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  • DA, Downtown Partnership Join Forces to Deter Retail Theft, Support Businesses

  • DA Launches Elder Scam Prevention Campaign

  • District Attorney Opens New One Safe Place in South County, Supporting Victims of Crime

  • DA Summer Stephan Testifies Before U.S. Senate on Cracking Down Organized Retail Crime

    DA Summer Stephan Senate Testimony on Organized Retail Crime. July 15, 2025, Washington, D.C.
  • Innovative Shelter Ready App Expanding Countywide

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Latest News

Photo of Deputy District Attorney Jack Yeh with his name and title below with a backdrop of the Hall of Justice building.

Meet Deputy District Attorney Jack Yeh

May 28, 2026

In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office. Meet Deputy District Attorney Jack Yeh, who has been with the DA’s […]

Read more
https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jack-Yeh-AANHPI.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-05-28 12:02:582026-05-28 12:02:58Meet Deputy District Attorney Jack Yeh
Photo of Deputy District Attorney Min Yoon with her name and title below with a backdrop of the Hall of Justice building.

Meet Deputy District Attorney Min Yoon

May 28, 2026

In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office. Meet Deputy District Attorney Min Yoon, who has been with the DA’s […]

Read more
https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Min-Yoon-AANHPI.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-05-28 11:51:522026-05-28 11:51:52Meet Deputy District Attorney Min Yoon
Photo of Departmental Safety Coordinator Lavena Agarma Lavena Agarma with her name and title below then there is a background photo of the Hall of Justice building.

Meet Departmental Safety Coordinator Lavena Agarma

May 28, 2026

In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office. Meet Departmental Safety Coordinator Lavena Agarma, who has been with the DA’s […]

Read more
https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Lavena-Agarma-AANHPI.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-05-28 11:45:232026-05-28 11:45:23Meet Departmental Safety Coordinator Lavena Agarma
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Video

DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 02-26-26: Our Consumer Protection Division Gets Results!

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/da-weekly-news-with-da-summer-stephan-02-26-26-our-consumer-protection-division-gets-results.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-26 16:59:442026-02-26 16:59:44DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 02-26-26: Our Consumer Protection Division Gets Results!

DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 02-19-26: Ex-Convict Charged with Misusing Public Funds

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/da-weekly-news-with-da-summer-stephan-02-19-26-ex-convict-charged-with-misusing-public-funds.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-19 17:00:342026-02-26 17:02:43DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 02-19-26: Ex-Convict Charged with Misusing Public Funds
Photo of news conference at the DA's Office as DA Summer Stephan announces charges against Amy Knox for embezzlement of county funds.

NEWS CONFERENCE: DA Charges Woman with Embezzling Public Opioid Funds for Luxury Lifestyle

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/02-18-26-Amy-Knox-Embezzlement-Case-News-Conference.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-18 14:53:222026-02-18 15:01:20NEWS CONFERENCE: DA Charges Woman with Embezzling Public Opioid Funds for Luxury Lifestyle
Photo of news conference about Operation Street Sweeper.

NEWS CONFERENCE: 34 Drug Dealers Indicted in East Village: Inside Operation Street Sweeper

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Operation-Street-Sweeper.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-09 12:11:462026-02-17 12:18:07NEWS CONFERENCE: 34 Drug Dealers Indicted in East Village: Inside Operation Street Sweeper

San Diego County DA Summer Stephan Swears In 15 New Deputy District Attorneys

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/san-diego-county-da-summer-stephan-swears-in-15-new-deputy-district-attorneys.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-02-06 12:13:482026-02-17 12:15:29San Diego County DA Summer Stephan Swears In 15 New Deputy District Attorneys
Photo of news conference announcing $25 Million in Stolen Funds Returned to Support San Diego Students.

