RON FREITAS
District Attorney

Office of the District Attorney
Protecting our community for 175 Years
Ron Freitas
District Attorney

Meet District Attorney Ron Freitas

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

San Joaquin County DA Ron Freitas Discusses First 100 Days of Prop. 36


Click here to view the video on 
Fox 40 News (Fox40.com)

Ron Freitas - First 100 Days of Prop 36

For Immediate Release

Breaking News


May 21, 2025

Former Non-Profit Executive Arraigned on Embezzlement and Forgery Charges

Stockton- Joseph Smith, the Former Executive Director of First Tee of San Joaquin, was arraigned on six counts of Embezzlement and Forgery by the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office this week in San Joaquin County Superior Court.

Smith, of Stockton, was arraigned on the following counts:

PC 503- Embezzlement

PC 487(A)- Grand Theft by Embezzlement over $950

PC 470 (D)- Forgery (4 Counts)

 

Smith was the Executive Director of First Tee of San Joaquin, a well established Non-Profit Organization that helps children between the ages of 7-17 build character, inner strength, self confidence and resilience, with a focus on supporting underserved and underprivileged youth in the community.

 

“First Tee of San Joaquin has been a valued asset to San Joaquin County since it’s founding”, said San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas. “They instill lessons in our area children that they can carry into adulthood and prepare them to be successful members of our community. The funds stolen were intended to support these vulnerable children, and those who seek to steal from our children, especially those in a position of trust, will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law, by this District Attorney’s Office”.

 

Smith's next scheduled court date is June 24, 2025 at 8:30 Am in Department 8B in the San Joaquin Superior Court.

Ron Freitas
District Attorney, San Joaquin County
— Protecting Our Community Since 1850
Arraignment

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Erin Haight
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San Joaquin County
Family Justice Center

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