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Portrait of Rebecca Gomez, Legal Support Manager, smiling in front of a blue background, with a caption reading “Rebecca Gomez” and “Legal Support Manager” and a badge stating “Hispanic Heritage Month.”

Meet Legal Support Manager Rebecca Gomez

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is highlighting employees whose experiences, backgrounds and dedication to public service help strengthen our office and the communities we serve.

For Legal Support Manager Rebecca Gomez, a career with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is rooted in a commitment to helping others and a family history that is deeply connected to an important chapter in San Diego and civil rights history.

Born and raised in San Diego, Rebecca began her career with the County working in Child Support after previously working in healthcare for Sharp and Kaiser. She joined the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2002 and has spent more than two decades helping support the work of the office.

Today, she serves as the Legal Support Manager at the South Bay Branch, where she oversees the daily operations of the Legal Support Staff.

For Rebecca, her role is about more than overseeing operations. One of the most rewarding parts of her work is helping employees develop their careers and seeing people she once interviewed and hired go on to become professionals within the office.

“I am proud and fulfilled knowing that I played a small part in their career journey and success,” she said.

Her connection to Hispanic Heritage Month is deeply personal. Her great-grandfather, Juan Gonzalez, was involved in the Lemon Grove Incident of 1931, a landmark San Diego County case in which Mexican American children had been separated from other students and sent to a separate school. The case resulted in a court ruling that prohibited the segregation of the Mexican American children.

Her grandmother and her siblings were among the children affected. Growing up, Rebecca heard stories from her grandmother about what happened and about her great-grandfather’s role in the legal fight.

That family history has given Hispanic Heritage Month a special meaning for Rebecca—one that goes beyond celebrating her heritage.

“It reminds me of the courage, strength and determination of the generations before me,” she said.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law enforcement or to work at the DA’s Office?

“I was transferred to the DA’s office from Child Support during a County Wide layoff. When I was given the opportunity to go back to Child Support I declined. I felt working at the DA’s office was much more fulfilling. The work we do impacts the entire community and it makes me feel good that I can be a small part of helping to keep our community safe.”

What is your favorite part of your job?

“My favorite part of my job is the leadership role I play in helping to develop and guide support staff towards promotions or other careers within our office. When I see student workers who I interviewed and hired go on to become professionals in our office, it makes me feel proud and fulfilled knowing that I played a small part in their career journey and success.”

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

“I love sports and being outdoors. In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, hiking, camping, and Padres games.”

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

“Hispanic Heritage Month is meaningful to me because it reminds me of where I come from and the people in my family who helped make a difference for future generations. My great-grandfather, Juan Gonzalez, was part of the Lemon Grove Incident in 1931, when Mexican American children were being separated from the other children and sent to a separate classroom. The case is recognized as the first successful school desegregation court decision in U.S. history. My grandmother and her siblings were among the children affected. Growing up, my grandmother would tell me stories about what happened and about the role my great-grandfather played in fighting the segregation of the children. My great-grandfather served as guardian ad litem for Roberto Alvarez, one of the children at the center of the case, and the court ultimately ruled that the Mexican American children could not be segregated from the other students. Knowing that this history is part of my own family makes Hispanic Heritage Month mean much more to me than simply celebrating my heritage. It reminds me of the courage, strength, and determination of the generations before me. I am proud of my great-grandfather and of my grandmother and her siblings, who was part of a moment in history that helped create a better future for Mexican American children. It also reminds me that the opportunities we have today were not always available to everyone. People in my family stood up for what was right, and their actions made a difference. That history is something I am proud to carry with me, and it is why Hispanic Heritage Month is so important to me.

I am thankful for the opportunity the DA’s office has given me and I enjoy the people I work with.”

 

Headshot of Felix Salazar in a black jacket and white shirt, smiling against a light background; a lower-third label reads “Felix Salazar, Senior DA Investigator” and “Hispanic Heritage Month.”

