Tag Archive for: law enforcement

DA, Downtown Partnership Join Forces to Deter Retail Theft, Support Businesses

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan joined forces with the Downtown San Diego Partnership and the San Diego Police Department today to educate businesses that the new laws under Proposition 36 passed by the People are providing accountability alongside treatment, and to encourage reporting of crimes to law enforcement.

To support the effective implementation of the new laws, businesses are being informed that free window signage courtesy of the San Diego Organized Retail Crime Alliance and the DA is available that warns those who would commit retail theft that they will be prosecuted, especially repeat offenders who chronically target businesses and threaten public safety. One year after Proposition 36 went into effect, DA Stephan also provided an update on prosecutions under the new law.

“Prop 36 has made a real difference to local businesses and prosecuting these habitual offenders is making stores and the community safer—across the county and in Downtown San Diego,” DA Stephan said. “Since the new law went into effect, business owners have been able to call police to stop repeat thieves from terrorizing their employees and customers. By emphasizing accountability alongside treatment and rehabilitation, data also shows that Prop 36 is working to address the core drivers of habitual criminal behavior.”

Data released last month shows that as of November 11, 2025, 2,721 cases have been charged with one of the two key portions of Prop 36: repeat theft offenders charged under Penal Code section 666.1 and repeat hard drug offenders charged under Health and Safety Code section 11395. About 65 percent of the cases fall under drug charges, while about 35 percent pertain to retail theft.

In about 98 percent of those cases, the court has placed defendants on a treatment track to address their addiction or other underlying causes of crime.

DA Stephan was joined at a news conference today by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, San Diego Police Captain Ryan Hallahan and Alonso Vivas, the Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Senior Vice President and Executive Director of its Clean and Safe program, to provide an update on Prop 36 prosecutions, explain how police are responding to calls for service when thefts occur, and highlight the support the Downtown Partnership provides to businesses in the City’s urban core.

Over the past 12 months, local small and large businesses have expressed relief over the implementation of the repeat theft offender provisions of Prop 36, with some reporting that stricter penalties are deterring theft and providing a sense of security for businesses previously targeted by recurring offenders.

“For the first time in years, Downtown businesses, residents, and visitors feel like the system is working with them instead of against them,” Vivas said. “Since Prop 36 took effect, we’re hearing from shops that they are finally seeing real relief from retail theft and fewer repeat offenders walking back through their doors.”

San Diego Police Department statistics for 2025 show there’s been a 23 percent decrease in the downtown San Diego area for theft, robbery, burglary/breaking and entering, larceny, and other property crimes. In 2024, there were 3,515 such crimes and this year there have been 2,708.

“SDPD’s efforts in downtown are about protecting our community from criminal behavior that threatens safety, commerce, and quality of life,” said SDPD Captain Ryan Hallahan. “Prop 36 provides us with the ability to enforce specific narcotic and theft violations as a felony, hold people accountable for criminal acts, and provide treatment for those battling addiction. It’s encouraging to see the statistics showing positive results for our downtown businesses, and our teams will continue working to keep it that way.”

 

“Proposition 36 is delivering results for San Diego,” Mayor Gloria said. “Downtown is seeing fewer property crimes, and we’re bringing accountability back for repeat offenders while still offering treatment and services for those struggling with addiction. Retail theft hurts everyone – small business owners, workers, and customers. I urge San Diegans to report these crimes when they happen. Every report helps us hold offenders accountable and keep our city safe for all of us.”

 

“A year after voters resoundingly approved Prop 36, we’re seeing its promise delivered,” said San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who represents downtown. “District Attorney Stephan and our law enforcement officers are holding repeat offenders accountable, and that’s critical for protecting downtown residents and businesses. This coordinated effort is renewing confidence for my constituents who live and work downtown.”

At today’s news conference, businesses were reminded that they can take proactive steps to maximize the impact of Prop 36, including:

  • Reporting crimes and educating employees on aspects of the new laws.
  • Investing in surveillance to better document crimes and training employees on how to document evidence and losses suffered.
  • Engaging with law enforcement to collaborate and stay informed about solutions available under the new law.

Business owners and the public should report theft, share information, and support efforts to hold offenders accountable to promote public safety and maintain a thriving community.

In addition, businesses were reminded today that free window cling stickers are available that warn would-be thieves they will be prosecuted. To request a free window cling theft warning, businesses can email SanDiegoDA@sdcda.org

Recognizing an increase in organized retail theft, several years ago the DA’s Office formed a specialized team of prosecutors and investigators to fight this crime. The team works with local businesses and law enforcement to build sound evidence, which ultimately leads to stronger cases. In addition to engaging the Downtown San Diego Partnership and Chambers of Commerce across the county, the DA’s Office also participates in the San Diego Organized Retail Crime Alliance, (SDORCA) bridging the gap between public and private investigations of organized retail theft in both large and small businesses in the county.

