Criminal Division

FRESNO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the results of a collaborative multiagency effort targeting criminal street gangs in the Central Valley. As part of the operation yesterday, federal, state, and local law enforcement served 54 warrants in locations throughout the Central Valley. As part of the operation, investigators prevented nine violent crimes, made 89 felony arrests, seized firearms, ammunition, and illicit methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. 

“Today, we are sending a strong message that organized criminal enterprises cannot stand up to the power of good law enforcement work,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Together with our federal, state, and local partners, we’ve made our communities safer by taking dangerous drugs and weapons off our streets and holding bad actors accountable. I thank our DOJ agents and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and tireless work to make California safer. Their efforts here not only held accountable members of organized criminal organizations, but also prevented violent crimes from occurring. Central Valley families can live and sleep with greater peace of mind as a result of this operation.”

“Today’s announcement reflects our Office’s commitment to using every available resource in close coordination with our law enforcement partners to address the root causes of crime and hold gang members and their associates accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith. “Criminal street gangs inflict real harm on our communities by trafficking deadly drugs and firearms that destroy lives and neighborhoods. I commend the outstanding work of our agents and law enforcement partners in disrupting these criminal networks and safeguarding our communities.”

“The charges reflect the brazen violence and drug trafficking that have threatened the safety and stability of the greater Fresno area, particularly in rural communities like Huron and Coalinga,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “Yesterday’s operation was the culmination of months of collaborative work to disrupt gang-driven violence and the flow of drugs and firearms into Central Valley neighborhoods. This case highlights the power of strong partnerships at every level of law enforcement, all united in the mission to dismantle violent gangs and protect the communities we serve.”

“The collective work done by all law enforcement agencies in this operation will undoubtedly improve the safety and overall quality of life for residents in Fresno County, particularly those living in our smaller rural communities,” said Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni.

This investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fresno County Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) Special Operations Unit, U.S Attorney’s Office, and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.

In February 2024, law enforcement agencies began an investigation into a criminal street gang operating in Fresno County with a specific focus on the ongoing criminal activities of criminal street gangs in the cities of Huron, Coalinga, and San Joaquin. The investigation found, and the unsealed federal criminal complaint alleges, an extensive criminal conspiracy in which gang members and associates — some of whom were inmates in California prisons and the Fresno County Jail — orchestrated various crimes, including drug and firearms trafficking. On several occasions, members of the drug trafficking conspiracy attempted to smuggle drugs into jails on their persons or through holes they punctured in the walls. Thirty-eight suspects have been charged in a federal criminal complaint on various drug and firearms trafficking charges. 

Assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Kings County Sheriff’s Office, Madera County Regional SWAT, and the Fresno, Clovis, Kingsburg, Coalinga, Kerman, Firebaugh, Lemoore, and Parlier police departments.

CA DOJ’s Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between CA DOJ and the California Highway Patrol that provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups. These unique and essential teams use advanced investigative techniques and work alongside local law enforcement to enhance investigations into violent criminals and organized crime throughout the state.

It is important to note that criminal charges must be proven in a court of law. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

LOS ANGELES — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the filing of charges against a Southern California real estate agent for price gouging two families who were evacuated in the wake of the Pacific Palisades Fire. The investigation by the California Department of Justice revealed that after the Emergency Order was in place, the defendant increased the rental price by over 30% — including to tenants who eventually signed a lease. These increases exceeded the 10% limit laid out in Penal Code section 396. The charge carries a potential penalty of a $10,000 maximum fine and the possibility of 12 months in jail.  

“Today, we’ve announced another price gouging charge, this time against a real estate agent for price gouging two families in the wake of the Pacific Palisades Fire. Profiting off Californians' pain though price gouging is illegal and I will not stand for it,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I urge current or prospective tenants to share their stories directly with local authorities like the LA City Attorney or LA District Attorney, or our office by visiting oag.ca.gov/LAfires or calling our hotline at (800) 952-5225.”

