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

Prolific Thief Sentenced for Stealing Thousands in Merchandise from Retailers

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a 27-year-old man who went on a stealing rampage in South County has been sentenced to six years in state prison on multiple felony counts of organized retail theft and robbery.

Edgar Figueroa pleaded guilty on March 28 to two counts of organized retail theft and one count of robbery for his role in stealing $16,300 in shoes and other merchandise from the Nike store at the Las Americas Premium Outlets, Dick’s Sporting Goods in Chula Vista and Burlington in Chula Vista on multiple dates in February. Figueroa also pleaded guilty to one count of organized retail theft for his role in stealing an additional $3,050 worth of merchandise from the Nike store in Carlsbad in January.

Figueroa’s theft spree came to an end on March 16, when he was loading up merchandise in a duffel bag at Dick’s Sporting Goods and he was recognized as a chronic thief. An employee called Chula Vista Police who responded quickly to detain Figueroa, who was a wanted suspect identified in a robbery that happened at Burlington on February 17. On that date, Figueroa worked with three other suspects to steal $1,684 worth of merchandise. He pointed a firearm at an employee who inquired about the stolen merchandise and his accomplice threatened the employee with a Taser.

Figueroa was a leader in a crew of at least six suspects who helped commit each of the thefts. On several occasions, the thieves attempted to change their appearance when returning to stores they had previously targeted. Thanks to the diligence of store employees and law enforcement, the remaining suspects have been identified and are being prosecuted for their roles in the theft ring.

Deputy District Attorney Gentre Martinez prosecuted this case.

DA Stephan Releases ‘2024 Annual Report’ Highlighting Public Safety Achievements

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today released her 2024 Annual Report, which details the office’s ongoing efforts to improve public safety, hold offenders accountable, support victims, and implement crime-preventing innovations across the county.

“This past year, our team worked tirelessly to ensure justice was served and our communities remained safe,” said District Attorney Stephan. “We are proud to share the progress we have made in prosecuting violent offenders and sexual predators, supporting victims, and launching initiatives that address the root causes of criminal behavior, especially among juveniles.”

2024 Annual Report Highlights:

  • Combating the Fentanyl Crisis: The District Attorney ramped up her efforts against organized crime and drug trafficking, contributing to a reduction in fentanyl-related deaths among teens and adults.
  • Victim Support Services: Thousands of vulnerable victims and their children received assistance through One Safe Place: North County Family Justice Center, helping them escape cycles of abuse and homelessness.
  • Prop 36 Implementation: The District Attorney’s Office is actively working to implement Prop 36, with the goal of deterring chronic theft and drug-related crimes through the use of drug courts and treatment programs.
  • Elder Justice Task Force: This task force expanded its efforts to protect seniors from fraud and abuse, safeguarding their well-being and financial security.

“We are firmly committed to the right of every child, adult, and senior to live safely and with dignity,” stated District Attorney Stephan. “This unwavering commitment, in partnership with law enforcement and the communities we serve, keeps us one of the safest urban counties in our nation.”

To view the full report, click here.

Laurie Diane Potter

Man Sentenced to Prison for Killing Wife, and Throwing Her Severed Legs in Dumpster

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a 72-year-old man has been sentenced to prison for the gruesome murder and dismemberment of his wife in 2003, a case that remained unsolved for nearly two decades before it was cracked using Investigative Genetic Genealogy.

Jack Potter was sentenced today to 15 years-to-life in state prison for the 2003 murder of his wife, Laurie Diane Potter, whose legs were found discarded in a Rancho San Diego apartment complex dumpster over two decades ago. Thanks to the relentless efforts of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Cold Case Homicide Unit, the case was solved in 2021.

“This was a brutal, calculated murder that shattered the lives of Laurie’s loved ones, who then had to endure nearly 20 years of unanswered questions and unimaginable grief,” DA Stephan said. “Thanks to the extraordinary work of law enforcement, our Cold Case Homicide Unit, and Deputy District Attorneys Julie Lynn and Mark Amador, justice has finally been served. Their dedication and refusal to give up on this case, no matter how much time passed, led to this long-overdue resolution.”

