Tag Archive for: San Diego County District Attorney

Parole Denied for 2001 Santana High School Shooter

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that the Santana High School shooting defendant who opened fire at the school in Santee, California in March 2001 with a
revolver, killing two students and wounding 13 others was denied parole after an eight-hour hearing this morning in which 22 victims testified. After the hearing to weigh suitability for release, parole officials denied 38-year-old Charles “Andy” Williams’ request and said he should not be up for consideration again for another three years.

“I’m grateful to the Parole Board for listening to the victims in this case whose lives were forever changed by the defendant’s premeditated and cruel acts that terrorized an innocent school campus,” DA Stephan said. “Neither the 13 wounded victims nor the families of the two murdered students can regain what the defendant took from them.”

Williams was sentenced to 50 years-to-life in prison in June 2002. His parole hearing comes exactly 23 years since the mass shooting. His chance at parole is due to a change in state law that altered sentencing guidelines for juveniles who were tried as adults. In Williams’ case, the Youthful Parole law requires that any juvenile who was charged as an adult and received a life sentence has a chance at parole no later than 25 years into their sentence. Williams was 15 when he committed the crime.

In today’s hearing, the District Attorney’s Office argued that Williams remains an unreasonable risk and danger to society. Twenty-two victims who suffered as a result of the school shooting attended the video hearing and provided victim impact statements regarding the effects of the shooting.

The DA’s Lifer Hearing Unit has two main goals: to ensure that dangerous prisoners with life sentences are not released carelessly or improvidently, and to ensure that crime victims and their families are given an opportunity to participate in the parole hearing process and have their voices heard.

When a defendant is given a life sentence, the Lifer Hearing Unit processes the case to ensure that it is ready for future parole suitability hearings. This involves preserving victims’ statements and documenting the gravity of the crimes to ensure the offenders serve sentences proportional to their crimes.

Last year, there were 664 lifer parole hearings scheduled in San Diego County. Of those, 96 inmates received parole grants from the California Board of Parole Hearings. The remainder of the hearings –568– resulted in denials, postponements, or stipulations to a denial of parole.

The Lifer Hearing Unit is the state-wide leader in lifer matters and San Diego County serves as the training office for other prosecutors who seek to understand the complex laws governing parole hearings.

“Our DA Lifer Unit handles these complex and often gut-wrenching hearings, led by Deputy DA John Cross who is a statewide leader in lifer law,” DA Stephan said. “The Unit does an excellent job of representing victims and working to protect the safety of our communities when violent criminals are being considered for release.”

DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 09-05-24

In this week’s DA News Update, District Attorney Summer Stephan recognizes victims of fentanyl overdoses, and explains a historic binational agreement to help crime victims.

During a news conference,DA Summer Stephan holds up the Tax Form used by gang members accused of COVID Tax Fraud.

17 Defendants Indicted for Committing $1.7 Million in COVID Tax Fraud

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today announced a grand jury indictment of 17 defendants who filed illegal tax returns claiming credits for COVID relief totaling more than $2.2 million. The case involves four separate San Diego-based criminal street gangs, including one rival gang, which participated in the tax fraud scheme for an ultimate loss to the IRS of $1,752,788.

[WATCH THE LIVE STREAM OF THE NEWS CONFERENCE, HERE.]

Photo of the Tax Refund confirmation and the jewelry bought by the defendants.

Photo of the tax refund confirmation and the jewelry bought by the defendant.

Defendant Stephen Pittman, Jr., 31, recruited individuals and assisted them in filing their fraudulent tax claims and then took a large percentage of the refund. Between April 2022 and October 2022, multiple known, violent, gang members conspired with one another to commit this scam for personal profit, and to benefit their criminal street gangs. Pittman used some of the money to purchase diamond encrusted Cartier and Rolex watches, three diamond chains, and a diamond encrusted necklace of his gang moniker.

“This case demonstrates the lengths to which streets gangs will go to seek novel ways to fund their violent criminal enterprises and line their pockets, in this case successfully bilking the taxpayers out of nearly two million dollars,” said DA Stephan. “The dedicated investigators and prosecutors handling this case followed the paper trail for months in order to allow us to file charges and hold these individuals responsible for this large-scale scam.”

