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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.
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Latest News

Photo of Staff Development Coordinator Kevin Chheng for AAPI Heritage Month.

Meet Staff Development Coordinator Kevin Chheng

May 21, 2021

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are highlighting compelling stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet Kevin Chheng, who works in the Human Resources Department of the District Attorney’s Office as a Staff Development Coordinator. In his role, Kevin administers and […]

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https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/images/AAPI-Heritage-Month-DA-Employees-2.png 720 1280 danewscenter https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp danewscenter2021-05-21 00:00:002021-06-25 16:21:25Meet Staff Development Coordinator Kevin Chheng
Photo of DA Summer Stephan at news conference to announce Juvenile Diversion Initiative.

DA Rolls Out Innovative Juvenile Diversion Program

May 20, 2021

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today announced an ambitious new juvenile justice reform initiative designed to keep juveniles out of the criminal justice system while addressing the underlying cause of harmful behavior. The Juvenile Diversion Initiative (JDI) is a countywide early intervention program that prioritizes diversion options for youth instead of filing criminal charges. […]

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Photo of Deputy DA Hung Bach and District Attorney Summer Stephan.

Meet Deputy DA Hung Bach

May 17, 2021

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are highlighting compelling stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet Deputy District Attorney Hung Bach who is currently working at the Juvenile Branch and is also a board member and secretary of the National Asian […]

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https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/images/AAPI-Heritage-Month-DA-Employees-1-1.png 720 1280 danewscenter https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp danewscenter2021-05-17 00:00:002021-06-26 10:22:54Meet Deputy DA Hung Bach
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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

Fri May 22nd

San Diego County District Attorney
Samuel Holthaus was brutally murdered in September 2023, by Kenneth McNally Jr. Today, at the sentencing hearing, the victim's family gave powerful victim impact statements before Judge Kathleen Lewis sentenced the defendant to more than 200 years in prison.Kenneth McNally Jr., 42, has been sentenced following his conviction for the murder of 59-year-old Samuel Holthaus (pictured below) and a series of additional violent crimes committed in Harbison Canyon in 2023. A jury found McNally guilty on all counts, including first-degree murder, two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, shooting at an inhabited occupied structure/vehicle, and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury. He was sentenced today to 216 years to life in prison. McNally is a third-strike offender with a lengthy and violent criminal history. At the time of the murder, he was on probation for his second-strike offense after being convicted of attacking a dog with an axe. McNally was also on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) for two additional criminal cases; one involving assault and the other resisting an officer with force. His first strike conviction stemmed from a 2004 case, in which he was convicted of assault on a peace officer.“This was an extraordinarily violent and disturbing case involving a defendant who terrorized multiple victims before committing a cold-blooded murder and attempting to conceal the crime,” District Attorney Summer Stephan said. “Because of the courageous witnesses who came forward, and the relentless work of law enforcement and prosecution team led by Deputy DA Javier Vargas, this dangerous defendant is being held fully accountable for his heinous crimes.” [VIDEO: Victim Impact Statements from Samuel Holtaus’ sisters at the sentencing hearing.] The charges stem from events that occurred on September 3, 2023, on a six-acre property in Harbison Canyon, which is an unincorporated area of El Cajon, where McNally had been intermittently staying with acquaintances in a trailer alongside several other residents. Earlier that day, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office received calls from residents reporting that McNally was aggressively demanding rides off the property while appearing to conceal a weapon beneath a jacket. One witness later told investigators that during a drive near Sloan Canyon Road off Dehesa Road, McNally confessed that he had killed Holthaus and dragged him down a hill with a noose around his neck. A second witness also revealed McNally made a similar confession to her earlier that day. She also reported seeing McNally driving the victim’s truck erratically before parking it near the grave. A few hours later, Holthaus’ body was discovered buried in a shallow grave after a witness noticed the top of the victim’s head protruding from the ground. Investigators found an extension cord wrapped around the victim’s neck and observed a gunshot wound to the side of his face. Holthaus’ truck was parked next to the grave with blood covering the driver’s side doorframe. Detectives also located drag marks in the dirt leading away from the vehicle to another area of the property where they discovered coagulated blood and a pile of burned trash. Over a year-and-a-half after the discovery of Holthaus’s body, a third witness came forward stating he saw McNally shoot Holthaus. According to the witness, McNally then tied one end of an electrical cord around Holthaus’s neck and attached the other end to Holthaus’s truck. McNally drove the truck 329 feet to the location where the body was ultimately found, dragging Holthaus’s body by his neck. A search of the trailer where McNally had been staying revealed an empty gun case bearing the serial number of a small semi-automatic handgun. The trailer owner confirmed the gun case belonged to McNally. Multiple witnesses told investigators they had previously seen McNally carrying a small black handgun on the property, and one witness reported seeing him fire the weapon multiple times. The murder weapon itself, however, was never recovered. On September 6, 2023, the Sheriff’s Fugitive Task Force located McNally at a motel in El Cajon. Investigators detained a van McNally was riding in and discovered a bag containing bloody clothing. Preliminary DNA analysis showed the majority of the blood on the pants tested positive for McNally’s DNA; only a single blood stain found on one of the pant legs belonged to Holthaus. In addition to the murder conviction, prosecutors presented evidence of several other violent incidents involving McNally on the property in the weeks leading up to the killing. Hours before Holthaus’ murder, McNally accused residents of stealing his backpack and held a handgun to the neck of victim Maurizio Cairo while threatening him. Approximately two weeks before the murder, McNally fired at least five rounds into a van being driven by victim Michael Medland after a confrontation on the property. Detectives later recovered the bullet-riddled van and the fired rounds during the homicide investigation. Jurors also heard evidence that in July 2023, McNally strangled former roommate Gary Cash inside a trailer on the property while making nonsensical statements. Another resident intervened and stopped the attack. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Javier Vargas.EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/noticias/… ... See MoreSee Less