Meet Senior DA Investigator Felix Salazar

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is highlighting employees whose experiences, backgrounds and dedication to public service help strengthen our office and the communities we serve.

For Senior District Attorney Investigator Felix Salazar, a career dedicated to serving others began in the Imperial Valley and continued through service in the United States Marine Corps and more than two decades in law enforcement.

Born and raised in Brawley, California, Investigator Salazar joined the Marine Corps in 1998, serving until 2002. He began his law enforcement career that same year, working for the Brawley Police Department and later the Carlsbad Police Department in a variety of assignments.

In 2018, he joined the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Today, he serves as a Senior District Attorney Investigator assigned to the East County Branch, where he conducts and assists with investigations involving cases prosecuted by the office.

His work includes locating and interviewing victims and witnesses, gathering and reviewing evidence, serving subpoenas, conducting follow-up investigations and working closely with Deputy District Attorneys and law enforcement partners to prepare cases for court.

For Senior Investigator Salazar, the work is ultimately about service.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law enforcement or to work at the DA’s Office?

“I have always been drawn to public service and to work that has a direct impact on people’s lives. My time in the Marine Corps reinforced the importance of teamwork, accountability, discipline and service to others. Law enforcement allowed me to continue that commitment while helping people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Joining the District Attorney’s Office allowed me to apply my experience to complex investigations and work closely with prosecutors and law enforcement partners. I value being part of a team that works to seek justice for victims, support their families and move cases forward.”

What is your favorite part of your job?

“My favorite part of the job is the people I work with and the sense of purpose that comes with the work. I enjoy being part of a team that works through challenging investigations and knowing that our efforts can make a meaningful difference for victims, their families and our community. I also appreciate working alongside dedicated team members who take pride in what they do and are committed to serving the public.”

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

“Family is very important to me, and I enjoy spending time with my wife and children. We especially enjoy traveling together, exploring new places and making memories as a family. In my spare time, I also enjoy watching boxing and other combat sports.”

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

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for me to reflect on where I come from and the sacrifices my family made to create opportunities for the next generation. As a first-generation American with family from Mexico, my heritage has shaped my values, especially the importance of family, hard work and serving others. I am proud of my background and hope my career shows that you can stay connected to where you come from while still creating new opportunities for yourself and others.

After more than two decades in law enforcement, I am still grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow and serve alongside great people. I am proud to be part of the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and to contribute to a team committed to helping our community.”

 

Funeral memorial poster for “Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi” with a smiling firefighter in a dark uniform on the left, fire department patches on his chest, and the dates “June 14, 1975 – February 17, 2025” on a dark background.

Ramona Wife Who Killed Fire Captain and Fled to Mexico Sentenced to Prison

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that 54-year-old Yolanda Marodi, who was convicted of stabbing her wife to death, has been sentenced to 36 years-to-life in prison.

Yolanda Marodi pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on August 4, one month before trial was set to begin in the slaying of Rebecca Marodi, a Riverside County Fire Captain.

“This was a vicious murder of a respected and dedicated Fire Captain who dedicated her entire career to serving her community,” DA Stephan said. “This case also shows that no one is immune to domestic violence, which is one of the most hidden and dangerous forms of violence we confront. We can honor Captain Rebecca Marodi’s memory by joining together to safeguard victims of domestic violence and hold their abusers accountable. I am grateful to Deputy District Attorneys Maura Duffey and Jared Coleman, who prosecuted this case with care.”

Last February, when the couple’s two-year marriage began deteriorating, Yolanda Marodi stabbed Rebecca Marodi nearly two dozen times in her neck, chest and abdomen, inside their home in Ramona. Yolanda Marodi then fled the scene and crossed the border into Mexico. Rebecca’s mother returned home later in the evening, found her daughter and called 911, but Rebecca was pronounced deceased at the scene. More than a month later, Yolanda Marodi was apprehended in Mexico and extradited back to San Diego where she was charged with Rebecca’s murder. The charges also included an allegation that she had previously been convicted of voluntary manslaughter.

