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

Pest Control Companies to Pay $3.1 Million in Environmental Settlement

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today announced a $3.15 million civil settlement against Clark Pest Control of Stockton (Clark), Orkin Services of California (Orkin), and Crane Pest Control (Crane) to resolve allegations that the companies violated state laws governing pesticide, hazardous waste, and customer records privacy laws, by unlawfully disposing of pesticides and hazardous wastes into company waste bins destined for municipal landfills not authorized to accept these wastes. Joining DA Stephan in the lawsuit are the District Attorneys of Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Solano, Sonoma, Yolo, Monterey, Orange, Riverside, and Ventura counties.

The lawsuit also resolves allegations that the companies routinely failed to shred customer records containing confidential information before disposing of those items into the trash.

“By enforcing environmental laws, our Environmental Protection Unit does an outstanding job ensuring that companies don’t profit by cutting corners in ways that harm our communities through pollution, hazardous waste dumping, or other violations,” said DA Stephan. “We will continue to work with regulators and other district attorneys across the state to investigate and prosecute corporations who would break the law and endanger San Diego County’s environmental health and the safety of its residents.”

Clark, Orkin and Crane are residential and commercial pest control service companies owned by Georgia-based Rollins, Inc., with over 70 facilities in California including seven in San Diego County.

The investigation was initiated in 2021 and from March of that year through February 2022, DA investigators throughout the state conducted a series of undercover waste inspections of 40 dumpsters originating at 22 separate Clark and Orkin facilities. The inspections uncovered thousands of unlawfully disposed of toxic, ignitable, and corrosive pesticide and hazardous waste items that were destined for transfer stations and landfills not permitted to receive those wastes.  Those items included containers of pesticide liquids, powders, foams, baits, pellets and aerosol sprays, and hazardous batteries, e-waste, hand sanitizers, caulking, adhesives, and facility cleaning solutions.

The inspections also revealed the pest control companies had improperly managed and disposed of thousands of customer records violating California privacy laws designed to protect consumers by requiring businesses to render personal information in those records unreadable before disposal. Those records included customer service orders, contracts, invoices and route reports.

When Clark and Orkin were notified by the prosecutors of the unlawful disposals, they fully cooperated and quickly responded to enhance company policies and procedures designed to eliminate the improper management and disposal of these prohibited wastes, and to protect confidential customer information in California.

Under the stipulated final judgment, Clark, Orkin and Crane will pay a total of $3,175,000, consisting of:

  • $2,017,000 in civil penalties
  • $400,000 in Supplemental Environmental Compliance projects
  • $333,000 in investigative costs
  • $400,000 in credit for Supplemental Environmental Compliance Measures

San Diego County will receive $125,000.00.

The judgment also requires the companies to comply with a permanent injunction mandating significant operational reforms for a period of no less than five years, including:

  • Retention of a third-party auditor to conduct dumpster audits at a minimum of 10% of its facilities each year for five years.
  • Report the findings of the dumpster audits to the prosecutors.
  • Require that all facility employees complete a training program that ensures compliance with applicable pesticide waste and hazardous waste management and maintain proof of the training for three years.
  • Devote a minimum of two thousand (2,000) hours per year for each year in which the judgment remains in effect to enhanced environmental compliance measures, including compliance reviews of waste accumulation areas, oversight of waste minimization efforts by company technicians, and oversight of enhanced hazardous waste compliance management.

The San Diego DA’s Environmental Protection Unit is part of its Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division. Prosecutors in the Unit handle cases involving the illegal treatment, transportation, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste. They also review industrial accidents referred by Cal-OSHA (California Occupational Safety and Health Administration), especially when there are serious safety violations that lead to death, disability, or significant exposure risk. Prosecutions can be criminal or civil depending on the situation.

Deputy District Attorney Michael McCann handled the civil suit on behalf of the San Diego DA’s Office.

 

More Repeat DUI Offenders Responsible for Fatal DUI Numbers

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that her office is receiving a $950,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety for the twelfth year in a row to prevent and prosecute DUI fatality cases. The grant award comes as the number of San Diego County fatal DUI cases remain on the rise.

In 2024, the DA’s office filed charges against 23 DUI drivers responsible for 28 deaths. So far this year, charges have been filed against 22 DUI drivers responsible for 23 deaths.

