Tag Archive for: San Diego District Attorney

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.

Man Who Threatened School with Mass Shooting Found Guilty by a Jury

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that a man who threatened a mass shooting at Shoal Creek Elementary School in Carmel Mountain Ranch has been convicted by a jury of one felony count of making a criminal threat. The jury arrived at this just verdict on October 21.

Lee Lor, 40, sent more than 400 emails to various recipients that threatened he would commit a mass shooting at the school, sending fear through the community in Carmel Mountain and beyond.

“The threat of a mass school shooting has become one of the most unsettling fears we live with each day,” DA Stephan said. “These threats take a real toll on students, teachers, parents, and communities, who are continually confronted with stories and images of school shootings nationwide. I am proud and grateful to our team for fighting for justice for this school and community. This conviction by jury should send a clear message that we will not tolerate anyone criminally attempting to threaten our schools and instill fear in our community.”

In San Diego County, the School Threats Protocol guides school, law enforcement and prosecutorial responses to school threats. The protocol was established in 2018 with law enforcement agencies, mental health professionals, prosecutors, school staff and more to advise the 42 school districts in the County. Last year, the Law Enforcement Coordination Center in San Diego County received 580 school threat suspicious activity reports.

Having this type of coordination is more important than ever to the public’s safety. Teachers and school staff play a critical role in detecting and addressing concerning and threatening behavior.

“When we look back at most school shootings, attackers made threats or exhibited concerning behaviors that were ignored or went unreported,” DA Stephan said. “Our School Threats Protocol highlights the importance of recognizing warning signs, reporting them, and working together to with our community partners to keep everyone safe.”

Lor’s sentencing is set for November 19.

Deputy District Attorneys Savanah Howe and Clay Biddle in the DA’s Superior Court Division prosecuted this case.

 

DA Opens One Safe Place South in National City

The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office proudly announced the opening of One Safe Place: The South County Family Justice Center in National City — a new, state-of-the-art facility that brings hope, healing, and justice to victims of crime in South San Diego County. District Attorney Summer Stephan was joined by community leaders, advocates, law enforcement, and healthcare partners to celebrate this major step forward in making comprehensive victim services accessible to all South County residents. Watch this video below to see how One Safe Place South is transforming lives through collaboration, compassion, and care.

Lowe’s Settles Price Overcharging Allegations and Agrees to Pay $1 Million in Settlement

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that Lowe’s entered into a stipulated judgment and will pay $1.1 million to settle a civil law enforcement complaint that alleged the home improvement retailer engaged in false advertising and unfair competition in California.

The action was filed in San Diego County Superior Court by a team of prosecutors from Northern and Southern California including the District Attorneys of San Diego, Alameda, Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Sonoma counties. Lowe’s operates 110 stores in California.

“Retailers must charge consumers the lowest advertised price – that’s the law,” DA Stephan said. “I am grateful to our Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division for holding retailers accountable and for protecting San Diegans.”

The civil complaint filed by the prosecution team alleged that the retailer unlawfully charged customers prices higher than their lowest advertised or posted price throughout California. The judgment includes an injunction that prohibits Lowe’s from engaging in false or misleading advertising. It requires the retailer to initiate and maintain a new robust price accuracy policy and procedures which include more employees involved in price accuracy, additional internal audits and an agreement not to raise prices over the weekend. The judgment also requires the home improvement retailer to pay $1 million in civil penalties and just under $90,000 in costs and restitution to cover the counties’ weights and measures investigations and support future enforcement of consumer protection laws.

Over the past 10 years, the San Diego County DA’s consumer protection filings have led to 87 civil judgments, resulting in court-ordered statewide penalties totaling more than $134 million.

The San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures inspected Lowe’s stores throughout San Diego County and is instrumental in monitoring retailers to make sure that consumers are being charged the correct price. Consumers may report scanner issues to Weights and Measures online by using the General Consumer Complaint Form or by calling 1-888-TRUE-SCAN (878-3722) (toll free) or e-mail sdcawm@sdcounty.ca.gov.

The San Diego County District Attorney’s Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division brings civil and criminal actions to protect San Diego County consumers. The division investigates and prosecutes fraud and unlawful business practices in the marketplace. The division includes a team of experienced attorneys, investigators, and other professional staff who investigate and evaluate reports of fraudulent and unfair business practices and determine appropriate action.

Deputy District Attorney Kathryn Turner prosecuted this case for the San Diego County District Attorney.

 

Photo of a gavel with a knife and handcuffs.

Man who Ambushed and Killed His Sister’s Former Boyfriend Sentenced to Prison

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a 33-year-old man has been sentenced to 51 years-to-life in prison for killing the ex-boyfriend of his sister in July 2020 before fleeing to Mexico for nearly two years.

Raymond Lynde, who was convicted by a jury in May of second-degree murder, had just been released from 12-year prison sentence for a string of armed robberies in Orange County when he ambushed Ariel Burquez, 23, outside of an apartment complex in Chula Vista. Lynde stabbed Burquez 28 times, leaving him for dead. Burquez collapsed at his front door, before he died.

“This was a savage murder that was motivated by animosity and revenge,” DA Stephan said. “I hope today’s sentence closes a chapter and brings a measure of justice for the family of Mr. Burquez. We’re grateful to our law enforcement colleagues in Mexico for their help in bringing the defendant back to San Diego to be held accountable for his vicious crime.”

Lynde had been a fugitive for nearly two years before he was located in Mexico by Mexican authorities. Members of a U.S. Marshals Service’s Fugitive Task Force took him into custody at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in May 2022. During the trial, Lynde’s sister said her relationship with Burquez lasted about six months from 2018 to 2019. When the relationship ended, Burquez allegedly vandalized property belonging to Lynde’s sister and allegedly shot at her weeks prior to the murder. Lynde admitted that he stabbed Burquez but claimed he only did so in self-defense. After the violent stabbing, Lynde disposed of the knife, hid the bloody clothes, and fled to Mexico.

Over the last five years, the District Attorney’s Office has successfully extradited 11fugitives from Mexico to face criminal prosecution in San Diego County.

Deputy District Attorney Cassandra Alfaro from the DA’s South Bay Branch 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 09-04-25: Carfentanil Found in Fake Pills

In this week’s news update, District Attorney Summer Stephan issues a critical public safety warning about the presence of lethal carfentanil in counterfeit pills circulating in our community. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from this deadly substance and what steps law enforcement is taking to combat it. Stay informed—your awareness could save a life.

DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 08-28-25

In this week’s DA News Update: As students return to school this month, District Attorney Summer Stephan emphasizes the importance of school safety and the role each of us plays in protecting children. In light of the recent tragic school shooting in Minneapolis, this message is more urgent than ever: if you see something, say something. Reporting suspected abuse or suspicious behavior can save lives and keep our schools safe.

Six Veterans Graduate from Specialized Court Program Aiding Recovery and Reintegration

For some veterans, the transition to civilian life brings challenges—mental health struggles, substance abuse, and sometimes, involvement with the justice system. Veterans Treatment Court is a specialized but rigorous court program designed to help people move toward recovery. And last week, six individuals graduated from the program.

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.