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Photo of news conference announcing $25 Million in Stolen Funds Returned to Support San Diego Students.

NEWS CONFERENCE: $25 Million in Stolen Funds Returned to Support San Diego Students

After successfully prosecuting the landmark A3 Charter Schools fraud case, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office recovered more than $280 million in stolen education funds. In sentencing, the judge ordered that the recovered money be distributed to benefit the public—directing portions to the County of San Diego, to K–12 student victims, and to the State of California—and made clear that funds designated for students must be used exclusively for programs that directly support K–12 education.

As a result, a Charter School Fraud Trust Fund was established, and the DA’s Office was authorized by the County Board of Supervisors to administer grants that return stolen dollars to students and families. The DA’s Office has now awarded $25 million from that trust fund to the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) to implement HeartSpire, a seven-year, countywide initiative that brings together schools, county services, and community partners to expand mental health, safety, wellness, and educational supports for K–12 students across San Diego County—turning accountability into real, lasting impact.

East County Drug Court Graduation | How Drug Court & S.C.O.P.E. Change Lives

At the East County Drug Court Graduation, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan explained how Drug Court provides accountability, treatment, and hope for individuals struggling with substance use disorders—and celebrated a major milestone through the SCOPE program.

SCOPE (Severe Co-Occurring Pilot East) was created to serve individuals with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders—an underserved population that often faces significant barriers to treatment. Through strong collaboration with the East County Center for Change, Action Central, and the East County Drug Court team—including DDA Joseph Fusco— participants receive individualized, specialized treatment and support.

During this graduation ceremony, the court proudly honored its first SCOPE graduate, highlighting meaningful progress toward long-term recovery, housing and employment stability, and family reunification. We were proud to honor these graduates and celebrate what’s possible when innovation, compassion, and accountability come together. This program demonstrates how collaborative justice improves lives while strengthening public safety.

Watch more in the video.

Join us for the San Ysidro Education Collaborative Community Forum on Feb. 10

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan invites you to join us in San Ysidro for an important community forum with the San Ysidro Education Collaborative. We’ll talk about the issues impacting our families right now:

⚠️ Fentanyl dangers & overdose awareness

🛑 Consumer fraud prevention

💙 Human trafficking prevention & awareness

📱 Social media safety to protect kids online

📍 Ocean View Hills Elementary School

🗓 Tuesday, Feb. 10 ⏰ 5:30–7:30 p.m.

🎟 No Cost Event & open to the public Your voice matters. Your safety matters. We hope to see you there.

 

DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 01-16-26: Grand Jury Indicts 21 in Illegal Street Racing Case

In this week’s DA News, District Attorney Summer Stephan discusses a case where a Grand Jury has indicted 21 defendants in a major crackdown on dangerous street racing across San Diego County. Working alongside SDPD and CHP, law enforcement is holding reckless drivers accountable and taking action to reduce traffic deaths, injuries, and illegal high-speed racing on our roads. Details in the video.

DA Summer Stephan Highlights Shelter Ready App at Homelessness Conference | DA Weekly News 12-11-25

For this week’s DA news, District Attorney Summer Stephan spoke at the Task Force on Homelessness Conference, highlighting the Shelter Ready app and its role in connecting people experiencing homelessness with shelters, resources, and real-time support across San Diego County.

Shop with a Cop 2025 | DA Investigators & Ibarra Elementary Students Holiday Adventure

This past Saturday, 15 of our DA Investigators teamed up with 15 amazing students from Ibarra Elementary for a fun-filled Shop with a Cop holiday adventure! The day kicked off with breakfast and a special sea lion show at SeaWorld, followed by an exciting shopping spree at Target. Chief DA Investigator Jorge Duran shared that the heart of this annual event is to help children see law enforcement as trusted partners in the community — and to build connections rooted in kindness, trust, and joy.

DA Summer Stephan Shares Top Tips to Stop Porch Pirates | DA Weekly News 12-04-25

In this week’s DA News, District Attorney Summer Stephan shares essential tips to protect your packages, safeguard your home, and keep your deliveries out of the wrong hands. Learn how simple steps can help prevent theft and keep your holidays stress-free.

DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 11-20-25: DA Warns of Rising DUI Deaths Ahead of Holidays

In this week’s DA Weekly News, District Attorney Summer Stephan highlights a critical public safety issue as we head into the holiday season: the rise in fatal DUI cases across San Diego County. Together, we can prevent more lives from being lost.

DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 11-13-25 | DA Visits Businesses to Share Prop 36 Resources

This week, District Attorney Summer Stephan visited local businesses across San Diego to discuss the implementation of Proposition 36 and hear directly from business owners about their public safety concerns. During the visits, the DA’s Office also provided theft-deterrent posters designed to help prevent retail crime and support shop owners. Together, we’re working to keep our neighborhoods safe, informed, and supported. To request a free window cling theft warning for a business, please email SanDiegoDA@sdcda.org. Learn how Prop. 36 is preventing retail theft and providing drug treatment for offenders, CLICK HERE.

Elder Fraud Prevention: Spot the Red Flags Before It’s Too Late

Elders in our community are being targeted by scammers — from fake tech support to imposters pretending to be loved ones. If your money is involved and you’re told to keep it secret, it’s a scam. In just one year, seniors in San Diego County lost more than $130 million to scams. Watch this video to learn the warning signs and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming victims. Stop. Hang Up. Tell Someone. Report scams at IC3.gov. Click here to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams targeting the elderly: https://www.sdcda.org/preventing/Elder-Scam-Prevention-Campaign-Materials