Photo of a consumer with a credit card and cell phone.

DA Doubles Down on Consumer Protection

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today recognized National Consumer Protection Week (March 1 – March 7), and said her office is doubling down on its commitment to protecting consumers and is reminding residents that speaking up about scams, fraud, and unfair business practices helps protect the entire community.

“Consumer protection is about standing up for everyday people who were misled, overcharged, or taken advantage of,” said Summer Stephan. “When a company breaks the law, the harm is not abstract — it affects families who trusted what they were told and worked hard for their money. Our Consumer Protection Unit fights to hold companies who sideline the rules to unfairly enrich themselves accountable and to recover money for the people who were harmed. Our team of specialized prosecutors and investigators fights against big companies with armies of lawyers and win the battles for our everyday neighbors.”

“But these cases often begin with one person speaking up. A retiree who feels something isn’t right, a small business owner who notices a deceptive practice, or a neighbor who refuses to stay silent after being misled. During National Consumer Protection Week, I want everyone in San Diego County to know that your voice matters. When you report wrongdoing, you help us uncover patterns of misconduct, stop bad actors, and protect thousands of other consumers from being harmed.”

The District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit investigates unlawful business practices, and environmental abuses and pursues both civil and criminal cases against companies and individuals who defraud consumers. These actions can lead to restitution for victims, financial penalties for violators, and criminal charges when appropriate.

Recently, the DA’s Office secured a major consumer protection victory in a multi-county enforcement action involving Vivint Solar. The company agreed to a $4.3 million settlement, including a $3 million restitution fund for eligible consumers who lost money under certain solar power purchase agreements. This case demonstrates how enforcement actions can provide real financial relief for consumers harmed by deceptive practices.

The DA’s Consumer Protection Unit works to safeguard consumers and honest businesses by investigating and prosecuting unlawful business practices. The unit handles cases involving:

  • Scams targeting seniors, investigated through a first of its kind in the nation specialized Elder Justice Task Force
  • False or misleading advertising
  • Cyber scams, handled by the office’s specialized CATCH cybercrime team
  • Unfair pricing or billing practices, including those that occur after natural disasters
  • Deceptive contract terms or sales tactics including automatic renewal charges and scary debt collection tactics
  • Environmental violations, such as illegal disposal of toxic waste

Over the past year, the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit has taken significant action against businesses that violated consumer protection laws, including:

  • More than $13.6 million in consumer protection judgments against multiple companies
  • Criminal fraud charges filed against a business owner who cheated customers
  • A $1 million settlement for overcharging consumers at the point of sale
  • A $3 million consumer restitution fund secured in the Vivint Solar case

These outcomes reflect meaningful consequences for businesses that break the law and real relief for consumers who have suffered financial harm.

Most consumer protection investigations begin with a complaint from a member of the public. When residents report suspicious business practices, it helps investigators identify patterns of misconduct that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the District Attorney’s Office cannot act as a private attorney for individual disputes, consumer complaints frequently form the basis for broader enforcement actions that protect thousands of people.

Residents who believe they have been misled or harmed by a company are encouraged to report it. To file a consumer complaint:

Submit a complaint online:

https://www.sdcda.org/preventing/consumer-protection/

Call: (619) 531-3507

Email: consumer@sdcda.org

Photo of District Attorney Investigator Helen Williams for Black History Month.

Meet District Attorney Investigator Helen Williams

In honor of Black History Month, which is celebrated throughout the month of February, the DA’s Office is featuring stories of employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service.

Meet District Attorney Investigator Helen Williams, who was born and raised in San Diego.

While at San Diego State University, she worked with teens at Juvenile Court and Community Schools, adolescents with disabilities as a teacher’s aide, and the Probation Department’s Repeat Offender Prevention Program (ROPP). After graduating from SDSU, she first joined the DA’s Office in 1999 as an Account Services Representative with Child Support Services, then served nearly 20 years as a Deputy Sheriff with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office.  Then, she returned to the DA’s Office in 2019 as a District Attorney Investigator in Family Protection. She is currently a DA Investigator with the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (S.A.F.E.) Task Force in the Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Division, where she oversees enforcing sex offender registration laws and enhancing public safety. She monitors registered offenders, conducts compliance checks, supports public notifications, and assists Deputy District Attorneys with Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) investigations, court hearings, and Community Safety Team meetings for conditionally released SVPs.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?  