As part of Attorney General Bonta's work to protect Californians following the Southern California wildfires, DOJ has also sent more than 750 warning letters to hotels and landlords who have been accused of price gouging. Working alongside our District Attorneys, City Attorneys, and other law enforcement partners, DOJ has opened active investigations into price gouging, fraud, scams, and unsolicited low-ball offers on property during the state of emergency.

California law – specifically, Penal Code section 396 – generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10%, the price a seller charged for an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. For items a seller only began selling after an emergency declaration, the law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds the seller's cost of the item by more than 50%. This law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, and gasoline. The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, transportation, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations, and long- and short-term rental housing. Exceptions to this prohibition exist if, for example, the price of labor, goods, or materials has increased for the business. 

Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in a one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violators are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, injunctive relief, and mandatory restitution. The Attorney General and local prosecutors can enforce the statute.

TIPS FOR REPORTING PRICE GOUGING, SCAMS, FRAUD AND OTHER CRIMES:

1. Visit oag.ca.gov/LAfires or call our hotline at: (800) 952-5225.
2. Include screenshots of all correspondence including conversations, text messages, direct messages (DMs), and voicemails
3. Provide anything that shows what prices you were offered, when, and by whom.
4. If you’re on a site like Zillow, you can also send screenshots of the price history and a link to the listing. 
5. Include first and last names of the realtors, listing agents, or business owners you spoke to. Be sure to include phone numbers, email addresses, home and business addresses, websites, social media accounts.
6. Don't leave out any information that can help us find and contact the business or landlord.

Californians who believe they have been the victim of price gouging should report it to their local authorities or to the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/LAfires. To view a list of all price gouging restrictions currently in effect as a result of proclamations by the Governor, please see here.

A copy of the complaint can be found here. 

Schemes to sell sick puppies leave new owners with high vet bills and anguish

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today urged consumers looking to purchase pets to be vigilant for deceptive and criminal breeders. These breeders often subject animals to unhygienic and cruel living conditions, leading to poor health outcomes for pets and high veterinary bills and heartache for new owners. Puppy mills are commercial dog breeding facilities that disregard dogs' health and safety to maximize profits. Deceptive breeders will often advertise puppies as having been born to a litter in the breeder’s home when in reality, puppies are born in puppy mills.

“I adopted my dogs, Luna and Solí, from a shelter, and they have become deeply cherished members of our family. While I highly encourage Californians to adopt their pets from animal shelters and rescue organizations, consumers who continue to purchase their dogs from breeders should ensure the person they are buying from is responsible, honest, and credible,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Tragically and too often, shady breeders only interested in making a profit sell chronically sick, injured, and mistreated puppies to unsuspecting consumers. This is sickening. I urge Californians to be vigilant and watch out for negligent breeders.” 

"Consumers greatly underestimate the variety and selection of beautiful, healthy, friendly pets they can find in shelters statewide, and we strongly urge them to check with their local shelters first when ready for a new pet," said Jill Tucker, CEO of the California Animal Welfare Association. "Shelters throughout California are inundated with wonderful puppies, kittens, and adult animals that are ready for new homes, along with knowledgeable staff and volunteers that will help them select the right match. There has never been a better time to adopt."

Know What to Look For:

A reputable breeder should meet you in person — not sell their puppies or kittens through pet stores or online to people they have not met. They will show you records and openly share details about how the animal was born and raised, individual records of health tests and veterinary records for the animal and their parents, and the animals’ living conditions. Be suspicious if a breeder doesn't ask you questions or seem concerned about the well-being of their animals. Responsible breeders will want you to sign a contract and will ask you to return the pet to them if you are ever unable to keep them.

