San Joaquin County DA Ron Freitas Announces Successful Asset Forfeiture in Organized Crime Case Involving Public Official
San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas is pleased to announce the successful resolution of a significant asset forfeiture case against Shakir Khan, a former Lodi City Council member, who admitted to engaging in criminal profiteering through illegal gambling and money laundering activities.
San Joaquin District Attorney Delivers Crushing Blow to Drug Trafficking, Seizes Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars
San Joaquin County, CA – In a decisive victory against organized crime, the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office, through a rigorous 9-day trial involving Christian Valle et al., has effectively dismantled a drug trafficking network, seizing an impressive $379,744. This case involved funds seized from individuals suspected of drug trafficking, including one claimant previously convicted of possessing fentanyl for sale.
Lodi Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Illegal Dumping Charges
The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office announces that Muhammed Rehan, a Lodi-based tire service business owner, has pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts of illegal dumping under California Penal Code 374.3(a).
Stockton, CA - On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, defendant Jan Johnson was arraigned on the charges of Threatening a Public Official (Penal Code Section 71(a)(1)) and Criminal Threats (Penal Code Section 422(A)).
Father Convicted in Brutal Death of Infant: Justice Prevails for Emiliano Garcia
Stockton, CA - In a somber but significant moment for justice, San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced the conviction of Mathew Garcia in the death of his infant son, Emiliano Garcia. The verdict was delivered in Judge Thomasson’s courtroom, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against child abuse within our community.
San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office Announces Historic Sentence in Lonnie Smith Case
Lonnie Smith, 72, from Anderson, California, has been sentenced to 450 years to life plus two counts of Life Without Parole (LWOP) by Judge Mallett in Department 6D. This monumental sentence comes after Smith was convicted on eight counts of various child molestation charges from multiple jurisdictions. The charges involved child molestation of three separate victims, all of whom were under the age of 13 at the time the crimes were committed.
San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office Launches Community Chaplain Service
Stockton, CA – The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office is proud to introduce a new Chaplain Service focused on supporting community members and families affected by traumatic incidents related to its operations.
District Attorney Ron Freitas: Voter-Driven Proposition 36 Yields Early Success in Crime and Rehabilitation
Stockton, CA - San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas is proud to announce the early achievements in implementing Proposition 36, a mandate by California voters to address repeat theft and drug-related offenses through a mix of accountability and rehabilitation.
Stockton, CA - Today, the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office and District Attorney Ron Freitas announced the criminal indictment of Angel Ann Flores on felony charges.
Steven Burns' Parole Denied for the 13th Time, Prioritizing Community Safety
In a case that has spanned over four decades, Steven John Burns, convicted for the 1979 murder of Catina Rose Salarno at the University of the Pacific, faced his 13th parole hearing yesterday. After 45 years in prison, the California Parole Board has once again determined that Burns remains an "unreasonable safety concern" for the community, denying his release.
First Prop 36 State Prison Sentence of Repeat Theft Offender
The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office, under the leadership of District Attorney Ron Freitas, has secured a significant plea deal under Proposition 36 (Prop 36). This deal emphasizes our commitment to robust prosecution while acknowledging the broader implications of criminal behavior in our community.
Joseph A. Maldonado Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Murder of Miguel Ruiz
San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced today that Joseph A. Maldonado, 27, of Lodi, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of 23-year-old Miguel Ruiz. This sentencing follows Maldonado's conviction by a jury for first-degree murder (PC 187), with special circumstances (PC 190.2(a)(17)) and firearm enhancements (PC 12022.53(d)), as well as robbery (PC 211) with a firearm enhancement (PC 12022.53(b)).
District Attorney Ron Freitas Announces Successful Preliminary Hearing in Fentanyl Homicide Case
On January 3, 2024, San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced a significant victory in the fight against fentanyl-related deaths. At a preliminary hearing, the Honorable Lance Jacot of the San Joaquin County Superior Court found probable cause to hold Defendant Antonee Haines, 42, of Tracy, to answer on charges of second-degree murder related to the death of Tracy native, Travis Gassaway.
San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office Announces Conviction in Tragic Shooting Case
In Judge Orcutt's courtroom, a jury convicted Juan Salcedo, 46, of Stockton, of second-degree murder in the death of Moises Montes. The incident occurred on August 15, 2022, at around 7:15 PM near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Mormon Slough.
San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office Announces Sentencing in Stockton Homicide Case
San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced that 32-year-old Alejandro Olivares of Stockton has been sentenced to 21 years in state prison following his plea of guilty to voluntary manslaughter with the use of a firearm. Judge Allen Jose conducted the sentencing.
Mister Lee Convicted of Violent Robbery and Firearms Charges in Stockton
Stockton, CA - District Attorney Ron Freitas announced today that Mister Lee, 27, of Stockton, has been found guilty following a violent robbery at Corona Liquor in January 2024, where he allegedly pistol-whipped a customer. Lee was not apprehended until a search of his residence in April uncovered multiple firearms, ammunition, magazines, brass knuckles with an attached switchblade, and several pounds of marijuana.
San Joaquin County DA Secures Conviction in Fatal Drunk Driving Hit-and-Run
The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office, led by DA Ron Freitas, announces guilty verdicts in People v. Kenny Vincent Bird. Deputy DA Cameron Sheron prosecuted the case where the defendant, Kenny V. Bird, 34, of Stockton was convicted of Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence while Intoxicated and Hit and Run Causing Death.
Repeat Offender John Johnson Sentenced for Grand Theft at Kohl's
Stockton resident John Johnson pleaded guilty to charges of grand theft under California Penal Code section 487. On September 8, at approximately 11:16 AM, Johnson was caught leaving Kohl's on Trinity Parkway with $398.46 worth of merchandise. In a bold move just under three hours later, he returned to the same location to steal an additional $904 in goods, leading to a combined theft of $1,302.46.
Justice for Brandi: Dangelo Webb Convicted of Murder and Endangerment
San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announces the conviction of Deangelo Webb for the first-degree murder of Brandi Hornsby and the child endangerment of her six-week-old son.