“Growing up amid prevalent gang violence, I saw how it impacted good families and neighbors in my community. My student role on Probation’s ROPP team gave me firsthand insight into juvenile offenders’ underlying challenges, motivating me to be part of the solution. I chose law enforcement to protect and uplift my community, and the DA’s Office to fight for victims of child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence—honoring my family’s legacy of service through fairness and justice.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  
“One of the most meaningful parts of my job is connecting with survivors of sexual assault and child abuse. Many Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) cases reach back decades, with some survivors victimized as children. Being trusted with their stories and healing journeys is deeply humbling. Law enforcement has made tremendous progress—embracing new technology, trauma-informed practices, and stronger victims’ rights protections. I prioritize making survivors feel seen, heard, and in control, while supporting Deputy District Attorneys as they fight for justice, accountability, and community safety. What stays with me most are moments when survivors share their strength and the lives they’ve built beyond their trauma.”

What does Black History Month mean to you, why is it important to you? 

“For me, Black History Month is both celebration and reflection. As a Black woman of Japanese and African American roots in law enforcement, it symbolizes strength, perseverance, and progress. I take deep pride in my family’s legacy—my father raised in the Jim Crow South, my grandfather as one of Savannah’s first Black dentists, and my uncle’s Great Migration journey to New York Supreme Court judge. Their resilience inspires my 26 years of service and commitment to fairness, integrity, and representation. Black History Month honors trailblazers who opened doors and challenges us to carry their legacy forward through our work, justice, community leadership, and service.”

Photo of Senior I.T. Engineer Sunday Fateropa for Black History Month.

Meet Senior I.T. Engineer Sunday Fateropa

In honor of Black History Month, which is celebrated throughout the month of February, the DA’s Office is featuring stories of employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service.

Meet Senior I.T. Engineer Sunday Fateropa, who was born and raised in Osun State located in the southern part of Nigeria.

Before joining the District Attorney’s Office, he worked as a Software Engineer for a power-sports parts and accessories retailer.  Additionally, for approximately two decades, he also worked as Information Technology Engineer, Computer Programmer, Web and Windows Application Developer, System Analyst and Software Developer for a series of employers in medical equipment, sales, marketing, traveling and banking industries.

He has been with the DA’s Office sin 2019. As Senior I.T. Engineer for the DA’s Information Technology Division, he is a web and windows application developer and a programmer, including the DA’s Case Management System application. As a web developer, he works on updating and supporting the DA’s public website as well as developing new standalone enterprise web applications that are customized to increase the organization’s productivity and efficiency.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?  

“I joined the District Attorney’s Office to be able to use all the skills and experience that I’ve acquired over the years to contribute to society. The District Attorney’s Office is tasked with enforcing equality and protecting the rights of the less privileged through prosecuting crimes, protecting victims’ rights, and preventing crimes. Without law enforcement and accountability, there will be a breakdown of law and order so contributing my skills and experience in technology is a way of adding my own quota to the development and strengthening of my community, addressing inequality, and supporting vulnerable populations in the society.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“My favorite part of application development is putting a smile on the face of individuals after resolving their problems or when other staff use the applications that I put together to perform tasks. It gives me a sense of accomplishments when the developed applications were able to solve complex tasks for the users since I know that this alone will save lots of time and will help users to focus on other important tasks.”

What does Black History Month mean to you, why is it important to you? 

“Black History Month to me is a way of honoring and celebrating our past and present leaders and heroes who dedicated their time, energy, and life to fighting for equality and justice so that those that are coming behind them will not have to face the same type of hardship they themselves faced. It is a way of recognizing our leaders struggles for liberation and for their significant achievements.”