“This grant allows our office to continue funding a dedicated team of prosecutors and investigators focused on holding impaired drivers accountable and preventing future tragedies,” DA Stephan said. “Every year, we see far too many lives lost to DUI crashes. As the holiday season approaches, I urge everyone to make responsible choices. Use a rideshare, call a friend, and never let someone drive if they’ve been drinking or using drugs.”

When someone kills another person while DUI, they may be charged with vehicular manslaughter, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, or even second-degree murder, which carries a penalty of up to 15 years to life in prison. The number of second-degree murder cases involving DUI drivers filed by the DA’s office increased this year, in large part due to the number of repeat DUI offenders responsible for these fatalities. In 2025, the DA’s office filed second degree murder charges against 13 DUI drivers. By comparison, in 2024, the DA’s office filed second degree murder charges against only 5 DUI drivers.

The grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety will allow the DA’s DUI Homicide Unit to continue its critical work, including education and prevention efforts within the community. The specialized unit, which was launched in 2014, has prosecuted hundreds of cases and has received approximately $6 million in funding from the Office of Traffic Safety.

Funding will also be used to:

  • Provide education for young drivers about the dangers of DUI-driving.
  • Provide training for prosecutors and investigators through California’s Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Program as well as San Diego County specific trainings.
  • Host quarterly regional meetings with law enforcement partners to improve DUI investigations and prosecutions.

In 2024, the District Attorney’s Office filed 4,389 DUI cases, including 280 DUI drug cases. As of October 29, 2025, the DA’s Office has filed 9,405 DUI cases including 426 DUI drug cases this year. Many of these numbers are significant increases from years past.

Funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety is provided through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The grant program runs through September 2026.

Campo Man Convicted of Felony Animal Cruelty for Neglecting His Dog’s Injury

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said that Osvaldo Deleon, 61, was sentenced today to 132 days in custody, two years formal probation, and ordered to abide by several conditions for failing to seek medical attention for his dog’s severely injured leg. The dog’s hind leg had an open wound with exposed bone when officials with the county’s Department of Animal Services (DAS) encountered it. The dog was taken into a veterinarian’s care and ultimately her leg had to be amputated.

Deleon was found guilty by a jury of one count of felony animal abuse on October 15. At today’s sentencing Superior Court Judge Herbert Exarhos ordered Deleon not to own animals for 10 years, waive his rights to searches under the Fourth Amendment, and complete a cruelty prevention and education curriculum.

“Our office remains firmly committed to holding individuals accountable for all forms of animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect,” said DA Stephan. “We are dedicated to being a voice for animals who cannot speak for themselves and to seeking justice on their behalf. Working closely with our law enforcement partners and the community, we strive not only to identify and prosecute abuse but also to prevent it before it happens.”

 

“This sentencing reinforces our commitment to protecting the health, safety and welfare of people and animals in unincorporated San Diego County,” said County Animal Services Director Vaughn Maurice. “Eagle’s case shows that these matters are taken seriously and we appreciate the District Attorney’s work in pursuing justice. With community support and our officers’ dedication, we can respond quickly, investigate thoroughly, and ensure animals receive the care and protection they need.”

In the past year, the District Attorney’s Office has filed animal cruelty-related charges in 48 criminal cases.

In December of last year, 61-year-old Todd Schuster was convicted of one count of felony animal cruelty and sentenced to two years in jail for viciously kicking a dog during a road rage incident and then running over the animal with his vehicle, killing it.

Previous animal cruelty-related prosecutions have included an elderly couple who hoarded 92 Yorkshire Terrier and Yorkie-mix dogs in a feces-filled home in Poway and a 31-year-old Oceanside resident who received an eight-year prison sentence for torturing and killing at least 10 cats. The defendant adopted the cats from the San Diego Humane Society and through Craigslist, subjecting them to severe abuse.

In 2018, the DA launched the office’s first-ever Animal Cruelty Prosecution Unit, which provides prosecutorial consistency countywide, investigative support and dedicated expertise for animal abuse cases. Since there is a strong link between animal abuse and violent crimes against people – particularly children and domestic violence – the unit resides within the DA’s Family Protection Division. The unit works closely with police, Sheriff’s deputies, DAS, animal control officers, the San Diego Humane Society, and others to investigate and prosecute animal cruelty cases vertically (one prosecutor handling the case from beginning to end.)