[VIDEO: Watch the emotional victim impact statement from Lorena Marodi, the victim’s mother.]

Domestic violence has many forms including physical aggression, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, stalking, or financial abuse. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, frighten, terrorize, injure, or wound someone.

If you or someone you know is being abused, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233. More resources can be found on the District Attorney’s website.

In addition, One Safe Place: San Diego County Family Justice Centers provide no-cost support services under one roof to anyone who has experienced child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, hate crime, elder abuse, human trafficking, violent loss, family violence, or other abuse or victimization. For more information, visit One Safe Place, here.

 

Head-and-shoulders portrait of a man with long brown hair and a mustache, wearing round glasses and a light T-shirt against a plain gray background; a caption reads “Photo of Victim: Cecil Zachary Jr.”

Oceanside Man Guilty for 2008 Murder of Military Veteran with Paraplegia

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that Jeffrey Roberson, 60, was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder for the 2008 killing of Cecil Zachary Jr., a military veteran with paraplegia who was beaten to death with a wooden log in his Oceanside home. The jury also found true an allegation that Roberson used a deadly weapon, a wooden log, in the commission of the murder.

On June 19, 2008, a home care nurse discovered Zachary, 51, dead in hospital bed in the living room of his home in the 1500 block of Molly Circle in Oceanside’s Fire Mountain neighborhood. A towel covered his face, and responding officers observed obvious signs of trauma. Zachary had been paralyzed from the waist down following a traffic collision decades earlier and rarely left his bed. A log was found at the scene and was suspected to be the murder weapon.  The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that he died from blunt-force injuries to the head.

For more than 17 years, investigators worked to identify the person responsible for Zachary’s killing, but the case remained unsolved. The investigation was ultimately revived through advances in forensic DNA technology. Investigators used new DNA technology to extract and collect DNA from the log and a DNA profile was developed that linked Roberson to the killing. In February 2025, Oceanside Police Department detectives arrested Roberson in Spring Valley. During a subsequent police interview, Roberson admitted to killing Zachary, but claimed self-defense. The jury disagreed with that claim.

“This was a brutal and intentional killing of a vulnerable victim in his own home, and for more than 18 years, Cecil’s loved ones had to live with the pain and unanswered questions surrounding his death,” DA Stephan said. “This conviction brings justice and accountability for Cecil, who was a veteran with paraplegia, and his family. It also demonstrates the importance of never giving up on a homicide investigation. Advances in forensic DNA technology gave investigators a new opportunity to uncover critical evidence and identify the person responsible. I am grateful to the Oceanside Police Department investigators and our Cold Case Homicide Unit, especially Deputy DA John Philpott, for their perseverance, dedication, and commitment to pursuing justice for Cecil and his loved ones.”

Roberson’s trial began August 18, 2026, at the Vista Courthouse. After hearing the evidence, the jury returned its verdict on August 27, finding Roberson guilty of first-degree murder and finding true the allegation that he used a deadly weapon, a wooden log, during the commission of the crime.

Roberson’s sentencing is November 16, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in Department 20 at the Vista Courthouse.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney John Philpott from the Cold Case Homicide Unit. The DA’s Cold Case Homicide Unit is dedicated to pursuing justice in unsolved homicide cases by working with law enforcement partners to reexamine evidence, utilize modern investigative techniques and take advantage of advances in forensic science. The Unit works to provide answers to families and hold those responsible for long-unsolved homicides accountable, regardless of how much time has passed.

Smiling woman with short dark hair and glasses, wearing dangling earrings and a patterned top, photographed against a light background with a decorative circular frame.

Jamul Man Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for Killing His Elderly Mother

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that a 56-year-old man who killed his elderly mother in their Jamul home has been sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

Travis Bodle pleaded guilty to the murder of his 77-year-old mother, Vicki Bodle, who suffered from Parkinson’s disease and was partially paralyzed requiring caregiving assistance.