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Samuel Holthaus was brutally murdered in September Samuel Holthaus was brutally murdered in September 2023, by Kenneth McNally Jr. Today, at the sentencing hearing, the victim's family gave powerful victim impact statements before Judge Kathleen Lewis sentenced the defendant to more than 200 years in prison.

McNally is a third-strike offender with a lengthy and violent criminal history. At the time of the murder, he was on probation for his second-strike offense after being convicted of attacking a dog with an axe. McNally was also on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) for two additional criminal cases; one involving assault and the other resisting an officer with force. His first strike conviction stemmed from a 2004 case, in which he was convicted of assault on a peace officer.

The charges stem from events that occurred on September 3, 2023, on a six-acre property in Harbison Canyon, which is an unincorporated area of El Cajon, where McNally had been intermittently staying with acquaintances in a trailer alongside several other residents. Earlier that day, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office received calls from residents reporting that McNally was aggressively demanding rides off the property while appearing to conceal a weapon beneath a jacket. One witness later told investigators that during a drive near Sloan Canyon Road off Dehesa Road, McNally confessed that he had killed Holthaus and dragged him down a hill with a noose around his neck. A second witness also revealed McNally made a similar confession to her earlier that day. She also reported seeing McNally driving the victim’s truck erratically before parking it near the grave.

Read more:

https://danewscenter.com/news/man-sentenced-for-brutal-2023-murder-and-series-of-violent-crimes-in-el-cajon/

#VictimImpactStatement #MurderTrial #VictimsRights
Protecting our seniors means protecting their heal Protecting our seniors means protecting their health, safety, and financial wellbeing. This is just one example of the many educational community outreach events the DA's Office offers throughout the year.

San Diego County District Attorney  @summerstephan  was honored to join the @alzassociationsandiego and community partners for a Senior Health & Wellness Awareness event focused on empowering older adults and caregivers with tools to stay safe, informed, and healthy.

From recognizing and preventing Alzheimer’s to learning how to avoid scams and financial fraud targeting seniors, this important event provided resources to help our community take early, protective action against cognitive decline and financial exploitation.

Topics included:
✔️ Consumer protection and crime prevention tips
✔️ Common scams targeting seniors
✔️ How to report fraud
✔️ Health and wellness resources
✔️ Recognizing and preventing Alzheimer’s
✔️ Early action against cognitive decline

Together, we can build safer, healthier communities for our seniors and their families.  Learn more about how to protect our seniors, in the following links:

📌 https://www.sdcda.org/helping/elder-abuse
📌 https://www.sdcda.org/preventing/Elder-Scam-Prevention-Campaign-Materials

#SeniorWellness #ElderFraud #SeniorScams #AlzheimersAwareness #FraudPrevention #ProtectOurSeniors #SanDiegoDA
DA Issues Statement; Deploys Victim Services/Crisi DA Issues Statement; Deploys Victim Services/Crisis Response Team to Assist Victims of Islamic Center Shooting:

“Words cannot adequately express the heartbreak and trauma caused by today’s shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, where innocent lives were lost. A place of worship and learning should always be a place of peace, safety, and community, never violence. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this devastating attack. The District Attorney’s Office has deployed its special prosecution and investigation team to support the San Diego Police Department and law enforcement partners in getting all the answers needed to keep our community safe from further harm. The District Attorney’s Office Victim Services/Crisis Response Team is actively working with victims, families and community to provide services needed at this critical juncture. Victims, parents, students and employees of the Islamic Center and school along with impacted community members of this incident can call 619-531-4041 for help. Please contact police or the FBI to report anything suspicious.” 
- District Attorney @summerstephan 

You can also email SanDiegoDA@sandiegoda.gov
On Friday, San Diego County District Attorney @sum On Friday, San Diego County District Attorney @summerstephan  joined Supervisor @joelandersonca , @sdsheriff Kelly Martinez, and @sandiegoarcc  Jordan Z. Marks for a major press conference where Supervisor Anderson unveiled a revised charter proposal focused on restoring fair term limits, preventing the politicization of County staffing, strengthening independent oversight, and ensuring a transparent process the public can trust.

