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 - On September 23, 2024, Seth Shannon, 35, of Vacaville, was sentenced to 37 years to life in prison following his conviction for multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and witness intimidation. The verdict followed a jury trial presided over by the Honorable Judge Smalling.
Shannon was convicted of the following charges:
- 664/187 1st Degree Attempted Murder with a 12022.53 (C) enhancement
- 245 (A)(2), Assault with a Firearm
- 29800 (a)(1) X2, Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- 30305 (A)(1) X2, Felon in Possession of Ammunition
- 30605 X2, Possession of an Assault Weapon
- 4 counts of 136.1, Intimidating a Witness
- 459 2nd Degree, Commercial Burglary
- 496 (A), Possession of Stolen Property
The charges stem from a series of commercial burglaries that Shannon and his then-girlfriend committed. Following a falling out between the two, the victim in the case, who had been called to assist the girlfriend, was repeatedly targeted by Shannon. On three separate occasions, Shannon attempted to harm the victim, including one incident where he fired a gun at him. In the final encounter, Shannon used his vehicle to try and box the victim in, then fired shots at him, prompting the victim to escape by driving into a slough and swimming to safety.
Shannon was later arrested in Vacaville for driving with a suspended license. During the vehicle search, Vacaville Police discovered the disassembled assault weapon used in the shooting. A subsequent search of Shannon's residence revealed stolen property, ammunition, and a firing pin for the weapon.
While in custody, Shannon made multiple attempts to prevent testimony by contacting others to intimidate and silence both the victim and his ex-girlfriend. Despite these efforts, the victim and witnesses came forward, leading to the jury’s guilty verdict.
San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas issued a strong statement following the verdict:
“Gun violence, intimidation, and attempts to manipulate the justice system will never be tolerated in San Joaquin County. Seth Shannon used violence and fear to victimize others and sought to silence those brave enough to come forward. His actions were met with the full force of the law and my Office. Today’s sentencing shows that anyone who tries to terrorize our community, harm others, or subvert justice will be held accountable.”
Freitas commended Deputy District Attorney Victor Bachand for his dedication and skillful prosecution of the case. "The tireless work of DDA Bachand, in collaboration with law enforcement, has ensured that a dangerous criminal is held accountable for his actions," said Freitas. "Justice was served."
Freitas also extended his gratitude to the Honorable Judge Smalling for overseeing the case and the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, with special recognition to Detectives Greg DuPriest and Allison Barsetti for their thorough investigation.
"My Office remains dedicated to upholding justice and protecting the vulnerable. The teamwork and commitment of all involved in this case reflect our mission to safeguard the people of San Joaquin County," Freitas concluded.
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