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  • DA Stephan Releases ‘2024 Annual Report’ Highlighting Public Safety Achievements

  • Meet the DA’s Lifer Hearing Unit

    The DA's Lifer Hearing Unit
  • Man Sentenced to Prison for Killing Wife, and Throwing Her Severed Legs in Dumpster

    Laurie Diane Potter
  • DA Stephan Denounces Dismantling of Human Trafficking Bill AB 379 by Assembly Public Safety Committee

  • One Safe Place North Celebrates ‘Leap to Confidence’ Graduation

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Latest News

DA Will Fight to Keep Cop Killer Behind Bars

August 20, 2018

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan will again attend the latest Parole Board hearing for a defendant who shot and killed a San Diego police officer in order to bring a clear voice on behalf of the slain police officer’s family and keep a murderer behind bars. [TWEET THIS] Officer Archie Buggs was 30-years […]

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Justice Day at Alpha Project

May 23, 2018

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that her office is joining forces with criminal justice partners to help the homeless population currently living at the Alpha Project Shelter located in Downtown San Diego. The innovative “Justice Day” program is a collaborative effort between the District Attorney, Superior Court, Public Defender and the […]

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Beware of Medicare Card Fraud

May 14, 2018

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today warned the elderly and disabled who receive Medicare benefits to protect themselves from scam artists who may try to obtain their personal identifying information. The warning comes as about 525,000 senior citizens in San Diego County begin to receive new Medicare Cards in the mail. Unfortunately, the […]

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Video

The DA's Lifer Hearing Unit

The DA’s Lifer Hearing Unit

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lifer-Hearing-Unit-2025-1.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-05-05 14:19:542025-05-06 13:09:42The DA’s Lifer Hearing Unit

DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 05-01-25

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DA-News-for-YouTube-05-01-25.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-05-01 15:39:352025-05-06 15:41:37DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 05-01-25

DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 04-24-25

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DA-Weekly-News-Video-Update-THUMBNAIL-04-24-25.jpg 714 1288 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-04-24 15:33:482025-05-06 15:37:47DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 04-24-25

DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 04-17-25

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DA-Weekly-News-Video-Update-THUMBNAIL-04-17-25.jpg 707 1293 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-04-17 15:26:022025-05-06 15:38:14DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 04-17-25

Citizens of Courage 2025: Group of Good Samaritans

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Good-Samaritans-CHP.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-04-07 18:11:152025-04-07 18:11:15Citizens of Courage 2025: Group of Good Samaritans

Citizens of Courage 2025: Robert Moore

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Robert-Moore.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-04-07 18:08:572025-04-07 18:08:57Citizens of Courage 2025: Robert Moore

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San Diego County District Attorney

Thu May 29th

San Diego County District Attorney
In honor of #AAPImonth, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.Meet Information Technology Principal Yabin Su, who has been with our office for 14 years, and as an I.T. professional, she has been responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and supporting the DA’s intranet and public-facing website. Read more about what inspired Yabin to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.Why did you choose a career in public service/what inspired you to pursue this career?“I was driven to choose a career in public service by my belief in contributing to the public good and the sense of self-fulfillment I get in serving others. Being a part of the DA’s office, applying my skills to support the office, the victims, and bringing justice to the people have all made this a fulfilling job.”What does AAPI Month mean to you/why is it important?“AAPI month is a time to celebrate and honor the rich culture, history, contributions, and achievements of AAPI communities in our country. As a member of the AAPI community, I see this month as an opportunity to raise awareness for the challenges we face, build connections among our communities, reflect on our roots, and reconnect with our traditions.”A fun fact about you or what do you enjoy doing in your free time?“In my free time, I enjoy exploring the beautiful beaches and countless trails that San Diego has to offer. One of my favorite things to do is to cook fusion Chinese food.” ... See MoreSee Less

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‪🏛 Pursuing equal & fair justice for all.
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In honor of #AAPImonth, which is observed througho In honor of #AAPImonth, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Deputy District Attorney An Dang, who joined the DA’s Office in 2021. Prior to that, she spent two years at the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, and before that, she spent three years at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. Since joining our team, she’s been a Deputy DA in the Family Protection Division.

Read more about what inspired An to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

Why did you choose a career in public service/what inspired you to pursue this career?
“My mother was a trailblazer among Asian Americans in public service in San Diego. She is my biggest supporter, my hero, and I wouldn’t be where I am without her. I knew I wanted to be in public service, not only to prosecute Family Protection crimes, but to also be that source of support for those who did not have someone like my mom.” 