Deceitful sellers may understand you want to take precautions and try to persuade you that it’s not necessary. The California Department of Justice urges consumers who obtain their pets from breeders to do the following:

• Get a referral and ask for references. Ask your veterinarian, trusted friends, local breed clubs, and professional dog or cat shows to find a reputable breeder. Ask breeders for references, including those of the veterinarians they use.
• Visit the breeder’s home. Be sure the animals’ living conditions are clean and humane. Ask to see the animal’s parents and the nursery area yourself. Never buy a puppy or kitten without visiting where they and their parents were raised and housed—don’t just trust papers and pictures.
• Be wary of a seller who sells animals from a parking lot or other location other than their home. Some scammers use this tactic and then disappear, leaving new owners stuck with large veterinary bills and heartache. Scammers often resell puppies from puppy mills and make up stories for sympathy.
• Ask the seller lots of questions and verify their official identification. Make sure the breeder is responsible. Many responsible breeders often rigorously evaluate buyers. Credible breeders often belong to purebred animal breeding clubs and demonstrate high ethical values regarding the breeding of animals. Make sure to ask lots of questions about the pet’s history, temperament, and other important information.
• Make sure the animal has been examined by a veterinarian. Get copies of all medical records, and confirm the records with the vet directly—if medical records are missing, that is a red flag. Make sure the animal is vaccinated—unvaccinated puppies and kittens may have already contracted a serious disease.
• Pay with a traceable form of payment rather than cash and ask for a receipt. The receipt should include the seller’s name, address, and license number — a seller who only accepts cash or won’t provide a receipt is not a reputable seller.
• Insist on a written guarantee of good health and find out if the animal can be returned for any reason. A seller who agrees to provide a written health guarantee and to accept return of the animal is more likely to care about the animal and have their best interest in mind.
• Be wary if the puppy or kitten seems ill, depressed, or lethargic. These could be signs of serious medical problems.
• Take your new pet to your vet. Ensure your new pet undergoes an exam and any necessary vaccinations as soon as possible.

Understand Your Rights:

California law allows select small breeders and pet retailers to sell pets if they maintain health and safety standards for their animals and provides for a remedy for consumers who unknowingly purchase sick pets.

The Lockyer-Polanco-Farr Pet Protection Act (CA Health & Safety Code § 122125 et seq.)

Pet retailers selling more than 50 dogs or cats a year to must have a permit, maintain health and safety standards for their animals, sell only healthy animals, and provide written spay-neuter, health, and animal history disclosures to pet buyers.

If a dog or cat becomes ill due to a pre-existing illness within 15 days from purchase, or if the pet is adversely affected by a congenital or hereditary condition within one year from purchase, the seller must offer the owner a refund, exchange another puppy or kitten, or reimbursement of veterinary bills up to 150% of the pet’s purchase price. 

The Polanco-Lockyer Pet Breeder Warranty Act (CA Health & Safety Code § 122045 et seq.)

The law offers protection similar to that of the Lockyer-Polanco-Farr Pet Protection Act except that it applies only to dog breeders who sold or gave away either three litters or 20 dogs in the previous year.

AB 485  

AB 485, which went into effect in January 2019, prohibits pet store operators from selling animals unless they were obtained from a public animal control agency, shelter, or animal rescue group. This law does not prohibit someone from obtaining an animal directly from a breeder.

Helpful Resources:

If you are concerned about a possible puppy mill in your area, please file a complaint with The Humane Society, here.

If you suspect criminal conduct related to a puppy mill or breeder, please file a complaint with your local District Attorney's Office. You may also file a complaint with our office at oag.ca.gov/report.

SAN FRANCISCO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today delivered remarks on California Department of Justice’s preparations to protect California’s values, people, and natural resources ahead of a second Trump Administration. To view a recording of the press conference, please visit here. 

Attorney General Bonta's Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:

As the reality of a second Trump Administration takes hold, I know there is a great deal of fear, sadness, anxiety, and panic. 

I understand. 

I’m here today to reassure you that in California, progress will prevail. 

No matter who is in the White House, no matter who holds control of Congress, in California we will keep moving forward. 

In California, we will choose calm over chaos. 

Fact over fiction.

Belonging over blame.

Unity over division. 

“Us and we” over “I and me.” 

It’s why we’re the 5th largest economy in the world. Not in spite of our commitment to workers, consumers, and the environment, because of it. 

Because we’re the largest and most diverse state in the nation.

