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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

In Photo: Scripps Health President and CEO Chris Van Gorder today presented San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan with the Scripps President’s Award.

DA Stephan Receives Scripps President’s Award for Efforts to Help Reduce Hospital Violence

February 26, 2026

Scripps Health President and CEO Chris Van Gorder today presented San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan 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 […]

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https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Scripps-Award.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-26 16:13:182026-03-02 09:57:59DA Stephan Receives Scripps President’s Award for Efforts to Help Reduce Hospital Violence
Photo of Supervising District Attorney Investigator Ameilia Mitcalf for Black History Month.

Supervising District Attorney Investigator Ameilia Mitcalf

February 26, 2026

In honor of Black History Month, which is celebrated throughout the month of February, the DA’s Office is featuring stories of employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet Supervising District Attorney Investigator Ameilia Mitcalf, who was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California.  However, during her summers and school […]

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https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Black-History-Month-Ameilia-Mitcalf.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-26 09:00:102026-02-24 17:53:52Supervising District Attorney Investigator Ameilia Mitcalf
Photo of Gavel and prison cell.

Point Loma Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Executing Sister and Nephew, and Shooting his Mother

February 25, 2026

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a 61-year-old man who killed his sister and nephew and seriously injured his then 86-year-old mother in an August 2024 family dispute, has been sentenced to two terms of life without parole plus 82 years in prison. William Bushey was convicted by a jury in […]

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https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Gavel-and-prison-cell.png 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-25 13:03:182026-02-25 13:03:18Point Loma Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Executing Sister and Nephew, and Shooting his Mother
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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

More videos >

SDDA Facebook

San Diego County District Attorney and DA Summer Stephan

Fri March 13th

San Diego County District Attorney
San Diego County District Attorney DA Summer Stephan is joining the California District Attorneys Association in their statewide call for the California Legislature to pass common sense mental health diversion (MHD) legislation, Assembly Bill 46. This legislation is sponsored by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, and co-sponsored by many district attorneys’ offices across the state, including the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. The bill closes legal loopholes in California’s mental health diversion law by restoring judicial discretion and ensuring the program provides treatment while protecting community safety.Across California, reports have shown tragic cases in which dangerous individuals were granted mental health diversion only to commit violent crimes later – including murder, attempted murder, domestic violence and more. The following are three case examples in San Diego County, where the defendants should not have been in a position to victimize individuals but were on mental health diversion and then committed violent acts:- Downtown San Diego –Grant Parker, 34, stabbed and killed a victim outside of a hotel in downtown San Diego while on mental health diversion for threatening to kill his mother with a knife, carjacking and attacking a cellmate. The defendant was later involved in a self-inflicted hanging incident.- La Jolla and Bay Park -Ty Nadelen, 20, committed a series of hot prowl residential burglaries in La Jolla using stolen vehicles and was granted mental health diversion. While on mental health diversion, he attacked his grandmother with a hammer in Bay Park.- Vista and North Park – Priscilla Loza, 46,was on two grants of mental health diversion for carjacking in Vista and vehicle theft when she attacked a 70-year-old man in a vehicle with a wooden board in North Park.Mental health diversion, created under Penal Code §1001.36, was designed to help individuals suffering from mental illness receive treatment instead of incarceration. However, recent court rulings and statutory limitations have significantly restricted judges’ ability to deny diversion – even in serious and violent cases – leaving courts with limited authority to evaluate whether diversion is truly appropriate.“Mental health diversion was created to provide treatment for individuals whose crimes are driven by mental illness, but it was never intended to put victims and communities at risk,” said San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. “Unfortunately, gaps in the current law have removed the ability of judges to use their discretion in cases where diversion is clearly not appropriate. Assembly Bill 46 restores common-sense safeguards so courts can ensure that treatment is provided to those who truly need it, while protecting public safety and preventing dangerous outcomes.”Under current law, once a defendant meets certain statutory criteria, judges have very limited discretion to deny diversion. Courts have even been forced to approve diversion in cases where no clear treatment plan exists, community safety is at risk, or where defendants have failed prior treatment efforts – due to how the statute is written and interpreted by appellate courts.Further, once a defendant completes Mental Health Diversion, the crime is removed from the defendant’s criminal history, removing accountability for dangerous crimes as if the crime was never committed. This puts victims, law enforcement and communities at risk if the program is not implemented properly.AB 46 addresses these concerns by allowing courts to consider whether a defendant poses a substantial and undue risk to the physical safety of another person and whether the proposed treatment plan is clinically appropriate to address the mental health condition that contributed to the crime.AB 46 will be heard in the Senate Public Safety Committee on March 17. Members of the public can watch the hearing live at 8:30 a.m. at: https://spsf.senate.ca.gov/committeehomeRead the CDAA letter of support here. For more information about the mental health diversion loophole visit www.placer.ca.gov/MHD.FULL ARTICLE: https://danewscenter.com/?p=9991 EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=10001 ... See MoreSee Less

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San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan is joining the California District Attorneys Association in their statewide call for the California Legislature to pass common sense mental health diversion (MHD) legislation, Assembly Bill 46. This legislation is sponsored by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, and co-sponsored by many district attorneys’ offices across the state, including the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. The bill closes legal loopholes in California’s mental health diversion law by restoring judicial discretion and ensuring the program provides treatment while protecting community safety.

Across California, reports have shown tragic cases in which dangerous individuals were granted mental health diversion only to commit violent crimes later – including murder, attempted murder, domestic violence and more. The following are three case examples in San Diego County, where the defendants should not have been in a position to victimize individuals but were on mental health diversion and then committed violent acts:

- Downtown San Diego –Grant Parker, 34, stabbed and killed a victim outside of a hotel in downtown San Diego while on mental health diversion for threatening to kill his mother with a knife, carjacking and attacking a cellmate. The defendant was later involved in a self-inflicted hanging incident.
- La Jolla and Bay Park -Ty Nadelen, 20, committed a series of hot prowl residential burglaries in La Jolla using stolen vehicles and was granted mental health diversion. While on mental health diversion, he attacked his grandmother with a hammer in Bay Park.
- Vista and North Park – Priscilla Loza, 46,was on two grants of mental health diversion for carjacking in Vista and vehicle theft when she attacked a 70-year-old man in a vehicle with a wooden board in North Park.

(CONTINUED IN COMMENTS)

FULL ARTICLE: https://danewscenter.com/?p=9991 
EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=10001
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
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