Tag Archive for: DA Investigator

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 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.”

 

 

Meet DA Investigator Yvette Gaines

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet District Attorney Investigator Yvette Gaines.

Yvette has been with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office since January 2023. Prior to the DA’s Office, she was with the San Diego Policed Department for 18 years. She is currently assigned as the sole investigator for the Workplace Justice Division, where she investigates criminal wage theft and labor trafficking cases.

When she is not busy working, she spends her free time with her husband and daughter, traveling, going to concerts and baseball games.

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

“I am born and raised in San Diego. I come from a family of police officers. My father and two uncles were San Diego Police Officers. I was inspired by their dedication to public service, which strongly influenced my decision to pursue a career in law enforcement. My younger sister has since followed in our footsteps and is Deputy Sheriff with the San Diego Sheriff’s department.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?

“Hispanic Heritage means being proud of where I come from and honoring the traditions and values passed down through my family. It recognizes the pride in my culture that emphasizes hard work, family, and tradition. For me, it is something that goes beyond the month it is celebrated. It is important to me because it connects me to my roots and inspires me to carry forward my traditions.”

What is a fun fact about you?

“Something unique about me is three of my grandparents are alive (my grandmother and grandfather on my father’s side and my grandmother on my mother’s side). They all grew up in Logan Heights and went to San Diego High School. They were very active in the community during that time and have amazing photos. There is a mural of my grandmother on my father’s side in Chicano Park. It reminds me of how deep my roots are here in San Diego and makes me proud.”

Read more Hispanic Heritage Month stories from the DA’s Office, here.

Meet DA Investigator Jacqueline Hurtado

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

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

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?

“A career in public service wasn’t what I initially saw myself pursuing. When I applied to become a police officer, I never thought I had the chance. Fast forward 20 years later, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. This career has been deeply rewarding and turned out to be a path that fit better than I expected.

My father inspired me to pursue a career in law enforcement. He was also a law enforcement officer when we lived in Florida and retired from his agency. My father was my biggest supporter and was very proud when I decided to become a police officer.”

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“As a second generation Filipino, AAPI Month is very important to me. My grandfather served in the military during WWII and was granted U.S. citizenship, so my mother also became a citizen.  My father and three older sisters were Philippine citizens. Like many Filipinos, my mother and father wanted to move to the U.S. for a better life. Essentially to “live the American dream”.  My mother went through the process of petitioning citizenship for my father and three sisters. After approximately seven years of my mother traveling back and forth, my father and sisters finally came to the U.S. becoming lawful permanent residents and were later naturalized. My father arrived first after a three-year waiting process. Then my sisters arrived four years later.  Apparently, my sisters did not know I existed until they arrived in the U.S., and I was 10 days old!!!

AAPI Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of our families and ancestors. It is also a reminder of the struggles, sacrifices, and successes that are overcome by many and help shape our presence. I will always be grateful for the sacrifices my parents made for me and my sisters to give us a better future. Their journey was the reason mine was possible.”

Meet DA Investigator Tony La Dell

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 Tony La Dell, who has been at the DA’s Office for five years. He is currently assigned to One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center, where he works with 120 partner agencies to support victims of crimes. His job includes safety planning for victims, firearms recovery and other investigations, maintaining the overall security of the office, and developing policies and procedures for One Safe Place. Read more about what inspired him 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 chose a career in public service because I wanted to have a direct, positive impact on the lives of others. I also knew, based on my skill set and having participated in sports all my life, I had the tools to potentially be the kind of police officer who would contribute positively to the community. By contributing positively to the community that improves people’s well-being, I felt like I would be doing something meaningful with my life. I also had some great mentors, starting with my late father, who served in the Korean conflict and was wounded in combat, and my childhood wrestling coaches who were both former police officers.

Prior to joining the DA’s office, I was a police officer with the San Diego Police Department and then the Department of Justice for a combined 35 years. I thought I was ready for retirement but realized I had more to offer in public service, landing the perfect position at One Safe Place to finish my law enforcement career helping victims of crimes!”

Why is Black History Month important to you?

“Black History Month means looking back at the impact Black pioneers and leaders have had on our community, organizations, and cities. It means celebrating and honoring the legacy these pioneers and leaders have laid for future generations to follow. It means supporting the advancement of the Black community amidst the racial injustices that continue to happen throughout the U.S. today. It means educating myself further and honoring the fact that we would not be where we are today without the innovative contributions these Black leaders and pioneers have made — and to remind myself daily that Black history cannot be contained to a single month but should be celebrated and remembered year-round.”

DA Investigator Marcus Macias.

Meet DA Investigator Marcus Macias

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet DA Investigator Marcus Macias.