To report suspected animal abuse in San Diego County, you can contact the following agencies depending on the location and type of incident:

  • San Diego Humane Society – They handle animal cruelty investigations in most of San Diego County, including the cities of San Diego, Escondido, Imperial Beach, Poway, Santee, and others.
  • County of San Diego Department of Animal Services – Covers unincorporated areas and certain contract cities.
  • Local Law Enforcement – If an animal is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department.

The Osvaldo case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Maura Duffey.

Operation Mic Drop Concludes with Convictions for Dozens of Gang Defendants

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that a complex, gang-related criminal prosecution resulting from a law enforcement operation conducted in southeast San Diego in 2022 has concluded with the conviction and sentencing of 22 defendants. The defendants were indicted by a grand jury on 221 charges resulting from Operation Mic Drop, a joint investigation conducted by the San Diego Police Department and the FBI targeting violent and drug-related criminal activity centered around Mike’s Market in the Mountain View area of San Diego. The final defendant was sentenced on October 31, closing the multi-defendant case.

In the two years prior to the Operation Mic Drop investigation, the area around Mike’s Market had experienced significant violent crime, including murders, attempted murders, assaults with firearms, robberies, and narcotics sales. There had been four homicides and 1,000 calls to the police, including 160 calls for violence that were occurring at the time. This hub of narcotics and gun activity created a flashpoint for violent crime that endangered the safety of neighborhood residents and impacted their quality of life.

In the three years following the conclusion of Operation Mic Drop, there were no homicides in the area, no robberies, a 75% decrease in calls for service per year, and a 50% decrease in arrests.

 “This prosecution demonstrates how law enforcement strategically identifies and effectively responds to public safety threats and holds organized gangs accountable for large-scale fraud, and illegal drug and gun trafficking,” said DA Stephan. “As a result, peace of mind has been restored in this neighborhood, and the community is significantly safer. It was heartbreaking to hear the voices of the great families in this San Diego neighborhood who were terrorized by crime and violence. Every child, adult and senior deserves to be safe and that’s our goal. I want to thank our law enforcement partners at the FBI and San Diego Police Department for their critical role in investigating these cases, as well as our prosecution team led by Deputy DA Miriam Hemming whose dedication saw this complex case through to the end.”

 

 “The proof is in the numbers on this case of just how effective law enforcement, working with our communities, can be in identifying a problem and bringing all of our resources together to address it,” San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said. “I want to commend the work of our investigators and the District Attorney’s Office for their tireless efforts to hold these criminals accountable. This is a win all around for violence reduction in our communities.”

Operation Mic Drop uncovered connections between the market and local gang members facilitating narcotics sales, as well as fraudulent use of food assistance benefits (EBT). A criminal street gang had taken over the location and was using it as a headquarters for narcotics sales, funded by over two million dollars in stolen taxpayer dollars perpetrated by store employees and gang members. Investigators uncovered a scheme where the store employees would illegally allow customers to use their EBT cards to receive cash, which would then be used by the customers to purchase narcotics from the gang members who both provided the drugs and vetted which customers would be allowed to engage in the EBT fraud.

The months-long investigation resulted in convictions on charges including narcotics sales, firearms-related offenses, EBT fraud, and gang enhancements. Defendants’ sentences ranged from 15 years in state prison to formal probation, as well as a court order for $2 million in restitution.

The DA’s Gangs Division prosecutes complex murder cases and other serious crimes perpetrated by violent gang members who terrorize neighborhoods. These cases are handled by one prosecutor from beginning to end – also called vertical prosecution. Cases in this division are expertly navigated by 26 prosecutors and 20 investigators to bring justice to families left in the wake of violence. In 2024, the Gangs Division conducted 23 murder jury trials, which is more than 40% of the total murders tried in the DA’s office. The division also prosecuted other cases including kidnapping for rape, assault with great bodily injury, robbery, carjacking and possession of illegal firearms, such as ghost guns, by gang members.

