Division of Law Enforcement

 
OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on Shane Holland's death from an officer involved shooting in Adelanto, California, on June 21, 2022, involving the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBCSD). The report is part of the California Department of Justice's (DOJ) ongoing efforts to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report provides a detailed analysis of the incident and outlines DOJ's findings. After a thorough investigation, DOJ concluded that criminal charges were not appropriate in this case. However, DOJ recognizes the important lessons to be learned from this incident. As required by AB 1506, the Attorney General has issued specific policy and practice recommendations related to the incident.

"The California Department of Justice remains steadfast in our commitment to working together with all law enforcement partners to ensure an unbiased, transparent, and accountable legal system for every resident of California," said Attorney General Bonta. “AB 1506 is a critical transparency and accountability tool, and our hope for this report is to provide some understanding and aid in advancing towards a safer California for all. Loss of life is always a tragedy. We acknowledge that this incident posed challenges for all parties involved, including Mr. Holland’s family, law enforcement, and the community.”

On June 21, 2022, a SBCSD deputy conducted a vehicle stop on a Ford Explorer that Mr. Holland was a passenger in because the deputy could not see the vehicle’s rear license plate because it lacked reflective coating. Mr. Holland was shot by a deputy after a foot pursuit at around 2:53 am, and he died on scene. Under AB 1506, which requires DOJ to investigate all incidents of officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian in the state, DOJ conducted a thorough investigation into this incident and concluded that the evidence does not show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the deputy involved acted without the intent to defend himself and others from what he reasonably believed to be imminent death or serious bodily injury. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of the deputy. As such, no further action will be taken in this case.  

As part of its investigation, DOJ has identified several policy recommendations that it believes will help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. These recommendations include: 

1. FOOT PURSUIT POLICY
To reduce risks of physical harm to deputies and members of the public, SBCSD should develop a foot pursuit policy that includes the criteria a deputy should consider in deciding whether to pursue a person on foot, and when to abandon a pursuit.

2. POLICY ON TRAFFIC STOPS FOR MINOR OFFENSES
While it is critical that deputies have discretion to initiate stops, deputies should exercise that discretion in a manner that promotes deputy safety and prioritizes addressing criminal and traffic violations that have an impact on public safety. Given the potential risks to the deputy and public safety, SBCSD should consider and delineate the factors and circumstances (time of day, location for the stop, etc.) when deputies should consider when to initiate stops for minor traffic offenses. 

3. BACKUP OR PARTNERS DURING CERTAIN STOPS
SBCSD can use crime and stop data to identify specific shifts or neighborhoods that could benefit from either two-deputy units or a requirement that stops may only be conducted with backup present, with exceptions.

4. BODY WORN CAMERA POLICY
DOJ recommends that SBCSD should revise its polices to include best practices, including requirements for when deputies should activate their cameras and when deputies can review footage.

A copy of the report can be found here.

SAN DIEGO – As part of a joint investigation through the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force (SDHTTF), California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the results of Operation Better Pathways. The multi-jurisdictional operation, which concluded earlier this month, is part of a broader, regional effort to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation through targeted enforcement, relying both on surveillance of known locations and officers working undercover. As a result of the multi-day operation, 46 individuals were arrested for alleged human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and other criminal offenses and 20 individuals — including seven children — were offered support services. The arrests have been referred to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California for potential criminal prosecution.

“Human trafficking and sexual exploitation destroy lives,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Through Operation Better Pathways, we’re fighting to hold perpetrators accountable and help survivors with support and services. This initiative serves as a powerful example of how the implementation of public safety measures can effectively intervene in breaking the cycle of violence and abuse. It also sends a clear message to potential offenders that their criminal behavior will not be tolerated. We are grateful to all our dedicated partners involved in the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, whose collaboration has been invaluable. We take great pride in our office's commitment to uplifting vulnerable Californians by offering them assistance and guidance when they need it most. By working together, we have achieved tangible results that make a difference in people's lives. The California Department of Justice is always prepared to step up and advocate for public safety.”

“We are dedicated to working with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the San Diego City Attorney’s Office and the California Department of Justice to ensure we are holding traffickers accountable and seeking justice for victims,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Together, we are making San Diego’s community safer while sending a clear message to those who try to exploit the vulnerable: Not in our city.”

