Tag Archive for: Black History Month

Photo of District Attorney Investigator Helen Williams for Black History Month.

Meet District Attorney Investigator Helen Williams

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 District Attorney Investigator Helen Williams, who was born and raised in San Diego.

While at San Diego State University, she worked with teens at Juvenile Court and Community Schools, adolescents with disabilities as a teacher’s aide, and the Probation Department’s Repeat Offender Prevention Program (ROPP). After graduating from SDSU, she first joined the DA’s Office in 1999 as an Account Services Representative with Child Support Services, then served nearly 20 years as a Deputy Sheriff with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office.  Then, she returned to the DA’s Office in 2019 as a District Attorney Investigator in Family Protection. She is currently a DA Investigator with the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (S.A.F.E.) Task Force in the Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Division, where she oversees enforcing sex offender registration laws and enhancing public safety. She monitors registered offenders, conducts compliance checks, supports public notifications, and assists Deputy District Attorneys with Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) investigations, court hearings, and Community Safety Team meetings for conditionally released SVPs.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?  

“Growing up amid prevalent gang violence, I saw how it impacted good families and neighbors in my community. My student role on Probation’s ROPP team gave me firsthand insight into juvenile offenders’ underlying challenges, motivating me to be part of the solution. I chose law enforcement to protect and uplift my community, and the DA’s Office to fight for victims of child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence—honoring my family’s legacy of service through fairness and justice.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  
“One of the most meaningful parts of my job is connecting with survivors of sexual assault and child abuse. Many Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) cases reach back decades, with some survivors victimized as children. Being trusted with their stories and healing journeys is deeply humbling. Law enforcement has made tremendous progress—embracing new technology, trauma-informed practices, and stronger victims’ rights protections. I prioritize making survivors feel seen, heard, and in control, while supporting Deputy District Attorneys as they fight for justice, accountability, and community safety. What stays with me most are moments when survivors share their strength and the lives they’ve built beyond their trauma.”

What does Black History Month mean to you, why is it important to you? 

“For me, Black History Month is both celebration and reflection. As a Black woman of Japanese and African American roots in law enforcement, it symbolizes strength, perseverance, and progress. I take deep pride in my family’s legacy—my father raised in the Jim Crow South, my grandfather as one of Savannah’s first Black dentists, and my uncle’s Great Migration journey to New York Supreme Court judge. Their resilience inspires my 26 years of service and commitment to fairness, integrity, and representation. Black History Month honors trailblazers who opened doors and challenges us to carry their legacy forward through our work, justice, community leadership, and service.”

Photo of Senior I.T. Engineer Sunday Fateropa for Black History Month.

Meet Senior I.T. Engineer Sunday Fateropa

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 Senior I.T. Engineer Sunday Fateropa, who was born and raised in Osun State located in the southern part of Nigeria.

Before joining the District Attorney’s Office, he worked as a Software Engineer for a power-sports parts and accessories retailer.  Additionally, for approximately two decades, he also worked as Information Technology Engineer, Computer Programmer, Web and Windows Application Developer, System Analyst and Software Developer for a series of employers in medical equipment, sales, marketing, traveling and banking industries.

He has been with the DA’s Office sin 2019. As Senior I.T. Engineer for the DA’s Information Technology Division, he is a web and windows application developer and a programmer, including the DA’s Case Management System application. As a web developer, he works on updating and supporting the DA’s public website as well as developing new standalone enterprise web applications that are customized to increase the organization’s productivity and efficiency.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?  

“I joined the District Attorney’s Office to be able to use all the skills and experience that I’ve acquired over the years to contribute to society. The District Attorney’s Office is tasked with enforcing equality and protecting the rights of the less privileged through prosecuting crimes, protecting victims’ rights, and preventing crimes. Without law enforcement and accountability, there will be a breakdown of law and order so contributing my skills and experience in technology is a way of adding my own quota to the development and strengthening of my community, addressing inequality, and supporting vulnerable populations in the society.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“My favorite part of application development is putting a smile on the face of individuals after resolving their problems or when other staff use the applications that I put together to perform tasks. It gives me a sense of accomplishments when the developed applications were able to solve complex tasks for the users since I know that this alone will save lots of time and will help users to focus on other important tasks.”

What does Black History Month mean to you, why is it important to you? 

