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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.
  • Innovative Shelter Ready App Expanding Countywide

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Latest News

DA Honors Local Heroes at Inspiring ‘Citizens of Courage’ Awards

April 26, 2023

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan honored five brave individuals on Monday, April 24, 2023 with the DA’s Citizens of Courage Award during the 33rd annual event, which is held as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. “These individuals all displayed courage in the face of dangerous and trying circumstances,” DA Stephan said. […]

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https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04-24-23-Citizens-of-Courage-2023-scaled.jpg 1707 2560 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2023-04-26 17:13:212023-04-26 18:00:10DA Honors Local Heroes at Inspiring ‘Citizens of Courage’ Awards

Man who Killed Twin Daughters of Ex-Girlfriend Sentenced to Life Without Parole + 72 Years

April 13, 2023

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that defendant Dwayne E. Groves Jr., 41, was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole plus 72 years for murdering 15-year-old twin sisters, Caira and Leah Christopher, in April 2020. Groves pleaded guilty on March 10 to two counts of first-degree murder, a special circumstance […]

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https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Gavel-and-scales-YOUTUBE-dimensions.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2023-04-13 16:19:222023-04-13 16:19:22Man who Killed Twin Daughters of Ex-Girlfriend Sentenced to Life Without Parole + 72 Years

DA Files Criminal Charge in 101 Ash St. Case

March 23, 2023

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that former City of San Diego volunteer real estate advisor, Jason Hughes, 55, has been criminally charged with conflict of interest for his role in receiving millions of dollars in connection with two lease-to-own deals commonly known as Civic Center Plaza and 101 Ash Street. During […]

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https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03-23-23-Jason-Hughes-101-Ash-Street-News-Conference-scaled.jpg 1920 2560 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2023-03-23 16:15:422023-03-23 16:22:06DA Files Criminal Charge in 101 Ash St. Case
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Video

Funeral memorial poster for “Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi” with a smiling firefighter in a dark uniform on the left, fire department patches on his chest, and the dates “June 14, 1975 – February 17, 2025” on a dark background.

Mother of Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi Delivers Powerful Victim Impact Statement

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Victim-Rebecca-Marodi-.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-09-02 20:24:492026-09-02 20:25:12Mother of Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi Delivers Powerful Victim Impact Statement
Group photo of the students participating in the DA's Junior Academy with DA Summer Stephan and other leadership.

Inside the Junior DA Academy: High School Students Experience the Justice System

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Junior-DA-Academy.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-08-17 11:25:412026-08-17 11:25:41Inside the Junior DA Academy: High School Students Experience the Justice System
Photo of Child Abduction Unit team with recovered child at airport reunited with mother.

DA Child Abduction Unit Reunites Mother with Child Taken to Afghanistan

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Child-Abduction-Unit-1.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-08-11 10:59:542026-08-11 11:00:08DA Child Abduction Unit Reunites Mother with Child Taken to Afghanistan
Two members of the San Diego District Attorney's Restitution Recovery Team working together at a desk, reviewing information on computer monitors in an office cubicle.

See How the DA’s Office Helps Victims Recover Restitution

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Restitution-Recovery-Team-1.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-07-01 13:22:212026-07-01 14:55:28See How the DA’s Office Helps Victims Recover Restitution
Photo of man talking in front of audience in a big room with a screen behind him.

Gabby Petito Foundation Brings Domestic Violence Prevention Training to One Safe Place

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Gabby-Petito-DV-prevention-training.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-06-18 08:00:062026-06-17 16:32:50Gabby Petito Foundation Brings Domestic Violence Prevention Training to One Safe Place

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!

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San Diego County District Attorney and DA Summer Stephan

Thu October 15th

San Diego County District Attorney
Leona Guevara’s daughters bravely shared emotional victim impact statements at the sentencing hearing of their brother, honoring their mother’s memory and describing the profound loss caused by her brutal murder. Jacob P. Guevara, 44, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the first-degree murder of his mother, Leona Guevara, 63, in Borrego Springs. Leona’s body was dismembered and hidden in a closet.Their words reflect the devastating and lasting impact of violent crime on families and the importance of giving victims’ loved ones a voice in the justice process.The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for victims and holding those who commit violent crimes accountable.READ MORE: https://danewscenter.com/?p=10557 EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=10552 #VictimImpactStatements #JusticeForVictims #SanDiegoDA #SummerStephan ...

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‪🏛 Pursuing equal & fair justice for all.
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One year of support, hope and healing! 💜 In this One year of support, hope and healing! 💜

In this week’s DA News, District Attorney @summerstephan highlights the one-year anniversary of One Safe Place: The South County Family Justice Center in National City.

By bringing agencies and service providers together under one roof, One Safe Place helps survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse and other forms of abuse access critical services and support in one safe location.