Because we believe in the power of inclusivity.

Because we believe in truth over lies. Hope over hate. Light over dark.

Because  we believe in looking forward.

It’s who we are in the Golden State. It’s in our DNA. Nothing and no one can change that. 

As Attorney General, I’ll continue to use the full force of the law and authority of this office to address injustice. 

To stand up for all people, especially those who have long been overlooked and undervalued.

To safeguard reproductive rights. 

And advocate for more housing — especially more affordable housing for lower and middle-income families just trying to get by.

I’ll continue to take on greedy corporate giants and fight for more affordable gas, groceries, and everything in between.  

I’ll continue to defend our world-renowned natural resources and protect them for generations to come. 

Continue to fight for clean water to drink and clean air to breathe.

Continue to crack down on illicit guns on our streets and get fentanyl out of our neighborhoods. 

Continue to fight for workers.

I’ll continue to protect, defend, and serve every single Californian. No matter your politics. 

I’m here to ensure every person — no matter how they look, how much money they make, where they’re from, who they love, how they identify, or how they pray — can pursue their version of the California Dream. 

A fair wage and good benefits.  

A safe and affordable place to live.  

Affordable and accessible health care. 

Good schools to send our kids to. 

Safe neighborhoods to raise our families. 

That’s my promise to you, no matter who is in the White House.  

We’ve been here before.

We lived through Trump 1.0. 

We know what he’s capable of. 

We know what plans he has in store. 

The silver lining is just that: we know. 

We know to take Trump at his word when he says he’ll roll back environmental protections, go after our immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, attack our civil rights, and restrict access to essential reproductive care.

Which means, we won’t be flat-footed come January.

You can be sure that as California Attorney General, if Trump attacks your rights: I’ll be there. 

If Trump comes after your freedoms: I’ll be there. 

If Trump jeopardizes your safety and well-being: I’ll be there.

California DOJ did it before and we’ll do it again.  

During the last Trump Administration, California DOJ fought to stop illegal rollbacks and proposals that would’ve harmed the well-being, health, safety, and civil rights of our people and of people across the country. 

That would have caused irrevocable damage to our environment.

No matter who is in charge of the federal government…

No matter what the incoming Administration has in store… California will remain the steadfast beacon of progress it has long been.  

A constant, unwavering, immoveable force to be reckoned with.  

We’ll continue to be a check on overreach and push back on abuse of power. 

Be the antidote to dangerous, extremist, hateful vitriol.

Be the blueprint of progress for the nation to look to.

Remember: in moments of chaos in D.C., you can always look to California for calm resolve. 

California leaders across the state are ready to stand arm-in-arm. 

Governor Newsom and every single Constitutional Officer;  

Senator Padilla and Senator-elect Schiff;  

Democratic members of Congress; 

Pro Tem McGuire, Speaker Rivas, and the California Legislature; 

Mayors, supervisors, and city councilmembers from San Francisco to San Diego are ready to fight for our California values. 

For our people. For our environment.

For progress and justice.

And as necessary, we’re ready to take on the challenges of a second Trump Administration — together.

While a great deal of change is on the horizon…

California’s path to progress remains full steam ahead.

It may not always be linear. Progress so rarely is. 

It zigs and zags. Takes frustrating detours. Inches forward and backward and forward again. 

The detours and setbacks don’t define our progress.

Our commitment to forward momentum defines our progress. Defines us. 

It’s what we do next that will define us. 

If you’re feeling despondent today, remember that you’re not alone. 

In California, we’re not looking back. We’re not moving back. 

We’re California! We’ll meet any challenges head on and rise to the occasion.

As is so often said, as California goes, so goes the nation.

In the days and months and years to come, all eyes will look west. 

In California, they’ll see: we’re still moving forward.

Thank you. 

MERCED — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, alongside law enforcement partners, announced the results of "Operation Red Rooster" which was focused on the Norteño criminal street gang activity in Merced County. After 18 months, the operation concluded this morning with 41 arrests, over 60 pounds of narcotics seized, and 27 guns confiscated. The suspects are facing homicide, attempted homicide, gun trafficking and drug trafficking charges with gang enhancements. 