On January 19, 2024, Bodle, who suffers from schizophrenia, attacked his mother with the blunt end of an eight-pound wood splitting maul. When the victim’s caregiver arrived at the home after picking up lunch for her and discovered that she had been seriously injured, she reported the incident to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to the home and, following an investigation at the scene, arrested Bodle. The following day, Vicki died from blunt force trauma to her head and neck.

“Vicki Bodle was a vulnerable elderly woman who depended on others for care, and tragically, she was killed by her own son,” District Attorney Summer Stephan said. “The cases involving family members severely injuring or killing members of their own family carry additional complexity and pain to the immediate family, neighbors and community. This sentence holds Bodle accountable for the devastating loss of his mother and provides justice for her and those who cared for her. Our office will continue to seek justice for victims of violent crimes, particularly those who are vulnerable and unable to protect themselves.”

Deputy District Attorney An Dang prosecuted the case.

Photo of gavel and scales of justice.

Parole Granted for Woman Serving Life Sentence for Murder of San Diego Attorney

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that a woman serving a 25-years-to-life sentence for the murder of her stepfather, longtime San Diego attorney Timothy McNeil, has been granted parole following a hearing before the California Board of Parole Hearings.

Brae Hansen, now 37 years old, was convicted in April 2009 by a San Diego County jury of first-degree murder for her role in a plot to kill McNeil for financial gain. Hansen was convicted along with her 19-year-old sister and co-defendant, Aerith Asora, who was prosecuted under a former legal name at the time.

Hansen’s initial parole hearing was held on January 7, 2025, and parole was denied for three years. Her petition to advance her next parole hearing was subsequently granted by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, resulting in the August 21, 2026 hearing. San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan opposed Hansen’s release and urged the Board to honor the lengthy sentence imposed by the court.

“This was a callous, premeditated murder motivated by greed that took the life of Timothy McNeil and forever changed the lives of his loved ones,” DA Stephan said. “The DA’s Lifer Team and Deputy DA Dino Paraskevopoulos presented the compelling factors that showed that this particular killer and case does not fit the goals of California’s youth offender parole due to its sophisticated nature and callous depravity that ended a man’s life. We are deeply disappointed by the Board of Parole Hearings’ decision to grant Brae Hansen parole. Our office stood with Mr. McNeil’s family and opposed Hansen’s release, and we will continue to support them as they face the painful consequences of this decision.”

McNeil was a longtime San Diego attorney who became a member of the State Bar of California in 1969. He worked for more than six years for the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office before moving into private practice.

According to evidence presented at trial, Hansen and Asora plotted to kill McNeil for financial gain. Asora purchased black clothing at a Goodwill store before traveling from Phoenix to San Diego. The day after McNeil’s birthday, he arrived home with plans to take Hansen out to dinner. Asora was already inside the home with Hansen.

Asora then put on a mask, armed herself with a firearm and staged a robbery. She directed Hansen to zip-tie McNeil’s hands before Hansen was also restrained. McNeil managed to free himself and struggled for his life. Asora then shot McNeil four times, including twice in the head at close range.

Hansen, who was 17 years old at the time of the murder, was convicted of first-degree murder on April 15, 2009, and sentenced to life without parole. A few years later, life sentences were ruled unconstitutional for minors and in 2015 she was resentenced to 25 years to life in state prison.

Under California’s youth offender parole laws, people sentenced to 15 years or more for crimes committed before their 26th birthdays may be eligible for an earlier parole hearing, subject to statutory requirements and exceptions.