We remain committed to working together to protect survivors, connect families with resources and build safer communities throughout San Diego County.

Learn more at OSPSanDiegoCounty.gov and FOLLOW: @ospsandiegocounty.

#OneSafePlace #SanDiegoDA #VictimServices #CommunitySafety
Setting your own food truck on fire for an insuran Setting your own food truck on fire for an insurance payout is a crime, and so is staging car crashes for profit. We prosecuted both.

Economic fraud is sometimes called a “victimless crime,” but the reality is very different. Individuals, small business owners, workers, and the elderly can all be harmed by those who cut corners at others’ expense. That’s why our team at the San Diego District Attorney’s Office joined the California District Attorneys Association for the annual CDAA Fraud Conference, which brought together prosecutors from across the state to learn about the types of fraud affecting our communities.

San Diego prosecutors took part as both teachers and students, leading seminars and discussions while also learning from colleagues. DA Summer Stephan was delivered opening remarks and welcomed attendees to our beautiful city.

Fraud harms all of us, and our office will pursue justice and hold those responsible accountable. We have our community’s back. Learn more on SanDiegoDA.gov.

#FraudPrevention #ConsumerProtection #AutoInsuranceFraud #SanDiegoDA #SummerStephan
In recognition of #HispanicHeritageMonth, the San In recognition of #HispanicHeritageMonth, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is highlighting employees whose experiences, backgrounds and dedication to public service help strengthen our office and the communities we serve.

Born and raised in San Diego’s Shelltown neighborhood in Southeast San Diego, Deputy District Attorney Christopher Mancilla has built his career around a commitment to serving and protecting the community he calls home. Before joining the District Attorney’s Office in 2017, he spent four and a half years as a staff attorney with the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, representing low-income clients in unlawful detainer cases.

Today, Christopher serves as a team leader in the Narcotics Division at the Hall of Justice and as the office’s Overdose Death Case Coordinator. In these roles, he supports and advises prosecutors, reviews case resolution offers, and works with local, state and federal partners to investigate and prosecute overdose death cases. His work reflects a commitment to accountability and to protecting families and neighborhoods from the devastating effects of drug-related crime.

“Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, I saw firsthand that the primary victims of crime and violence are the hardworking, everyday people living within those very neighborhoods. I’ve always felt a strong sense of duty to serve the public and a career in law enforcement provides me with the opportunity to protect the vulnerable people who remind me of my own family, neighbors, and friends.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://danewscenter.com/?p=10537 

EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=10544
San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan discusses a major step toward justice in a decades‑old case and explains why timely testing of sexual assault kits is essential to protecting survivors and holding offenders accountable. This week’s DA Weekly News highlights how persistence, advanced DNA technology, and collaboration helped bring closure to a victim and her family after nearly 30 years.

#SanDiegoDA 
#SummerStephan
 #RapeKitTesting
 #DNAEvidence
 #publicsafety
A San Diego County man has been sentenced for anim A San Diego County man has been sentenced for animal cruelty and neglect. 🐾

Nelson Andres Zepeda, who was convicted by a jury in August of six misdemeanor counts, was sentenced to probation, ordered to forfeit all seized animals to the Department of Animal Services, pay impoundment costs and victim restitution in an amount to be determined. He was also ordered to see a psychologist or psychiatrist and follow their recommendations, take an animal cruelty class, and is prohibited from having animals for five years.

Zepeda operated an unlicensed “holistic” animal care facility in Julian called Urban Feline. Investigators found animals suffering from untreated mange, severe infections, fractures and malnutrition. One dog, Roble, died while in Zepeda’s care, and his owner was never notified that Roble was ill or had died.

At the sentencing this week, Roble’s owner delivered an emotional victim impact statement, sharing the heartbreak of losing a beloved companion and the pain of not being told about his final days.

Following the investigation, eight animals were rescued, and most improved significantly after receiving proper veterinary care.

If you suspect an animal is being neglected or abused, please report it to your local animal services agency. Your call can save a life. 🐾

MORE INFO: https://danewscenter.com/news/man-illegally-operating-holistic-animal-care-facility-guilty-of-animal-cruelty/

EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/noticias/hombre-que-operaba-ilegalmente-un-centro-de-cuidado-integral-de-animales-es-declarado-culpable-de-crueldad-animal/?lang=es
 
#AnimalCruelty #AnimalWelfare #SanDiego #ReportAnimalAbuse #SanDiegoDA #SummerStephan
Animals can't speak for themselves, so it's our re Animals can't speak for themselves, so it's our responsibility to speak up.
 
A man who illegally operated an unlicensed holistic animal care facility in Julian was sentenced today after a jury convicted him on six misdemeanor counts of animal abuse, neglect, and failure to care for an animal. 
 