 

 

In Photo: Scripps Health President and CEO Chris Van Gorder today presented San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan with the Scripps President’s Award.

DA Stephan Receives Scripps President’s Award for Efforts to Help Reduce Hospital Violence

Scripps Health President and CEO Chris Van Gorder today presented San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan with the Scripps President’s Award for her leadership and partnership in efforts to help reduce crimes involving workplace violence against hospital workers across the region.

The award is the nonprofit health system’s highest honor for distinguished service to patients, physicians and staff at Scripps and to the broader community. DA Stephan has played a pivotal role in the growth of the San Diego Hospital Workforce Violence Task Force and in prosecuting criminal cases that have come forward since the group began in mid-2023.

“We are deeply grateful to DA Stephan for championing the important work of our regional Hospital Workforce Violence Task Force,” Van Gorder said. “Her leadership is helping us continually improve the way we protect and bring justice for frontline health care workers all across San Diego County.”

A former police officer and a retired reserve assistant sheriff, Van Gorder initiated the San Diego Hospital Workforce Violence Task Force as violent incidents in Scripps’ hospitals grew more common. With strong support from DA Stephan, the group has gradually grown to include leaders from various hospitals and health systems from throughout San Diego County, the DA’s Office, San Diego City Attorney’s office, San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, various regional police departments and others. The DA’s Office has put in place a special unit to handle hospital violence cases.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive the Scripps President’s Award and to stand alongside President Chris Van Gorder and our hospital partners in sending a clear message that violence against health care workers will not be tolerated,” said DA Stephan. “Our nation and region have seen an alarming rise in violence against doctors, nurses and health workers who have devoted their lives to serving others. In San Diego County, we took action to protect these selfless health professionals through the Hospital Workforce Violence Task Force, and creating a specialized team within the DA’s Office to effectively prosecute crimes committed against health workers.

“Our message is clear – You don’t get to threaten, spit on, beat, or stab the devoted hospital staff without facing justice,” DA Stephan said. “Justice in the over 100 cases we’ve prosecuted often includes addressing the root causes of the violence through court ordered mental health and substance abuse treatment. This recognition reflects the extraordinary work of our District Attorney’s Office team – especially Deputy District Attorneys Jessica Coto and Jessica Sutterley, and District Attorney Investigator Donte Kendricks, whose leadership and dedication on the Hospital Workforce Violence Task Force have strengthened protections for frontline medical professionals and helped ensure accountability for those who harm them.”

 

Group photo of the Scripps Health President's Award presented to DA Summer Stephan.

Group photo of the Scripps Health President’s Award presented to DA Summer Stephan.

The DA’s Office has prosecuted a combined 125 cases of hospital-related violence across the region since July 2023, when it started tracking such data. This includes 88 felonies countywide and 37 misdemeanors outside of the city of San Diego. (The City Attorney’s Office prosecutes misdemeanor cases within the city of San Diego.) These prosecutions have resulted in just consequences.

Moving forward, the DA’s Office plans to report expanded statistics on how many cases occur in specific medical facilities, as well as the type of criminal charges seen most frequently.

The task force, which meets every other month, has taken several steps to help improve communication and mutual understanding of workplace violence among regional hospitals, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices. For example, the group has established liaisons between hospitals and law enforcement agencies; arranged rounding tours through hospitals by law enforcement; and improved training for both hospital staff and law enforcement officers.

Scripps has worked closely with the DA’s Office to develop an online resource to guide Scripps staff through the prosecution process and has created other educational materials on the health system’s internal employee website. Scripps also has trained its staff to help avoid injuries and de-escalate potentially violent situations; incorporated artificial intelligence into existing video surveillance cameras to identify and respond to suspicious activity; integrated hospital security officers more closely into patient care teams; and deployed metal detectors outside of some facilities.

These internal efforts at Scripps, combined with its ongoing collaboration with the task force, have yielded positive results. After the first year that the task force was in place, Scripps achieved a 31% reduction in workplace violence injuries at its five hospital campuses, compared to the previous year. And from the start of the task force through the end of 2025, Scripps has achieved a 21% reduction in workplace violence injuries.