The scam was simple. 2021 Tax Form 7202 included a line item intended for COVID Relief, entitled “Credits for Sick Leave and Family Leave for Certain Self-Employed Individuals.” The IRS system stated, “Don’t enter more than 60 days” in this field. However, the number was manipulated to increase the fraudulent tax refund. In each of the co-defendants’ cases, more than 60 days were fraudulently inputted: ranging from 790 days to 15,678 days. As a result of the fraudulent entries, the returns garnered payments from the IRS ranging from $97,645 to $229,153 directly into their bank accounts.

The various defendants are charged with 81 felony counts including conspiracy to commit a crime, filing a fraudulent tax return, assisting in the filing of a fraudulent tax, receiving stolen property, and money laundering. Law enforcement arrested 14 of the defendants on Tuesday, two defendants were already in custody and one defendant remains at large. Arraignments for most of the defendants took place today in San Diego Superior Court. If convicted of the charges, the defendants face sentencing ranging from 16 months in jail, to life in state prison.

The fraud was discovered during the course of a homicide investigation when law enforcement found notice of an IRS refund on one of the suspect’s phones. That separate homicide investigation has led to four defendants being charged for the revenge murder of a rival gang member. That case is pending with one of the defendants having been convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The San Diego Police Department’s Financial Crimes Division was the lead investigative agency on the case and prosecutors worked closely with the East County Gangs Task Force.

“This case is a testament to the thoroughness of our investigators, whose diligence not only helped solve a homicide but helped uncover a significant criminal scheme involving a network of street gangs,” said SDPD Chief Scott Wahl. “The funds these suspects siphoned away were meant for the community most deeply touched by the pandemic, and that’s fraud our department won’t stand for.”

The defendants named in the grand jury indictment are Dajon Johnson, 23, Deonte Sherman, 29; Cora Wulff, 25; Roshan McKinney, 29; Shamira Clark, 21; Ashley Davis, 34; Shamar Garcia, 37; Haben Haile, 26; Stephen Pittman, Jr., 31; Jenelle Poutoa, 27; Brandon Scales, 53; Donte Sheffield, 35; Dominik Wells, 47; Gregory Baul, 23; Michael Brooks, 41; Tahamon Brooks, 53; and Michael Bullock, 55.

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Vanessa Gerard and Ted Fiorito.

[WATCH THE LIVE STREAM OF THE NEWS CONFERENCE, HERE.]

District Attorney Summer Stephan stands at a podium for a press conference with the Consulate General of Mexico Alicia Kerber-Palma, Attorney General of Baja California Maria Elena Andrade, the Director of Baja California Justice Center for Women Magdalena Bautista, and the Director of One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center Claudia Grasso.

DA Announces Historic International Partnership with Baja California Attorney General and Family Justice Center

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today the start of a historic partnership with the Attorney General of the State Baja California, the State of Baja California Justice Center for Women and the DA’s One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center. There are close to 300 Family Justice Centers world-wide and this agreement makes One Safe Place the first Family Justice Center to have an international partnership. Baja California is the 12th-largest state by area in Mexico.

The DA also announced the renewal of a partnership between the Consul General of Mexico in San Diego and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for the Mexican Consulate to have presence at One Safe Place via community outreach, crime prevention and vital services for the victims we serve. The partnerships were solidified with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today. [WATCH video of signing ceremony here.]

“Criminals who prey on victims for human trafficking, exploitation and violence know no borders,” said DA Summer Stephan, “Thousands cross the border every day between Tijuana and San Diego to go to work, school or visit family and friends and we know that there are many who are victims of crime on either side of the border. With this partnership, we will work together to cross-refer victims and provide vital services on both sides of the border to further regionalize help and ensure they can get to a safe and healing place no matter where they live or work.”

Since opening in July 2022, One Safe Place has served over 5,500 individuals, provided legal services to approximately 1,500 people, and received more than 16,000 calls and emails to their various helplines. One Safe Place provides support services all under one roof to anyone who has experienced child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, hate crime, elder abuse, human trafficking, violent loss, family violence, or other abuse or victimization. This is all in collaboration with over 100 community organizations and agencies like the Mexican Consulate and now the Attorney General of the State of Baja California and the State of Baja California Justice Center for Women, created to prevent violence against women and girls by providing legal, psychological and social services. Victims will no longer be forced to cross the border, sometimes waiting hours, to get to services. This partnership will ensure culturally-sensitive referrals for victims to access resources where they live, work or where they are most comfortable.