“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is always proud to partner and work alongside the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force in efforts to address and combat human trafficking,” said Christepher Davis, acting special agent in charge for Homeland San Diego. “When law enforcement agencies collectively work together during operations like Operation Better Pathways, we are able to cast a wider net focusing on rescuing victims and apprehending perpetrators.”

“While Operation Better Pathways has been successful in capturing those who prey on the most vulnerable, the results also remind us that we must remain vigilant in our fight against human trafficking,” said San Diego Chief of Police David Nisleit. “Protecting our community from sexual predators requires the continued cooperation and commitment from the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force. Our work is just beginning.”

“Predators who target the most vulnerable in our community need to know we are going to be relentless in our efforts to stop them and hold them accountable,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “The results of Operation Better Pathways are further proof that SDPD and its partners in the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force are committed to protecting San Diegans from the dangers of human trafficking.”

During the operation, law enforcement personnel conducted targeted surveillance of areas known for sexual exploitation in San Diego and National City, utilizing various investigative techniques to directly identify and stop alleged human trafficking and sexual exploitation in real time. Simultaneously, law enforcement went after sex buyers by posing as individuals offering sex for sale at those same locations. Sex buyers were then generally directed to an alternate location and arrested. Among other alleged violations, arrests during the operation ranged from human trafficking of a minor to assault with a deadly weapon. 

Operation Better Pathways began on March 5 and was carried out intermittently over a period of multiple days through March 27. As part of the effort, San Diego County Child Welfare Services and adult and juvenile support service advocates were on scene to provide assistance as needed. All of the potential victims and survivors were offered access to resources and supportive services.

SDHTTF is a cooperative effort involving the California Department of Justice, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, National City Police Department, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego County Probation Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego Police Department, Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. In addition to serving as the lead agency on the SDHTTF, the California Department of Justice has two regional Human Trafficking and Sexual Predator Apprehension Teams serving Northern California and Southern California.

Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery where perpetrators profit from the control and exploitation of adults and children for sex or labor through force, fraud, or coercion. Human trafficking does not require movement across borders. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, there were more than 1,300 human trafficking cases reported in California in 2021 — more than any other state in the nation. In California, human trafficking is prevalent in the hospitality, commercial sex, domestic work, and construction industries. Victims of human trafficking are also found among migrant and seasonal agricultural workers, providers of residential care, and in California’s garment sector. 

If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 to access help and services. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Additional information and resources to support survivors of human trafficking is available here.

**The information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve**

FULLERTON – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in Fullerton, California on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at approximately 5:27 p.m. The OIS incident resulted in the death of one individual.

Following notification by local authorities, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review.

More information on the California Department of Justice’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.

**The information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve** 

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in San Bernardino County, California on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at approximately 9:50 p.m. The OIS incident resulted in the death of one individual.

Following notification by local authorities, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review.

More information on the California Department of Justice’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.

**The information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve**

LOS ANGELES – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in east Los Angeles California on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at approximately 9:32 p.m. The OIS incident resulted in the death of one individual.

Following notification by local authorities, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review.

More information on the California Department of Justice’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.

SAN DIEGO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced a joint operation in San Diego County resulting in the felony arrest of a suspect and the seizure of 720,000 fentanyl pills. On February 9, 2024, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Fentanyl Abatement & Suppression Team (FAST), in collaboration with the California Department of Justice San Diego Fentanyl Enforcement Program (SD FEP), the United States Border Patrol (USBP), and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSD), arrested an individual in Alpine after an investigation determined that the individual was driving a vehicle containing a large quantity of fentanyl.

“This massive bust is the largest fentanyl seizure since DOJ announced a partnership between our Fentanyl Enforcement Program and FAST Task Force,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I am grateful for the work of our special agents and law enforcement partners in getting these illicit and dangerous drugs off our streets. Whether through the seizure of illicit fentanyl through our ongoing enforcement efforts or by bringing California billions of dollars through our lawsuits and investigative efforts to hold the opioid industry accountable, the California Department of Justice is all-in when it comes to protecting California families from the dangers of fentanyl. There are countless lives being saved because of this important and difficult work.”