Marcus was born and raised in National City. He graduated from Southwestern College Police Academy in December 1998. Since September 2019, he has worked with the Gang Prosecution Unit and is currently assigned to Juvenile gangs.  He also works with the San Diego Police Department on a gang prevention program.

During his spare time, he enjoys hanging out with his wife and daughters.

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

“Like most young high school students, I was lost, looking for my calling. I saw a classmate in a National City Police Explorer uniform, and it intrigued me. The thought of helping people, policing, and protecting people I genuinely cared about was a true calling. I joined NCPD Explorer program in June of 1996 and eventually became a cop there.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“My favorite part of the job is the preventative efforts our office takes. Talking with young people, helping them navigate life and redirect their energy to making positive choices is my favorite part of the job.” 

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?

“As a mixed-race Latino, I embrace the heritage I was given (no one gets to pick their heritage). Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to highlight the many similarities Latinos have with all walks of life, such as culture, food, and family. It’s a time to reflect on the contributions of so many but also focus on the bright future of everyone.” 

Meet DA Investigator Xanthe Rosario

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet District Attorney Investigator Xanthe Rosario.

Xanthe was born in San Diego, California, but spent the first years of her life in Mexico. Her mother brought her back to the US when she was six years old.

She is currently a DA Investigator assigned to the Child Abduction Unit in the Family Protection Division, where her role is to investigate parental child abduction. She investigates cases where a child is unlawfully taken or kept by a parent or guardian in violation of custody agreements or court orders. These cases often involve situations where one parent takes the child across state lines, conceals their location, or refuses to return the child after a visitation period. The Child Abduction Unit works to locate missing children and the parent who abducted them; ensure the enforcement of custody orders issued by family courts, coordinate with law enforcement agencies, child protective services, and sometimes federal authorities (like the FBI) when abductions involve crossing state or international borders; recover the child safely and return them to the legal guardian or custodial parent;  and prevent future abductions by prosecuting violations of custody agreements or court orders. The unit also investigates “Hagues” cases. In the context of parental child abduction, The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is a multilateral treaty designed to address international child abduction cases. The Hague Convention on Child Abduction aims to promptly return children who have been abducted by a parent or guardian across international borders, ensuring custody disputes are settled in the child’s country of habitual residence.

During her spare time, Xanthe enjoys spending time with her teens, guiding them through life, hiking, and cooking for family and friends while having gatherings at her house because “food always brings people together.” She also belongs to a volunteer group that allows her to travel to other countries and volunteer by working with kids in unfortunate neighborhoods, like the child she is pictured with while volunteering in Costa Rica.

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

“I was inspired by the honor and respect I have for law enforcement. At a young age, I pursued a law enforcement career because I felt compassion and wanted to protect vulnerable and innocent people. I’ve admired the dedication and commitment of officers who put their lives on the line specifically for that purpose. The career inspired me to be a better human, a better mother, and a better servant. I began my career in law enforcement as a correctional officer at the San Diego County Probation Department. Then, I was hired by the Los Angeles Police Department, where I worked as an undercover in high schools, internal affairs, and a narcotics unit. In 2004, I was hired by the Chula Vista Police Department. At CVPD, I was a School Resource Officer and a detective in the Family Protection Unit and Crimes of Violence Unit. After 19 years at CVPD, I was hired by the DA’s Office. A strong sense of justice drove me to pursue a career at the DA’s Office. I knew my passion and my ability to connect with people would pay off. Working in the DA’s Office allows me to hold offenders accountable while seeking fair and balanced outcomes. The ability to advocate for kids and innocent people truly motivates me daily.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“My favorite part of the job is being deeply motivated by the responsibility of ensuring fairness. I am fulfilled by coming to work and helping my partners and co-workers. Knowing that I enjoy what I do and being thankful for my everyday growth.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?

“Being Hispanic, speaking Spanish fluently, and working for multiple agencies where a high percentage of the people we serve are Hispanic and vulnerable has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Hispanic Heritage Month is the time to recognize and celebrate Hispanic and Latino Americans’ contributions, history, culture, and achievements. It highlights people’s diverse backgrounds, traditions, and rich cultural heritage. For this reason, I will continue to use my language and my Hispanic background as a strength.”

 

 

Meet DA Investigator Adolfo Lomeli

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet District Attorney Investigator Adolfo Lomeli, who has been working at the DA’s Office since 2013.

Adolfo was born in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, and grew up in Merced California. His dream has always been to work in public safety, but before he set off to pursue that dream, he was an entrepreneur in the bakery business.  Yes, Adolfo went from baking donuts to eating donuts! In order to reach his dream, Adolfo had to learn the English language, become a U.S. citizen, and get a college degree.

