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  • Innovative Shelter Ready App Expanding Countywide

  • 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

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Latest News

Meet the Legislative Unit’s Administrative Analyst Elaine Bissett

May 30, 2025

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage 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 Elaine Bissett, who is the Administrative Analyst for the DA’s Legislative Unit, […]

Read more
https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Elaine-Bissett-DAnews-Photo.jpg 1440 2560 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-05-30 09:30:062025-05-29 17:38:24Meet the Legislative Unit’s Administrative Analyst Elaine Bissett

Meet Information Technology Principal Yabin Su

May 29, 2025

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage 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 Information Technology Principal Yabin Su, who has been with our office for 14 […]

Read more
https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Yabin-Su-AAPI-DAnews-PHOTO.jpg 1440 2560 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-05-29 16:39:432025-05-29 16:39:43Meet Information Technology Principal Yabin Su
Photo of a gavel with a knife and handcuffs.

Probationer who Stabbed Elderly Trolley Rider Sentenced to Prison for Attack

May 29, 2025

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that Israel Valdivia, 27, has been sentenced to prison for an early morning attack on a 71-year-old man that left the victim bleeding in the street with multiple stab wounds and a nearly severed ear. Valdivia was sentenced to seven years to life in prison. He […]

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https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Gavel-and-knife.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-05-29 14:54:362025-05-29 14:54:36Probationer who Stabbed Elderly Trolley Rider Sentenced to Prison for Attack
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Video

DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 06-12-25

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DA-News-for-YouTube-06-12-25.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-06-12 17:20:212025-06-12 17:20:21DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 06-12-25

New App to Find Shelter for the Homeless

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Shelter-Ready-App.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-06-11 07:24:082025-06-12 17:37:50New App to Find Shelter for the Homeless

NEWS CONFERENCE: DA Announces Launch of Shelter Ready App

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/06-09-25-Shelter-Ready-App-NEWS-CONFERENCE.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-06-09 17:43:352025-06-10 17:46:11NEWS CONFERENCE: DA Announces Launch of Shelter Ready App

Restitution Fund for Hate Crime Vandalism in Hillcrest

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Hillcrest-Hate-Crimes.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/danews_logo-1.png Barbara Medina2025-06-06 11:11:452025-06-06 11:11:45Restitution Fund for Hate Crime Vandalism in Hillcrest
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

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San Diego County District Attorney

Mon June 30th

San Diego County District Attorney
San Diego County District Attorney DA Summer Stephan announced last week that a teacher who inappropriately engaged in sexual relationships with two underage students has been sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to seven felony counts of related to various sex crimes.Kyiri Tisdale, 32, a former teacher at Escondido High School, was arrested in August 2024 following an investigation by the Escondido Police Department’s Family Protection Unit. He was arrested at school while preparing for the upcoming school year.“This defendant used his position of trust as a teacher to commit sex crimes against teenage students whom he’s supposed to nurture and protect,” DA Stephan said. “He not only physically violated his students but also violated the trust that the overwhelming number of teachers in our county work so hard to build with their students. There is no room in our schools for corrupt teachers who abuse their positions of trust to gain the confidence of students, only to take advantage of them sexually. I hope today’s sentence serves as a warning to anyone in a position of power that the truth eventually comes out, and you will be held accountable. I am proud of the victims for coming forward and I hope the end of this case provides the closure they need to move on and live healthy lives.”Tisdale was 29 when he began the first sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student. While that conduct was ongoing, Tisdale committed several illegal sexual acts with a separate, 16-year-old victim.Detectives with Escondido Police worked quickly to investigate when the report from the first victim came to light just days before the start of a new school year. They developed enough information to make the arrest even as Tisdale was in his classroom, prepping for classes to start and to meet a new group of students. After the arrest, the District Attorney’s Office worked with detectives to locate and speak to the second victim, developing further evidence for additional criminal charges.Every student in San Diego County deserves to have a safe and nurturing educational environment, free of sexual and physical abuse. But if that kind of abuse does happen, students, parents and teachers should report to their local police department or Sheriff’s Office. If anyone suspects any misdeeds related to schools but is uncertain about what to do, they can report to the District Attorney’s Office at https://www.sdcda.org/helping/studentsafety/.Once suspected abuse is reported, the task force members will evaluate and investigate the claim, law enforcement will be notified to investigate allegations when appropriate, and families will be connected with trauma-informed resources and support.Another important public safety reminder is that mandated reporters have a duty under the law to report suspected child abuse, which includes sexual abuse.Deputy District Attorney Peter Estes from the DA’s Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Unit prosecuted this case. ... See MoreSee Less