NEWS CONFERENCE: $25 Million in Stolen Funds Returned to Support San Diego Students

https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/01-30-26-SDCOE-Trust-Fund-Grant-News-Conference-PHOTO.jpg 720 1280 Barbara Medina https://danewscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/danews_logo-summer-e1751410255309.webp Barbara Medina2026-01-30 12:15:532026-02-17 12:17:27NEWS CONFERENCE: $25 Million in Stolen Funds Returned to Support San Diego Students

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San Diego County District Attorney and DA Summer Stephan

Thu May 28th

San Diego County District Attorney
Kandynn Wilson, who was found guilty by a jury of first-degree murder and a lying in wait special circumstance in December, was sentenced to life without parole plus one year in prison for killing Ericka J. Wilson, 29, his wife of six years and mother of their child. At his sentencing hearing on May 27, 2026, Ericka's family gave emotional victim impact statements to the court.“This Defendant murdered his estranged wife in cold blood displaying a vicious brutality in lying in wait and stabbing her multiple times,” DA Summer Stephan said. “We must keep fighting to safeguard victims of domestic violence and hold their abusers accountable. I’m grateful for the service of the jury that rendered this just verdict and for the work of law enforcement and our prosecution team. I hope today’s sentencing brings a measure of justice to the heartbreaking loss of the victim’s family.”In January 2022, Kandynn Wilson took a vacation day from work and drove from Oakland to the victim’s place of employment, waiting for her to get off work so he could ambush her in the parking lot. After realizing he was at the wrong location, he drove to her apartment complex and parked in her parking lot. He reclined his seat and waited for her to return from work. Close to midnight, as Ericka Wilson pulled into the parking area and began to get out of her vehicle, the defendant approached her wearing a ski mask. He grabbed her and carried out a brutal stabbing attack, inflicting 23 wounds to her neck. She died at the scene. A brave neighbor saw the attack, and chased the defendant with a bat, forcing him to flee on foot and leave behind his vehicle, gloves, and murder weapon.He was located a few hours later covered in Ericka’s blood.“Intimate partner violence continues to be one of the most common and dangerous forms of violence we confront, and this case is a stark reminder of its devastating impact,” DA Stephan said.In 2024, seven people were killed by a current or former intimate partner and there was one additional homicide victim, such as a family member, new boyfriend, or bystander, who died during domestic violence related incidents. While this is an increase from five domestic violence-related homicides the prior year, these types of homicides continue to remain lower than the average from the prior two decades. Figures for 2025 won’t be available for several months.The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Alexandra Lorens.#DomesticViolenceAwareness #StopDomesticViolence #DomesticViolence ... See MoreSee Less

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Kandynn Wilson, who was found guilty by a jury of Kandynn Wilson, who was found guilty by a jury of first-degree murder and a lying in wait special circumstance in December, was sentenced to life without parole plus one year in prison for killing Ericka J. Wilson, 29, his wife of six years and mother of their child. At his sentencing hearing on May 27, 2026, Ericka's family gave emotional victim impact statements to the court.

“This Defendant murdered his estranged wife in cold blood displaying a vicious brutality in lying in wait and stabbing her multiple times,” District Attorney @SummerStephan said. “We must keep fighting to safeguard victims of domestic violence and hold their abusers accountable. I’m grateful for the service of the jury that rendered this just verdict and for the work of law enforcement and our prosecution team. I hope today’s sentencing brings a measure of justice to the heartbreaking loss of the victim’s family.”

In January 2022, Kandynn Wilson took a vacation day from work and drove from Oakland to the victim’s place of employment, waiting for her to get off work so he could ambush her in the parking lot. After realizing he was at the wrong location, he drove to her apartment complex and parked in her parking lot. He reclined his seat and waited for her to return from work. Close to midnight, as Ericka Wilson pulled into the parking area and began to get out of her vehicle, the defendant approached her wearing a ski mask. He grabbed her and carried out a brutal stabbing attack, inflicting 23 wounds to her neck. She died at the scene. A brave neighbor saw the attack, and chased the defendant with a bat, forcing him to flee on foot and leave behind his vehicle, gloves, and murder weapon.

He was located a few hours later covered in Ericka’s blood.

“Intimate partner violence continues to be one of the most common and dangerous forms of violence we confront, and this case is a stark reminder of its devastating impact,” DA Stephan said.