The homicide investigation began in October 2003, when a maintenance worker at the Country Hills Apartment complex in Rancho San Diego discovered a pair of severed human legs in a dumpster. Despite exhaustive efforts by law enforcement, the victim remained unidentified, and the case went cold. In 2020, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Homicide Cold Case Team used Investigative Genetic Genealogy based on DNA from the legs to possibly identify the victim.

This was the first time that investigators had used the new investigative technique to identify a previously unknown homicide victim. After further investigation, the woman was confirmed to be Laurie Diane Potter, 54, who had been living in Temecula in 2003 but had previously lived in the Rancho San Diego apartment complex.

Potter pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in February 2025, just one month before he was scheduled to stand trial, and he admitted that he smothered his wife to death.

He was previously indicted by a grand jury in August 2024, and during those proceedings jurors heard how Potter became obsessed in 2003 with a woman he met at a strip club—who shared the same first name as his wife. Within weeks of Laurie’s legs being discovered, Potter opened multiple credit accounts and made extravagant purchases, including a new pick-up truck, a Hummer SUV, and a ski boat. He gifted the Hummer and boat to his new girlfriend, rented her an apartment in Corona Hills, and provided her with a credit card carrying a $30,000 limit.

In the years that followed, Potter maintained the deception opening credit cards in Laurie’s name and fraudulently filing Family Court documents claiming he had contacted Laurie about the proceedings—years after she had been murdered. He utilized the Family Court to sell their family home in Temecula and pocket all profits.

“This case is a stark reminder that the pursuit of justice never stops,” said DA Stephan. “And neither does the grief of those who lose someone to violence. Today, we honor Laurie’s memory and stand with her family in their long-awaited moment of justice.”

DA Stephan Denounces Dismantling of Human Trafficking Bill AB 379 by Assembly Public Safety Committee

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today strongly denounced the gutting of her sponsored human trafficking bill, AB 379, during a hearing of the Assembly Public Safety Committee on Tuesday. The bill, which aimed to make the buying a 16 or 17-year-old child for sex a felony offense in California, was stripped of that critical provision in committee, despite overwhelming public support and increasing bipartisan concern over the exploitation of minors.

“This is a betrayal of the most vulnerable children in our state,” DA Stephan said “For over a decade, I have fought to make sure that those who buy children for sex are held fully accountable under the law. Buying children who under the law cannot consent to sex, can only be described as slavery. By gutting AB 379, the Assembly Public Safety Committee has sent a chilling message that the exploitation of children does not merit a serious penalty. Buying a 16-year-old for sex causes years of pain, disease and trauma, yet gets the same or less of a punishment in California than spray painting wall. This is not just a policy disagreement—it is an inhumane failure.”

The bill had garnered broad support from victim advocates, law enforcement, and community organizations, and was considered a key step forward in California’s ongoing fight against human trafficking. The bill’s author, Assemblymember Maggie Krell, has decades of experience fighting human trafficking and the bill relies on solid research that demonstrates that age 16 is the average age of recruitment of human trafficking victims in San Diego.

See video of the news conference announcing support of the bill, here.

DA Stephan has been a leading voice in the fight against human trafficking in California and across the nation. She pioneered the first human trafficking Special Victims Unit in San Diego County. Her office has prosecuted numerous high-profile trafficking cases and has worked with survivors to advocate for stronger laws that recognize the true harm caused by those who fuel the demand for the exploitation of children.

“California should be leading the nation in protecting children, not dragging its feet,” Stephan said. “We will not stop fighting. Survivors deserve better. Our children deserve better.”

AB 379 now goes to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, where there is a possibility that the bill can be amended again as it continues its journey. DA Stephan vows to continue pressing for legislative action that will close the loophole that doesn’t hold buyers of minor children responsible.