Scripps also advocated for Assembly Bill 977, a state law implemented in 2025 that increases jail time and financial penalties for people who assault emergency department workers. And Scripps supported Senate Bill 19, which was signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2025 and allows prosecution for threats made against medical facilities, schools, houses of worship and other locations.

Health care workers account for 73% of all nonfatal workplace violence victims and are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than are other workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

ABOUT SCRIPPS HEALTH 

Founded in 1924 by philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps, Scripps Health is a nonprofit integrated health care delivery system based in San Diego, Calif. Scripps treats more than 600,000 patients annually through the dedication of more than 3,500 affiliated physicians and nearly 18,000 employees among its five acute-care hospital campuses, more than 70 outpatient and specialty locations, and hundreds of affiliated physician offices throughout the region.

 

Recognized as a leader in disease and injury prevention, diagnosis and treatment, Scripps is also at the forefront of clinical research and is the only health system in the region with two level 1 trauma centers. With highly respected graduate medical education programs at all five hospital campuses, Scripps is a longstanding member of the Association of American Medical Colleges. Scripps has been ranked seven times as one of the nation’s best health care systems by Premier. Its hospitals are consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the nation’s best, and Scripps is recognized by the Advisory Board, Fortune and Working Mother magazine as one of the best places in the nation to work. More information can be found at www.scripps.org.

 

ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

The San Diego County DA’s Office prosecutes all felony crimes in the county and misdemeanor crimes committed outside the City of San Diego. The office files about 40,000 criminal cases a year and balances prosecution with numerous crime prevention programs. District Attorney Summer Stephan leads the office of more than 1,000 dedicated employees who pursue fair and equal justice, and support victims daily across San Diego County. You can learn more at SanDiegoDA.gov.

Photo of Supervising District Attorney Investigator Ameilia Mitcalf for Black History Month.

Supervising District Attorney Investigator Ameilia Mitcalf

In honor of Black History Month, which is celebrated throughout the month of February, the DA’s Office is featuring stories of employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service.

Meet Supervising District Attorney Investigator Ameilia Mitcalf, who was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California.  However, during her summers and school breaks, she traveled to Louisiana to spend time with her father and extended family, which allowed her to experience different cultures, values, and ways of life that helped shape who she is today.

Before working at the District Attorney’s Office, she served with several law enforcement agencies. Ameilia began her career in law enforcement in September 2001, working for the San Diego State University Police Department, where she served for several years. She then joined the San Diego Police Department and was assigned primarily to the Southeastern Division, working in patrol, Community Relations, the Juvenile Service Team, and Investigations as a Detective. She also spent time working investigations in the Vice Unit and later transferred to Southern Division, where she continued to work investigations for several years before leaving the department in 2015.

After relocating to the Bay Area, she joined the Walnut Creek Police Department, where she worked in patrol and was promoted to Detective, handling sex crimes and child abuse investigations. Although she valued that experience, she missed San Diego and ultimately decided to return and joined the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office as an Investigator in 2018. She worked in the Economic Crimes Division for several years before transferring to the Child Abduction Unit until she was promoted to Supervising District Attorney Investigator in 2025. She is currently assigned to the Juvenile Branch as the Supervising District Attorney Investigator, where she is responsible for leading a team of Investigators who each manage caseloads involving juvenile-related crimes. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the unit, including assigning cases, reviewing reports, evaluating performance, and providing guidance and support to both the investigators and Deputy District Attorneys. In addition, she serves as a liaison and resource for outside agencies, ensuring collaboration and effective communication as it relates to our cases.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?  