Proposition 36, which passed with 68 percent of the vote in 2024, took effect in December of last year. The DA’s Office has been committed to successfully implementing the transformational proposition in partnership with the Sheriff, the county’s police chiefs, the court and the community. The measure:

  • Provides stricter consequences for repeat theft offenders, those who are committing smash and grab retail crimes, and organized theft rings, to help stop the cycle of recidivism.
  • Requires convicted dealers of fentanyl and hard drugs to receive a warning that the next time they sell illegal drugs, and someone dies, they will be held responsible for a victim’s death. The law provides additional consequences for illegal drug dealers who cause great bodily injury or death, who carry firearms while dealing narcotics, or are involved in the distribution of unusually large quantities of narcotics.
  • Incentivizes lifesaving treatment for defendants suffering from addiction by creating the new Treatment Mandated Felony that offers treatment as an alternative to incarceration for those who illegally possess hard drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine, addressing the root cause of many crimes.

More information about the implementation of Prop 36 can be found on the DA’s website here.

 

Second-Degree Murder Conviction for Defendant Who Killed Ex-Girlfriend

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that 48-year-old Eduardo Magana has been convicted by a jury of second-degree murder in the disappearance of his former girlfriend, Alexis Berenice Guadarrama Orozco, 33.

At his trial, prosecutors laid out a timeline that showed the defendant met Guadarrama at the Star Motel in Otay Mesa on July 15. The defendant was later seen placing a large, heavy object in the trunk of his car in the early morning hours of July 16. At the same time, all communication from the victim to her friends and family stopped. Magana was arrested three days later in Bell Gardens, CA near Los Angeles. He faces 15 years-to-life at his sentencing hearing on December 2.

Guadarrama’s body was never found and today it is believed to be in the Southern California area. DA Stephan and San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl are asking for the public’s help locating it.

“While this killer is being held accountable for his crime and justice is being delivered, Alexis Berenice’s family and friends also deserve the closure of knowing her remains can be laid to rest,” DA Stephan said. “Investigators are not giving up and sometimes a tip that seems small or inconsequential can help lead law enforcement to a break in the case. The San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit has done an outstanding job investigating this murder and the dedicated prosecution team led by Deputy DAs Justine Santiago and Jennifer Crampton brought a just murder conviction. Now, our team is focused on bringing Alexis Berenice home. Let this case also be a warning that hiding the victim’s body will not deter us from pursuing justice and that jurors will still convict without a body in accordance with the law. The only thing killers prove by hiding the body is that their cruelty is at a greater level.”

 

“This case highlights the thorough investigative work by our homicide detectives who tirelessly pursued the truth for Alexis Berenice and her loved ones,” Chief Wahl said. “Even though the verdict brings justice, our work is not over. We need your help in finding her body so her family can have the peace they deserve and give her a proper burial. We are asking anyone who may have information to please come forward.”

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (619) 531- 2293 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Please visit www.sdcrimestoppers.org for information on how to send a web or mobile app tip.

While murder prosecutions where no body has been located are rare, hundreds of such convictions have occurred in the U.S. over the past several decades, thanks to advances in forensic science and digital evidence. Deputy District Attorneys Justine Santiago and Jennifer Crampton prosecuted this case. Assistance on this case was also provided by the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department, and the San Bernardino County Sherriff’s Department.

Photo of Gavel and prison cell.

Hells Angels Assault Case Concludes

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that a criminal prosecution involving members of the Hells Angels and other gang members has concluded with 14 defendants being convicted and sentenced for a vicious attack on three young men on a public sidewalk in Ocean Beach. The attack was perpetrated by members of the San Diego Hells Angels along with members of other motorcycle gangs that subordinate to the Hells Angels.

“The successful conclusion of this case demonstrates my office’s commitment to holding organized gangs accountable for a wide range of offenses, including violent hate crimes,” said DA Stephan. “This was an unprovoked, vicious attack that nearly ended in tragedy. Thanks to our dedicated prosecution team for their commitment to delivering justice as this complex case wound its way through the criminal justice system.”

The case resulted from an incident in June of 2023, after a large group of motorcycle gang members had taken over a public sidewalk on Newport Avenue for a “Bike Night.” The victims, all Black men ages 19, 20 and 21, were walking down the street when the defendants brutalized them in an unprovoked attack. Despite their efforts to run away, the victims were caught by the defendant group and punched and kicked in the head and body while they lay on the sidewalk as their assailants used racial epithets.

The Hells Angels is an international organization whose primary purpose is the commission of criminal activity and who’s membership has been known to espouse racist ideology.

During that attack, longtime Hells Angels member Troy Scholder, 45, pulled out a knife and stabbed one victim in the chest, fracturing his sternum, severing an artery, and nearly killing him. At the time of the stabbing, the victim had been curled up on the ground, trying to protect his head. After this attempted murder, Mr. Scholder casually folded up his knife, walked away, and returned to the Hells Angels clubhouse in El Cajon where he was later arrested. The victim survived his injuries, as did the second victim who was knocked unconscious.