What does AAPI Month mean to you/why is it important?
“AAPI Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the AAPI community, not only by honoring our past generations who paved the way for us to be here, but also by empowering the current and future generations to thrive. This month is particularly important to me as a first generation Asian American, and the Co-President of the San Diego chapter of the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association (NAPIPA). I hope by celebrating the achievements and diverse and sometimes traumatic histories of AAPIs in the United States, we can foster a greater sense of understanding and inclusion, and all stand together to fight hate.”

An and other Deputy DAs are featured in a recent PSA about hate crimes against the AAPI community that NAPIPA created, you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uUh8ph7dhs

A fun fact about you or what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
“I started surfing at 33 years old, and now I’m obsessed. It’s intimidating to start, but once you overcome the challenges, it is the most healing and happy sport.”
📢 Exciting News from the San Diego County Distr 📢 Exciting News from the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center!
On May 19, our team joined forces with leaders from 27 California family justice centers at the Sacramento State Capitol for Advocacy Day, organized by the California Family Justice Network (CFJN). 🏛️
District Attorney Summer Stephan’s team, which included Chief Deputy DA Patrick Espinoza, One Safe Place Assistant Executive Director Taraneh Sarebanha, and DA Legislative Coordinator Elaine Bissett, met with local lawmakers to highlight the critical role family justice centers play in supporting abuse survivors with hope, healing, and justice. Special shoutout to Your Safe Place’s Executive Director Diane Doherty for representing the central FJC under the San Diego City Attorney’s leadership! 🙌
A heartfelt thank you to San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas and Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (District 13) for speaking on the importance of family justice centers as sanctuaries for those fleeing violence and abuse. 🚨
We were thrilled to join Senator Tim Grayson (District 9) as he introduced Senate Resolution (SCR) 67, declaring May 19, 2025, as Family Justice Center Day in California! 🎉
Family justice centers provide life-saving services to over 70,000 survivors, including 20,000 children, every year. They are a beacon of hope, breaking the cycle of abuse and preventing domestic violence homicides. ❤️
One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center is a project led by DA Summer Stephan to regionalize family justice centers in San Diego County and in just three years it has already helped over 7,000 individuals. Stay tuned for more! 🌟
#AdvocacyDay #FamilyJusticeCenters #SupportingSurvivors #HopeAndHealing #EndAbuse
Today, we stand with friends, family and colleague Today, we stand with friends, family and colleagues to remember and honor our military heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
They will never be forgotten.
Thank you for your service.
#MemorialDay
#NeverForget
In honor of #AAPIMonth, which is observed througho In honor of #AAPIMonth, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA's Office. 

Meet Legal Support Manager Maria Garlejo, who has been with the DA’s Office for 18 years.  She began her career in the office as an Intermediate Clerk in our North County Branch, then she transferred to the Hall of Justice in 2021 when she promoted to Legal Support Supervisor II in the Superior Court Division – Records Unit. As a supervisor she led a team of 8-10 support staff; Office Assistants, Legal Support Assistants, and Student Workers, and provided training for each desk in the unit. She made sure to motivate staff to always do their best in their assignments and encouraged professional growth. Just recently, Maria was promoted to Legal Support Manager. “I am very excited to start this new chapter and opportunity in my career with the DA’s office,” she said. 

When she’s not busy working, you might see her spending a lot of time at Disneyland, because she loves “Disney and Mickey Mouse! I have an annual pass and go to Disneyland twice a month with my boys. Thankfully, they too love going and are not getting tired of it.” 

Read more about what inspired Maria to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service? 
“I started at a younger age and honestly at the time, I did not know much about the District Attorney’s office. This was the first department in the County of San Diego to offer me an interview. Other departments offered me positions but it was our office that captured my interest. As my time in the DA’s office grew, I have learned to understand so much about how the justice system is important to the public in pursuing justice and helping victims. I am proud of what the DA’s Office stands for and honored to be part of the DA family. “

Why is AAPI Month important to you?
(CONTINUED IN THE COMMENTS)
Today we announce a major victory for crime victim Today we announce a major victory for crime victims, public safety, and due process! 

The California Office of Administrative Law (OAL) has granted a petition filed by the San Diego DA’s Office, striking down a controversial policy by the California Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) that banned the submission of crime scene and autopsy photographs in parole hearings.

Based on a petition submitted by the District Attorney’s Office, the OAL determined that the Board’s policy—enacted without public input or proper regulatory procedure—constituted an illegal “underground regulation” under California’s Administrative Procedure Act. The ruling requires the Board to cease enforcement of the policy and to follow formal rulemaking procedures if it wishes to pursue any similar restrictions in the future.

