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Felony charges dropped, DA review underway amid ongoing criminal investigation into East Contra Costa cops

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Felony charges dropped, DA review underway amid ongoing criminal investigation into East Contra Costa cops


ANTIOCH — An ongoing prison investigation into law enforcement officials from Antioch and Pittsburg has led to greater than a dozen dismissals in federal courtroom circumstances and an ongoing evaluation of Contra Costa County prosecutions in any case that relied on reviews from the officers.

Federal prosecutors final month made the extraordinarily uncommon transfer of agreeing to dismiss severe felony fees in opposition to 4 individuals who’d already pleaded responsible of their circumstances and had been awaiting sentencing. All 4 defendants had pleaded responsible to possessing firearms as felons within the metropolis of Antioch — circumstances that hinged on the phrase of Antioch officers.

The circumstances had been among the many dismissals accredited by the U.S. Legal professional’s workplace since late March, when authorities introduced they had been probing potential “crimes of ethical turpitude” dedicated by an unspecified variety of Antioch and Pittsburg officers, in line with two sources with firsthand information. A number of regulation enforcement sources have mentioned the costs pertain to alleged involvement with cocaine and steroids, however that federal authorities are additionally reviewing deadly use-of-force incidents dedicated by a few of the officers.

A spokesperson for the Contra Costa District Legal professional’s Workplace informed the Bay Space Information Group that the company is “actively evaluating the circumstances of the Antioch and Pittsburg officers who’re topic to the FBI’s prison investigation” and is disclosing info that would affect these prosecutions or problem the officers’ credibility to protection attorneys.

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“To be able to proceed to prosecute these circumstances, it will likely be essential to make sure disclosures in accordance with moral discovery obligations,” Contra Costa DA spokesman Ted Asregadoo mentioned in an electronic mail. “The Contra Costa District Legal professional’s Workplace continues to stability the integrity of the continuing investigation, with the obligation to reveal favorable info to a defendant, together with due course of rights of the implicated officers.”

In federal courtroom, fees had been dismissed in opposition to Eric Meals, Quincy Mason, Bernard Sices and Kardell Smith, after they’d all pleaded responsible to gun fees that carry a 10-year most jail time period, data present.

In Smith’s case, Officers Brock Marcotte, Quamaine Murphy and Morteza Amiri arrested him. Amiri claimed to have seen Smith throw a gun by way of a window of his house on Sycamore Drive. Meals was arrested in July 2020 by an Antioch officer whose title isn’t utilized in courtroom data, on suspicion of possessing a home made pistol with no serial quantity, courtroom data present.

Each Sices’ and Mason’s unrelated prosecutions concerned the identical arresting officer, Eric Rombough, who claimed that on June 7, 2019, Sices ran from him throughout an tried cease and tossed a pistol onto the grass whereas Rombough pursued him. Rombough tackled Sices and recovered the weapon, prosecutors mentioned in courtroom data. In Mason’s case, Rombough arrested him in December 2020 on suspicion of possessing two firearms whereas on parole, at an Antioch residence on East sixth Road. Different officers had been current and DNA linked him to the weapons, in line with courtroom data.

However on April 13 — simply three weeks after Mason pleaded responsible — prosecutors moved to dismiss the conviction, writing that the U.S. Legal professional’s workplace “has uncovered proof that undermines its confidence within the conviction on this case.” It was the very same wording used within the different dismissals, courtroom data present.

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Rombough was one among 4 officers who shot and killed 57-year Guadalupe Zavala throughout a seven-hour standoff final January.

Antioch police Chief Steven Ford didn’t reply to requests for remark, together with an inquiry about whether or not Rombough, Marcotte or Amiri had been among the many officers presently on depart as a part of the prison probe.



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Pittsburg, PA

2 men charged in road rage incident in Pittsburgh’s South Side

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2 men charged in road rage incident in Pittsburgh’s South Side


Two men are facing charges after a road rage incident on Pittsburgh’s South Side.

Police say their actions could have led to “grave” consequences.

The incident started at a red light at the intersection of East Carson and S. 21st Streets just before noon, on Wednesday.

Pittsburgh Police say two vehicles, a GMC and an Acura, were stopped at the light when the GMC made a lane change in front of the other car. The GMC driver and passenger allegedly thought the other driver had given them the go-ahead.

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According to police, the driver of the Acura, Andrew Potter, then yelled and followed the GMC. Both vehicles stopped at the Coen gas station along S. 25 Street.

Police say surveillance video shows two men get out of the GMC. One of them, Joseph Brandt, is then seen grabbing a wrench, breaking a window on the Acura and hitting Potter in the face.

Both cars then traveled to a dead end on S. 25th Street. That’s where police say Potter’s Acura rammed the GMC.

Channel 11 spoke to customers at the Coen station who were glad no bystanders were hurt.

“If you can’t control your road rage, please don’t get on the road at all. It’s very dangerous,” one person said.