“Operation Red Rooster was a success because of the hard work of so many dedicated law enforcement partners,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “I am proud of our Special Agents for their unwavering commitment to this investigation, and I'm grateful for the work of our law enforcement partners here in Merced County and statewide, as we stand together to combat gang violence. Our work to address the organized criminal street gang crisis is saving lives and making communities safer — but there is more to be done. We won’t rest until California communities are free from gang activity, including here in the Central Valley.”

“The operation leading to today’s arrests reflects incredible teamwork between our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and our shared commitment to keeping our communities safe from violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “This type of collaborative effort is critical to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations engaged in violent crime and drug trafficking.”

“This operation is a testament to what can be accomplished when we all work together toward a common goal," said Merced County District Attorney Nicole Silveira. "Because of this work, the people of Merced County are going to sleep tonight in a safer, better community.” 

“The destruction of human life and scale of violence by the Norteño Street Gangs in the region is the major reason the law enforcement agencies of all related jurisdictions have partnered to investigate, arrest, and prosecute this transnational criminal organization,” said Homeland Security Investigations San Francisco / NorCal Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “We know from investigations that these criminals often times prey on their own immigrant communities who are trying to earn an honest living and raise their families in peace and our joint law enforcement efforts strive to accomplish this goal by removing these menaces from our society. HSI San Francisco appreciates the work by the Merced Area Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET), California DOJ Special Operations Unit, CHP, CDCR, Merced County Sheriff’s Office, Merced County Probation Department, Merced County District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Merced PD, Livingston PD, FBI, DEA, USPIS, ATFE, and all other contributing agencies.” 

“This operation exemplifies CDCR's dedication to serving communities and enhancing public safety,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber. “We are committed to leveraging all our resources, both within and beyond correctional facilities, to create safer and more secure communities.”

“Today marks a significant step forward in our unified mission to build safer communities throughout this region. As a member of the Merced Area Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team (MAGNET), the FBI is proud to join forces with our law enforcement partners on this collaborative effort,” stated FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “By combining our resources and aligning our respective strengths, we are disrupting gang violence and keeping our communities safe.”

The investigation began in 2021 after the Livingston Police Department investigated a homicide and attempted homicide that was connected to the Norteño criminal street gang. While one of the shooters was arrested, the other remained at large. The operation grew as more agencies and resources were devoted to the long-term investigation into the Norteño criminal street gang activity in Merced County. The joint operation included officers from California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Merced Area Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team (MAGNET), DOJ Special Operation Unit, Merced County District Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Merced County Sheriff, Merced Police Department, Livingston Police Department, Merced County Probation Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

MAGNET is a California DOJ, Bureau of Investigation-led multiagency task force, federally funded through the national High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. It is comprised of members from the California Department of Justice, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Federal Bureau of Investigations, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation-Special Services Unit, Merced County Sheriff's Office, Merced Police Department, Merced County Probation Department, Merced County District Attorney's Office, Los Banos Police Department, Livingston Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Special Operations Unit (SOU) is a collaborative investigative effort with the California DOJ and the California Highway Patrol that provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups. The SOU evaluates and validates information by examining critical records and conducting field surveillances to identify methods of operation as well as the focus on the organizational hierarchy networks. Personnel conduct undercover operations to gather evidence leading to the arrest and prosecution of the principals involved. Emphasis is placed on target selection to ensure the elimination of the criminal organization rather than just the arrest of easily replaced members. The SOU provides critical support to the task forces and local agencies, while focusing on organized crime groups, violent career criminals, and violent gangs. SOU’s resources and expertise augment the capabilities of local agencies.

Martin paid $256,997.65 in restitution to victims

SAN DIEGO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta and San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan this week announced that defendant Marie Martin, a San Diego-based travel agent and registered seller of travel, was sentenced to six months of home confinement and six months of felony probation for embezzling travel funds from more than 150 parents who paid for eighth-grade school trips to the East Coast. After the school trips were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin refused to provide refunds to the parents, instead spending funds on personal expenses. Following her guilty plea in January, as part of the sentencing, Martin paid $256,997.65 in restitution to victims.