Second-Degree Murder Conviction for Defendant Who Killed Ex-Girlfriend

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that 48-year-old Eduardo Magana has been convicted by a jury of second-degree murder in the disappearance of his former girlfriend, Alexis Berenice Guadarrama Orozco, 33.

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, CA near Los Angeles. He faces 15 years-to-life at his sentencing hearing on December 2.

Guadarrama’s body was never found and today it 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.

“While this killer is being held accountable for his crime and justice is being delivered, Alexis Berenice’s family and friends also deserve the closure of knowing her remains can be laid to rest,” DA Stephan said. “Investigators are not giving up and sometimes a tip that seems small or inconsequential can help lead law enforcement to a break in the case. The San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit has done an outstanding job investigating this murder and the dedicated prosecution team led by Deputy DAs Justine Santiago and Jennifer Crampton brought a just murder conviction. Now, our team is focused on bringing Alexis Berenice home. Let this case also be a warning that hiding the victim’s body will not deter us from pursuing justice and that jurors will still convict without a body in accordance with the law. The only thing killers prove by hiding the body is that their cruelty is at a greater level.”

 

“This case highlights the thorough investigative work by our homicide detectives who tirelessly pursued the truth for Alexis Berenice and her loved ones,” Chief Wahl said. “Even though the verdict brings justice, our work is not over. We need your help in finding her body so her family can have the peace they deserve and give her a proper burial. We are asking anyone who may have information to please come forward.”

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. 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.

Photo of Gavel and prison cell.

Hells Angels Assault Case Concludes

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that a criminal prosecution involving members of the Hells Angels and other gang members has concluded with 14 defendants being convicted and sentenced for a vicious attack on three young men on a public sidewalk in Ocean Beach. The attack was perpetrated by members of the San Diego Hells Angels along with members of other motorcycle gangs that subordinate to the Hells Angels.

“The successful conclusion of this case demonstrates my office’s commitment to holding organized gangs accountable for a wide range of offenses, including violent hate crimes,” said DA Stephan. “This was an unprovoked, vicious attack that nearly ended in tragedy. Thanks to our dedicated prosecution team for their commitment to delivering justice as this complex case wound its way through the criminal justice system.”

The case resulted from an incident in June of 2023, after a large group of motorcycle gang members had taken over a public sidewalk on Newport Avenue for a “Bike Night.” The victims, all Black men ages 19, 20 and 21, were walking down the street when the defendants brutalized them in an unprovoked attack. Despite their efforts to run away, the victims were caught by the defendant group and punched and kicked in the head and body while they lay on the sidewalk as their assailants used racial epithets.

The Hells Angels is an international organization whose primary purpose is the commission of criminal activity and who’s membership has been known to espouse racist ideology.

During that attack, longtime Hells Angels member Troy Scholder, 45, pulled out a knife and stabbed one victim in the chest, fracturing his sternum, severing an artery, and nearly killing him. At the time of the stabbing, the victim had been curled up on the ground, trying to protect his head. After this attempted murder, Mr. Scholder casually folded up his knife, walked away, and returned to the Hells Angels clubhouse in El Cajon where he was later arrested. The victim survived his injuries, as did the second victim who was knocked unconscious.

Thirteen of the defendants pleaded guilty to felony assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury and admitted allegations that they acted for the benefit of, and in association with their gang. Their sentences ranged from formal probation to custody in state prison. Scholder was convicted by a jury of premeditated attempted murder with a hate crime enhancement, along with additional felony charges, and was sentenced to 21 years-to-life in state prison.

The DA’s Gangs Division prosecutes complex murder cases and other serious crimes perpetrated by violent gang members who terrorize neighborhoods. These cases are handled by one prosecutor from beginning to end – also called vertical prosecution. Cases in this division are expertly navigated by 26 prosecutors and 20 investigators to bring justice to families left in the wake of violence. In 2024, the Gangs Division conducted 23 murder jury trials, which is more than 40% of the total murders tried in the DA’s office. The division also prosecuted other cases including kidnapping for rape, assault with great bodily injury, robbery, carjacking and possession of illegal firearms, such as ghost guns, by gang members.

Deputy District Attorney Miriam Hemming prosecuted this case.

Man Who Threatened School with Mass Shooting Found Guilty by a Jury

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that a man who threatened a mass shooting at Shoal Creek Elementary School in Carmel Mountain Ranch has been convicted by a jury of one felony count of making a criminal threat. The jury arrived at this just verdict on October 21.

