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San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas, announces the arraignment of Francisco Eduardo Sandoval-Baez, who was arrested on February 25, 2025, following a traffic stop conducted by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department. During the stop, deputies discovered 8 kilograms of powdered fentanyl—enough to potentially kill up to 4 million people—concealed within the defendant’s vehicle. The traffic stop took place in Manteca on Highway 99.

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, under the leadership of District Attorney Ron Freitas, proudly announces a decisive step forward in restoring law and order with the aggressive enforcement of Proposition 36. Since its implementation, our office has pursued 33 felony theft cases and 22 felony drug cases, sending a clear message: crime will once again be illegal in San Joaquin County.

Today, Judge Orcutt sentenced Juan Salcedo, 46, of Stockton, to 15 years to life in prison for the second-degree murder of Moises Montes. The sentencing follows a jury’s conviction in Judge Orcutt’s courtroom for the crime, which took place on August 15, 2022, near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Mormon Slough.

San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced today that Julio Valdez, 38, of Stockton, was arraigned this afternoon at the San Joaquin County Superior Courthouse on two counts of murder under Penal Code Section 187(a), with special circumstances alleged, stemming from the brutal killings of Alicia Montejano, 43, and her 19-year-old son, Reuel Huerta.

A San Joaquin County jury delivered a first-degree murder guilty verdict against Walter Green for the barbaric killing of Loren Faria. The verdict concludes a trial arising from the brutal events of April 19, 2023, when Green tortured and murdered Faria, a vulnerable man reliant on a walker, over a perceived slight.

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 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.

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)).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)).

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.

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 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.