On May 19, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors will consider ITEM 25, on the agenda, "Adopting a Revised Resolution of the Board of Supervisors Proposing Amendments to the Charter of the County of San Diego entitled ‘A Transparent, Accountable, Modern County Government,’ and Amending the Ordinance ‘Modernizing The San Diego County Charter to Strengthen Transparency, Accountability and Independent Oversight’." This is a revised charter reform proposal that preserves important accountability measures while removing misleading and problematic provisions contained in the original proposal (ITEM 24). 

The revised measure supports meaningful reform while ensuring voters clearly understand what they are being asked to approve. It protects transparency, strengthens independent oversight, and prevents political interference in county operations.

Good government reforms should be honest, transparent, and designed to serve the public interest, not create confusion or expand political power.

Community voices matter, and public testimony will help shape this process. We respectfully encourage you to make your own decision whether you want to join DA Stephan in supporting ITEM 25 at the May 19 Board of Supervisors meeting.

San Diego residents deserve reforms built on clarity, accountability, and public trust.

WATCH the full livestream as County leaders discuss the proposal and the importance of accountability, transparency, and good governance for San Diego County residents: https://youtube.com/live/p6Ff1j3ale4?feature=share
Today, San Diego County District Attorney @SummerS Today, San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan joined the Attorney General from Baja California @_fgebc_ , the Baja California Justice Center for Women @cejum.bc, and the Mexican Consulate in San Diego  @consulmexsdi to renew and expand a historic binational partnership dedicated to supporting victims and survivors on both sides of the border.

The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding strengthens collaboration between One Safe Place: San Diego County Family Justice Centers in San Marcos and National City, the Baja California Attorney General’s Office, and the Baja California Justice Center for Women to ensure victims have greater access to safety, services, protection, and justice—regardless of language or geography.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to standing with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, child abuse, and other crimes through trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.

READ MORE and WATCH highlights from today’s press conference and ceremonial MOU signing:  https://danewscenter.com/?p=10176 

EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=10181 

#SanDiegoDA #OneSafePlace #FamilyJusticeCenters #VictimServices
Join the San Diego County District Attorney Bureau Join the San Diego County District Attorney Bureau of Investigation for a virtual Community Engagement Meeting regarding the Department’s Annual Military Equipment Report in accordance with Assembly Bill 481.

📅 Thursday, May 21, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM
💻 Virtual via Zoom

Community members are encouraged to attend, learn more about department military equipment use, and participate in the conversation by submitting questions in advance.

📲 RSVP and submit questions in advance using the QR code or Zoom webinar link provided in the following link: 
https://www.sdcda.org/office/boi/BOI-Military-Equipment
Today marked a historic moment in San Diego as Dis Today marked a historic moment in San Diego as District Attorney @SummerStephan joined leaders from across the federal and state justice systems to launch Justice 250 — a landmark initiative commemorating America’s 250th anniversary and the enduring principles that have shaped our nation for nearly two and a half centuries. 🇺🇸⚖️

For the first time in San Diego County, distinguished members of the judiciary, prosecutors, Federal Defenders Board of Directors, legal community, and law enforcement stood together in a united commitment to honor the Constitution, judicial independence, civic engagement, and the rule of law — the very foundations of American democracy.

During today’s press conference, leaders unveiled the official Justice 250 logo and announced the keynote speaker for the upcoming public celebration aboard the USS Midway on July 2, a symbolic setting that reflects both America’s history and its enduring commitment to freedom and justice.

As our nation approaches this once-in-a-generation milestone, Justice 250 will inspire the community to reflect on the rights, freedoms, and democratic institutions that continue to protect and unite us.

Learn more justice250.com

#Justice250 #America250 #RuleOfLaw #Constitution #Democracy CivicEngagement USSMidway SanDiego SummerStephan AmericanHistory
Today, we honor the strength, love and sacrifice o Today, we honor the strength, love and sacrifice of mothers everywhere — those who nurture families, support communities and inspire future generations every single day. 💐
On behalf of the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, we wish a heartfelt Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, grandmothers, stepmothers, foster mothers and mother figures who make a difference through their compassion and courage.
Thank you for all that you do to protect, guide and uplift those around you. 💗
When confronted with a serious school threat, Prin When confronted with a serious school threat, Principal Harmeena Omoto responded with calm authority and decisive leadership to protect her students and staff in her school and in court proceedings.

#citizensofcourage #NationalCrimeVictimsRightsWeek
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