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  • DA, Downtown Partnership Join Forces to Deter Retail Theft, Support Businesses

  • DA Launches Elder Scam Prevention Campaign

  • District Attorney Opens New One Safe Place in South County, Supporting Victims of Crime

  • DA Summer Stephan Testifies Before U.S. Senate on Cracking Down Organized Retail Crime

    DA Summer Stephan Senate Testimony on Organized Retail Crime. July 15, 2025, Washington, D.C.
  • Innovative Shelter Ready App Expanding Countywide

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Latest News

Photo of Judge's Gavel with white background

Murderer Released Under New Laws, Robs and Stabs Stranger

March 22, 2021

A murderer sentenced to 196 years-to-life in prison, who was released under Prop 57 and Senate Bill 1391 just four months ago, was charged today with a violent robbery after he allegedly took cash from a stranger and stabbed him in the back, causing his lung to collapse. Dejon Satterwhite, 31, was arraigned in Superior […]

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Screenshot of website Classmates.com

Classmates.com Settles Consumer Protection Lawsuit

March 3, 2021

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that PeopleConnect, Inc., the parent company for the popular social networking site, Classmates.com, agreed to pay $400,000 in penalties and costs and up to $150,000 in restitution as part of the settlement of a consumer protection lawsuit alleging that Classmates violated California’s Automatic Renewal Laws.  The lawsuit […]

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Gavel over books.

Guilty Pleas in Massive Charter School Fraud

February 26, 2021

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that two defendants have pleaded guilty connection with the A3 Charter School scheme that siphoned more than $50 million from the State of California. The defendants pleaded guilty in San Diego Superior Court to a variety of felony criminal charges including conspiracy and conflict of interest […]

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Video

DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 02-26-26: Our Consumer Protection Division Gets Results!

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/da-weekly-news-with-da-summer-stephan-02-26-26-our-consumer-protection-division-gets-results.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-26 16:59:442026-02-26 16:59:44DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 02-26-26: Our Consumer Protection Division Gets Results!

DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 02-19-26: Ex-Convict Charged with Misusing Public Funds

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/da-weekly-news-with-da-summer-stephan-02-19-26-ex-convict-charged-with-misusing-public-funds.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-19 17:00:342026-02-26 17:02:43DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 02-19-26: Ex-Convict Charged with Misusing Public Funds
Photo of news conference at the DA's Office as DA Summer Stephan announces charges against Amy Knox for embezzlement of county funds.

NEWS CONFERENCE: DA Charges Woman with Embezzling Public Opioid Funds for Luxury Lifestyle

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/02-18-26-Amy-Knox-Embezzlement-Case-News-Conference.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-18 14:53:222026-02-18 15:01:20NEWS CONFERENCE: DA Charges Woman with Embezzling Public Opioid Funds for Luxury Lifestyle
Photo of news conference about Operation Street Sweeper.

NEWS CONFERENCE: 34 Drug Dealers Indicted in East Village: Inside Operation Street Sweeper

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Operation-Street-Sweeper.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-09 12:11:462026-02-17 12:18:07NEWS CONFERENCE: 34 Drug Dealers Indicted in East Village: Inside Operation Street Sweeper

San Diego County DA Summer Stephan Swears In 15 New Deputy District Attorneys

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/san-diego-county-da-summer-stephan-swears-in-15-new-deputy-district-attorneys.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-06 12:13:482026-02-17 12:15:29San Diego County DA Summer Stephan Swears In 15 New Deputy District Attorneys
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

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/01-30-26-SDCOE-Trust-Fund-Grant-News-Conference-PHOTO.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-01-30 12:15:532026-02-17 12:17:27NEWS CONFERENCE: $25 Million in Stolen Funds Returned to Support San Diego Students

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San Diego County District Attorney and DA Summer Stephan

Thu March 12th

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A terrifying tech scam is costing victims thousands—even millions—of dollars. It often starts with a fake Microsoft pop-up, then escalates into a sophisticated scheme where scammers impersonate government agents and convince victims to buy gold to “protect” their money.In San Diego, investigators have arrested more than 40 couriers connected to these crimes, yet scammers continue targeting seniors and stealing life savings. In this week's DA Weekly News video, District Attorney DA Summer Stephan explains how the scam works, why victims are manipulated into secrecy, and how the Elder Justice Task Force is fighting back.Learn the warning signs and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. ... See MoreSee Less

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A terrifying tech scam is costing victims thousand A terrifying tech scam is costing victims thousands—even millions—of dollars. It often starts with a fake Microsoft pop-up, then escalates into a sophisticated scheme where scammers impersonate government agents and convince victims to buy gold to “protect” their money.

In San Diego, investigators have arrested more than 40 couriers connected to these crimes, yet scammers continue targeting seniors and stealing life savings. In this week's DA Weekly News video, District Attorney @SummerStephan explains how the scam works, why victims are manipulated into secrecy, and how the Elder Justice Task Force is fighting back.

Learn the warning signs and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Today, San Diego County District Attorney @SummerS Today, San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan joined leaders from both sides of the border as a panelist for a special International Women’s Day virtual event hosted by the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego @consulmexsdi.

During the webinar, participants engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the challenges and opportunities in addressing gender-based violence in the U.S.–Mexico border region. DA Stephan shared insights on the importance of ensuring prompt access to justice for women, children, and gender minorities, and highlighted the role of collaboration between institutions on both sides of the border to better support victims and survivors,  including services provided at One Safe Place: The San Diego County Family Justice Centers @ospsandiegocounty.