“Black History Month to me is a way of honoring and celebrating our past and present leaders and heroes who dedicated their time, energy, and life to fighting for equality and justice so that those that are coming behind them will not have to face the same type of hardship they themselves faced. It is a way of recognizing our leaders struggles for liberation and for their significant achievements.”

 

 

Photo of Supervising District Attorney Investigator Ameilia Mitcalf for Black History Month.

Supervising District Attorney Investigator Ameilia Mitcalf

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 breaks, she traveled to Louisiana to spend time with her father and extended family, which allowed her to experience different cultures, values, and ways of life that helped shape who she is today.

Before working at the District Attorney’s Office, she served with several law enforcement agencies. Ameilia began her career in law enforcement in September 2001, working for the San Diego State University Police Department, where she served for several years. She then joined the San Diego Police Department and was assigned primarily to the Southeastern Division, working in patrol, Community Relations, the Juvenile Service Team, and Investigations as a Detective. She also spent time working investigations in the Vice Unit and later transferred to Southern Division, where she continued to work investigations for several years before leaving the department in 2015.

After relocating to the Bay Area, she joined the Walnut Creek Police Department, where she worked in patrol and was promoted to Detective, handling sex crimes and child abuse investigations. Although she valued that experience, she missed San Diego and ultimately decided to return and joined the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office as an Investigator in 2018. She worked in the Economic Crimes Division for several years before transferring to the Child Abduction Unit until she was promoted to Supervising District Attorney Investigator in 2025. She is currently assigned to the Juvenile Branch as the Supervising District Attorney Investigator, where she is responsible for leading a team of Investigators who each manage caseloads involving juvenile-related crimes. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the unit, including assigning cases, reviewing reports, evaluating performance, and providing guidance and support to both the investigators and Deputy District Attorneys. In addition, she serves as a liaison and resource for outside agencies, ensuring collaboration and effective communication as it relates to our cases.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?  

“Since I was a young child, I have been intrigued by the work of law enforcement and the responsibility that comes with serving and protecting others. From an early age, I developed a strong passion for helping people and a desire to be a voice for those who cannot always stand up for themselves. The idea of seeking justice for the vulnerable and ensuring that everyone is treated fairly has always resonated with me on a personal level. My father and several other family members were in law enforcement, and I always admired the courage and dedication they had. Their example left a lasting impression on me and inspired a deep sense of respect and admiration for the profession. I developed a strong desire to follow in their footsteps and pursue a career in law enforcement, not only as a profession, but as a calling to serve my community, protect those in need, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

I chose to work at the District Attorney’s Office because I wanted to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of victims and their families. Being involved in the investigative process once cases come to the DA’s office allows me to support the pursuit of justice with care, diligence, and integrity. Beyond the work itself, I believe it is essential to build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with the community we serve, creating bridges that provide support, understanding, and hope to those who need it most.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing those who have harmed others held accountable, knowing our work can bring justice and a sense of peace to victims. I especially value being part of a team of dedicated individuals who support one another and share a commitment to ensuring that justice is not only pursued but truly achieved.”

What does Black History Month mean to you, why is it important to you? 

“Black History Month is important to me because it provides dedicated time to honor the achievements, resilience, and sacrifices of those who came before me. I believe that without understanding the past, it is impossible to fully appreciate the progress and opportunities we have today. This time serves not only as a moment of reflection, but also as an opportunity to educate, inspire, and encourage meaningful conversations. It fosters an environment of understanding—one that acknowledges current systemic issues and promotes open dialogue on how we can work together to overcome them and create lasting change.”

 

 

Photo of Legal Support Manager Tonya Bailey for Black History Month. The Hall of Justice building is in the background of the photo.

Meet Legal Support Manager Tonya Bailey

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 Legal Support Manager Tonya Bailey, who was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee.  Her family is a military family, so before joining the DA’s Office she was in Manama, Bahrain where she was a director of the Child Development Center. Tonya joined our office in 2007 as an Interim Clerk (Office Assistant) and she is currently the Legal Support Manager at the North County Branch. In her current role, she manages the overall operations of the North County Regional Center, ensuring staff growth and development. The North County Branch receives cases from approximately 12 law enforcement agencies in the area.

