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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Defendant Kevin Gillett was sentenced today to two years and four months in state prison by the Honorable Judge Charlette Orcutt.
The charges stem from a high-speed pursuit and subsequent investigation that began on November 9, 2023. On that day, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling at approximately 82 mph without license plates. When officers activated their emergency lights and sirens, the vehicle initially appeared to exit the freeway before accelerating and re-entering at a high rate of speed.
CHP pursued the vehicle as it reached speeds exceeding 100 mph, weaving across solid double yellow lines, running stop signs and red lights. The suspect eventually turned off the vehicle’s lights and successfully evaded law enforcement. San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office (SJSO) was called in to assist with locating the vehicle and its driver. The vehicle was later discovered abandoned and parked.
Lieutenant (now Captain) Aaron Dunsing of the San Joaquin Sheriff’s Office observed the Defendant walking nearby and attempted to make contact. As Lt. Dunsing approached, the Defendant fled on foot. During the pursuit, Lt. Dunsing sustained serious injuries while attempting to apprehend him. The Defendant managed to escape by jumping over several rooftops.
A subsequent search of the Defendant’s vehicle uncovered over 157 grams of marijuana and ammunition for an FN 5.7x28mm firearm—a round designed to penetrate body armor. A search warrant executed at the Defendant’s residence in Oakland led to the seizure of his cell phone, which contained evidence of marijuana sales and photos of the Defendant with illegal firearms. Additional marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms were also located at the residence.
San Joaquin County Sheriff detectives utilized cell phone data to track the Defendant’s movements on the night of the incident. Investigators were able to map his route from Oakland to San Joaquin County, including the path of the pursuit, the foot chase, and his return to Oakland. At the time of the offense, the Defendant was out on bail for ten separate charges out of Alameda County.
Gillett was charged with:
On April 13, 2025, he entered an open plea to all charges. Sentencing was held today.
“Reckless disregard for public safety and failure to comply with law enforcement will not be tolerated in San Joaquin County,” said District Attorney Ron Freitas. “I commend the swift and coordinated efforts of CHP, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, and our prosecution team in holding Mr. Gillett accountable. This sentence sends a clear message: those who put our communities and officers at risk will face serious consequences.”
Special thanks to CHP–Stockton, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Steven Jacobson, Detective Arturo Corona, and the members of AGNET and SWAT for their dedication and collaborative efforts in investigating this case. Appreciation is also extended to Deputy District Attorney Melanie Eiges for her work in prosecuting the matter.
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