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Undercover Operation Results in Arrests of Dozens of Drug Dealers in East Village

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a grand jury has handed down 23 indictments against 34 defendants openly selling drugs in several locations in San Diego’s East Village neighborhood including the sales of fentanyl, methamphetamine and crack cocaine. [WATCH NEWS CONFERENCE HERE]

San Diego law enforcement completed a two-month operation aimed at dismantling open-air drug markets in the East Village, reducing crime in the area, and increasing public safety for residents. Operation Street Sweeper, conducted from September through October 2025, focused on several locations identified by the San Diego Police Department as hotspots for illegal drug sales, including 16 and 17th Streets, K and C Streets and Imperial Avenue and Broadway.

Last Thursday, 23 of the defendants were arrested during a takedown operation in East Village.

“This operation reflects a coordinated, proactive law enforcement response to the community we serve, with the goal of improving the quality of life in a downtown area that continues to face public safety challenges,” DA Stephan said. “The East Village community deserves to be safe and not have their families subjected to open drug dealing and associated crime. This operation targeted the drug dealers that were selling toxic drugs like fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine base. It’s clear that the heightened drug sales are also the reason we have heightened drug overdoses in the same areas.”

The operation was a collaborative effort involving San Diego Police, Homeland Security Investigations Fentanyl Abatement Suppression Team (HSI FAST), with additional support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which is prosecuting three additional suspects connected to the case.

“The residents of East Village have long asked for more enforcement on drug-related offenses and Operation Street Sweeper did just that” said Police Chief Scott Wahl. “With this operation, we targeted open drug use and narcotic sales occurring in East Village, something children and families walked by every day. With our law enforcement partners, we were able to have a major impact on the quality of life in downtown San Diego.”

Undercover officers conducted numerous purchases and surveillance operations during the two-month period, targeting solely dealers who were selling substances such as fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine base (crack cocaine). The coordinated effort aimed not only to disrupt drug distribution but also to reduce associated crimes in the downtown corridor.

The indictments include charges ranging from the sale and possession for sale of these deadly controlled substances. If convicted, defendants face a range of sentences under state law.

“To the people who live and work downtown: the adults are back in charge,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon.

Law enforcement said partnerships are key in addressing the increase in crime seen in the area.

“HSI’s FAST is a collaborative task force of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies focused on combatting the smuggling, distribution, and sale of deadly synthetic drugs in our communities,” said Kevin Murphy, a Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations. “Operation Street Sweeper demonstrates the success we can achieve when we work together to conduct impactful investigations and make our communities safer.”

Evidence to the grand jury was presented by Deputy District Attorneys Lauren Wake and Edith Leon, prosecutors from the District Attorney’s Major Narcotics Division.

[WATCH NEWS CONFERENCE HERE]

Stolen Funds Coming Back to Support Students

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced the San Diego County Board of Supervisors has given her office authority to grant $25 million from the Charter School Fraud trust fund to the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) to fund a seven-year, countywide plan to strengthen and expand access to mental health, safety, wellness, and educational supports for K-12 students and their families. The community-responsive plan focuses on the unique strengths and needs of each region in order to connect needed resources to students experiencing homelessness and other youth who can thrive with additional support. The Board approved the grant at their January 28 meeting.

WARCH COMPLETE NEWS CONFERENCE, HERE.

“This funding will make a real difference in the lives of K-12 students and their families as they navigate wellness, safety, homelessness and mental health challenges,” said DA Stephan. “I continue to be very proud of our public corruption/consumer protection expert prosecution team that delivered justice in the A3 Charter Schools criminal case and now, we’re seeing how the trust fund established as a result of the case is impacting the community in positive ways, funneling the money stolen by the defendants back to deserving young people in our schools.”

Funds for the grant originate from criminal fines imposed in the landmark A3 Charter Schools fraud case which was prosecuted by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. In all, more than $280 million in stolen funds were recovered. The judge who oversaw the case ordered a portion of the fines to be paid to the County of San Diego now, a portion to be paid to victims in kindergarten through 12th grade, and a portion to be paid to the state of California.