During her free time, Tonya loves to sing and spend time with her family. “My faith in God is the priority of my life, and I enjoy using my gifts and talents to bless others,” she said. “I have fostered 7 children and adopted 3; I have worked with many other children during the past 20 years to help them overcome the challenges that they face and find renewed hope for their future.”

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?  

“The main reason I was inspired to work at the DA’s office is my strong belief and commitment to justice. I believe that one of the necessary requirements to living a life of peace and freedom is justice. Where there is no justice, the people suffer and live in fear. I am thankful for the opportunity to work in a profession that is dedicated to serving the community through instilling law and order.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“I love to mentor, inspire, and observe the growth and development of our staff. I enjoy watching people obtain success at every level in the workplace and become confident and thrive in their chosen profession.”

What does Black History Month mean to you, why is it important to you? 

“Black History Month helps us to remember and recognize the accomplishments of the black community throughout history that are often overlooked. From history, we have many black leaders that dedicated their life to freedom, justice, and the fair treatment of all people. These ideals are based on the Bible, that all men are created in the image of God and that every man has a God created purpose and plan. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who often risked and ultimately gave up his life so that all people will be seen as a person and not labeled according to the color of their skin stated, ‘That men should be judged by their character and not by the color of their skin.’ These ideals should be important to us all and should be fought for in a peaceful manner. Lastly, Black History Month to me also highlights what great things we as human beings can accomplish when we embrace our differences as such and not as right or wrong. When we work together as a human race and respect each other and treat each other with love and care. Abraham Lincoln stated, ‘That all men are created equal.’ I believe that Black History Month should serve as a reminder of who we all are, and that we should all strive to become a better ‘united’ us.”

 

 

Photo of Deputy District Attorney Christopher Chandler for Black History Month. The Hall of Justice building is in the background of the photo.

Meet Deputy DA Christopher Chandler

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 Deputy District Attorney Christopher Chandler, who was born and raised in Missouri and grew up in a small town of Sain Joseph, located on the Missouri River. His family moved to Sacramento, California when he was 14 years old.

Before working at the DA’s Office, he worked for the General Counsel of the San Diego Regional Airport Authority, where he assisted the General Counsel with legal research, drafted legal pleadings, prepared discovery, wrote memoranda and assisted with public records requests. He also frequently accompanied and supported the General Counsel and staff attorneys when they advised the Airport Authority Board of Directors and airport staff on legal issues, federal regulations, employment law, and contractual issues.

Christopher has been with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office since 2008, when he was an intern assigned to the El Cajon Branch, then returned as a Graduate Law Clerk in 2009. In 2011, Christopher was officially hired as a Deputy District Attorney with our office and is currently assigned to the East County Branch as a Prelim Team Leader. In his current role, reviews and assigns all preliminary trials in the East County Branch, observes DDA’s in court and provides feedback, assists DDA’s in evaluating cases, and meets with DDA’s daily to discuss witness issues, legal issues, and evidentiary challenges in prelims. He also supports the prelim team by covering prelims, restitution hearings, review hearings, and sentencing hearings as needed. This is in addition to his own caseload that presently consists of a murder and an attempted murder. Separate from supporting the prelim team, he also supervises the East County Branch interns and graduate law clerks – reviewing their written work, observe and supervise their court appearances, and provide constructive feedback on their performance.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?  

“My mother indirectly inspired me to choose a career in public service at the DA’s Office. My mother worked in the community her whole life. She was first a community organizer who worked to provide resources to the community and connect families to affordable housing. Today, she runs a non-profit dedicated to promoting minority health and wellness and supports African American youth who aspire to have careers in healthcare. Watching my mother impact the lives of so many people in our community inspired me to help in my own way, I chose public service. Working at the DA’s Office gives me an opportunity to serve the public daily by working with law enforcement and victims of crime to promote public safety and make our community safer for everyone.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“My favorite part of being a DA is working with the community. I really enjoy speaking with people from our community. As a team leader, I frequently get the opportunity to speak with victims, witnesses, and family members who have questions, seek restitution, are frustrated with the court process, or grieving the loss or injury of a loved one. I really enjoy sitting down and listening to people because so many of them just want to be heard. They often just want someone to acknowledge their frustration, listen to their pain, and try to do something to help them. I am fortunate that I get the opportunity to help people every week and I have a wonderful team of staff, victim advocates, paralegals, and investigators who are here to support them and provide help too.  I also really enjoy supervising, mentoring, and supporting new attorneys and law students. It’s very rewarding to see students and young lawyers grow to be outstanding prosecutors who support our victims and are inspired to protect our community.”