Lee Lor, 40, sent more than 400 emails to various recipients that threatened he would commit a mass shooting at the school, sending fear through the community in Carmel Mountain and beyond.

“The threat of a mass school shooting has become one of the most unsettling fears we live with each day,” DA Stephan said. “These threats take a real toll on students, teachers, parents, and communities, who are continually confronted with stories and images of school shootings nationwide. I am proud and grateful to our team for fighting for justice for this school and community. This conviction by jury should send a clear message that we will not tolerate anyone criminally attempting to threaten our schools and instill fear in our community.”

In San Diego County, the School Threats Protocol guides school, law enforcement and prosecutorial responses to school threats. The protocol was established in 2018 with law enforcement agencies, mental health professionals, prosecutors, school staff and more to advise the 42 school districts in the County. Last year, the Law Enforcement Coordination Center in San Diego County received 580 school threat suspicious activity reports.

Having this type of coordination is more important than ever to the public’s safety. Teachers and school staff play a critical role in detecting and addressing concerning and threatening behavior.

“When we look back at most school shootings, attackers made threats or exhibited concerning behaviors that were ignored or went unreported,” DA Stephan said. “Our School Threats Protocol highlights the importance of recognizing warning signs, reporting them, and working together to with our community partners to keep everyone safe.”

Lor’s sentencing is set for November 19.

Deputy District Attorneys Savanah Howe and Clay Biddle in the DA’s Superior Court Division prosecuted this case.

 

District Attorney Opens New One Safe Place in South County, Supporting Victims of Crime

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced that a second One Safe Place (OSP) location opened today in National City with a ceremonial ribbon cutting attended by more than 100 community leaders, victim advocates, health professionals and law enforcement partners who all play a role in supporting victims of crime. One Safe Place: The South County Family Justice Center joins the first OSP location which opened in San Marcos in 2022 and has served nearly 9,000 individuals, primarily victims of domestic violence.

[WATCH THIS VIDEO OF OSP SOUTH]

“This dream project to regionalize the evidence-based Family Justice Center model to protect crime victims, safeguard children and seniors from harm, prevent homelessness driven by domestic violence and human trafficking, and dismantle generational cycles of trauma that lead to incarceration and victimization has now become a reality for our South County region,” said DA Stephan. “We want the community to know that the doors are now open so they can take advantage of this state-of-the-art center focused on the trifecta of hope, healing, and justice.”

Individuals living in, or near south San Diego County will no longer need to travel to several different locations across the region to receive forensic sexual assault examinations, child forensic interviews, volunteer attorney support for restraining orders, crisis intervention and safety planning for domestic violence, human trafficking and elder abuse, and other essential victim services. The South County Family Justice Center is partnered on site with both of San Diego County’s nationally accredited child advocacy centers, Rady Children’s and Palomar Hospitals, along with more than 50 community partners that have committed to be a part of our collaborative care model to transform the lives of victims.

“The opening of One Safe Place in National City is an important step forward for our South County families,” said San Diego County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre. “For too long, South County residents in crisis had to travel far from home to access critical victim services. This changes that. This center ensures that survivors who live in South San Diego have access to the care, compassion, and the justice they deserve.”

“One Safe Place is an essential lifeline for children and families, serving as a safe haven during times of crisis,” said Payal Beam, Vice President, Mental, Behavioral & Developmental Services Institute at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego. “Rady Children’s is grateful for the opportunity to provide critical support, direction and a renewed sense of hope when families need it most.”

Located at 401 Mile of Cars Way in National City, One Safe Place provides no-cost crisis-intervention services to anyone who has experienced family violence, child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, hate crimes, elder abuse, human trafficking, violent loss, or other crimes. Child and adult victims of abuse and their families will be assessed for risk and need and can receive acute crisis-care, forensic medical exams, advocacy, counseling, therapy, legal services like restraining orders, connections to a safe shelter and housing, long term mentoring, workforce readiness, clothing, and educational opportunities, all under one roof.