READ MORE: https://danewscenter.com/?p=10222 

EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=10217

#DomesticViolenceAwareness #StopDomesticViolence #DomesticViolence
In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and P In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (#AANHPI) Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Crime Analysis Administrator Peter Villaver, who has been with the DA’s Office for eight years. Peter provides business intelligence and data analysis that support executive decision-making and collaboration with government and justice partners. His work includes analyzing case issuing and disposition trends, analyzing crime trends in the region, as well as evaluating the regional implementation and impact of new laws such as Proposition 36. He also specializes in application of digital evidence analytics on criminal investigations where he still gets the opportunity to directly work with our Deputy DAs and investigators to help build and review their cases. Prior to joining our office, he worked for the San Diego Police Department.

Read more about what inspired him to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

Why did you choose a career in public service?
“Public service wasn’t my first career option when I graduated from college during the Great Recession, especially because many agencies were under hiring freezes at the time. I began my career working in transportation systems consulting for government agencies in the D.C. metro area, and that experience gave me firsthand exposure to how public agencies shape safe, connected and livable communities through infrastructure and public safety initiatives.

FULL ARTICLE:  https://danewscenter.com/?p=10226
This morning, District Attorney @summerstephan jo This morning, District Attorney @summerstephan  joined @fox5sandiego  to discuss the ongoing law enforcement response to the tragic and heartbreaking mass shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego.
Our hearts remain with the victims, their loved ones, and the entire community impacted by this senseless act of violence. The DA’s Office is working alongside local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure a thorough investigation.
In times of tragedy, support for victims and families is critical. The DA’s Office Victim Services team is providing crisis response, resources, and compassionate support to those affected as our community begins the healing process.
We stand united against violence and hate. For victim services just call (619) 531-4041 or visit SanDiegoDA.gov/help.
In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and P In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA's Office. 

Meet Deputy District Attorney Mei Owen, who has been with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office since 2011. She began her journey as a legal intern, then continued as a graduate law clerk and later as a volunteer attorney, then ultimately as a Deputy District Attorney. Over the years she has served in several of our branches, including Vista, Juvenile, and El Cajon. She is now downtown in our Special Operations Division.

Read more about what inspired her to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

Why did you choose a career in public service/what inspired you to pursue this career?
“My path toward public service began with a moment from my early childhood that has never left me. When I was three or four years old, I was walking home from the grocery store with my mother when she was robbed at knifepoint. I didn’t understand why a stranger wielded a kitchen knife in my mother’s face or why she handed over the contents of her purse so quickly. But I understood her fear. I remember the tears on her face and the way she instinctively shielded me. The man was never caught. Justice was never done. Even at that young age, something in me recognized the profound impact of harm and the importance of accountability. That experience planted a seed that grew over time. It shaped my belief in fairness, safety, and the need for a justice system that protects vulnerable people, families, and communities like mine. It’s what inspired me to pursue a career as a deputy district attorney. Every day, I’m reminded that the work I do is not abstract. It’s personal. It’s rooted in a lifetime of experiences, my own and those passed down to me."

FULL ARTICLE:  https://danewscenter.com/?p=10200
Today, we stand with friends, family and colleague Today, we stand with friends, family and colleagues to remember and honor our military heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
They will never be forgotten.
Thank you for your service.
#MemorialDay
#NeverForget
Samuel Holthaus was brutally murdered in September Samuel Holthaus was brutally murdered in September 2023, by Kenneth McNally Jr. Today, at the sentencing hearing, the victim's family gave powerful victim impact statements before Judge Kathleen Lewis sentenced the defendant to more than 200 years in prison.

McNally is a third-strike offender with a lengthy and violent criminal history. At the time of the murder, he was on probation for his second-strike offense after being convicted of attacking a dog with an axe. McNally was also on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) for two additional criminal cases; one involving assault and the other resisting an officer with force. His first strike conviction stemmed from a 2004 case, in which he was convicted of assault on a peace officer.

The charges stem from events that occurred on September 3, 2023, on a six-acre property in Harbison Canyon, which is an unincorporated area of El Cajon, where McNally had been intermittently staying with acquaintances in a trailer alongside several other residents. Earlier that day, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office received calls from residents reporting that McNally was aggressively demanding rides off the property while appearing to conceal a weapon beneath a jacket. One witness later told investigators that during a drive near Sloan Canyon Road off Dehesa Road, McNally confessed that he had killed Holthaus and dragged him down a hill with a noose around his neck. A second witness also revealed McNally made a similar confession to her earlier that day. She also reported seeing McNally driving the victim’s truck erratically before parking it near the grave.

