Office of Education, The San Diego Unified School District, Sweetwater Union High School District, Escondido Union High School District, San Dieguito Union High School District, Poway Unified School District and San Pasqual Union Elementary School District.

“The San Diego Trafficking Prevention Collective and our schools are working toward reducing the vulnerability of children in our schools through trauma-informed education and training,” said Don Buchheit, the Regional Collective Director for San Diego. “Combating exploitation and protecting children takes an entire community. In San Diego, we are blessed to have our community working side by side under the leadership of the District Attorney’s Office. An educated child is a protected child.” [TWEET THIS]

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