“Since I was a young child, I have been intrigued by the work of law enforcement and the responsibility that comes with serving and protecting others. From an early age, I developed a strong passion for helping people and a desire to be a voice for those who cannot always stand up for themselves. The idea of seeking justice for the vulnerable and ensuring that everyone is treated fairly has always resonated with me on a personal level. My father and several other family members were in law enforcement, and I always admired the courage and dedication they had. Their example left a lasting impression on me and inspired a deep sense of respect and admiration for the profession. I developed a strong desire to follow in their footsteps and pursue a career in law enforcement, not only as a profession, but as a calling to serve my community, protect those in need, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

I chose to work at the District Attorney’s Office because I wanted to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of victims and their families. Being involved in the investigative process once cases come to the DA’s office allows me to support the pursuit of justice with care, diligence, and integrity. Beyond the work itself, I believe it is essential to build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with the community we serve, creating bridges that provide support, understanding, and hope to those who need it most.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing those who have harmed others held accountable, knowing our work can bring justice and a sense of peace to victims. I especially value being part of a team of dedicated individuals who support one another and share a commitment to ensuring that justice is not only pursued but truly achieved.”

What does Black History Month mean to you, why is it important to you? 

“Black History Month is important to me because it provides dedicated time to honor the achievements, resilience, and sacrifices of those who came before me. I believe that without understanding the past, it is impossible to fully appreciate the progress and opportunities we have today. This time serves not only as a moment of reflection, but also as an opportunity to educate, inspire, and encourage meaningful conversations. It fosters an environment of understanding—one that acknowledges current systemic issues and promotes open dialogue on how we can work together to overcome them and create lasting change.”

 

 

Photo of Gavel and prison cell.

Point Loma Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Executing Sister and Nephew, and Shooting his Mother

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a 61-year-old man who killed his sister and nephew and seriously injured his then 86-year-old mother in an August 2024 family dispute, has been sentenced to two terms of life without parole plus 82 years in prison.

William Bushey was convicted by a jury in January of two counts of first-degree murder, with a use of a firearm allegation and the special circumstances for multiple homicides. He was also convicted of premeditated attempted murder and elder abuse with a firearm. In August 2024, Bushey shot and killed his sister, Laurie Robinson, 61, and her son, Brett Robinson, 33, and seriously wounded his mother, June Bushey, who survived but sustained critical injuries during the attack.

“Family violence shatters lives,” DA Stephan said. “When tragedy strikes within the home, the effects are devastating and reverberate far beyond the immediate victims. Our hearts are with the loved ones left behind, and we remain committed to holding violent offenders accountable for their actions.”

The case underscored the profound harm caused when domestic conflicts escalate into violence.

During the trial, Deputy District Attorney Scott Pirrello presented evidence showing that the defendant found himself on the verge of being kicked out of the family home for his poor behavior and he blamed his sister and mother for it. This tension within the family ultimately erupted into the fatal shootings.

Bushey lived with his elderly mother without contributing to the household and interacted very little with family members for over a decade in the family’s Point Loma home. He became upset when his sister moved into the home.

Over the course of nine days, Bushey’s agitated and aggressive behavior became so concerning that police were called to the house twice for disturbances, although none of the reported acts rose to the level of criminal conduct. By the day of the shootings, the family was on the verge of beginning the eviction process for Bushey and had ordered a surveillance system to be installed in the home. The internet system that was based in Bushey’s bedroom was relocated to another area of the home, upsetting him even further.

Bushey confronted his family about the Wi-Fi being turned off and then went into his bedroom and retrieved a shotgun that he had purchased in 2012 but had kept secret. He loaded the shotgun to maximum capacity and armed himself with additional shells and went looking for his family. He fired six rounds from the shotgun as he pursued his mother and sister who fled toward the back patio.  Bushey’s actions resulted in the deaths of his sister and nephew and caused catastrophic injuries to his mother who lost most of her right hand and suffered a “through and through” wound to her left upper abdomen, missing her heart by mere centimeters.

“This defendant was savage and ruthless in the way he hunted down his own family,” DA Stephan said. “I hope today’s sentence brings a measure of justice to the family of the victims and the community at large. I’m proud of the dedication and excellence that Deputy District Attorney Scott Pirrello and the DA team brought to this complex case.”

