Tag Archive for: Summer Stephan

San Diego County DA Summer Stephan Swears In 15 New Deputy District Attorneys

On January 30, District Attorney Summer Stephan proudly swore in 15 new Deputy District Attorneys committed to serving the people of San Diego County. In this special moment, our newest prosecutors share why they chose a career in public service — and why they chose the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to make a difference. Join us in congratulating these dedicated public servants as they begin their journey to uphold justice, protect our communities, and stand for what’s right.

Consumer Protection Charge Against Pet Cremation Business Owner

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that the DA’s Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division has charged the owner of a pet cremation business in San Marcos for not delivering promised cremation services to customers and not refunding their payments. Christopher Settle, 39, was arraigned in San Diego Superior Court today on one felony count of grand theft.

Twenty victims have been identified as not receiving refunds for services from Angel Paws Pet Cremation that weren’t completed between July and September of this year. The combined loss for all 20 victims is over $4,700. Three victims received ashes that were supposed to be cremains of their pets but later discovered their pet’s deceased bodies remained intact at the business. Settle continued to operate his pet cremation business without the legal or physical ability to complete orders customers paid for. The business closed this past summer.

“These pet owners trusted this business to handle their pets’ remains with dignity and respect but instead were denied that consideration,” said DA Stephan. “The owner is being held accountable for his actions thanks to the hard work of our consumer protection prosecution team.”

Settle was taken into custody at his Temecula home on December 2 by deputies from the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station. The defendant waived extradition and was transported to San Diego County, where he was booked at the Vista Detention Facility on an outstanding arrest warrant.

The business’s abrupt closure in the summer caused significant distress to grieving pet owners who made multiple complaints to law enforcement. In court filings, prosecutors said power was cut off to the business during the summer because of non-payment, leaving some of the deceased animals unrefrigerated for extended periods. Settle continued to accept animals for cremation services despite the gas being shut off.

Settle’s permit from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District to operate expired in March of 2024 and the permit retired in September of last year. Without a valid permit from the SDCAPCD, Settle did not have the legal or physical ability to operate the incinerator at the business.

Between September 24 and December 1 of this year, 46 Angel Paws customers contacted the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office in San Marcos to make a complaint regarding Angel Paws. Several of the Angel Paws customers are not included in victim list because their veterinary clinic outsourced cremations with Angel Paws. Angel Paws picked up several deceased pets from ABC Veterinary Hospital, Julian Pet Clinic, Pets Place Animal Hospital, and Santa Fe Pet Clinic, but never sent invoices for payment. Some pet owners received ashes back during the time Angel Paws was nonoperational, and some have still not received ashes or their pet’s body back.

The District Attorney’s Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division is responsible for prosecuting a wide variety of wrongdoing, including elder financial abuse, computer intrusion, complex identity theft, investment scams, embezzlements, real estate matters, counterfeit goods, environmental crimes and the theft of public assistance funds.

Deputy District Attorney Alexander Poyhonen is prosecuting this case.

 

DA Launches Elder Scam Prevention Campaign

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan released disturbing numbers today related to the amount money seniors lost in San Diego County from various online and phone scams targeting the elderly. During a one-year period, seniors in the county were scammed out of more than $130 million according to San Diego County’s Elder Justice Task Force (EJTF).

Citing the devastating losses, DA Stephan was joined by law enforcement partners at a news conference today to also share details of a large-scale elder scam prevention campaign that has garnered nearly 26 million advertising impressions since mid-September. The campaign began in September and will continue through the end of the year. Its goal is to educate seniors, their loved ones, caregivers, and the public about the types of scams that are currently most prevalent. The outreach is being led by the DA’s Office and is running on outdoor media, multiple digital platforms, print media, and radio outlets.

“We’ve had enough of criminals aggressively targeting some of the most vulnerable people in San Diego County and, in some cases, bilking them out of their life savings,” DA Stephan said. “We want to educate senior citizens and their families about how to recognize scams and what specific actions they should take if they suspect they are being targeted. At the same time, our collaborative work through the Elder Justice Task Force is reaping rewards in both prosecutions and restitution for victims who previously were devastated by their losses.”

WATCH THE NEWS CONFERENCE, HERE.

The county’s Elder Justice Task Force was formed in 2020 and for the first time, combined investigative resources and critical data sharing from federal, state, and local authorities. Since its inception, the EJTF has tracked or identified more than 4,600 victims and over $325 million in losses in San Diego County. The figures are likely much higher, however, since elder fraud is chronically underreported due to shame and embarrassment. In a game-changing effort, the EJTF combines the efforts of the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office, DA’s Office, Law Enforcement Coordination Center, County’s Aging and Independence Services, and local law enforcement to focus solely on the financial exploitation of older adults.

“Elder justice has long been a priority for the FBI and the San Diego Division is passionate about protecting this vulnerable population,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Dargis of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “Ensuring seniors are safe is part of our mission and we take this violation seriously. We aggressively investigate those who seek to destroy the financial livelihood of our elder community and are committed to holding scammers accountable for their crimes to help restore justice to their victims.”

