RON FREITAS
District Attorney
Office of the District Attorney
Protecting our community for 175 Years
Protecting our community for 175 Years
Ronald J. Freitas is the 42nd District Attorney to lead San Joaquin County’s chief law enforcement agency. This administration maintains a zero-tolerance approach to prosecuting criminals, working with local, state, and federal partners to create a safe and secure San Joaquin County for everyone.
"The mission of the District Attorney's Office is to bring justice and closure to victims of crime."
“True public safety requires a collaboration
between law enforcement and the community.” - Betsy Hodges
Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year in San Joaquin County. A time when our streets come alive with superheroes, ghosts, and giggling children in search of candy. But as District Attorney Ron Freitas reminds us, “a little
preparation and awareness go a long way toward making sure the night stays fun, not frightening.”
Whether you’re taking kids trick-or-treating, driving home from a Halloween party, or just handing out candy on the porch, safety should be part of your costume this year.
Before the candy hunt begins, map out a safe route
through familiar neighborhoods. Choose well-lit streets and make sure someone in the group carries a flashlight or glow stick for visibility. Small children should always be accompanied by an adult, and older kids should travel in groups with a clear
curfew and check-in plan.
Remind trick-or-treaters to stay on sidewalks whenever possible and never dart between parked cars. When crossing streets, make eye contact with drivers and use crosswalks. Once home, check all candy for torn wrappers or anything suspicious. Be extra aware of the possibility that Fentanyl often looks like candy to a child (see photo at right). When in doubt, throw it out. (Click here for more information on the District Attorney's Fentanyl awareness program)
A great costume doesn’t have to come at the cost of safety. Opt for light-colored fabrics or add reflective tape so children are visible after dark. Avoid masks that block vision; non-toxic face paint or makeup is a safer and more comfortable
option. Make sure costumes fit properly. Too long, and they can easily cause trips or falls. And while props like swords and scythes look cool, keep them soft and flexible to prevent injuries during play.
Halloween night can be unpredictable. Excited kids might forget the rules of the road, so motorists need to be extra alert. Slow down in residential areas, especially between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., when most trick-or-treating happens. Put away distractions. No texting, no social media, and absolutely no “just checking one thing” while driving.
If you’re a homeowner, help make your property safe for little visitors by clearing walkways, securing pets, and keeping your porch well-lit.
For Adults: Celebrate ResponsiblyHalloween isn’t just for kids. Many adults enjoy parties or events around the county. If alcohol is part of your evening, make transportation plans before you start celebrating. Use a designated driver, call a rideshare, or stay overnight with friends. The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office reminds everyone: Don’t drink and drive. The consequences, both legal and personal, can last far longer than a hangover.
From law enforcement and first responders to neighborhood watch volunteers and parents, keeping Halloween safe takes teamwork. District Attorney Ron Freitas encourages everyone to “look out for one another and make safety part of our community tradition.”
So this Halloween, keep the scares spooky but safe. Enjoy the costumes, the candy, and the camaraderie, and make sure everyone gets home with nothing more than a sugar rush.
Stockton - San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas has announced the arraignment of Joshua Ridgeway, 35, and Ammareece Nimmo, 23, both of Stockton, on multiple felony charges related to organized retail theft. Both defendants appeared in court on September 16, 2024, for their involvement in a series of significant thefts targeting businesses in Stockton.
Joshua Ridgeway faces charges of organized retail theft and grand theft in connection with multiple incidents. At the time of these offenses, Ridgeway was already on felony probation for similar crimes earlier this year.
In one of the thefts, Ridgeway was assisted by Ammareece Nimmo, who faces additional felony charges, including identity theft and other organized retail thefts involving major retailers.
The San Joaquin County Superior Court denied OR releases for Ridgeway and Nimmo. Due to new charges and probation violations, Ridgeway’s bail has been set at $430,000, and Nimmo is being held on $105,000 bail. Both defendants are scheduled to return to court on October 2, 2024.
District Attorney Ron Freitas underscored the seriousness of these crimes, stating: “Retail theft isn’t just about stealing merchandise—it’s a direct hit on our community. Every time a business suffers, jobs are at risk, and consumers pay the price. We will not tolerate repeat offenders wreaking havoc on our local economy. The message is clear: If you come for our businesses, we’re coming for you.”
Partnership with the STAART Program
Freitas also highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts like the STAART (Stockton Takes Action Against Retail Theft) initiative, spearheaded by the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce. STAART fosters partnerships between law enforcement, the business community, and stakeholders to prevent and respond to retail theft, helping to ensure the safety and economic well-being of the Stockton area.
For more information on the STAART Program: https://stocktonchamber.org/staart/
A Family Justice Center is a collaborative model of service delivery that brings together a range of resources and support services under one roof to better serve victims of Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, Sexual Assault, Elder Abuse, Child Abuse, and Stalking.
The goal of a Family Justice Center is to provide comprehensive and coordinated support to individuals and families affected by abuse, helping them to feel safe and supported as they navigate the process of seeking help and rebuilding their lives.
Visit the Family Justice Center