Preventing and prosecuting domestic violence and elder abuse and supporting victims through the tumultuous criminal justice process is a cornerstone of the work done by the District Attorney’s Offices. Thousands of crime victims are served through the DA’s two Family Justice Centers in San Marcos and National City, where they can obtain comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual assault and other forms of family violence. The office coordinates training for professionals across the county to recognize domestic violence warning signs, partners with community organizations to expand culturally sensitive support services and participates in public awareness and outreach efforts such as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

For more information about available services, visit: https://ospsandiegocounty.gov/

Photo of Legal Support Manager Tonya Bailey for Black History Month. The Hall of Justice building is in the background of the photo.

Meet Legal Support Manager Tonya Bailey

In honor of Black History Month, which is celebrated throughout the month of February, the DA’s Office is featuring stories of employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service.

Meet Legal Support Manager Tonya Bailey, who was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee.  Her family is a military family, so before joining the DA’s Office she was in Manama, Bahrain where she was a director of the Child Development Center. Tonya joined our office in 2007 as an Interim Clerk (Office Assistant) and she is currently the Legal Support Manager at the North County Branch. In her current role, she manages the overall operations of the North County Regional Center, ensuring staff growth and development. The North County Branch receives cases from approximately 12 law enforcement agencies in the area.

During her free time, Tonya loves to sing and spend time with her family. “My faith in God is the priority of my life, and I enjoy using my gifts and talents to bless others,” she said. “I have fostered 7 children and adopted 3; I have worked with many other children during the past 20 years to help them overcome the challenges that they face and find renewed hope for their future.”

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?  

“The main reason I was inspired to work at the DA’s office is my strong belief and commitment to justice. I believe that one of the necessary requirements to living a life of peace and freedom is justice. Where there is no justice, the people suffer and live in fear. I am thankful for the opportunity to work in a profession that is dedicated to serving the community through instilling law and order.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“I love to mentor, inspire, and observe the growth and development of our staff. I enjoy watching people obtain success at every level in the workplace and become confident and thrive in their chosen profession.”

What does Black History Month mean to you, why is it important to you? 

“Black History Month helps us to remember and recognize the accomplishments of the black community throughout history that are often overlooked. From history, we have many black leaders that dedicated their life to freedom, justice, and the fair treatment of all people. These ideals are based on the Bible, that all men are created in the image of God and that every man has a God created purpose and plan. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who often risked and ultimately gave up his life so that all people will be seen as a person and not labeled according to the color of their skin stated, ‘That men should be judged by their character and not by the color of their skin.’ These ideals should be important to us all and should be fought for in a peaceful manner. Lastly, Black History Month to me also highlights what great things we as human beings can accomplish when we embrace our differences as such and not as right or wrong. When we work together as a human race and respect each other and treat each other with love and care. Abraham Lincoln stated, ‘That all men are created equal.’ I believe that Black History Month should serve as a reminder of who we all are, and that we should all strive to become a better ‘united’ us.”

 

 

Photo of Deputy District Attorney Christopher Chandler for Black History Month. The Hall of Justice building is in the background of the photo.

Meet Deputy DA Christopher Chandler

In honor of Black History Month, which is celebrated throughout the month of February, the DA’s Office is featuring stories of employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service.

Meet Deputy District Attorney Christopher Chandler, who was born and raised in Missouri and grew up in a small town of Sain Joseph, located on the Missouri River. His family moved to Sacramento, California when he was 14 years old.

Before working at the DA’s Office, he worked for the General Counsel of the San Diego Regional Airport Authority, where he assisted the General Counsel with legal research, drafted legal pleadings, prepared discovery, wrote memoranda and assisted with public records requests. He also frequently accompanied and supported the General Counsel and staff attorneys when they advised the Airport Authority Board of Directors and airport staff on legal issues, federal regulations, employment law, and contractual issues.