Deputy District Attorney Dino Paraskevopoulos from the DA’s Lifer Hearing Unit represented the office at the parole hearing opposing Hansen’s release and presented our position to the Board of Parole Hearings. The DA’s Lifer Hearing Unit, under the leadership of Deputy District Attorney John Cross, has two main goals: to ensure that dangerous prisoners with life sentences are not released carelessly or improvidently, and to ensure that crime victims and their families are given an opportunity to participate in the parole hearing process and have their voices heard. When a defendant is given a life sentence, the Lifer Hearing Unit processes the case to ensure that it is ready for future parole suitability hearings. This involves preserving victims’ statements and documenting the gravity of the crimes to ensure the offenders serve sentences proportional to their crimes.

In 2025, there were 571 lifer parole hearings scheduled in San Diego County. Of those, 49 inmates received parole grants from the California Board of Parole Hearings. The remainder of the hearings –522– resulted in denials, postponements, or stipulations to a denial of parole.

In addition, the Lifer Hearing Unit tracks court activity on lifer cases and assists the Attorney General’s Office in opposing writs of habeas corpus seeking release. The Lifer Hearing Unit has submitted amicus briefs on behalf of the California District Attorneys Association on important cases and actively works on legislation concerning the parole hearing process. The Lifer Hearing Unit is the statewide leader in lifer matters and San Diego County serves as the training office for other prosecutors who seek to understand the complex laws governing parole hearings.

Photo of gavel and scales of justice.

Larry Millete Convicted of Murdering Wife May Millete Five Years After She Went Missing

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that after one day of deliberation, a South Bay jury found Larry Millete, 44, guilty of first-degree murder of his wife, May “Maya” Millete, who disappeared from the family’s Chula Vista home on January 7, 2021.

The jury returned its verdict following a seven-week trial during which prosecutors presented extensive circumstantial evidence demonstrating that Larry Millete murdered his wife after she decided to end their marriage. The evidence showed a pattern of escalating control, obsession and planning that culminated in May’s disappearance. Veteran prosecutor, Christy Bowles, argued that although May’s remains have never been recovered, the evidence proved beyond a reasonable doubt that she was killed by her husband.

“Finally, justice has been served for Maya and for everyone who has carried the weight of her absence for more than five years,” DA Stephan said. “Our hearts are with Maya’s family, friends and especially her three children, who have endured an unimaginable loss. Justice delayed can never erase years of grief, but today’s verdict affirms that no victim is forgotten and no family is abandoned in our pursuit of the truth. I also want to express my deepest gratitude to Deputy DA Christy Bowles, her team, and to the jurors, who devoted weeks of their lives to carefully considering the evidence in this difficult and emotional case. Their commitment to the facts and to the rule of law reflects the very best of our justice system.”

May Millete, referred to by many as “Maya,” was reported missing on January 9, 2021, after family members became concerned when they were unable to contact her. A civilian employee with the Department of Defense and the mother of three children, the evidence showed that May intended to leave her marriage shortly before she disappeared. Investigators from the Chula Vista Police Department launched an exhaustive investigation that spanned years and included assistance of NCIS and the FBI, in addition to numerous other law enforcement partners. Larry Millete was arrested and charged with her murder in October 2021.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Christy Bowles and her team, including paralegal Angela Fagundes-Williams, DA Investigators James Rhoades and Mathew Grindley, and Senior Analyst Peter Villaver. The District Attorney’s Office also recognizes the extraordinary dedication of the Chula Vista Police Department investigators and the many law enforcement professionals whose perseverance never wavered throughout the lengthy investigation.

Although today’s verdict marks an important milestone, the search for May continues.

“We will never stop hoping that Maya can be brought home so her loved ones can finally lay her to rest with the dignity she deserves,” DA Stephan said.

Two women in business attire smile while posing together in front of a MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) event backdrop that reads, "Impaired Driving Ends Here." The woman on the right holds a glass award, recognizing her achievement, as they stand side by side at the awards event.

DA Prosecutor Recognized with MADD “Prosecutor of the Year” Award

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced that Deputy District Attorney Min Yoon was recognized as Prosecutor of the Year by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for her outstanding work prosecuting a repeat DUI offender whose actions resulted in the death of one person and serious injuries to another. The award was presented at the annual MADD San Diego Law Enforcement and Prosecutor Recognition Awards held July 9 at the Double Tree Hotel in Mission Valley.

