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

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For Immediate Release

Breaking News


September 8, 2026

Stockton City Council Candidate Desiree Lynch Arraigned on Felony Perjury, Election Fraud, and Weapons Charges

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office announced the formal arraignment of former Stockton City Council Candidate Desiree Lynch following a public corruption investigation. The charges allege that Lynch perjured herself by registering to vote and filing as a candidate using residential addresses where she did not live, resulting in six felony counts filed as follows:

 

•Count 1: PC 118(A) Perjury on or about November 10, 2025
•Count 2: PC 118(A) Perjury on or about February 5, 2026
•Count 3: PC 118(A) Perjury on or about March 2, 2026
•Count 4: Election Code 18100(A) for Causing, Procuring, or Allowing False Voter Registration on or about November 10, 2025, through and including August 17, 2026
•Count 5: Election Code 18203 for Filing a False Nomination or Declaration of Candidacy on or about November 10, 2025, through and including August 17, 2026

•Count 6: PC 30605(A) Possession of an Assault Weapon

 

The case follows an investigation by the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigations and a referral from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators determined that Lynch allegedly resided outside the claimed district boundaries rather than the area indicated on official registration and candidate filing paperwork. During the service of a search warrant at the North Stockton residence, an illegal assault rifle was seized and booked as evidence, resulting in the additional weapons charge. Following the investigation, a criminal complaint was formally filed in the San Joaquin County Superior Court.

 

"Public office demands absolute transparency, and our electoral process relies entirely on the honesty of those who seek to serve," said District Attorney Ron Freitas. "When a candidate allegedly fabricates their residency to secure a spot on the ballot, they undermine the democratic rights of every single voter in that district. Our office remains fully dedicated to pursuing public integrity violations and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld without exception."

If convicted on all counts, Lynch faces a maximum of 7 years and 4 months in state prison. Following today's arraignment, the defendant remains out on jail OR and she is scheduled to return to court on October 8, 2026 at 8:30 AM in Department 8B.

 

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigations at (209) 468-3620. Members of the community who witness or suspect potential election integrity violations are strongly encouraged to report the activity directly to their local law enforcement agency, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, or the District Attorney Public Integrity Unit at (209) 468-2400. To report information anonymously, citizens can call Stockton Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600.
Ron Freitas
District Attorney, San Joaquin County
— Protecting Our Community Since 1850

Contacts


Erin Haight
Public Information Officer
Rosie Calderon
Public Information Officer
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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