“Parents all over California are willing to spend their time and money to give their children a better life. Marie Martin financially took advantage of more than 150 families during an already traumatic and financially challenging time,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “I am proud to fight for the rights of consumers and thank the San Diego District Attorney’s Office for their partnership in investigating and prosecuting this case.”

“This defendant’s disgraceful crimes cheated parents who are working to give their children expanded educational opportunities that would broaden their horizons,” said San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. “Together with the Attorney General, our Consumer Protection Unit delivered justice and restitution to the families who were defrauded out of their hard-earned income.” 

In early 2019, Martin solicited funds from parents at nine schools in Los Angeles and Orange counties for eighth-grade school trips to Washington, D.C., and the East Coast. The school trips were supposed to take place in 2020, but were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the parents who paid for these trips requested refunds, Martin declined. Instead, she allegedly used client funds for personal expenses, including credit card purchases, rent, and artwork. The investigation revealed that even before the pandemic, Martin was experiencing cash flow problems and commingling client funds. Because Martin had used the parents’ funds for personal expenses, she was unable to refund parents when the pandemic halted all travel. 

The Attorney General’s Office operates the Seller of Travel Program, which registers travel agents and certain other travel businesses operating in California. The Attorney General, local district attorneys, and city attorneys can bring enforcement actions against sellers of travel for violations of the law. Any Californian who believes they have been wronged by a seller of travel is encouraged to contact their local district attorney and/or local law enforcement agency, and file a complaint with our office at ‪www.oag.ca.gov/report. California consumers who suffer losses due to a registered seller of travel’s failure to provide travel services or refunds may be eligible to file a restitution claim with The Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation.

 
LOS ANGELES – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the filing of charges against Diana Teran, the Assistant District Attorney at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s (LADA) Office. After an extensive investigation, the California Department of Justice charged Teran with 11 felony violations of Penal Code section 502, subdivision (c)(2), alleging repeated and unauthorized use of data from confidential, statutorily-protected peace officer files. Penal Code section 502, subdivision (c)(2) prohibits the use of data from a government computer system without permission. 
 
“No one is above the law,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Public officials are called to serve the people and the State of California with integrity and honesty. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to fight for the people of California and hold those who break the law accountable.”
 
It is alleged Teran accessed computer data including numerous confidential peace officer files in 2018, while working as a Constitutional Policing Advisor at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and, after joining the LADA in January 2021, impermissibly used that data at the LADA.
 
A copy of the complaint can be found here. 

SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Bonta today announced 41-year-old Christopher Campbell was sentenced to 14 years in prison for possession of child pornography after he was arrested during an undercover operation to combat child sexual predators within Sacramento County. On February 27, 2023, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) Human Trafficking and Sexual Predator Apprehension Team (HT/SPAT), along with Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, assisted the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force in the joint operation. The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California prosecuted the case.

“Let this conviction serve as a warning to those who harm children: You will be held accountable,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our office is fighting on behalf of the most vulnerable Californians in the field and in the courtroom. I am thankful for the hard work of our Special Agents during this operation and all our partners who work collaboratively with our regional Human Trafficking and Sexual Predator Apprehension teams throughout the state. When we work together, we get results.”

During the operation, Campbell contacted an undercover HT/SPAT agent to engage in sexual misconduct. It was discovered that Campbell was a registered sex offender, and a search warrant revealed that Campbell had approximately 517 images and 45 videos of child pornography on his iPad and cellphone. Law enforcement also searched Campbell’s cloud storage account, which contained approximately 169 videos of child pornography, including depictions of toddlers and other minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. On April 9, 2024, Campbell was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. Campbell was subject to an enhanced statutory penalty for possession of child pornography because he had a prior conviction relating to sexual abuse involving a minor.