Christopher has been with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office since 2008, when he was an intern assigned to the El Cajon Branch, then returned as a Graduate Law Clerk in 2009. In 2011, Christopher was officially hired as a Deputy District Attorney with our office and is currently assigned to the East County Branch as a Prelim Team Leader. In his current role, reviews and assigns all preliminary trials in the East County Branch, observes DDA’s in court and provides feedback, assists DDA’s in evaluating cases, and meets with DDA’s daily to discuss witness issues, legal issues, and evidentiary challenges in prelims. He also supports the prelim team by covering prelims, restitution hearings, review hearings, and sentencing hearings as needed. This is in addition to his own caseload that presently consists of a murder and an attempted murder. Separate from supporting the prelim team, he also supervises the East County Branch interns and graduate law clerks – reviewing their written work, observe and supervise their court appearances, and provide constructive feedback on their performance.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?  

“My mother indirectly inspired me to choose a career in public service at the DA’s Office. My mother worked in the community her whole life. She was first a community organizer who worked to provide resources to the community and connect families to affordable housing. Today, she runs a non-profit dedicated to promoting minority health and wellness and supports African American youth who aspire to have careers in healthcare. Watching my mother impact the lives of so many people in our community inspired me to help in my own way, I chose public service. Working at the DA’s Office gives me an opportunity to serve the public daily by working with law enforcement and victims of crime to promote public safety and make our community safer for everyone.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“My favorite part of being a DA is working with the community. I really enjoy speaking with people from our community. As a team leader, I frequently get the opportunity to speak with victims, witnesses, and family members who have questions, seek restitution, are frustrated with the court process, or grieving the loss or injury of a loved one. I really enjoy sitting down and listening to people because so many of them just want to be heard. They often just want someone to acknowledge their frustration, listen to their pain, and try to do something to help them. I am fortunate that I get the opportunity to help people every week and I have a wonderful team of staff, victim advocates, paralegals, and investigators who are here to support them and provide help too.  I also really enjoy supervising, mentoring, and supporting new attorneys and law students. It’s very rewarding to see students and young lawyers grow to be outstanding prosecutors who support our victims and are inspired to protect our community.”

What does Black History Month mean to you, why is it important to you? 

“Black History Month is incredibly important to me for two reasons. First, the history of our nation is incredibly important to us all and Black history is American history. You can’t tell the full story of American history without describing the plight of Black Americans and other minorities who helped shape our society. Black History month allows us an opportunity to highlight significant historical contributions by black Americans to American culture, society, education, sports, music, and civil rights. Additionally, Black History Month shines a spotlight on important Black American historical figures whose tremendous contributions to American culture and society were often diminished, or even condemned, by the racism, segregation, or discrimination of their time. Second, Black History Month is an incredibly important cultural event. It provides an opportunity and a space for all Americans to gather, engage, network, learn, celebrate, and honor the cultural heritage of black Americans.”

Outside the office, Christopher participates in some really rewarding community organizations. He is the Southwest Regional Director of the National Black Prosecutors Association (NBPA) – a national professional membership organization dedicated the training, education, and advancement of black prosecutors. Additionally, he is Secretary of the San Diego Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation (EBGBF) – a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to represent the interests of the African American legal community by providing scholarships to law students, and assisting, educating, and empowering African American legal professionals.

 

 

Photo of Deputy DA Aliyah Redic for Black History Month. The Hall of Justice Building is in the background.

Meet Deputy DA Aliyah Redic

In honor of Black History Month, which is celebrated throughout the month of February, the DA’s Office is featuring stories of employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service.

Meet Deputy District Attorney Aliyah Redic, who has been with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office since 2022. Aliyah was born and raised in San Diego County and her first job out of law school was with the San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office. She is currently assigned to the Superior Court Felony Trial Team, where she tries a variety of felony cases ranging from vehicle code violations to attempted murders and murders.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?  

“With a family legacy of proud veterans, public service was second nature.  I have always been passionate about giving back to my community. I chose to become a prosecutor because it aligned with my passion, advocating for victims.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“As a prosecutor, the primary goal is justice. The pursuit of justice is incredibly rewarding.”

What does Black History Month mean to you, why is it important to you? 