One Safe Place North Celebrates ‘Leap to Confidence’ Graduation

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center celebrated the graduation of 12 women from “Un Salto a la Confianza” (“Leap to Confidence”) which was the first time this program was offered in Spanish to provide more access to more individuals impacted by abuse and violence.. The graduation ceremony was held on Saturday April 26, at One Safe Place. The program was created by the non-profit organization Leap to Success, which is a partner at One Safe Place. Its mission is to empower women who are overcoming domestic violence, homelessness, and other major life challenges to reach their greatest potential by helping them re-build their self-confidence. It is a six-week program that consists of two-hour sessions each week. After the final session, the participants are invited to join empowerment circles for ongoing support.

“One of the pillars of justice in the mission of the DA’s Office, aside from the ethical prosecution of crime, is the prevention of crime and partnerships with the community – ‘Leap to Confidence’ is a great example of fulfilling this mission,” said District Attorney Summer Stephan. “I’m so proud of the 12 women that displayed courage and resilience by taking control over their lives within the supportive environment of One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center. Everyone deserves to live with safety and dignity and ‘Leap to Confidence’ helped them achieve that dream.”

Leap to Success began offering this no-cost empowerment program to women in 2008. Since that time, over 2,500 women have completed their programs, however, until now they have been solely in English. Through grant funding from the Office of Violence Against Women – Improving Criminal Justice, the curriculum was able to be translated and printed in Spanish, and allowed the program to take place on the weekends at One Safe Place.

The graduation on Saturday celebrated the first 12 women who completed the Spanish program, who each spoke about their experience.

“I loved learning stress-reduction practices, especially replacing the phrase ‘I have to’ with ‘I choose to’ – that’s my motivation,” said Rosi, a graduating participant. “I also liked learning that we determine how we want to look and feel.”

“‘Leap to Confidence’ was very meaningful for my present and future,” said Maithee, another graduating participant. “This time, I chose myself.”

The founder of Leap to Success, Dana Bristol Smith, was also at the event and spoke to the graduating participants of the Spanish program, encouraging them with some words of advice: “If you don’t take care of you, you can’t take care of your family. This is a gift you have given yourself that will benefit your families.”

The “Un Salto a la Confianza” program in Spanish is expected to continue at One Safe Place for the next two years and anyone who is interested in participating can get more information at gethope@onesafeplacenorth.org.

One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center is located at 1050 Los Vallecitos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92069. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 12 p.m.

DA’s Consumer Protection Unit Receives Proclamation

On April 8, 2025 the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors recognized the San Diego District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit (CPU) for their outstanding work protecting the citizens of our county as well as consumers throughout the state. The CPU is a subdivision of the Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Unit of the District Attorney’s Office. This unit is responsible for civil and criminal actions against businesses that practice unfair, deceptive and abusive practices harming consumers throughout the state. The unit was recognized for their excellence and commitment to the investigation and prosecution of violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law, False Advertising Law and other related consumer protection statues. Since its formation the team has brought justice through 230 major civil consumer protection judgments and more than 400 criminal consumer fraud convictions.

Recent successful cases include a $24.6 million judgment against Apple for failing to disclose software updates that slowed older iPhones with failing batteries to prevent software crashes, a $3.55 million judgment against Welk Resorts Inc. for misleading marketing and sales tactics in timeshare sales, a $3.96 million judgment against Vons/Albertsons over false advertising and overcharging customers, and an $18.8 million judgment against Time Warner Cable, including $16.9 million in direct consumer restitution, for misrepresenting internet services.

At the proclamation ceremony April 8, 2025 was declared Consumer Protection Day in San Diego County!

DA-Sponsored Bill Preventing Rapists from Qualifying for Elder Parole Passes Senate Public Safety Committee

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said a bill sponsored by her office and authored by Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones cleared a hurdle in the Senate today, and moved one step closer to closing a loophole in the elder parole law that allows rapists to be considered for early release, no matter how violent their crimes were.

Senate Bill 286, also known as Mary-Bella’s Law, unanimously passed the Senate Public Safety Committee today with bipartisan support and now moves on to Senate Appropriations, then the Senate floor. The bill would prevent violent sex offenders from qualifying for the Elderly Parole Program, which went into effect in 2021.

