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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

$6 Million Grant to Help Prop. 47 Offenders

DA Stephan is Working to Stop the Revolving Door to Prison

August 2, 2017

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced that a $6 million grant will go toward services and programs designed to keep individuals from recycling through the criminal justice system in San Diego County. The three-year grant was announced at a meeting of the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday where DA Stephan explained how 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

Fri May 23rd

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 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?“AAPI Month is important to me because it recognizes and honors the Asian community, for its culture, traditions and heritage. It also gives our young Asian generation a chance to learn more about AAPI heritage and history, to embrace where their ancestors are from and help understand what being Asian American and Pacific Islander is about.” ... See MoreSee Less

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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 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.
In honor of #AAPI Month, which is observed through In honor of #AAPI Month, 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 District Attorney Investigator Jacqueline Hurtado, who has been with the DA’s Office for almost five years, after a long career as a police officer. Her first assignment was at the Juvenile Branch for about two years, and she is currently assigned to the South Bay branch. When she is not busy working, any free time she has is spent with her husband and two children that keep them very busy! 

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? 
“A career in public service wasn’t what I initially saw myself pursuing. When I applied to become a police officer, I never thought I had the chance. Fast forward 20 years later, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. This career has been deeply rewarding and turned out to be a path that fit better than I expected.
My father inspired me to pursue a career in law enforcement. He was also a law enforcement officer when we lived in Florida and retired from his agency. My father was my biggest supporter and was very proud when I decided to become a police officer.”

Why is AAPI Month important to you?
“As a second generation Filipino, AAPI Month is very important to me..."
(CONTINUED IN COMMENTS)
GREAT NEWS!! Today, Assembly Bill (AB) 379, author GREAT NEWS!! Today, Assembly Bill (AB) 379, authored by Assemblymembers Nick Schultz, Stephanie Nguyen, Maggy Krell, and many more, passed the Assembly Floor with bipartisan support. This bill would strengthen the penalties for adults who solicit a minor for sex and establish a state grant program for survivors of human trafficking.

“Our laws must make it absolutely clear that children are not for sale and AB 379 does just that," said San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan. "AB 379 equips law enforcement with the tools we need to protect children from criminal buyers who prey on them, fueling human trafficking by lining the pockets of traffickers with millions of dollars. AB 379 not only holds criminals accountable, but it also expands the safety network and support for survivors as they recover from severe trauma. I’m proud to co-sponsor Assembly Bill 379 and I am grateful for all the San Diego County legislators who supported this critical legislation with their resounding yes vote for dignity and justice today. I look forward to AB 379 becoming a law that protects the most vulnerable."

#EndHumanTrafficking #AB379

READ MORE: https://a77.asmdc.org/press-releases/20250515-san-diego-state-county-leaders-unite-crack-down-child-sex-trafficking
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander He In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month #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 Shanish Aloor, who has been with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for more than 17 years. He first joined our office as a Legal Intern, then a Graduate Law Clerk and finally as a Deputy DA. He is currently the team leader for the DA’s Workplace Justice Unit, which investigates and prosecutes crimes where workers are victimized including wage theft and labor trafficking. When he is not busy working, Shanish enjoys reading biographies of famous historical figures, especially those involved in WWII and the Civil War. 

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

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service? 
“When I was in college a close family member was murdered. This crime shook me to my core and made me want to empower victims. I went to law school with the idea of working in the criminal justice system to make a difference. As an intern with the DA’s Office, I saw all the positive impacts we could have on the community. “

Why is AAPI Month important to you?
“AAPI month is important because it acknowledges a group that has been historically invisible while highlighting its powerful emergence. Minority voices, including those of AAPI, seek not just to uphold the law, but to make it more just, human and reflective of the America that we all deserve. AAPI month gives us a platform to reach out to future leaders to inspire them to strive to make this a ‘more perfect union’.”
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