“This recognition by MADD reflects to Deputy District Attorney Min Yoon’s commitment to seeking justice for victims and holding repeat impaired drivers accountable exemplifies the highest standards of public service,” DA Stephan said. “We are incredibly proud of Min and grateful for her dedication to protecting our community through her exceptional work prosecuting a tragic case involving a defendant who had every warning about the deadly consequences of drinking and driving but chose to ignore them.”

In 2025, 31 people were killed in 29 DUI-related crashes in San Diego County. So far in 2026, there have been 9 people killed. In 2025, the DA’s Office filed 5,679 DUI cases, including 461 DUI drug cases and/or combined alcohol and drug impairment cases. Between January and June 2026, the DA’s Office filed 3,213 new DUI cases, including 252 DUI drug cases and/or combined alcohol and drug impairment cases.

Deputy DA Min Yoon was recognized for her work as the interim director of the DUI Homicide Unit and for her prosecution of DUI homicide cases, including her successful murder conviction in People v. Shaw. On October 22, 2023, Andrew Shaw was driving under the influence of alcohol when he crashed into Aurora Rodriguez’s Nissan Altima at a high rate of speed as she merged left for a construction lane closure. Ms. Rodriguez was pronounced deceased at the hospital, and her front passenger was hospitalized with great bodily injury. Evidence showed that Shaw had been drinking throughout the day at multiple establishments. His blood alcohol content level almost three hours after the crash was 0.139, which was calculated to have been between 0.16 and 0.22 at the time of the crash.

The defendant had multiple DUI-related convictions, with the most recent from 2021. As a result, he had been given the Watson advisal several times and had even attended multiple MADD victim impact panels, which taught him about the dangers of drinking and driving. Shaw was ultimately convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 21 years to life in prison.

Recipients of MADD’s awards are chosen through a call for nominations process. The organization reaches out to community partners, law enforcement agencies, local officials and their internal victim advocates asking them to nominate individuals who stand out in the community with regards to DUI-related work. Every year, MADD honors law enforcement officials for their continuous efforts in driving under the influence enforcement.

Photo of a court gavel over a law book on a desk with the scales of justice and more books in the background.

Pedophile Sentenced to Prison for Repeatedly Sexually Abusing Two Young Girls

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that Christopher T. Gardner, 33, has been sentenced to 325 years-to-life in prison for his serial sexual abuse of two young girls who were only 6-years-old when the abuse began.

Gardner molested the girls, who were relatives, over a 5-year period.

“Predators who rob children of their innocence and inflict lifelong trauma do not belong in our communities,” DA Stephan said. “This sentence sends an unmistakable message to abusers: you will be held accountable. I am deeply grateful to our specialized sexual abuse prosecution team for their dedication in bringing a measure of justice to the survivors.”

The abuse came to light when one of the girls was at a sleepover with her friend. In confidence, the victim confided that she had been touched inappropriately. The best friend felt this was too serious to keep secret and told her mom. Law Enforcement was contacted and investigated the case, ultimately arresting Gardner for sexual abuse. After his arrest, a third victim – another relative – also came forward. Now a young adult, the third victim disclosed that when she was about 7 or 8, the defendant had her orally copulate him.

During the trial, the first two victims testified to multiple acts of abuse including oral copulation, sexual penetration and sodomy. The third victim testified to the oral copulation incident that occurred many years prior. After a nine-day trial, Gardner was convicted of all 15 felony sex abuse charges on May 22.

Deputy District Attorney Miriam Shoval prosecuted this case.

Logo for the National Association of Counties (NACo) with the colors of the US flag.