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🌈 Shining Bright with Pride! 🌈 District Atto 🌈 Shining Bright with Pride! 🌈
District Attorney @summerstephan  proudly joined the @countyofsandiego  LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group for the annual Shine Bright with Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on June 25, 2025, at the County Administration Center.
Together, county officials, community leaders, and residents helped raise the Pride flag high in celebration of the diversity, resilience, and contributions of our LGBTQ+ community.
In this video, DA Stephan shares how the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office supports the LGBTQ+ community through dedicated hate crimes prosecution, victim advocacy, and outreach programs that ensure safety, equity, and justice for all. ⚖
#PrideMonth #ShineBrightWithPride #LGBTQIA #SanDiegoPride
In this week’s episode of DA Weekly News, San Di In this week’s episode of DA Weekly News, San Diego County District Attorney @summerstephan discusses the sentencing of violent bank robber Larry Lightning Jr., who was brought to justice for terrorizing our community. Learn how the DA’s Office is working to hold dangerous criminals accountable.

Also featured this week: Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Discover important tips on how to protect seniors from financial scams, physical abuse, and neglect. Learn how you can recognize the signs of elder abuse and take action to help keep your loved ones safe.

#SanDiegoDA #SummerStephan #ElderAbuseAwareness #CrimePrevention #PublicSafety
DA @SummerStephan hits the aisles to tackle retail DA @SummerStephan hits the aisles to tackle retail theft…

Yesterday, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan toured a local Walmart to see firsthand how retail theft impacts our communities — and how Proposition 36 is making a difference.

From cracking down on repeat theft to offering treatment for addiction, Prop 36 is a smart, compassionate law that balances public safety with real solutions.⚖️

#Prop36 #RetailSafety #SummerStephan #SanDiegoDA #CommunityFirst #HomelessnessDrugAddictionTheftReductionAct #SaferCommunities
🚨 What You Need to Know About California’s Pr 🚨 What You Need to Know About California’s Proposition 36 — The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act 🚨
San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan is leading the charge to implement Prop 36, officially known as the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, a law designed to reduce retail theft and support addiction recovery. Yesterday, she toured a local Walmart, highlighting the real impact on retailers in our communities. In this video she explains why Prop 36 matters:
🔹 Targets repeat retail theft with stricter consequences
🔹 Cracks down on fentanyl trafficking to keep drugs off our streets
🔹 Offers treatment options for drug offenders instead of only jail time
🔹 Helps break the cycle of addiction and crime
🔹 Supports safer shopping environments for customers & employees
Thanks to DA Stephan’s leadership, Prop 36 balances justice and compassion—protecting businesses like Walmart while helping those in need get real recovery support.

#Prop36 #HomelessnessDrugAddictionTheftReductionAct #RetailSafety #CommunityFirst #SummerStephan #SanDiego #SanDiegoDA
🚨 BREAKING: A violent bank robber who terrorize 🚨 BREAKING: A violent bank robber who terrorized San Diego County during a series of armed bank heists has been sentenced to 488 years and 8 months in prison after being convicted on 30 felony counts.

📍 Larry Lightning Jr., 45, used a gun to rob banks across North County and San Diego from 2019–2022, stealing nearly $400,000. His crimes included:
🔹 10 counts of kidnapping
🔹 12 counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm
🔹 4 counts of robbery
🔹 3 counts of auto theft
🔹 1 count of kidnapping for robbery

⚖️ “This defendant orchestrated a terrifying crime spree that put the lives of bank workers and community members in danger,” said DA @SummerStephan. “Thanks to the dedicated work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, he has been held accountable for his crimes and the fear and harm he caused. While the defendant proved elusive for years, law enforcement never gave up its work to solve this string of crimes.”

The crimes involved violent takeovers, hostages held at gunpoint, and traumatized employees who feared for their lives. The case remained unsolved until a DNA hit in 2022 cracked it wide open. 

🙏 A huge thank you to the dedicated DA team and law enforcement who ensured this serial offender will never threaten our community again.

MORE DETAILS: https://danewscenter.com/?p=8865 

EN ESPAÑOL:  https://danewscenter.com/?p=8869 

#JusticeServed #SanDiegoDA #PublicSafety #CrimeNews #LawEnforcement #BankRobbery #Accountability
Honoring the Fight Against DUI Tragedies: San Dieg Honoring the Fight Against DUI Tragedies:
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced that Deputy District Attorneys Mary Loeb and Natalie Garcia have been named Prosecutors of the Year by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at the annual MADD San Diego Law Enforcement and Prosecutor Recognition Awards, held June 5 at the Town and Country Resort.