“This is a huge win for justice, transparency, and for every crime victim and family who deserves to have their voices heard and the full truth of a crime considered in parole decisions,” said DA Stephan. “The Board’s attempt to erase the harsh realities of violent crimes from parole hearings was not only improper—it was a disservice to public safety and victims’ rights. We’re proud to have stood up for what’s right, and we thank the OAL for correcting the Board’s procedure.”

The now-invalidated policy prohibited prosecutors, victims, and other stakeholders from submitting photographs that the Board deemed “graphic,” including crime scene and autopsy photos. The DA’s Office argued that these images are vital for parole board commissioners to fully understand the nature and impact of crimes and to evaluate an inmate’s credibility and insight. The OAL’s decision reaffirms that all relevant, reliable evidence must be considered in parole proceedings.

In its petition, the DA included legal arguments, examples of hearings where such photos were instrumental, and public outcry from victims and their families who were denied the ability to submit these materials. The specific cases cited included:
(CONTINUED IN THE COMMENTS)
 
EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=8677
In this week's DA News Update, District Attorney @ In this week's DA News Update, District Attorney @SummerStephan talks about the status of an important Assembly Bill to fight human trafficking and protect our children in California.
#EndHumanTrafficking #AB379
Today, Deputy District Attorney Abigail Dillon, wh Today, Deputy District Attorney Abigail Dillon, who leads the DA’s Hate Crimes Unit, was awarded the Anti-Defamation League’s prestigious, statewide Sherwood Prize for Combatting Hate, at a ceremony in Los Angeles. The organization cited Dillon’s innovative, proactive and reactive work within the DA’s Office and in the larger community, as well as her unwavering dedication to fighting hatred and bigotry.

The Los Angeles Anti-Defamation League’s Sherwood Prize recognizes law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect Americans from extremism, terrorism and hate. Specifically, the prize gives recognition to law enforcement professionals who are so committed to their work that they make a significant difference in their communities and serve as role models for their departments. In announcing the award, the League said Dillon’s work underscores the important idea that each person can make a significant difference in combating prejudice and discrimination.

“Lead Hate Crimes prosecutor Abbie Dillon exemplifies this prestigious statewide award by her deep commitment to bringing to justice and holding those accountable who harm others based on their religion, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation or disability,” DA Stephan said. “She has played a pivotal role in nearly tripling the number of hate crime prosecutions across San Diego County and is also dedicated to the prevention of hate crimes through training and education. She is very deserving of this coveted award.”

In her role as head of the Hate Crimes Unit, Dillon has prosecuted about 80 hate crime-related cases. She has also trained various law enforcement agencies, detectives, dispatchers, professionals, and area organizations on how to identify and respond to potential hate crimes and how to appropriately interact with individuals who have been victimized because of their actual or perceived status. She speaks at community forums where law enforcement interacts with community members, and she has organized a statewide training for the California District Attorneys Association to provide resources to smaller offices that do not have the same resources. (CONTINUED IN THE COMMENTS)
In honor of #AAPIMonth, which is observed througho In honor of #AAPIMonth, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA's Office. 

Meet Paralegal Lyka Huffman, who has been working at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for 12 years. She started her career in our office as a volunteer, then was hired full-time as a Legal Support Assistant in South Bay in 2012 and became a Paralegal in Superior Court, where she worked for eight years. She is currently assigned to the Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division where she assists attorneys in criminal prosecution in cases related to identity theft, embezzlement, organized retail theft, securities fraud, consumer and environmental protection. As a Paralegal, she works alongside Deputy DAs, DA Investigators, and other staff members to ensure that all aspects of a case are prepared for preliminary exams and trials. She also guides victims to the proper resources to ensure that they receive all the answers and remedies they seek, including restitution.

When she’s not busy working, she enjoys spending time with her family and catching up with friends over a meal. In her free time, she also likes to read, learn new recipes, and watch K-Dramas. Read more about what inspired her to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?

“I chose to become a public servant because I believe that our work is meaningful and I’m able to use my skills and knowledge for the public good. Having been born and raised in Metro Manila, I was raised to value hard work, service, and humility. Seeing my grandparents, parents, and other relatives serve the community made it an easy choice for me to follow the same path." (CONTINUED IN COMMENTS)
California voters approved Prop. 36 by a wide marg California voters approved Prop. 36 by a wide margin back in November because it toughened up penalties for repeat retail theft and drug offenses and also offers an option for treatment instead of jail time. District Attorney Summer Stephan was on NBC San Diego's Politically Speaking to give an update on this new law that went into effect this year. You can watch the full segment here.
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