Under a resolution passed unanimously by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in 2021, the fines imposed by the court related to this case were earmarked and exclusively dedicated to programs that directly serve the needs of kindergarten through 12th grade students in San Diego County. The funds are not intended for County operational programs, but rather to support community-serving, education-focused initiatives, consistent with the court’s intent. After disbursement of the $25 million grant, the Charter School Fraud trust fund will have $5 million remaining in it. Superior Court Judge Fred Link who masterfully presided over the criminal case issued clear guidance regarding the monies recovered and this meets the direction by the court.

The Board’s recommendation authorizes the District Attorney’s Office to continue administering its Community Grant Program (CGP) and award the one-time $25 million grant to SDCOE to implement the HeartSpire initiative, a seven-year, countywide plan. This action builds on prior Board approvals related to the CGP and the Charter School Fraud trust fund. The $25 million is actually an aggregate of several $2.2 million to $3.8 million grants each over seven school years.

The SDCOE HeartSpire initiative is designed to connect and amplify the work happening at school sites and in county services across all five supervisorial districts. Consistent with prior K-12 grant actions, the focus is on equitable access and regional coverage, rather than limiting investments to a single geographic area.

“We are grateful the DA has entrusted SDCOE with this opportunity to build upon our efforts to positively impact students, families, and communities throughout the county,” said Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, San Diego County superintendent of schools. “HeartSpire is rooted in the belief that human connection, mental health, and relational infrastructure are essential to thriving educational systems. Accordingly, this grant will align the DA’s Office, schools, County Health and Human Services, and community-based organizations to offer integrated services that make a real difference for students and families.”

Following establishment of the trust fund, a multi-department stakeholder workgroup with representatives from the District Attorney’s Office, Behavioral Health Services, County Office of Equity & Racial Justice, and Department of Child & Family Well-Being reviewed options for use of the funds. Based on those discussions, an initial phase of 47 K-12 community grants totaling approximately $6.4 million was awarded in 2022. Those grants supported literacy, tutoring, mentoring, youth leadership, and mental health and wellness services. The initial grant activity informed subsequent consideration of opportunities for a more coordinated, regional approach, leading to the SDCOE HeartSpire proposal.

The County’s existing stakeholder workgroup will have opportunities to review program progress, milestones, and updates as implementation proceeds, particularly in advance of future funding periods within the seven-year plan.

The DA’s Community Grant Program (CGP) originated from early crime-reduction and prevention efforts and was later expanded by the Board to include education- and prevention-focused K–12 initiatives, including grants funded through the Charter School Fraud trust fund. The HeartSpire proposal represents a continuation of that evolution, while maintaining the CGP’s core purpose of supporting community-based solutions that promote safety, wellness, and opportunity.

La Bella's Cold Case Victim Ryan Cunningham. (Photo by 10News).

Grand Jury Indicts Four Gang Members for Chula Vista Cold Case Murder

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a grand jury has returned an indictment against four gang members who attacked and killed a man at a Chula Vista restaurant nearly 21 years ago. Jose Roque-Garcia, 50; Carlos Herrera, 42; Marco Herrera, 41; and Franco Dominguez, 43, have all been charged with murder. The defendants were arraigned today in San Diego Superior Court.

“This case demonstrates that my office, working with law enforcement, will continue to seek justice no matter how long it takes. The resolve of the DA’s Bureau of Investigations working alongside our prosecutors to fight for justice for this innocent victim never wavered.” said DA Stephan. “This was a brutal crime that took the life of a victim who was looking forward to starting the next chapter of his life.”

On March 20, 2004, Roque-Garcia, a high-ranking member of a Mexican drug cartel, was at La Bella’s Pizza Garden in Chula Vista celebrating the baby shower of his then-girlfriend and mother of his child. During the event, Roque-Garcia’s girlfriend accused a patron in the restaurant, 22-year-old Ryan Cunningham of stealing the keys to her car. Cunningham was an innocent bystander who was simply at the restaurant enjoying a drink while celebrating his upcoming relocation to Arizona the next day. Roque-Garcia called his gang associates and directed them to come to the restaurant to “f— up” Cunningham.

Minutes later, Dominguez and the Herreras drove to La Bella’s where Roque-Garcia pointed out the victim. Using a 2 x 4 piece of wood, taser, metal chair, and a knife, the group collectively and viciously attacked the unsuspecting and unarmed victim, culminating in a fatal stab wound to the victim’s chest.