This prestigious recognition highlights their outstanding work in the DA’s DUI Homicide Unit, where they’ve brought justice to victims and families affected by devastating DUI-related crashes.

In one heartbreaking case, Loeb and Garcia successfully prosecuted the drunk driver who killed 15-year-old Jessica Talamante and her stepfather Brian McKee as they walked home in National City. Their expert handling of the case helped secure a guilty verdict and accountability for a tragedy that never should have happened.

🚔 In 2024, 26 lives were lost in DUI-related crashes in San Diego County. So far in 2025, the DA’s DUI Homicide Unit has already filed 11 new cases.

DA Summer Stephan said it best:
“This recognition from MADD highlights the outstanding work of our prosecution team, specifically Mary Loeb and Natalie Garcia, whose expertise and commitment in serious and fatal DUI-related cases repeatedly delivers justice to victims and their families,” said DA Stephan. "While the fatal consequences of alcohol-impaired driving are well known, we’re increasingly seeing drivers under the influence of drugs or a dangerous mix of both alcohol and drugs, with often tragic outcomes. These two prosecutors skillfully handle complex drug-DUI cases, helping jurors understand the often-hidden signs of drug impairment. I’m incredibly proud of them, and this award is a testament to their hard work and dedication.”

👏 Join us in congratulating Deputy DA's Mary Loeb and Natalie Garcia for their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to keeping our roads safer.

MORE DETAILS:: https://danewscenter.com/?p=8833 

EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=8839 

#SanDiegoDA #ProsecutorOfTheYear #MADD #JusticeServed #DUIAwareness #PublicSafety #VictimsMatter #RoadSafety #NoMoreVictims
🚨In this week’s DA News Update, DA @summerste 🚨In this week’s DA News Update, DA @summerstephan  highlights the powerful work of our Animal Cruelty Prosecution Unit, fighting for justice for abused and neglected animals. DA Stephan also shares a powerful Juneteenth message, honoring the significance of this day in American history. 
👉 Don’t miss this week’s update — a look at justice in action and a tribute to the values that unite us.

#Juneteenth #AnimalJustice #SummerStephan #SanDiegoDA
Today, we honor and celebrate the end of slavery t Today, we honor and celebrate the end of slavery through #Juneteenth, the day in 1865 that commemorates the news of the Emancipation Proclamation, enacted two years earlier in 1863, reaching Galveston, Texas creating the end to slavery and the Civil War. This revered date has long been celebrated in communities across San Diego and the country. Today, we commemorate the end of slavery because every human being has the right to be free.

"We join the nation in honoring Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day. On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved black people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free. That day marked the true end of slavery in the United States and ignited a legacy of resilience that continues to shape our nation.

I suggest that we regard Juneteenth as much more than a national and state holiday but also as an opportunity to pause, learn, and grow. Whether through community events, reading, conversations, or quiet reflection, I encourage you to use this time to consider how each of us can champion the truths that our nation committed to in the Declaration of Independence- that all human beings are created equal and endowed with certain unalienable Rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Like I’ve said before, when we understand that slavery is the ultimate human rights violation that rips apart dignity and humanity, then it’s plain to see the incredible resilience and power of the survivor generation." - DA Summer Stephan

#FreedomDay
🎉🐾 Happy 11th Birthday to Ollie the Court Do 🎉🐾 Happy 11th Birthday to Ollie the Court Dog! 🐾🎉
The DA’s North County Branch celebrated more than just a birthday—we’re honoring a true hero in fur.
Ollie, San Diego County’s one-and-only full-time certified facility dog for the courts, turned 11 years old on June 4! For years, this gentle Golden Retriever has been a steady source of comfort and calm for crime victims—young and old—navigating some of life’s toughest moments in court.
As a proud member of the San Diego County District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program, Ollie works side by side with DA Victim Advocate Magen Queen, bringing compassion and courage into every courtroom he enters.
Whether he’s sitting quietly beside a child on the witness stand or offering a comforting presence in the hallways of the DA’s Office, Ollie’s impact is immeasurable. 💛🐶
🎂 Join us in wishing this four-legged hero a tail-wagging, treat-filled 11th birthday! 🎈

#HappyBirthdayOllie #OllieTheCourtDog #DogsOfJustice #SanDiegoDA #VictimSupport #FacilityDog #CourtroomCompanion #PawsitiveImpact
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