“Violence against women, children, and vulnerable people leaves a deep mark on their lives. It is necessary to develop and implement action protocols to guarantee comprehensive and sensitive care for victims of gender violence,” said the Attorney General of Baja California, Maria Elena Andrade Ramírez. “For this reason, I thank the San Diego County Attorney’s Office for providing a space where Mexican authorities can assist their fellow citizens who are victims of this crime. Baja California and California share a history of fighting against criminals who commit crimes on both sides of the border. We are convinced that working together is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation to ensure that victims receive help to heal their physical and emotional wounds, as well as guarantee justice for them.”

 

“Considering the reality of gender violence in our state and our close relationship with the United States, strengthening binational cooperation is not only important, it is imperative,” said Magdalena Bautista, Director of the State of Baja California Justice Center for Women. “Violence against women does not recognize borders, so justice and protection should not have limits either. Through this memorandum of understanding, we are taking a significant step to expand our impact and effectiveness in providing care and access to justice for women, and we reaffirm more strongly than ever our commitment to building a future where no woman has to live in fear, and where justice knows no borders.”

District Attorney Summer Stephan stands with the Consulate General of Mexico Alicia Kerber-Palma, Attorney General of Baja California Maria Elena Andrade, the Director of Baja California Justice Center for Women Magdalena Bautista, all holding up the signed MOUs.The renewal of the MOU with the Mexican Consulate further creates opportunities for collaboration with One Safe Place in outreach and prevention work, including the Consulate’s participation in the free informative community event “Cafecito Con La Comunidad” which takes place the second Friday of every month at One Safe Place. Together, the Mexican Consulate and One Safe Place have hosted events on wellness, have made college connections for first generation students and provided Consulate services at One Safe Place to meet the needs of the North County community and alleviate transportation barriers for those who are unable to travel to the Consulate’s main office in downtown San Diego.

“Addressing domestic violence requires a collective effort,” said Alicia Kerber-Palma, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego. “It is crucial that we work together – government agencies, community organizations, and local leaders – to provide support to victims and prevent future cases of abuse. Consular assistance and the protection of Mexican communities abroad through the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego constitutes the highest priority of our foreign policy.”

 

“The continued partnership with the Mexican Consulate has helped strengthen a bridge with the Latino community and helps enhance their trust in law enforcement when reporting crime and seeking help when victimized,” said DA Stephan. “Together we will continue to work to ensure that victims who seek services at One Safe Place, where the Mexican Consulate is an onsite partner, receive culturally sensitive help in their native language that focuses on safety, justice and healing.”  

One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center is located at 1050 Los Vallecitos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92069. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 12 p.m. The State Baja California Justice Center for Women is located at Avenida Moctezuma #1, Colonia Residencial de Cortez, Camino Verde, 22190 Tijuana, Baja California, with hours of operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

[VIDEO of One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center.]

How to Avoid Romance Scams

In this week’s DA News Update, DA Summer Stephan talks about common “romance scams” and important tips on how to avoid them.

DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 08-15-24

In this week’s DA News Update, DA Summer Stephan alerts victims of the Santana High School shooting about the upcoming parole hearing scheduled for the shooter. She also talks about the importance of victims’ rights, including their right to participate in parole hearings.

DA Summer Stephan speaks at a podium with city, county and state leaders standing behind her.

DA Collaborates with City Attorney’s Casa Mariposa Domestic Violence Shelter

On Friday, June 21, 2024, District Attorney Summer Stephan joined San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott and Senator Toni Atkins to celebrate the arrival of a new shelter option for families who are fleeing domestic violence. The Casa Mariposa Domestic Violence Shelter will offer survivors the services they need to get their lives back on track and ensure they do not fall into homelessness when they leave their abusers. Both the City’s Your Safe Place and the County’s One Safe Place (North County Family Justice Center) Family Justice Centers will make referrals to Casa Mariposa, operated by SBCS (formerly South Bay Community Services). A large percentage of unsheltered women were victims of domestic violence — physical, psychological, and sexual — before becoming homeless. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, visit sandiego.gov/yoursafeplace or go to onesafeplacenorth.org for help.

Photo of the cover of the DA's Annual Report 2023.

DA Releases 2023 Annual Report

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan released the DA’s 2023 Annual Report, noting a number of recent accomplishments across many different areas of her office’s mission.