In April 2025, our partners at the Department of Animal Services received a complaint about the dogs and cats at Urban Feline. Investigators found animals with untreated mange, respiratory infections, leg fractures, and malnutrition. One dog, Roble, died while in the man's care, and his owner was never told he was sick or that he had passed.
 
Eight animals were rescued. Most improved significantly once they received proper veterinary care. 
 
"Cruelty and neglect like this has no place in our community," said DA Summer Stephan. "Animals deserve to be treated with care and compassion, and those who intentionally harm them must be held accountable."
 
Today, a judge sentenced Nelson Andres Zepeda to probation, ordered him to forfeit all seized animals to the Department of Animal Services, to pay restitution for impoundment costs and victim restitution in an amount to be determined. He was also ordered to see a psychologist/psychiatrist and follow their recommendations, as well as take an animal cruelty class and is prohibited from having animals for five years.

If you suspect an animal is being neglected or abused, please report it to your local animal services agency. Your call can save a life.
 
#AnimalCruelty #AnimalWelfare #ReportAnimalAbuse #SanDiegoDA #SummerStephan
San Diego County DA @summerstephan Stephan recentl San Diego County DA @summerstephan Stephan recently stood with our community at the Amazing Grace event to talk about what real progress looks like when we face substance use and overdose together. We’ve seen powerful signs of hope with a nearly 50% drop in overdose deaths in the Black community since 2023, and that didn’t happen by accident. It happened because people cared enough to speak up, share data, reduce stigma, and take action.
 
At Amazing Grace’s event, “Voices of Hope”, community members learned how overdoses in the Black community in San Diego are disproportionality high. Faith and community leaders told real stories of resilience and recovery, and discussed the stigma around substance use disorder.
 
If you’re with someone experiencing an overdose, get help immediately. California’s Good Samaritan law provides protections for people who call 911 during a drug overdose emergency from arrest or prosecution for certain minor drug offenses.
 
Amazing Grace is a committee under the Substance Use and Overdose Prevention Taskforce. The Amazing Grace committee is facilitated by Carla Crudup and made up of faith-based and community leaders focusing on overdose education and awareness, especially within our Black community. 
 
Together, through education, compassion, and action, we can continue turning awareness into hope and hope into progress.
 

#SanDiegoDA #SummerStephan
#OverdoseAwareness #AmazingGrace #EndTheStigma
Justice, nearly 30 years later. Michael D. Graham Justice, nearly 30 years later.

Michael D. Graham was sentenced to 60-years-to-life in prison for the 1996 rape and sexual assault of a 6-year-old girl in University City.

A DNA match through the national CODIS database ultimately helped investigators identify Graham and bring him back to San Diego to face justice.

Today, DA Summer Stephan  joined San Diego Police Department law enforcement partners to share how decades of persistent investigative work and advances in DNA technology helped solve this case.

We never forget victims. We never stop seeking justice. And no matter how much time passes, we will continue to find those responsible.

📰 Read the full news release: https://danewscenter.com/?p=10508 

🎥 Watch the news conference: https://youtube.com/live/uDtLSdaRSMg?feature=share

EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=10514 

#SanDiegoDA #SummerStephan #CODIS #DNA #ColdCase #SexualAssault
San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan San Diego County District Attorney @SummerStephan  announced hate crime charges today against a 20-year-old man for a series of graffiti incidents in the Lake Murray area last month that left multiple vehicles, fences, walls, and a residence spray painted with hate language, including swastikas, the N-word, and a racist and derogatory term in Spanish.

Eli S. Peralta was arraigned today and pleaded not guilty to four felony counts including using terrorizing symbols on private property and vandalism. If convicted he faces five years in local custody.

“The felony charges my office filed should make it clear that hate crimes are taken very seriously in San Diego County,” DA Stephan said. “Vandalizing someone’s property with swastikas and racist slurs is more than an act of vandalism. It is an act intended to intimidate, demean, and cause fear. That is not what we stand for in this community. We will stand with victims, hold those responsible accountable, and make clear that hate and intimidation have no place here.”

The tagging incidents took place between September 9 and 10 in a 5-block radius of the Lake Murray neighborhood. The cumulative total damage is about $14,000.
Peralta committed these acts with another person. Anyone with information on the second suspect is encouraged to contact San Diego Police.

The District Attorney’s Office has a dedicated Hate Crimes Unit. In 2025 we filed hate crimes against 14 adult offenders. Ten were race based, three were religion-based and one was gender based.

Peralta will next be in court on October 9 for a readiness hearing. He is out of custody and must stay away from all vandalism locations and not possess vandalism tools.

Deputy District Attorney Mei Owen of the Hate Crimes Unit is prosecuting this case.

EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=10496
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