San Diego County District Attorney’s Office Receives Two National Achievement Awards for Innovative Programs

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that her office has received two prestigious National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards recognizing innovative programs that improve public safety, deliver justice and enhance the quality of life for San Diego County residents. The awards recognize the District Attorney’s Same Day Solutions Fair, organized by the DA’s Community Action Resource Engagement Center (CARE) Center team, and the Cold Homicide and Research Genealogy Effort (CHARGE), which uses advanced forensic genetic genealogy to solve decades-old homicide cases and bring long-overdue justice to victims and their families.

“These awards reflect our commitment to innovation in public service and our mission to pursue justice in ways that strengthen communities and improve lives,” DA Stephan said. “Whether helping individuals experiencing homelessness resolve legal barriers and access critical resources or using cutting-edge forensic science to solve cold case murders, these programs demonstrate how collaboration and innovation can produce meaningful results for the people we serve.”

 

Same Day Solutions Fair

The Same Day Solutions Fair was recognized for its collaborative approach to helping individuals experiencing homelessness resolve minor legal matters while connecting them with essential support services. Organized by the DA’s CARE Center team, the resource fair brings together prosecutors, public defenders, judges, law enforcement agencies, county departments, nonprofit organizations and service providers in a one-stop setting. Participants can resolve eligible misdemeanor offenses and outstanding warrants while gaining immediate access to housing assistance, behavioral health treatment, substance use services, identification documents such as birth certificates, employment resources, veteran services and other support programs like WIC, Medi-Cal and Cal fresh carts produced on site and hot meals. The event often provides dental services, mobile showers and haircuts.

Since the program’s launch in 2021, the resource fairs have served 6,530 individuals across San Diego County. With more than 20 agencies typically participating in each monthly event, community members can connect with multiple services during a single visit. This coordinated approach reduces duplication of effort among providers while providing a clearer picture of the program’s collective impact.

One of the most immediate and measurable outcomes is the resolution of legal barriers. Through on-site Homeless Court services, individuals can address eligible warrants, resolve fines and review driver’s license holds in real time. Since the program began, justice partners have handled 1,944 cases through this process. Removing obstacles often represents a critical first step toward stability. Participants frequently report that clearing a warrant enables them to pursue employment opportunities, reinstate a driver’s license or move forward with housing applications.

 

CHARGE Program

The District Attorney’s Office also received a NACo Achievement Award for its Cold Homicide and Research Genealogy Effort (CHARGE), an innovative initiative that solves and prosecutes unsolved homicides through the use of Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG).

CHARGE brings together the expertise of the DA’s Cold Case Homicide Unit, a forensic genealogist and an experienced homicide investigator to identify unknown homicide suspects using DNA evidence recovered from crime scenes or victims. The groundbreaking technique allows investigators to develop leads in cases that have remained unsolved for decades.

The CHARGE project has delivered significant results since it began in 2020, helping solve 10 cases, including the identification of the killer of 22-year-old 7-Eleven clerk Christy Bryant, who was murdered in 1974, and the killer of 32-year-old U.S. Navy serviceman Larry Joe Breen, who was murdered in 1990. Following those identifications, the District Attorney’s Office successfully prosecuted and convicted the offenders, bringing long-awaited answers to victims’ loved ones, justice for the community and accountability for those responsible.

“Every victim deserves justice, no matter how much time has passed,” DA Stephan said. “The CHARGE program harnesses advances in forensic science to solve cases that once seemed unsolvable. It provides answers to families who have waited decades for justice and ensures offenders are held accountable for their crimes.”

Beyond solving individual cases, CHARGE has established specialized forensic genetic genealogy capabilities within the District Attorney’s Office that benefit law enforcement partners throughout San Diego County and serve as a model for agencies nationwide.

The NACo Achievement Awards recognize innovative county government programs that enhance services for residents, improve government effectiveness and strengthen communities. This year’s honors highlight the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office’s continued commitment to forward-thinking solutions that promote public safety, support vulnerable populations and deliver justice for victims.