The conversation also explored how access to justice impacts community safety, women’s economic empowerment, health, and family stability, while emphasizing the need for human rights-based approaches and coordinated services for women living and working in transborder communities.

Thank you to the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego for bringing together experts and leaders committed to advancing safety, justice, and equality for women.
San Diego County District Attorney @summerstephan San Diego County District Attorney @summerstephan  will join leaders from both sides of the border tomorrow for an important conversation on protecting women and advancing justice.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego is hosting a virtual panel focused on the challenges and opportunities in addressing gender-based violence in the U.S.–Mexico border region. DA Stephan will participate as a panelist, sharing insights from the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and the work being done to support victims, including services provided at One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center.

The discussion will explore how institutions can work together to ensure prompt access to justice for women, children and gender minorities, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care for survivors. Panelists will also reflect on the broader impacts of justice and safety on women’s economic empowerment, health, and family stability.

This important dialogue brings together experts committed to advancing equality, safety, and opportunity for women in transborder communities.

🗓 March 11
⏰ 10:00 a.m.
💻 Virtual event via Zoom: https://gps-ucsd.zohobackstage.com/WomensAccesstoJusticeinaMigrationContext

Together, through collaboration and shared commitment, we can continue working toward a future free from violence where every woman has access to safety, support, and justice.
This week, our Consumer Protection Unit was proud This week, our Consumer Protection Unit was proud to participate in a recent county educational fair in honor of National Consumer Protection week, sharing resources and information to help protect our community from fraud and unfair business practices. The team spoke with residents about the cases we prosecute, common scams to watch for, and how to report consumer fraud. Education and awareness are powerful tools in protecting consumers. See the second photo to learn more about the DA's Consumer Protection Unit, which is part of the DA's Economic Crimes Division.

#NationalConsumerProtectionWeek #FraudPrevention #ProtectConsumers #CommunityOutreach #SanDiegoDA #StopScams
San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan announced today that the three gang members involved in multiple shootings and killings have been sentenced to life without parole for the murders of three rival gang members.

Defendants Ethan Apan, 33, Kristian Apan, 32, and Ismael Betancourt, 25, were convicted last May after an 11-week jury trial in which jurors found them guilty of multiple counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, shooting at an occupied vehicle, assault by means likely to cause great bodily injury and several other felony counts. 

The sentencing breakdown is: 

•	Ethan Apan was sentenced to two terms of life without the possibility of parole plus a term of 132 years-to-life in state prison
•	Kristian Apan was sentenced to one term of life without the possibility of parole plus a term of 107 years-to-life in state prison
•	Betancourt was sentenced to two terms of life without the possibility of parole plus a term of 139 years-to-life in state prison

“Today sentencing brings to a close the gang warfare the plagued a small South Bay city with murders, shootings and retaliation,” DA Stephan said. “I am grateful to our prosecution team, Robert Eacret and Abrey Zora,” who expertly navigated the complicated underworld of gang activity to bring justice for these senseless killings.” 

During their National City shooting rampage in 2019 and 2020, the trio killed Joaquin Ruiz, Marco Magana, and Juan Galvan, and severely injured Julio Martull, James Mullens, and Adan Duke. The initial killing of Ruiz was in retaliation for a rival killing a week prior. But the hunt down set off a wave of violence that included the three defendants routinely driving into rival gang territory to commit shootings, often mistakenly shooting innocent bystanders. 

FULL ARTICLE: https://danewscenter.com/?p=9983 
EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=9987
Did you know that a book used by prosecutors acros Did you know that a book used by prosecutors across California starts right here in the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office? In the first episode of "Inside the DA’s Office," District Attorney @SummerStephan talks with Deputy DA Tom Papageorge, leader of the Consumer Protection Unit and co-author of California White Collar Crime. The book, now in its seventh edition, is widely used by prosecutors and defense attorneys across California as a legal resource on economic and white-collar crime. Since it is National Consumer Protection Week, their conversation highlights the expertise behind the team working every day to protect consumers and hold companies accountable. WATCH!

#InsideTheDAsOffice #NationalConsumerProtectionWeek #WhiteCollarCrime #FraudPrevention #SanDiegoDA
On Saturday, San Diego County District Attorney @S On Saturday, San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan spoke at an important community event organized by Chula Vista Mayor @mayorjohnmccann focused on helping seniors recognize and avoid scams and financial elder abuse.
From fraudulent phone calls and phishing emails to investment schemes and impersonation scams, criminals continue to evolve their tactics. The discussion provided practical tools, real-world examples, and clear steps seniors could take to protect themselves and their hard-earned savings.
DA Stephan emphasized that preventing elder financial abuse is a top priority and encouraged attendees to report suspicious activity right away. Awareness remains one of the strongest defenses we have.
Deputy District Attorney Martin Núñez gave a very informative presentation about the most common scams and how to avoid them. 
Thank you to Mayor McCann and all our community partners for bringing this vital information directly to those who need it most. Together, we can protect our seniors and hold scammers accountable.
If you or someone you know may be a victim of elder financial abuse or fraud, report it to ic3.gov.
Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams targeting the elderly: https://www.sdcda.org/preventing/Elder-Scam-Prevention-Campaign-Materials

#ProtectOurSeniors #ElderAbusePrevention #StopScams #ConsumerProtection #CommunityStrong
San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan 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.
 
READ THE FULL ARTICLE:  https://danewscenter.com/?p=9971 

EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=9975
Last week, @scrippshealth President and CEO Chris Last week, @scrippshealth  President and CEO Chris Van Gorder presented San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan 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."
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