At a news conference in Sacramento today, just before the Senate Public Safety Committee met to consider the bill, DA Stephan, Senator Jones, and rape survivors spoke in favor of the bill.

“I’m overwhelmed by the courage of the people who came here to speak their truth and testify before the committee,” DA Stephan said. “It’s unfortunate that after a horrific crime such as rape or child molest happens to you and the perpetrator receives a lengthy prison sentence, victims have to continue to fight for justice years later. The rule of law about victims’ rights enshrined in our California constitution was ignored when the age for elder parole was dropped to 50-years-old.”

In 2021, the California Legislature changed the law to lower the age of qualification for the Elderly Parole Program to inmates 50 or older who have served at least 20 years of continuous incarceration. Because of this change, violent sex offenders who have brutalized and repeatedly committed vicious sex crimes against victims can qualify for parole when they turn 50, even if they have a 100-year sentence.

“This bipartisan bill closes a dangerous loophole in California’s Elderly Parole Program that allows rapists to walk free decades before serving their full sentence,” Senator Jones said.

One of the victims for whom the law was named, Mary Johnson, spoke at today’s news conference and explained the yearslong frustration of fighting the system that allowed her rapist to be granted elder parole after 27 years of his 170-year sentence. Part of the reasoning that her attacker was deemed less of a threat during his elder parole hearing was that he had a bad back and acid reflux.

“I had to sit before a panel of strangers who then went on to grant his parole,” Johnson said. “My life was suddenly turned upside down.”

Closing this dangerous loophole that allows violent sex offenders to be released early is paramount to public safety.

“I am so grateful to Senator Brian Jones for his leadership on this and bringing this bill forward,” DA Stephan said. “Causing additional trauma to victims is wrong and we have to change it. This law will begin that change.”

DA Honors Seven Local Heroes at ‘Citizens of Courage’ Awards

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan honored seven brave individuals today during the DA’s 35th annual Citizens of Courage Awards, held as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year, National Crime Victim’s Rights Week was observed April 6-12. As part of this annual event, the DA not only highlights the courageous individuals who survived or witnessed a crime, but also the important services that are offered through the DA’s Victim Assistance program. The DA’s Office is the largest provider of victim services in the county.

“I hope this event inspires everyone to make us better as a community because we all have the potential of being Citizens of Courage,” DA Stephan said. “The seven individuals we are honoring today are an example of the courage that exists within us when placed in dangerous or trying circumstances. This special event helps us shine a light on the many courageous crime victims our office serves in the pursuit of justice every day, and the importance of supporting victims’ rights, which is at the heart of our mission at the District Attorney’s Office. I am very proud and grateful for the tireless service performed by our Victim Advocates on behalf of crime victims.” 

The DA’s Victim Services Division strives to reduce the trauma, fear and pain experienced by victims, witnesses, and family members affected by crime. The Victim Assistance Program provides comprehensive services to all crime victims, while Victim Advocates are focused on providing assistance to victims of violent crimes. In 2024, they assisted 10,667 new crime victims. This assistance included 556 crisis interventions and 10,152 referrals to community resources. Additionally, 3,758 victims have completed 11,904 total visits to One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center since opening in 2022. These visits include comprehensive services such as case management, restraining orders, trauma therapy, forensic exams, connections to shelter and more.

This year, the Citizens of Courage Awards ceremony was held at the Liberty Station Conference Center in front of more than 350 invited dignitaries, elected officials, community leaders and guests. Below are the 2025 Citizens of Courage recipients and links to videos telling their stories:

JENNA BRIANS

Her maternal instinct and sixth sense led her to contact police in the middle of the night, who located her estranged husband as he was driving his truck off a cliff, allowing officers to rescue her twin daughters.

ERIN WILKERSON

A resilient human trafficking survivor who was arrested, testified against her trafficker and now overcomes her trauma while speaking to law enforcement, sex buyers and women in correctional facilities.