While attending the police academy in the late 90s, Adolfo worked for the Merced County DA’s Office as Assistant Investigator in the Family Protection Division for one year. During that year, Adolfo also served as Reserve Deputy Sheriff for Merced County for one year.  Adolfo worked 17 years with the Atwater Police Department and served in various assignments, from patrol, FTO, narcotics, range master, interpreter, and the detective’s bureau.

Adolfo joined the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2013.  He served in the Family Protection Division at the Hall of Justice for nine years.  Adolfo was recently transferred to the North County branch in Vista, to ease the growing demand for Spanish speaking investigators. Adolfo is happy to assist the fast-growing Spanish speaking community in the north county. Occasionally, Adolfo also assists at the recently opened One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center in San Marcos.

Adolfo is married, has two daughters, one son, and two grandchildren. Most of his time is dedicated to spending time with his family. Together, they enjoy camping, fishing, going to the beach, and taking road trips.  Over the weekends, you’ll find Adolfo watching his grandchildren play baseball, working in his back yard, helping his son fix his car, or looking for yard sales.

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

“I chose a career in law enforcement because I wanted to help my community become a safer place to live. This profession has given me the opportunity to meet people from various backgrounds. I’m a people person, and I really enjoy hearing their stories. I honestly feel that working as a DA Investigator is the highpoint in any investigator’s career. Surrounded by skilled attorneys, paralegals, seasoned investigators, and caring victim advocates, creates the best setting to provide high quality services to our victims when they need it the most.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“My favorite part of the job is when the offender gets a fair sentence, and the victim receives the necessary support to go on with his/her life. Amongst all the tragedy and loss, we inevitably see in our career, it’s very rewarding to see victims recover and regain confidence in themselves and in the justice system.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?

“Hispanic Heritage Month offers an opportunity for all of us to recognize the contributions and sacrifices people of Hispanic ancestry have made throughout history to bring progress and enrichment to this great nation. These contributions extend from sports, science, music, politics, and military. I think is very important to educate our children about the accomplishments of individuals like them. Hopefully one of these examples could serve as inspiration for them to pursue and achieve their own dream. ¡Si se puede!”

Meet Senior DA Investigator Felipe Chee

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 Senior DA Investigator Felipe Chee, who began working at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2016. He is currently a Senior DA Investigator assigned to the Computer and Technology Crimes High Tech Task Force (CATCH) Team in the Economic Crimes Division, where his primary duties are digital forensic examinations and high-tech investigations, as well as testifying in a variety of cases from a digital forensics’ perspective. Read more about what inspired Felipe to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

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

“When I was in college, I had an aptitude for tech, but I wanted a career that did not involve sitting in front of a computer. I joined the military reserves and a good number of personnel in my unit were in law enforcement. I really enjoyed the camaraderie and the common goal of trying to make the world a safer place. Fast forward many years, when I was assigned to CATCH as an outside agency personnel, I really liked the family atmosphere here at the DA’s Office and the goal of pursuing justice and protecting victims. I applied and was offered a DAI assignment to the same unit I enjoyed working at. Looking back, it was the many mentors in the law enforcement community that shaped me. It was the mentoring that led me to choose a career in law enforcement.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“I really like how I can apply my skills to provide more insight into the who, what, when, and how. The digital world encompasses everyone from defendants to victims and witnesses. I find digital evidence to be challenging and dynamic. I really enjoy explaining my findings from the digital domain.”

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Month mean to you/why is it important to you?

“AAPI Month to me recognizes and celebrates the diversity of everyone such as heritage, cultural and up bringing. I grew up in a unique background growing up as an Asian American living along the U.S and Mexican border. I also believe with diversity we all share similarities in many ways. For those that know me, I love to eat and to try different foods. AAPI Month for me is also centered around food because sharing a meal together brings everyone closer.”

Meet Supervising Investigator Chris Raagas

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI Month), which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet District Attorney Supervising Investigator Chris Raagas, who began his career at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2013. Chris is currently the Supervising Investigator for the Superior Court Division, he is also part of the DA’s Bureau of Investigation’s training cadre and has several collateral duties as a defensive tactics instructor, range safety office and Special Services Team Coordinator. Read more about what inspired Chris to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?
“I majored in Criminal Justice in college and always wanted to give back to the community and help those in need. After working in law enforcement for several years, coming over to the DA’s Office provided me the opportunity to continue working criminal investigations, but still be able to spend quality time with my family.”

What is your favorite part of the job? 
“Knowing that you had some part of making a case successful when the Deputy District Attorney is able to obtain a guilty verdict. Bringing justice to a victim and closure to a family who is grieving, is a very rewarding experience.”

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Month mean to you/why is it important to you? 
“It is important because it recognizes the challenges Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders overcame when migrating to this country. As a child of a Filipino immigrant, my father came to this country after enlisting in the Navy. His hard work and perseverance showed me that you should never limit yourself and to keep moving forward, no matter how challenging things get.”