The mission of the HT/SPAT program is to disrupt and dismantle violent human trafficking and child exploitation organizations through a comprehensive, collaborative, and statewide response. This program is committed to using a victim-centered approach to aggressively investigate, identify, and recover victims of the brutal crime of forced labor and sexual exploitation for profit or gain by human traffickers and sexual predators. The HT/SPAT program works closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to identify emerging human trafficking trends in order to dismantle domestic and transnational criminal organizations. This program educates communities by providing tools on how to identify human trafficking and works with non-governmental organizations to provide resources and services to victims and survivors.

SAN DIEGO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Fentanyl Enforcement Program arrested and filed charges against three drug traffickers alleged to be responsible for bringing 30,000 fentanyl pills across the Mexico and California border. The investigation and arrests were a joint effort of the Fentanyl Enforcement Program and the Inland Crackdown Allied Task Force led by DOJ.  

“California is all-in when it comes to addressing fentanyl and protecting the safety of our communities,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Fentanyl is a threat to our communities as it is cheap, potent, and very lethal. Fentanyl can be disguised in common drugs, and just a small amount is enough to potentially kill a user. We urge Californians, especially our youth, to steer clear of this lethal drug and other drugs that could be laced with fentanyl. I am proud of the special agents working hard in our Fentanyl Enforcement Program, and confident that our investigative resources and legal support will help stop the flow of fentanyl into our state and keep it out of our communities.”

 Prosecution will be handled by DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section. The criminal complaint alleges felony charges for the sale or transportation of a controlled substance and possession/purchase of a controlled substance for sale.

In April 2021, Attorney General Bonta established the statewide Fentanyl Enforcement Program that is designed to detect, deter, disrupt, and dismantle criminal fentanyl operations and prevent fentanyl from reaching California neighborhoods and communities. The program is housed in California DOJ’s Bureau of Investigation, which works with allied task forces, including local and federal law enforcement partners throughout California. This work has touched many communities through operations that remove fentanyl from numerous California communities and to advance legal actions to hold manufacturers and distributors accountable.

More information about Attorney General Bonta’s strategies to address the fentanyl crisis can be found at oag.ca.gov/fentanyl.

A copy of the complaint can be found here.

It is important to note that criminal charges are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.

LOS ANGELES — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, together with Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), today announced the arrest of and charges against a licensed Professional Fiduciary who stole over $2.5 million dollars from 12 clients in assets she was hired to protect and manage. The suspect managed many special need trusts, conservatorships and power of attorney involving adult dependents or elderly clients that relied on her to provide fiduciary services. The suspect allegedly transferred money from a special needs or conservator account into her own personal account for personal use. 

“Bad actors who prey on the most vulnerable in our state will be brought to justice,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our elders deserve to be treated with dignity, not as puppets to further the agendas of selfish individuals. The California Department of Justice is committed to defending the rights of our most vulnerable and holding their abusers accountable."

“We are grateful for the opportunity to assist in this investigation,” said Rebecca May, Chief of the Professional Fiduciaries Bureau. “Licensees of the Bureau are responsible for providing critical care to a vulnerable population. The Bureau is committed to consumer protection, and we thank our law enforcement partners who share in our consumer protection goal and the Bureau staff who worked diligently on this matter.”

The investigation conducted by LAPD and DOJ's White Collar Investigation Team (WCIT) found that the suspect managed many Special Need Trusts and Conservatorships involving adult dependents or elder clients that rely on her to provide fiduciary services. Evidence showed that the suspect transferred money from a Special Needs /Conservator Account and into her own personal account for personal use. This resulted in a collective loss to 12 victims in the amount of 2.5 million dollars.

LAPD arrested the suspect on Friday, January 5 and prosecution will be handled by DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section. The charges include Theft from an Elder and Dependent Adult by a Caretaker [PC 368(e)(1)] and Grand Theft [PC 487(a)], as well as special allegations for excessive losses. The Los Angeles Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Division (CCD), Valley Financial Section is seeking the public’s help identifying additional victims. If you have been a victim or have information about this investigation, please contact Detective III Adriano at (818)374-9420.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).