ROBERT MOORE

An off-duty security guard who witnessed a late-night shooting and came to the aid of the badly injured victim and her crying child.

A GROUP OF GOOD SAMARITANS

A group of individuals who each stopped on the freeway to help a CHP officer who had been shot. Without this selfless group effort and the role each person played, the officer likely would not have survived.

 

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

$1 Million in Restitution Ordered From Plumbing Contractor

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that plumbing contractor Daniela G. Birdwell has been ordered to pay $1,030,062 in restitution to the State Compensation Insurance Fund as part of a workers’ compensation fraud prosecution. Birdwell, the 41-year-old owner of GPS Plumbing, pleaded guilty to one count of Insurance Code Section 11880(a) – workers’ compensation insurance premium fraud. Judge Dwayne Moring also imposed a sentence of two years of formal felony probation, 320 hours of community service, and ordered Birdwell to pay $10,000 per month towards restitution.

“Employers who engage in premium fraud are not only breaking the law, they also gain an unfair advantage over their competitors,” said DA Stephan. “The dedicated investigators and prosecutors in our Insurance Fraud Division will continue to investigate this type of fraud to hold businesses accountable, protect employees, and level the playing field for law abiding companies.”

The State Fund provided workers’ compensation insurance coverage to GPS Plumbing from June 2016 through May 2021. The fraud was first discovered when a State Fund special investigation unit noticed a vast difference between wages the company reported to the Employment Development Department (EDD) and wages reported to the State Fund during policy audits. The State Fund then conducted an audit of GPS Plumbing’s workers’ compensation records which uncovered millions of dollars in unreported payroll. The State Fund’s Special Investigation Unit submitted a report of its suspected fraud case to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Insurance for investigation.

Insurance fraud costs U.S. consumers an estimated $80 to $90 billion per year. In California, it’s a $15 billion-a-year problem. It’s the second-largest economic crime in America, exceeded only by tax evasion. The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office combats this problem by using experienced specialists to confront the insurance fraud epidemic.

Deputy District Attorney David Bagheri prosecuted this case.

Deputy District Attorney Maura Duffey speaks to reporters after the arraignment of Yolanda Marodi.

DA Files Murder Charge in Stabbing Death of Cal Fire Captain

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today announced the arraignment of Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, 53, in connection with the stabbing death of her spouse, Rebecca Marodi, 49, a Cal Fire Captain. Olejniczak Marodi is charged with murder and pleaded not guilty at today’s hearing. She is being held without bail and if convicted faces 25 years-to-life in prison.  

Mexican authorities arrested the defendant last Sunday near a hotel in the Ferrocarril neighborhood of Mexicali after a binational five-week search. She was successfully handed over to U.S. Marshals and returned to San Diego County to face charges. 

The victim was employed at Cal Fire for more than 30 years. The pair had been married for about two years. On February 17, shortly before 9:00 p.m., San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the couple’s Ramona home. Marodi had suffered multiple stab wounds and died at the scene.  

“I want to thank the Sheriff’s Office for their thorough investigation and law enforcement on both sides of the border for locating and arresting this dangerous defendant so she could be returned to San Diego and face justice for this deadly crime,” said DA Stephan. “Rebecca Marodi was a beloved Fire Captain who devoted her life to protecting others, including recently battling the Eaton fire near Los Angeles and the capture of her killer will begin the court process with today’s arraignment. When the U.S. Marshals’ San Diego Fugitive Task force is looking for violent criminals, they can run but they can’t hide as we saw in this case.  This intimate partner homicide is a reminder that there are resources out there for individuals who are in fear for their safety.” 

In 2023, there were five domestic violence homicide victims of which the suspect was a current or former intimate partner, a 50% decrease from 2022. Statistics for 2024 are still being compiled. 

The District Attorney provides domestic violence and other services at no cost at One Safe Place:  The North County Family Justice Center. Assistance is also available by contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788. 

A status conference and bail review hearing is set for April 28, and a preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for June 24. Deputy District Attorney Maura Duffey is prosecuting this case.