A total of 110 packages were removed from the vehicle with a total combined weight of 72.05 kilograms (158.5 pounds). The packages contained blue pills with “M30” markings and the initial investigation determined the pills contained fentanyl. Law enforcement estimated approximately 720,000 fentanyl pills were removed from the vehicle. The prosecution of this case will be handled by the California Department of Justice.

An image from the seizure can be found here.

The complaint can be found here.

HSI San Diego FAST is a multiagency task force comprised of state, local and federal partners and was first established in August 2022 focusing on the disruption and dismantlement of criminal organizations that smuggle and distribute fentanyl within San Diego County. HSI’s FAST targets fentanyl smuggling and distribution networks to counter the rising overdose rate and decrease the availability and accessibility of fentanyl.

In 2022, and in response to the fentanyl epidemic, the California Legislature and the Governor approved appropriation for the creation of the California Department of Justice, Division of Law Enforcement, Bureau of Investigation’s (BI) Fentanyl Enforcement Program (FEP). FEP works with local and federal law enforcement partners throughout the state to address the fentanyl crisis and get these dangerous drugs off California’s streets. The program is comprised of BI regional investigative teams placed in San Diego, Los Angeles, Dublin, and Sacramento. A Special Agent in Charge serves as the program manager and each team has a Special Agent Supervisor, five Special Agents, a Staff Services Analyst and a Crime Analyst I. Through collaboration with existing BI Task Forces, the FEP targets major fentanyl-trafficking criminal networks. The program leverages existing BI Task Forces and local and federal law enforcement partnerships to identify, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle these criminal networks. BI has the unique expertise, state-wide perspective and vertical prosecution model to impact fentanyl-trafficking criminal networks.

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

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on Samuel Soto's death from an officer involved shooting in Los Angeles, California, on July 26, 2021, involving the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The report is part of the California Department of Justice's (DOJ) ongoing efforts to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report provides a detailed analysis of the incident and outlines DOJ's findings. After a thorough investigation, DOJ concluded that criminal charges were not appropriate in this case. However, DOJ recognizes the important lessons to be learned from this incident. As required by AB 1506, the Attorney General has issued specific policy and practice recommendations related to the incident.

"The loss of life is always a tragedy. We understand that this incident was difficult for everyone involved, including the family of Mr. Soto, law enforcement, and the community at large," said Attorney General Bonta. "Our hope is that this report will offer some clarity and facilitate our collective progress towards a California that is safer and more equitable. The California Department of Justice continues to be dedicated to collaborating with all participants in order to guarantee that our legal system is impartial, open, and responsible to every individual residing in California.”

On July 26, 2021, LAPD officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon call. Mr. Soto was shot by officers at around 8:50 pm, and he died from his injuries on November 2, 2021. Under AB 1506, which requires DOJ to investigate all incidents of officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian in the state, DOJ conducted a thorough investigation into this incident and concluded that the evidence does not show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officers involved acted without the intent to defend themselves and others from what they reasonably believed to be imminent death or serious bodily injury. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of the officers. As such, no further action will be taken in this case. 

As part of its investigation, DOJ has identified several policy recommendations that it believes will help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

These recommendations include:

1.    Use and Care of Electronic Control Devices (TASER): LAPD should evaluate whether the responding officers properly followed policies, processes, and procedures, and had taken the appropriate trainings related to TASERs, at the time of this incident. Moreover, given that all but one officer lacked fully charged or functioning TASERs, LAPD should further ensure no systemic issues exist with respect to the availability of fully charged and functional TASERs. Finally, LAPD should ensure its officers are in full compliance with LAPD’s new TASER policy. DOJ believes these policy recommendations will help improve public safety while promoting trust and accountability in our justice system.

2.   Communication and MEU Response: LAPD should consider working with Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) on improving dispatch communication, which could include evaluating changes to training and policy on calls that intersect both agencies.

A copy of the report can be found here.

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).

