Arrests Confirm Suspicions Highly Organized, Mobile Crews At Work In The 24/680
Three people allegedly involved in the burglary and attempted burglaries of smoke shops, liquor stores and high-end retail stores in the 24/680 and elsewhere were arraigned in Contra Costa County Superior Court Wednesday. The trio, unidentified by law enforcement officials, face charges of organized retail theft, second-degree burglary, grand theft, vandalism, and other alleged crimes.…
District Attorney Opens Application Period For Spring Community Academy
From the Office of the District Attorney: Martinez, California – Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton is pleased to announce applications are now open for the Spring 2024 Community Academy. The free, 10-week course will be held at the District Attorney’s Office in downtown Martinez from 6:00-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday starting February 21, 2024.…
Former Police Officer Charged With Attempted Murder, Firearm Assault, And Injuring a Spouse
From the Office of the District Attorney: Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has charged a Pleasant Hill resident with nine felony counts for attempted murder of peace officers, assault with a firearm, and injuring a spouse. Chunliam Nai Saechao, 40, is being held without bail in the Martinez Detention Facility. He…
Lafayette Man Re-Arrested – Arraigned On Armed Home Invasion, Kidnapping, And Child Abuse Charges
A Lafayette man who allegedly held a neighboring family hostage at gunpoint in their apartment and who disappeared from a court-ordered mental health diversion program pending trial has been re-captured and is currently being held without bail. Kenneth David McIsaac, 31, was arraigned today (Wednesday) at 1:30 pm in Martinez for kidnapping, false imprisonment by…
Alamo Attorney Convicted Of Embezzling $400,000 From Clients
From the Office of the District Attorney: Martinez, California – A jury in Martinez returned guilty verdicts on November 7th in a felony case involving an attorney, William James Reed, who embezzled $400,000 from his clients. Reed, an 80-year-old attorney formerly of Alamo, was convicted of felony grand theft by embezzlement and a white collar…
Lafayette Kidnap-Hostage Case Takes A Turn – Warrant Issued After Suspect Leaves Diversion Program
A no-bail fugitive warrant has been issued for Lafayette resident Kenneth McIsaac – central figure in a disturbing kidnapping/hostage case that rocked the city after a local family was bound with duct tape and held at gunpoint for hours in their apartment last year. It was McIsaac, the family and other residents of the Lafayette…
Lafayette Attorney Charged With Role In Billion Dollar DC Solar Ponzi Fraud
From the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of California: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Oct. 5, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a 23‑count indictment against Ari J. Lauer, 59, of Lafayette, charging him with conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, bank fraud, and wire fraud affecting a financial institution, for his role in the…
Stiff Penalty Pending For Parents In Fatal Child Abuse Case
From the Office of the District Attorney: Couple Faces 25 Years to Life in Child Abuse Case That Caused Death of an Infant Martinez, California – Yesterday, after four days of deliberation, a jury in Contra Costa County returned guilty verdicts against the parents who abused their infant son – which caused his death. Rayray…
Two Rodeo Residents Charged With Murder In Toddler’s Death
From the Office of the District Attorney: Martinez, California — The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has charged a Rodeo couple with murder, child abuse resulting in death, and torture in the death of a toddler — and the abuse of an infant. Destiny Deboe, 22, and 21-year-old Tyshawn Haywood are currently in custody in…
Drive-By Bear Mace Attack On Father, Child Lands Concord Woman In Hot Water
A bizarre drive-by assault with bear mace on a father and his 9-month old child in Walnut Creek, first reported here Sept. 13, has resulted in arrest and charges for a Concord woman accused of the assault. Investigators maintain that 35-year-old Chelsea Reich of Concord planned the assault – engaging her boyfriend to drive the…