Read more:

https://danewscenter.com/news/man-sentenced-for-brutal-2023-murder-and-series-of-violent-crimes-in-el-cajon/

#VictimImpactStatement #MurderTrial #VictimsRights
Protecting our seniors means protecting their heal Protecting our seniors means protecting their health, safety, and financial wellbeing. This is just one example of the many educational community outreach events the DA's Office offers throughout the year.

San Diego County District Attorney  @summerstephan  was honored to join the @alzassociationsandiego and community partners for a Senior Health & Wellness Awareness event focused on empowering older adults and caregivers with tools to stay safe, informed, and healthy.

From recognizing and preventing Alzheimer’s to learning how to avoid scams and financial fraud targeting seniors, this important event provided resources to help our community take early, protective action against cognitive decline and financial exploitation.

Topics included:
✔️ Consumer protection and crime prevention tips
✔️ Common scams targeting seniors
✔️ How to report fraud
✔️ Health and wellness resources
✔️ Recognizing and preventing Alzheimer’s
✔️ Early action against cognitive decline

Together, we can build safer, healthier communities for our seniors and their families.  Learn more about how to protect our seniors, in the following links:

📌 https://www.sdcda.org/helping/elder-abuse
📌 https://www.sdcda.org/preventing/Elder-Scam-Prevention-Campaign-Materials

#SeniorWellness #ElderFraud #SeniorScams #AlzheimersAwareness #FraudPrevention #ProtectOurSeniors #SanDiegoDA
DA Issues Statement; Deploys Victim Services/Crisi DA Issues Statement; Deploys Victim Services/Crisis Response Team to Assist Victims of Islamic Center Shooting:

“Words cannot adequately express the heartbreak and trauma caused by today’s shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, where innocent lives were lost. A place of worship and learning should always be a place of peace, safety, and community, never violence. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this devastating attack. The District Attorney’s Office has deployed its special prosecution and investigation team to support the San Diego Police Department and law enforcement partners in getting all the answers needed to keep our community safe from further harm. The District Attorney’s Office Victim Services/Crisis Response Team is actively working with victims, families and community to provide services needed at this critical juncture. Victims, parents, students and employees of the Islamic Center and school along with impacted community members of this incident can call 619-531-4041 for help. Please contact police or the FBI to report anything suspicious.” 
- District Attorney @summerstephan 

You can also email SanDiegoDA@sandiegoda.gov
On Friday, San Diego County District Attorney @sum On Friday, San Diego County District Attorney @summerstephan  joined Supervisor @joelandersonca , @sdsheriff Kelly Martinez, and @sandiegoarcc  Jordan Z. Marks for a major press conference where Supervisor Anderson unveiled a revised charter proposal focused on restoring fair term limits, preventing the politicization of County staffing, strengthening independent oversight, and ensuring a transparent process the public can trust.

On May 19, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors will consider ITEM 25, on the agenda, "Adopting a Revised Resolution of the Board of Supervisors Proposing Amendments to the Charter of the County of San Diego entitled ‘A Transparent, Accountable, Modern County Government,’ and Amending the Ordinance ‘Modernizing The San Diego County Charter to Strengthen Transparency, Accountability and Independent Oversight’." This is a revised charter reform proposal that preserves important accountability measures while removing misleading and problematic provisions contained in the original proposal (ITEM 24). 

The revised measure supports meaningful reform while ensuring voters clearly understand what they are being asked to approve. It protects transparency, strengthens independent oversight, and prevents political interference in county operations.

Good government reforms should be honest, transparent, and designed to serve the public interest, not create confusion or expand political power.

Community voices matter, and public testimony will help shape this process. We respectfully encourage you to make your own decision whether you want to join DA Stephan in supporting ITEM 25 at the May 19 Board of Supervisors meeting.

San Diego residents deserve reforms built on clarity, accountability, and public trust.

WATCH the full livestream as County leaders discuss the proposal and the importance of accountability, transparency, and good governance for San Diego County residents: https://youtube.com/live/p6Ff1j3ale4?feature=share
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