While existing service providers provide excellent support in our county’s north and south regions for victims, there was little interconnectivity, and providers often operated in silos, rather than under one umbrella of victim care. Co-located professionals at One Safe Place, San Diego County’s Family Justice Centers include victim advocates, nurses, medical professionals, counselors, attorneys, housing navigators, childcare professionals, work-readiness coaches, law enforcement and more. One Safe Place is a multi-agency service center that focuses on reducing the number of times victims tell their story, the number of places victims must go for help, and increasing access to services and support for victims and their children.

“One Safe Place helped me start to heal,” said domestic violence survivor Brenda M. “I walked in feeling lost but left feeling like I could breathe again. Now, One Safe Place makes me feel hopeful. Every time I walk in, I feel a sense of pride in knowing that I’m moving forward and that I will get an opportunity to start again and reflect on how far I’ve come.”

The Family Justice Center model was started by then City Attorney Casey Gwinn in the City of San Diego 22 years ago and grew into a model of victim support nationally and internationally. The City of San Diego’s Family Justice Center continues under the leadership of current City Attorney Heather Ferbert and is a sister center to the two county Family Justice Centers led by DA Stephan in the North and South County.

“To be able to provide vital, wraparound services and help restore dignity to those in our community who have been cast aside or victimized is nothing short of incredible,” said Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy. “Law enforcement’s role doesn’t end with an arrest – it continues by ensuring survivors have access to the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives. Our department is proud to stand alongside the District Attorney’s Office and our regional partners in serving victims and their families through One Safe Place.”

One Safe Place: the North County Family Justice Center has been lauded by the community and since opening its doors three years ago has provided case management services to more than 9,000 individuals, conducted more than 900 forensic interviews and over 700 forensic medical examinations for victims of assault, and provided 5,500 legal services including assisting with temporary restraining orders.

One Safe Place is part of the Family Justice Center Alliance. The Family Justice Center model has been identified as a best practice in the field of domestic violence intervention and prevention services by the United States Department of Justice. One Safe Place is host to an onsite Trauma Recovery Center designated by California’s Victim Compensation Board and two accredited Child Advocacy Centers.

Individuals can contact either location of One Safe Place at gethope@OSPsandiegocounty.gov

or at 888-440-HOPE (4673) One Safe Place South is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to noon. 

More information about both OSP locations can be found at www.OSPsandiegocounty.gov.

[WATCH THIS VIDEO OF OSP SOUTH]

Meet Deputy District Attorney Norma Flores

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 Deputy District Attorney Norma Flores.

Norma began her career with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2015 as a receptionist in the East County Division. During her time as a support staff, she performed a variety of duties in the Misdemeanor Unit and eventually transitioned to the Felony unit, where she served as lead. In December of 2020, she made the difficult decision to leave a job that she truly loved to pursue her dream of becoming a prosecutor. During law school she returned to the office as an intern and a Graduate Law Clerk where she worked in several units including, Narcotics, Gangs, Family Protection, and Sex Crimes. In December of 2024, she achieved her goal and proudly rejoined the office as a Deputy District Attorney and is currently assigned to the East County Division.

When she’s not busy working as a prosecutor, Norma spends her free time with her two children. Read more about what inspired her to pursue a career in public service, below.

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

“My career path was shaped by an early personal experience with the justice system as a juvenile. At that time, the San Diego County District Attorney’s office took my life circumstances into consideration and gave me an opportunity to change my life. This experience also sparked an interest in the law.

During my time as a Legal Support Assistant with the office, I was assigned to the arraignment and readiness department where I assisted prosecutors in court. Daily, I witnessed Deputy District Attorneys in the courtroom work diligently to protect victims, the community, and to ensure justice. This deeply inspired me and quickly realized that I wanted to devote my life to public service. I am grateful to now be doing so for the same office that never gave up on me.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“What I love most about being a prosecutor is the ability to protect the community I grew up in, while also advocating for victims who need a voice.”

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

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate our accomplishments and using them to inspire the next generation to achieve their dreams.”

Read more Hispanic Heritage Month stories from the DA’s Office, here.

DA Issues Public Safety Warning About Dangers of Nitrous Oxide-Related DUIs

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today her office has seen a notable increase in drivers arrested for driving under the influence of nitrous oxide and that since October 2024, the San Diego County District Attorney’s DUI Homicide Team has noted an uptick in DUI fatality cases involving the use, or suspected use, of nitrous oxide.  Inhaling nitrous oxide or “whippets” is a popular drug that creates a euphoric high by cutting off oxygen to the user’s brain.