The Elder Justice Task Force investigates cases, prosecutes criminals, and seizes and recovers lost funds whenever possible. Since October of 2023, the Task Force has identified dozens of suspects who have been investigated by EJTF or are still pending investigation and has filed cases on over 70 defendants in state and federal court. Total losses for San Diego-based victims for all EJTF cases currently being investigated is $4.5 million. The District Attorney’s Office has recovered over $274,000 in victim restitution related to 10 of its prosecutions, money that went directly back to victims. Additionally, the EJTF has recovered more than $16 million of victim funds through federal seizure warrants, bank-to-bank coordination, and active loss prevention measures.

“Scammers who target seniors don’t just steal money — they steal their dignity and security,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “When seniors are defrauded, they often lose the financial ability to live their lives on their terms. Early reporting makes all the difference. It has already allowed us to interrupt millions of dollars in scams and return money to victims before it’s gone. We urge anyone who suspects they’ve been targeted to report it immediately. Together, we can stop these fraudsters and give our seniors the peace of mind and financial freedom they have earned.”

Despite the Task Force’s successes, the amount of loss continues to increase year-to-year, leading the DA to create its new outreach campaign to reduce victimization of the county’s older residents. The DA’s Elder Scam Prevention campaign includes a comprehensive media strategy and is running through December 31. It is structured to provide broad awareness, multilingual coverage, and consistent reinforcement during the holiday season when scams are most active.

The campaign’s strategy balances mass reach for visibility with targeted placements for cultural and community relevance. By aligning traditional media with digital channels, it is ensuring that both seniors and their families are reached multiple times in multiple formats, increasing retention of the message.

Two months into the campaign, the combined media efforts have already generated more than 25.9 million impressions and is expected to generate over 43 million impressions and reach approximately 3.5 million unique individuals across San Diego County. This wide reach ensures that seniors, caregivers, and families receive repeated exposure to the prevention message in English, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese through a combination of traditional, digital, and community-based media channels.

Scams against older adults have grown more sophisticated, with tactics ranging from government impersonation to AI-generated voices mimicking family members. The campaign is anchored by the message “Stop. Hang Up. Tell Someone.” This simple, repeatable call-to-action provides clarity and reduces hesitation when a senior or caregiver encounters a suspicious request.

The Federal Trade Commission warned that scams targeting older adults have skyrocketed in the last four years. Reports of adults 60 and older losing $10,000 or more to impersonation scams have increased more than four-fold since 2020. Even more alarming: combined losses of over $100,000 per victim jumped eight times higher, from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024.

The DA’s outreach campaign notes that scams almost always follow the same playbook: a call, text, or pop-up warning about a fake “urgent” problem. The scammer—pretending to be from a government agency, bank, or major company—pressures victims into moving money to “protect” it. In reality, they’re tricking people into handing over their cash.

The scams often come in three common forms:

  • “Someone is using your accounts.” They pose as your bank or PayPal, claiming they spotted suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions.
  • “Your information is tied to a crime.” They impersonate law enforcement, warning that your Social Security number is linked to drug trafficking or money laundering.
  • “Your computer has been hacked.” A fake security alert—appearing to be from Microsoft or Apple—directs you to call a number where scammers claim your accounts are compromised.

Once hooked, victims are told to transfer funds, deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs, or even hand over money or gold to couriers. Different stories—same goal: to steal your money.

How to protect yourself:

  • Never move money to “keep it safe.” No legitimate agency or company will ever tell you to do this.
  • Verify independently. Hang up and call back using a number you know is real—never the one they give you.
  • Stop the call before it starts. Use call-blocking tools to reduce scam attempts.

More information about the campaign and examples of ads 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.

Elder Fraud Prevention: Spot the Red Flags Before It’s Too Late

Elders in our community are being targeted by scammers — from fake tech support to imposters pretending to be loved ones. If your money is involved and you’re told to keep it secret, it’s a scam. In just one year, seniors in San Diego County lost more than $130 million to scams. Watch this video to learn the warning signs and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming victims. Stop. Hang Up. Tell Someone. Report scams at IC3.gov. Click here to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams targeting the elderly: https://www.sdcda.org/preventing/Elder-Scam-Prevention-Campaign-Materials

 

LIVE STREAM: Senior Scam Stopper Summit in Vista

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan joins local law enforcement and government leaders for the Senior Scam Stopper Summit — sharing the latest updates on scams targeting older adults and how to prevent them. Hosted by Assemblywoman Laurie Davies and Vista Mayor John Franklin, the event brings together over 100 North County residents to learn how to spot red flags and protect loved ones. Last year alone, San Diego County seniors lost more than $130 million to scams. Learn how to stay alert, informed, and safe.

DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 10-23-25 | Grand Opening of One Safe Place South County

In this week’s DA News, District Attorney Summer Stephan shares highlights from the grand opening of One Safe Place: The South County Family Justice Center in National City — a new hub providing hope, healing, and no-cost support services for victims of abuse close to home.

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.