Thirteen of the defendants pleaded guilty to felony assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury and admitted allegations that they acted for the benefit of, and in association with their gang. Their sentences ranged from formal probation to custody in state prison. Scholder was convicted by a jury of premeditated attempted murder with a hate crime enhancement, along with additional felony charges, and was sentenced to 21 years-to-life in state prison.

The DA’s Gangs Division prosecutes complex murder cases and other serious crimes perpetrated by violent gang members who terrorize neighborhoods. These cases are handled by one prosecutor from beginning to end – also called vertical prosecution. Cases in this division are expertly navigated by 26 prosecutors and 20 investigators to bring justice to families left in the wake of violence. In 2024, the Gangs Division conducted 23 murder jury trials, which is more than 40% of the total murders tried in the DA’s office. The division also prosecuted other cases including kidnapping for rape, assault with great bodily injury, robbery, carjacking and possession of illegal firearms, such as ghost guns, by gang members.

Deputy District Attorney Miriam Hemming prosecuted this case.

DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 09-12-25

In this week’s update, DA Summer Stephan spotlights the Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division — the team working hard behind the scenes to take down fraudsters, protect your wallet, and hold corporations accountable. From identity theft to financial scams and shady business practices, learn how our office is standing up for justice and ensuring a fair marketplace for all

DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 08-07-25

In this week’s DA News Update, District Attorney Summer Stephan talks about the importance of National Night Out to help keep communities safe.

DA Summer Stephan Senate Testimony on Organized Retail Crime. July 15, 2025, Washington, D.C.

DA Stephan Testifies Before U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee

San Diego County District Attorney and President of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) Summer Stephan testified today before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, urging swift Congressional action to combat the growing threat of organized retail crime (ORC) and transnational theft networks that are harming communities and businesses across the nation with commercial and residential thefts and burglaries. DA Stephan was called to testify as the voice for America’s prosecutors in her role as President/Chair of the National District Attorneys Association and for her expertise in combatting these organized crimes in San Diego County.

Watch a recording of the hearing here.

In her testimony, DA Stephan outlined the evolution of organized theft from isolated incidents into sophisticated, multi-state and international criminal enterprises responsible for billions in losses and threats to public safety. Drawing from her office’s successful prosecutions in San Diego County, Stephan emphasized that these crimes are far from victimless and require a coordinated, national response. DA Stephan brought the experience of the many victims such as employees of small and large businesses, and homeowners victimized by these sophisticated and at times violent criminal rings.

“Organized retail crime is not only eroding business and job stability but is also threatening the safety and well-being of our communities,” said DA Stephan. “From high-end smash-and-grabs to international burglary rings, we’re seeing an increase in violence and criminal sophistication that demands strong legislative and enforcement action.”

Stephan detailed her office’s proactive strategies in San Diego, including forming specialized teams to prosecute ORC, collaborating with the California Highway Patrol, and establishing partnerships through the Organized Retail Crime Alliance. Stephan emphasized the success of recent legislation in California which allows prosecutors to aggregate thefts and pursue more serious charges. At the national level, the NDAA has joined with the Retail Industry Leaders Association to launch initiatives like store walks and the Vibrant Communities Initiative, aimed at improving coordination and safety in retail environments. The DA also partnered with the U.S. Chamber and National Retail Federation to educate about effective prevention and prosecution.

Stephan called on Congress to pass the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 (CORCA), which would establish a federal Organized Retail Crime Coordination Center to enhance national collaboration among prosecutors, law enforcement, and private sector stakeholders. She also called for enforcement of the INFORM Act that requires identification of third-party sellers to expose stolen properly online. Finally, DA Stephan stressed the importance of balanced prosecution strategies that differentiate between a young person who makes a mistake from a habitual criminal who preys on small businesses and neighborhoods. She advocated for the coordination center to link the dots to combat the organized crime and transnational criminal organizations that harm our nation.

In San Diego, the DA’s Office has prosecuted over 218 ORC defendants over the past two years, in partnership with law enforcement and retailers, involving theft losses of more than $2.6 million. Cases include multi-defendant smash-and-grab operations, repeat theft rings targeting national retailers, and transnational criminal networks responsible for multi-state burglaries and multi-million-dollar jewelry heists.

“Our experience shows that smart laws, real consequences, and close collaboration across jurisdictions work,” Stephan stated. “Now we need Congress to scale these efforts nationally so that no community is left vulnerable.”

Stephan also stressed the need for public-private partnerships to extend beyond enforcement and into prevention and education. She called for a national public awareness campaign to inform consumers about the impact of buying stolen goods, particularly through online marketplaces and informal venues like swap meets.

DA Stephan argued that just as robust laws and strategic prosecution are essential, so too is the active participation of consumers and community members in curbing organized retail theft. By combining legal tools, law enforcement coordination, and informed public engagement, Stephan concluded, communities can reclaim safety and economic vitality from the grip of organized crime.