What does Black History Month mean to you, why is it important to you? 

“Black History Month is incredibly important to me for two reasons. First, the history of our nation is incredibly important to us all and Black history is American history. You can’t tell the full story of American history without describing the plight of Black Americans and other minorities who helped shape our society. Black History month allows us an opportunity to highlight significant historical contributions by black Americans to American culture, society, education, sports, music, and civil rights. Additionally, Black History Month shines a spotlight on important Black American historical figures whose tremendous contributions to American culture and society were often diminished, or even condemned, by the racism, segregation, or discrimination of their time. Second, Black History Month is an incredibly important cultural event. It provides an opportunity and a space for all Americans to gather, engage, network, learn, celebrate, and honor the cultural heritage of black Americans.”

Outside the office, Christopher participates in some really rewarding community organizations. He is the Southwest Regional Director of the National Black Prosecutors Association (NBPA) – a national professional membership organization dedicated the training, education, and advancement of black prosecutors. Additionally, he is Secretary of the San Diego Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation (EBGBF) – a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to represent the interests of the African American legal community by providing scholarships to law students, and assisting, educating, and empowering African American legal professionals.

 

 

Photo of Deputy DA Aliyah Redic for Black History Month. The Hall of Justice Building is in the background.

Meet Deputy DA Aliyah Redic

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 Deputy District Attorney Aliyah Redic, who has been with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office since 2022. Aliyah was born and raised in San Diego County and her first job out of law school was with the San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office. She is currently assigned to the Superior Court Felony Trial Team, where she tries a variety of felony cases ranging from vehicle code violations to attempted murders and murders.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?  

“With a family legacy of proud veterans, public service was second nature.  I have always been passionate about giving back to my community. I chose to become a prosecutor because it aligned with my passion, advocating for victims.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“As a prosecutor, the primary goal is justice. The pursuit of justice is incredibly rewarding.”

What does Black History Month mean to you, why is it important to you? 

“The legacy and achievements we honor during Black History Month are what made it possible for me to be both a first-generation college graduate, and a first-generation attorney. To me, black history serves as a reminder that anyone can make a difference. That personal perspective underscores the broader significance of recognizing and honoring Black history. Black History Month is important because it honors the profound impact, resilience, and achievements of the black community.”

Photo of Deputy DA Danielle Hall.

Meet Deputy DA Danielle Hall

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 Deputy District Attorney Danielle Hall, who has been with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office since 2018, when she began an internship at our office. She was officially hired as a Graduate Law Clerk in 2020 and was sworn in as a Deputy District Attorney in June 2021. Danielle was born and raised in Long Beach, California and this was her first job out of law school. She is currently assigned to the Superior Court Division’s Felony Trial team, where she handles felony trials and she is also one of the intern/GLC coordinators. A fun fact about Danielle is that she has a background in singing and acting.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?  

“Both my parents were DDAs in Los Angeles County. I grew up seeing how passionate they were about their jobs, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“Being able to seek justice for victims and make our community safe.”

What does Black History Month mean to you, why is it important to you? 

“Black History is important to me because it is inseparable from who I am. Throughout my life, I have seen how Black History is not only about the past, but about resilience. Honoring Black history means recognizing both the progress made and the work that remains. During Black History month, I am often reminded of Maya Angelou’s words, ‘I am the hope and the dream of the slave’. That quote resonates deeply with me and serves as a reminder of the legacy I honor and the responsibility I carry.”

 

Photo of Deputy District Attorney Deborah La Touche.

Meet Deputy DA Deborah La Touche

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 Deputy District Attorney Deborah La Touche, who has been working at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office since 2004. She was born in the Bahamas and raised in Toronto, Canada. Prior to joining the DA’s Office, she was a Public Defender at the San Diego Public Defender’s Office. She is currently assigned to the Major Narcotics Unit but has worked in all the branches of the DA’s Office, including Family Protection and Insurance Fraud divisions. Currently, the bulk of her cases in the Major Narcotics Unit include drug trafficking and drug sales involving hard drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines, fentanyl, and heroin.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?  