In spite of excellent investigatory work by the Chula Vista Police Department, the case ran cold with no meaningful leads for decades. By re-examining the case over the past several years, prosecutors and DA investigators were able to piece together missing pieces of evidence that ultimately supported the grand jury’s indictment.

Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation include the San Diego Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and the San Diego District Attorney’s Office which provided assistance and information to the Chula Vista Police Department. Numerous search warrants were executed in the course of the investigation and DNA evidence was re-examined. Franco Dominguez, Carlos Herrera, and Marco Herrera were taken into custody on January 15 without incident. Roque-Garcia was already in custody.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Robert Eacret, Christopher Netniss and Michael Reilly in the DA’s Gangs Division with key support and involvement from District Attorney Investigator Marco Mercado.

Prisoner handcuffed behind bars

Family Predator Sentenced for Molesting Multiple Relatives over Years

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a man who over several years molested five different nieces between the ages of 5 and 16 has been sentenced to prison.

Joaquin Ruiz, 45, was sentenced to 102 years to life in prison for 18 counts of sex abuse against a child including forcible lewd acts, oral copulation on a child more than 10 years younger, possession of child sexual abuse material and other counts. A jury found him guilty in August of every count.

“Predators who steal the innocence of a child, creating a lifetime of trauma, have no place in our society.” DA Stephan said. “Today’s sentence is a message to sexual abusers that you will be held to account, and you will not hide in the shadows, no matter what your affiliations are. I am grateful to our expert sexual abuse prosecution team, who delivered a measure of justice to the victims in this case.”

Considered devoutly religious, Defendant Ruiz was known as “the perfect man” in his family, so much so that when the first victim disclosed, her parents and the defendant’s wife did not believe her. This caused the victim to recant her disclosure and apologize to the defendant. A second niece disclosed what Ruiz did to her, but the girl’s mother and sister kept her disclosure secret for months until they confronted Ruiz and his wife at a park. The confrontation became so heated that the police were called, which kickstarted the child abuse investigation. The investigation revealed additional victims, videos from hidden cameras that Ruiz placed in his bathrooms to capture the young children using the toilet, and screenshots of child sexual abuse material from sites the defendant visited.

Child molestation is a very serious crime that can affect a victim forever. Victims suffer higher rates of school difficulty, depression, substance abuse, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, eating or sleeping disorders, and suicide. However, child molestation can be prevented, and parents and guardians are encouraged to talk to their children about what is and is not appropriate. For additional resources, visit the District Attorney’s page about molestation prevention.

Deputy District Attorney An Dang prosecuted this case.

24 Year Prison Term for Gang Member Who Shot and Paralyzed Innocent Teen

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that the prosecutions of three gang members involved in a shootout two years ago that left an innocent teen girl paralyzed has concluded with the final defendant, Juan Velazco Diaz, 21, being sentenced to 24 years in state prison for his violent crimes.

On October 28, 2023, two rival gang groups collided outside of a high school party in the Talmadge area of San Diego. After exchanging verbal gang challenges, a member of each gang, Juan Velazco Diaz and Kenneth Hill, produced guns and shot at each other. Velazco Diaz shot first, missed his target and the bullet struck 17-year-old high school cheerleader Brianna Wallace, who happened to be standing across the street near the 4400 block of Winona Avenue. Wallace was shot in the back and was instantly paralyzed from the waist down.

“It is heartbreaking when innocent members of our community are caught in the crossfire of senseless gang violence,” said DA Stephan. “Our hearts go out to the teen victim whose brave testimony was pivotal in obtaining justice in this case. Acts of gang violence devastate neighborhoods and will never be tolerated. Our office remains committed to holding those who would commit such violence fully accountable and to working with our law enforcement partners to reduce organized gang crime and prevent these tragedies from happening.”

After a joint investigation between the San Diego Police Department Gang Unit and the District Attorney’s Office’s Gangs Unit, Velazco Diaz, Kenneth Hill, 20, and Davian Austin, 21, were all arrested for their involvement and prosecuted. Hill and Austin were convicted of assault with a firearm, and Velazco Diaz was convicted of attempted murder with the use of a firearm and assault with the use of a firearm causing paralysis. Hill received a nine-year prison term. Austin received a sentence of one year in jail and was placed formal probation for two years.

Deputy District Attorney Kyle Sutterley in the DA’s Gangs Division prosecuted this case.

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.

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.