During an 11-month period, the DA filed charges in three fatality cases involving the use, or suspected use, of nitrous oxide. Comparatively, prosecutors filed no nitrous oxide or suspected nitrous oxide fatality cases the preceding year.

In addition, between October 2024 and September 2025, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Crime Lab received 30 requests for inhalant testing; 29 of those cases involved DUI drivers. Of the 29 cases involving DUI drivers, 18 cases involved traffic collisions, eight cases were felonies, and three of the eight felony cases were fatalities. The numbers reported by the Sheriff’s Crime Lab translate to one suspected inhalant DUI occurring every other week in the county.

“The increase we’re seeing of drivers abusing this drug is extremely concerning and it’s important that we curb this trend before it gets worse,” said DA Stephan. “We’re currently prosecuting three cases that include evidence of DUI drivers believed to have done ‘whippets’ before the separate crashes that killed seriously injured their passengers or other drivers. People need to know that possessing these nitrous oxide canisters with the intention of abusing them is against the law.”

“While users seek a short time high, the practice carries serious long-term risks,” said San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez. “ This growing trend particularly among young people, has been driven by social media promotion, easy access to large-volume containers, and flavored products. I appreciate the District Attorney’s support in these cases and the commitment to bringing dangerous trends to the forefront of our collective discussions.”

According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 13 million Americans have misused nitrous oxide in their lifetime. The CDC reported notable increases in poison center cases, emergency department visits, and EMS responses involving nitrous oxide in 2023. Nitrous oxide is legal to buy and possess for culinary uses (i.e. to create whipped cream) and vehicle repair (i.e. to increase car engine power). Nitrous oxide is also a legal medical sedative used by doctors and dentists. Due to the myriad legitimate uses of nitrous oxide, it is not considered a controlled substance under federal law. However, California has criminalized the use of nitrous oxide for any recreational purpose.

Under Penal Code 381(b): possession of nitrous oxide with intent to breathe, inhale, or ingest for the purpose of causing a condition of intoxication, elation, euphoria, dizziness, excitement, irrational behavior, exhilaration, satisfaction, stupefaction, or dulling the senses or for the purpose of, in any manner, changing, distorting, or disturbing the audio, visual, or mental processes, or who is under the influence of such a substance or material is guilty of a misdemeanor. Unfortunately, proving a DUI driver was abusing nitrous oxide through toxicology testing is difficult because the drug has rapid absorption and elimination rates, leaving a user’s system within a minute or two.

Despite the limited legal uses, smoke, vape, and even sex shops offer cannisters of nitrous oxide that display colorful branding and are offered in flavors like grape, cherry, and blueberry. It is readily apparent that the cannister retailers are abusing a legal loophole and targeting a young population. TikTok influencers in Los Angeles have promoted retailers that sell nitrous oxide products and recently TikTok banned nitrous-related search terms due to the surge in video clips of young people taking hits of the gas before falling on their faces.

In March of this year, the FDA first issued a warning against the inhalation of nitrous oxide products, including “Cosmic Gas” and “Miami Magic,” sold via online retailers like Amazon and at smoke shops or gas stations. In June 2025, the FDA updated its warning to include additional product names like “ExoticWhip” and “Mass Gas” featuring brightly colored canisters evoking psychedelic product packaging akin to many cannabis products.

In response to the growing concern over the recreational misuse of the substance, cities throughout California have begun adopting ordinances to restrict or entirely ban the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide in an effort to hold retailers accountable. The California cities of Los Angeles, Santa Ana and Stanton, and Orange County have all passed ordinances. San Diego does not have such an ordinance in place. In 2017, Rialto, Calif. became the first city in the United States to ban certain sales of nitrous oxide following the death of the mayor’s 17-year-old son in a solo vehicle collision when the driver of the vehicle he was a passenger in inhaled nitrous oxide, passed out, and crashed into a tree.

Inhalant requests received by the Sheriff’s lab are a combination of both requests for nitrous oxide (NOS/whippets/laughing gas) and 1,1-difluoroethane (DFE/dust-off).