“There were several wonderful Judges who mentored me and urged me to consider the DA’s Office. When the opportunity to apply at the DA’s Office became open, I applied and was thrilled to be considered for a position. It was a great career move on many levels as I was able to expand my legal skills, work closely with victims, and pivot into various specialized areas of criminal law. Moreover, I was impressed with the community service work that the office does, and I had the privilege of heading up the Project LEAD program and spearheading the Success Agents program at the Juvenile Branch.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“Every day is different and the job itself entails so much, that I don’t think there’s one favorite aspect of the job—maybe that’s what I enjoy so much—the variety.”

What does Black History Month mean to you, why is it important to you? 

“I am impressed by the rich history that African Americans have made here in the USA—from building the White House to inventing peanut butter that is a staple in almost every household. As an attorney I appreciate the legacy that was built by Martin Luther King, Jr., Justice Thurgood Marshall, and Charles Hamilton Houston before him. They, along with countless others helped to lay the groundwork for me to witness history being made when the first African American man, Barack Obama, was elected as the 44th President of the United States. And later when the first woman of color, Kamala Harris, was elected as Vice President of the United States. We have a rich history in this country, and it is important that we celebrate it not only during Black History Month, but throughout the year.”

 

Meet Deputy DA Jayda Davis

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 Deputy District Attorney Jayda Davis, who has been working at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office since 2023. She was born and raised in San Diego. Before joining the DA’s Office and before law school, she worked at Starbucks all throughout college at SDSU. After graduating from California Western School of Law, she worked at an estate planning law firm before law school. She is currently assigned to the Felony Trial Team in the Superior Court Division of the DA’s Office.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?  

“Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a lawyer. It was the first and only thing I wanted to be when I grew up! I had no idea why or what a lawyer did, but my grandma planted the idea in my head, and I truly ran with it. Once I got to college I knew I wanted to do criminal law, I just wasn’t sure what that looked like. I then did an internship with the DA’s office and a judge in South Bay granted the expungement of a rape conviction over our objection. It was my last day at my internship, and although I was outraged at the court’s ruling and had just ‘lost’ that motion, I knew I needed to come back to continue to work on cases and make sure victims voices were being heard.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“It is so hard to pick one thing, but I would have to say my favorite part of the job is working with victims. A lot of the time, we are the first person a victim hears from after reporting the crime to the police. Being able to introduce myself and provide them with information or connections with our victim advocate services is one of the most rewarding parts of this job.”

What does Black History Month mean to you, why is it important to you? 

“Black History Month is a time of honor, reflection, and growth. About 3.5% of lawyers in California are Black and about 2% of those lawyers are Black women. I was the first person in my family to go to college and law school. Growing up I didn’t know any lawyers, let alone any Black lawyers, and that is why representation is SO important. I look internally at our office and see so many excellent Black DDA’s that I aspire to be like. I just hope to follow in their footsteps and help continue to pave the way for other kids who like me at such a young age just had a dream of being here. Just a special thank you to one of my mentors in the office, Chief Samira Seidu. Thank you for always believing in me!”

 

Meet Deputy DA Taylor Morrison

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 Deputy District Attorney Taylor Morrison, who has been with the DA’s Office for the past 10 years. She joined us in 2015 as a Certified Legal Intern, progressed to a Graduate Law Clerk, and then was hired officially as a Deputy DA in 2018. Taylor is currently assigned to the Economic Crimes Division where she practices a niche area of the law – civil asset forfeiture. As the sole DDA assigned to the unit, she manages over 150 cases that are in active civil litigation where she handles all aspects of civil filings and civil discovery. She also trains local law enforcement officers and other District Attorney offices on the intricacies of asset forfeiture, helping them implement it effectively in their jurisdictions.

Taylor is also the incoming President of the California Western School of Law Alumni Board, making history as the first Black woman to hold the position in the school’s 100-year history. Read more about what inspired her 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 am the daughter and granddaughter of public servants, the sister of a corrections officer, and the wife of a police officer. My path to public service was deeply influenced by my upbringing and values. I chose a career in prosecution because I wanted to help enforce the law but do so with compassion.”

Why is Black History Month important to you?

“As a career prosecutor and lifelong public servant, I see this month as not just a celebration, but a call to action—a reminder to inspire myself and others to make a meaningful impact on Black History in real time, through service and advocacy.”