“As one of the few public service offices that represents all 18 cities and 39 unincorporated communities that make up our beloved San Diego County, we are fiercely committed to the right of every child, adult and senior to live with safety and dignity,” DA Stephan said. “In this report you will find reflected the work of the dedicated DA team of prosecutors, investigators, victim advocates and staff working alongside law enforcement and the communities we serve to keep San Diego one of the safest urban counties in America.”

The Annual Report can be found online here.

The report includes:

  • A breakdown of prosecutions by crime type
  • A description of notable and high-profile criminal cases
  • An account of services provided to crime victims
  • Stories of hope from users One Safe Place – the North County Family Justice Center
  • Facts and figures of our outreach in the community

The DA’s Office is the Largest Provider of Victim Services in San Diego County

Keeping up with this year’s theme for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week “How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors,” it is a little-known fact that the DA’s Office is the largest provider of victim services in San Diego County. There are currently 20 Victim Advocates in the San Diego County District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program. In 2023, they assisted 9,942 new crime victims. This assistance included 814 crisis interventions and 11,865 resources and referrals. See what they do, in this video!

New Task Force Has Early Success Focusing on Chronic Crime Among the Homeless

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, City Attorney Mara Elliott, and San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit announced successful felony prosecutions today stemming from a recently-formed task force to address the issue of chronic criminal offenders within the unhoused population in the City of San Diego. The San Diego Accountability Renewal and Community Health Task Force (SD ARCH) was formed late last year to focus on criminal offenses most negatively impacting unhoused individuals and surrounding communities. These offenses include repeated drug sales, drug use, theft and vandalism.

[WATCH NEWS CONFERENCE HERE]

Four defendants have been convicted and sentenced in connection with the task force’s work. They include Frederick Johnson, 59, who was arrested for possession of methamphetamine for sale after officers found an ounce of methamphetamine plus an additional 13 vials of the drug in his van. Johnson was later re-arrested after he failed to appear in court and officers found more meth and five cell phones in a tent he was living in at Linda Vista Park.

In a second case, defendants Della Infante, 59, Angel Bernardo Reyes, 55, and Ramon Julio Byars, 44, were all convicted of sales of a controlled substance after undercover officers repeatedly bought methamphetamine from them. In the months prior to the incidents, there were more than 21 narcotics-related crime cases and over 25 arrests and citations for narcotics related incidents in the area around Sports Arena Blvd.

“It is unacceptable to allow blatant and repeated criminal activity to continue unabated without consequences,” said DA Stephan. “Offenders who commit the types of crime negatively impacting residents, business owners and other unsheltered individuals are a small but active percentage of the homeless population. Our goal is not to simply incarcerate members of that community but, instead, compel them to accept the treatment and services they need and thus, assist them in ending the cycle of crime and homelessness.”

“San Diegans have the right to expect us to use our powers as prosecutors wisely, focusing our resources of the most serious crimes, such as drug trafficking,” said City Attorney Elliott. “The progress we are announcing today reflects our commitment to that approach.”

“The San Diego Police Department is committed to addressing crime on our streets, particularly when it involves drug activity,” said Chief Nisleit. “The SD ARCH Task Force brings together a collective group to make an even greater impact. We are proud to be a part of this task force that will hold criminals accountable, provide resources to those in need and reduce crime in our communities.”

Two years of data show the overdose rate for people experiencing homelessness is 118 times higher than the general population. Being a victim of domestic violence, child abuse and human trafficking are found to high factors contributing to a person becoming homeless— especially for women and children.

“If we want our community to improve, we can’t allow open-air drug markets to rule homeless encampments,” DA Stephan said. “Unhoused people are already vulnerable and to further keep them in the clutches of addiction is cruel.”

“I want to strongly support the statement from our District Attorney that we cannot and will not allow open air drug markets on the streets of our city,” said Elliott. “Those experiencing homelessness or suffering from addiction are entitled to our compassion, but that does not give anyone a license to commit crimes in our community. We take drug offenses very seriously in San Diego because drug offenses often lead to the commission of more serious crimes.”

The SD ARCH Task Force is comprised of representatives from the District Attorney’s Office, City Attorney’s Office and San Diego Police Department and it meets at least once a month.

[WATCH NEWS CONFERENCE HERE]