“The legacy and achievements we honor during Black History Month are what made it possible for me to be both a first-generation college graduate, and a first-generation attorney. To me, black history serves as a reminder that anyone can make a difference. That personal perspective underscores the broader significance of recognizing and honoring Black history. Black History Month is important because it honors the profound impact, resilience, and achievements of the black community.”

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

Vivint Solar to Pay $4.3 Million Consumer Settlement for Misleading Customers

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, along with four other California prosecutors’ offices, has secured a $4.3 million settlement with Vivint Solar, Inc. and its related entities to resolve consumer protection violations involving the company’s solar power purchase agreements (PPAs). The settlement stems from allegations tied to residential solar installation and energy contracts that VivintSolar entered into with California consumers between August 2016 and October 2020.

The complaint, filed in Riverside County Superior Court, alleges that in advertising and promoting its solar energy systems and the terms of the PPAs, Vivint Solar misrepresented the agreements or failed to make adequate disclosures to avoid misleading consumers.

“When companies use misleading and aggressive tactics to ensnare customers, as in the case of this solar company, they are engaging in unfair competition and other consumer protection violations and will be held responsible under the law,” DA Stephan said. “Many of these companies commit the same violations across the state and being able to leverage our office’s statewide consumer protection partnerships allows us to do more to protect San Diegans. One of the most beneficial aspects of this case is the availability of $3 million for consumers to request reimbursement of losses they suffered. I am grateful to our Consumer Protection Team for holding businesses accountable and obtaining justice for consumers.”

Examples of Vivint Solar’s alleged violations include:

  • Misrepresenting the relationship between Vivint Solar and the local utility company, including wearing clothing branded with a Southern California utility company.
  • Misrepresenting energy or cost savings by telling consumers their bills would be lowered, when in many cases they climbed higher.
  • Misrepresenting consumers’ ability to cancel the contract or agreement in question.

In the final judgment, Vivint Solar is prohibited from engaging in unfair, illegal or fraudulent business practices related to its solar energy systems, including:

    • Making any false statement about the company’s relationship with a local utility, energy savings a customer might expect to receive, or a customer’s ability to cancel the contract.
    • Requesting, ordering, or otherwise obtaining a consumer credit report in connection with a consumer’s application for a loan or credit without first obtaining the consumer’s written consent.
    • Creating accounts related to the purchase, installation, servicing, or lease of any Solar Energy System without first obtaining the consumer’s written consent.
    • Failing to provide translations of written contracts related to the purchase, installation, servicing, or lease of any Solar Energy System in the language in which the contract was negotiated before the execution of such contract; and
    • Enforcing a liquidated damages provision in its agreements or contracts, including but not limited to a Vivint Solar PPA, that does not comply with the provisions of Civil Code section 1671 and California case law interpreting that statute.

Under the terms of the judgment, which was entered without admission of liability, Vivint Solar will pay a total of $1.3 million in civil penalties and investigative costs. It will also establish a restitution fund of $3 million to cover valid requests for restitution from a California consumer regarding solar energy systems sold by VivintSolar or the terms of any Vivint Solar PPA that fall between August 3, 2016, and October 8, 2020. On October 8, 2020, Vivint Solar became a wholly owned subsidiary of Sunrun, Inc. (“Sunrun”). Sunrun is not a party to this law enforcement action.

Notification to California consumers of the provisions of the Stipulated Judgment, including time limitations on making a claim and methods to submit a claim for restitution, will be provided by Vivint Solar and available on the consumer-facing website of VivintSolar, Inc. and Sunrun. Vivint’s other entities included in the settlement are Vivint Solar Holdings, Inc. and Vivint Solar Developer, LLC (“Vivint Solar”).

The case was jointly prosecuted by the District Attorneys of San Diego, Riverside, Alameda, Fresno and San Francisco. The prosecutors noted that Vivint Solar and Sunrun and its counsel have worked cooperatively with the public agencies to resolve the matter.

Deputy District Attorney Colleen Huschke prosecuted this case for the District Attorney’s Office.