In this week’s DA News Update, DA Summer Stephan discusses two recent cases where justice was served: The defendant in a deadly carjacking in Coronado was sentenced and a Pacific Beach rapist was denied parole.
In this week’s DA News Update, DA Summer Stephan celebrates Red Ribbon Week and announces a new reward fund for hate crime tips.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan was honored this week at the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Red Ribbon Awards Luncheon with the Frank Goldsmith Lifetime Achievement Award for her tireless work and dedication to keeping San Diego County safer and healthier through the prevention of crime, including education about harmful and often deadly, illicit substances.
“It is such an honor to receive this recognition, especially because it is awarded by an organization that honors the legacy of a hero, slain DEA Agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena whose legacy created the largest national drug awareness campaign to save lives— Red Ribbon Week,” said DA Stephan. “This award is a testament to the relentless work of my DA Team, collaborating with our law enforcement and community partners on our shared goal of saving the lives of children and adults from illicit and deadly drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine. I’m honored to be in the company of the other awardees that serve our community. “
Some of DA Stephan’s specific efforts that were recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award, include the following:
Other awardees at the Red Ribbon Luncheon included William Perno from SAY San Diego who received the Excellence in Prevention Advocacy Award, the Juvenile Drug Smuggling Prevention Program received the Outstanding Prevention Program Award, the Camp Pendleton Substance Assessment Counseling Center, Drug Demand Reduction Program received the Deb Nixon Education Award, San Diego Superior Court Judge Enrique Camarena, Jr. received the Justice System Community Excellence Award; Detective Nathan Parga from San Diego Police Department received the Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Law Enforcement Award.
Red Ribbon Week is celebrated annually October 23 to 31 by the Drug Enforcement Administration and communities across the country to highlight the importance of a drug-free life. Inspired by the tragic death of local DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, this week of remembrance has helped spread awareness of drug misuse prevention and serves as an opportunity for parents, educators, and communities to reinforce the drug-free messages they share with their children throughout the year.
In this week’s DA News Update, DA Summer Stephan focuses on Domestic Violence Awareness Month and resources available to victims.
In this week’s DA News Update, DA Summer Stephan reveals the result of a school shooter’s parole hearing and discusses upcoming educational forums about a ballot proposition.
In this week’s DA News Update, DA Summer Stephan talks about an important community event to prevent human trafficking as well as her new role as the President of the National District Attorneys Association.
The National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) has elected San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan as its president for the 2024-2025 term. Stephan was sworn in at NDAA’s annual Summer Summit in Boise, Idaho on Monday July 15, where she chose a platform of elevating victim voices through enhanced prosecution, protection and prevention strategies. With a professional legacy marked by a relentless commitment to justice, service to her community, and innovative crime-fighting strategies, Stephan’s inauguration promises a visionary and inclusive approach to the role.
Stephan’s distinguished career is marked by a passionate devotion to protecting the most vulnerable members of society. As NDAA president, Stephan aims to elevate the role of prosecutors in safeguarding the rights of crime victims and enhancing public safety across the United States.
“It is a tremendous honor to lead the NDAA and work alongside dedicated prosecutors nationwide,” said Stephan. “Together, we will continue to implement forward-thinking strategies that ensure justice, promote public trust, and protect our communities.”
Since becoming the elected District Attorney for San Diego County in 2018, Stephan has led one of the nation’s largest DA offices, with a professional staff of 1,000 employees, serving as the People’s prosecutor for over 3.3 million people. Under her leadership, the office has launched numerous initiatives that are viewed as justice models nationwide, including the creation of a countywide school threats protocol to stop those who might carry out mass shootings before they can act, and a Juvenile Diversion Initiative that actively interrupts the school to prison pipeline. Stephan created a Blueprint for Mental Health Reform by working collaboratively to address the intersection of mental health, homelessness and the criminal justice system. She led and funded countywide de-escalation training for every San Diego County police department to better protect the lives of community members and officers, and opened a state-of-the-art Family Justice Center. Stephan’s focus on protecting seniors led to a first of its kind Elder Justice Taskforce. Her office is laser focused on the prosecution of hate crimes and deadly fentanyl dealers. Stephan also formed a specialized team to effectively combat Organized Retail theft which is plaguing our nation.
Summer Stephan is recognized as a national leader in combatting human trafficking and sexual exploitation and has been named Angel of Anti Human Trafficking. She pioneered San Diego’s Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Division and co-chairs the National Association of Women Judges Human Trafficking committee. Stephan is a fierce fighter for crime victims, personally trying many high-profile murder and rape cases and ensuring the testing of every rape kit in San Diego County. Her contributions to public service have earned her numerous accolades, including the U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Meritorious Public Service in 2023, the highest public service award from the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2022, she was named one of The Best Five Prosecutors in America.
“Summer Stephan’s leadership and vision will undoubtedly guide NDAA to new heights,” said outgoing president Charlie Smith. “Her dedication to justice and innovative approach to prosecution make her an outstanding choice to lead our association.”
Before she was elected District Attorney, Stephan served as a Deputy District Attorney in San Diego County for 28 years, trying over 100 jury trials, including complex homicides, sex crimes against children, and human trafficking cases. She graduated from the University of California, Davis, and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.
In addition to Stephan’s election, NDAA elected the following prosecutors to the 2024 – 2025 Slate of Officers:
President-Elect: Tim Cruz, District Attorney, Brockton, MA
Chairman of the Board: Charlie Smith, State’s Attorney, Frederick, MD
Secretary/Treasurer: Jennifer Webb-McRae, County Prosecutor, Bridgeton, NJ
Vice Presidents:
Directors-at-Large:
In this week’s DA News Update, DA Summer Stephan talks about a new ballot initiative to help reduce retail theft, homelessness and treat drug addiction. She also provides quick tips to avoid purse snatchers targeting elderly women.
In this week’s DA News, District Attorney Summer Stephan talks about filing murder charges in a Fentanyl overdose death case and an important educational outreach campaign to protect kids in San Diego County.
In this week’s DA News, District Attorney Summer Stephan talks about the 38th Annual Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Ceremony and how crimes against police officers often involve domestic violence crimes.