MARTINEZ — A former Antioch nanny has pleaded guilty to molesting an infant girl with the understanding that she will be sentenced to life in prison with a chance for parole after 15 years, authorities said. Michelle Nicole Hidalgo, 29, entered her guilty plea in a Martinez courtroom Friday morning, bringing a resolution to a particularly … Read more
ANTIOCH — The Contra Costa District Attorney penned a letter to Antioch leaders voicing “serious concerns” and warning of future criminal prosecution after learning three elected officials may have held a secret meeting at the mayor’s home to discuss electoral redistricting. But, ultimately, prosecutors determined a Brown Act violation couldn’t be proven beyond a reasonable … Read more
OAKLAND — A former Pittsburg officer has admitted he lied, stole from his employers, sold steroids to other law enforcement officials and advertised his then-girlfriend’s college cheating service to other cops, ironically all while pretending to pursue a degree in criminal justice. But instead of taking a college course in crime and punishment, Patrick James … Read more
MARTINEZ — During his murder trial, Ramello Randle stabbed his own lawyer with a pen, attacked the prosecutor, and told the jury he’d slaughter them all if they convicted them. Unfortunately for the 28-year-old Oakland man, this novel legal strategy failed. On Friday morning, after little more than a full day of deliberating, jurors convicted … Read more
OAKLAND — Federal prosecutors have tacked on a new charge against a former Pittsburg officer who is already accused of wire fraud, and they say there’s a universal plea deal in the works to resolve both cases. Patrick Berhan was charged Wednesday with possessing anabolic steroids with intent to distribute them in May 2021, a … Read more
CONTRA COSTA — One of the East Contra Costa police officers indicted by the FBI last year has run afoul of the law again, after cops allegedly found him passed out drunk behind the wheel of a running car — and then he threatened to hurt them. It isn’t his alcohol-involved crime, multiple law enforcement … Read more
Retired Pittsburg Police Chief Brian Addington has been named Antioch’s new interim police chief until a permanent one is hired. Antioch Acting City Manager Kwame Reed announced the appointment Tuesday afternoon, noting in a press release that Addington brings “a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of East Contra Costa County law enforcement to … Read more
ANTIOCH — Morteza Amiri, the ex-Antioch officer charged with police violence and college-degree fraud, is now confined to a wheelchair after suffering serious injuries in a fall, his lawyer wrote in recent court filings. Amiri, an Antioch resident, fell from a ladder and broke his knee on Jan. 12. He also suffered a dislocated shoulder, … Read more
MARTINEZ — After months of anticipation, a Contra Costa judge has decided on a landmark issue involving police racism and a new California law, dismissing special-circumstances enhancements against four people accused of murder in Antioch. In an order issued Monday, Judge David Goldstein dismissed all special-circumstances enhancements against co-defendants Eric Windom, Terryon Pugh, Keyshawn McGee, … Read more
ANTIOCH — The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has released two new videos showing four Antioch police officers shoot and wound a 30-year-old man last October as he ran from them while allegedly armed. The videos, obtained by through a records request by the Bay Area News Group, include body camera footage from officers Thomas … Read more