LOS ANGELES — Attorney General Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ) secured a 32-month prison sentence against Los Angeles tobacco distributor Sadiq Mohammed, who pled guilty to running a $3 million tax evasion scheme against the State of California. The investigation, which was conducted by DOJ’s Tax Recovery in the Underground Economy Task Force (TRUE), uncovered that between 2017 and 2018, Mohammed filed tax returns that underreported sales from L.A. Trading and Distribution, Inc., his tobacco distribution business located in the Los Angeles area. Mohammed imported tobacco products from Florida and Illinois and falsely claimed they were interstate sales to unlawfully evade California’s excise taxes, which are required for out-of-state products.  

“When individuals defraud and steal from taxpayers and the State of California, we will hold them accountable,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Taxes owed to the state pay for services that our communities depend on and we will stop in not in our efforts to track down those who put these services and our state at risk; we will find them and return the funds back where they belong. I thank and commend DOJ’s prosecutors and special agents who worked hard on this case to bring Sadiq Mohammed to justice, and I extend my gratitude to our state and federal partners for their assistance in apprehending him and bringing him back to California for prosecution.”

As a result of the investigation, DOJ secured a warrant for Mohammed’s arrest in 2022. The suspect was arrested in November 2022 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection attempting to re-enter the United States before being extradited to California for prosecution by DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section. Mohammed pled guilty to tobacco excise tax evasion on September 23, 2023. On December 20, 2023, after being in custody since the 2022 arrest, he was sentenced to 32 months in state prison and ordered to pay more than $3.04 million in restitution.

TRUE was established the Tax Recovery in the Underground Economy Criminal Enforcement Program (TRUE) on January 1, 2020. Formerly known as Tax Recovery and Criminal Enforcement (TRaCE), TRUE is an important measure to support the state’s efforts to combat and deter underground economic crimes in California. TRUE includes attorneys, investigators, and special agents from the DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section and Bureau of Investigation, as well as the Franchise Tax Board, Employee Development Department, as well as the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Through multiagency collaboration, the TRUE Task Force agencies work to combat wage theft, tax evasion, and other crimes in the underground economy.

A copy of the charges against Mohammed can be found here.

 Suspect fled the country after stealing millions of dollars from the California Recycling Fund

LOS ANGELES – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the arrest of the head of a large-scale, multistate recycling fraud ring who stole approximately $4.3 million from the California Recycling Fund. On December 9, 2023, California Department of Justice (DOJ)’s Recycle Fraud Team worked with the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Phoenix Police Department to arrest the suspect who had fled the United States and was considered a fugitive since March 2022. 

“Let this be a strong warning to anyone seeking to steal from California citizens: We will find you, and we will hold you accountable,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Fraudulent criminal activity, such as the schemes orchestrated by this individual and others, results in the annual loss of millions of dollars from the California Recycling Fund and negatively impacts our economy. I am thankful to our local and federal law enforcement partners for their work in this investigation.” 

DOJ’s investigative team discovered that the ringleader would control the gathering of empty beverage containers from out of state and then work with accomplices to bring them into California to collect money from the California Recycling Fund. On March 16, 2022, the suspect was charged in Los Angeles County Superior Court with Grand Theft (PC 487), Conspiracy PC 182, and illegal importation of out of state empty beverage containers PRC 14591(b)(1)(F) and a warrant was issued for their arrest.   

The suspect then fled the United States, however DOJ continued to track their location and learned they would be returning to Arizona in December 2023. DOJ agents worked with Arizona and federal law enforcement partners, resulting in the arrest of the ringleader by CBP at the Phoenix International Airport. The suspect was booked into a Phoenix Police Department jail and awaits extradition to California for prosecution by DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section.

The objective of the Recycle Fraud Program is to detect and stop existing fraud by organized criminal groups against the California Redemption Value fund and to deter future fraud through the successful prosecution of criminal activity. The Recycle Fraud Team is part of DOJ’s Division of Law Enforcement’s Bureau of Investigation. Special Agents work throughout California and in neighboring states, investigating organizations that commit large scale fraud against California’s extremely important recycling program. Fraud committed against the people of California comes in many forms and criminal elements have no boundaries when it comes to profiting. Together with CalRecycle, the program has been responsible for the arrest and prosecution of individuals committing fraud against the CRV fund and for the seizure of tons of material that was destined to be illegally redeemed for payment by the State of California.