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“It could’ve been worse,” said another.

Police say all three men involved suffered various injuries including a concussion, chipped tooth and broken wrist.

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New Mexico (NMAA) high school football scores: Live updates, live streams (10/4/2024)

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New Mexico (NMAA) high school football scores: Live updates, live streams (10/4/2024)


PLEASANT HILL, CALIFORNIA — De La Salle coach Justin Alumbaugh grinded his teeth some and wiped his brow this week watching game film of Pittsburg’s defense, in particularly 6-foot-3, 190-pound safety Jadyn Hudson and 6-3, 230-pound outsideline linebacker/defensive end Juju Walls.

Active, fast, physical and experienced — both are fourth-year starters — Hudson and Walls are part of one of the most talented teams Pittsburg has ever produced and one that this week will threaten De La Salle’s 33-year stranglehold on the North Coast Section.

Before Alumbaugh stressed any further, a light flashed in his noggin and a silver lining appeared.

“Hey, I’m happy they’re both UCLA recruits,” said Alumbaugh, a 2002 UCLA alum and former baseball player for the Bruins, with a laugh. “I’m not happy we got to face them, but glad they both made that decision.”

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Yes, both committed to the Bruins before the season — Hudson on June 15 and Walls on Aug. 21 — and as of yet, have not swayed any of their Pittsburg teammates or Bay Area brethren to the Westwood campus.

The duo are just a pair of complete game-breakers and future college players that will be on the field for Friday’s NCS Open Division championship game at Diablo Valley College. De La Salle hasn’t lost to a NCS opponent while winning 31 straight NCS crowns since a 35-27 contest to Pittsburg in 1991.

While much of the storyline is around that fact, and that Pittsburg coach Charlie Ramirez was a sophomore linebacker for the Pirates that fateful day, this game will probably be decided by a combination of the following game-breakers.

Here are 15 in order we think will likely emerge as top playmakers in this game and future college standouts.

football california De La Salle high school Concord

Jaden Jefferson on his way to a spectacular 89-yard opening kickoff touchdown. / Photo: Dennis Lee

The fastest man on the field — he finished fourth in the CIF state 100-meters at 10.40 seconds as a sophomore — isn’t just speedy. He’s a gamer. With a plethora of offensive options for the Spartans, Jefferson hasn’t received many touches: 28 rushes, 325 yards, 4 TDs. But he’s active in the secondary, hits hard and he’s returned two kicks for touchdowns. “He’s grown a lot as a player over the last year,” Alumbaugh said. “He’s much stronger and has a great understanding of our offense and defense. His speed has always there, but his vision and strength have been huge for us this year.”

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High school football photo; Pittsburg, California

Jamar Searcy absolutely was dominant in the postseason, with 718 total yards and 5 TDs in four games, leading Pittsburg to a third straight NCS D1 title. The Washington State commit has been close to spectacular his senior seasons. / Photo: Dennis Lee

Washington State commit can score anywhere on the field and is equal force as runner, receiver and big hitter from the secondary. He’s averaging 10.0 yards per carry per 121 carries (1,199 yards) and 14 TDs; 19 catches, 243 yards, 5 TDs. “Kid is awesome,” Alumbaugh said. “Wish UCLA was recruiting him. Great speed, vision and runs so darned hard.”

De La Salle football photo, Concord California

De La Salle quarterback Toa Faavae scores one of his two rushing touchdowns on Friday night. He enters Friday’s NCS title game with Pittsburg with 14 rushing touchdowns. | Photo: Dennis Lee /

Idaho bound speedster — ran anchor on De La Salle’s school-record 400-meter relay team at 40.84 seconds — the third year starter always steps up in biggest games. In last two state-title games combined, rushed for 299 yards, three TDs, on top of throwing for 250. In most vital moments, good for Spartans to get him sprinting around the edges. First De La Salle QB to rush for more than 2,000 career yards.

Marley Alcantara, Pittsburg

Pittsburg quarterback Marley Alcantara threw for 2,675 yards and 37 touchdowns as a junior, and thrown for nearly those figures in 11 games as a senior. / Photo: Dennis Lee

Has only two recruiting stars simply because of his lack of size, but could easily steal the show among all the great athletes here with his moxie, smarts and play-making prowess. His thrown for nearly 6,000 career yards and 83 touchdowns and rushed for 536 more and six TDs. “Total game,” Alumbaugh said. “The guy just makes plays. Reminds me of (San Ramon Valley’s) Luke Baker not just because both are undersized, but because he extends plays, he’s athletic and is a competitor.”

He missed the first half of the season with a knee injury, but wow has he made up for it with five interceptions and 21 tackles, one caused fumble and four pass deflections,

High school football photo

Pittsburg defensive end JuJu Walls (1) is a fourth-year starter for the Pirates and a 4-star prospect. He’s committed to UCLA. He’ll need to have a big game Friday in Pittsburg game vs. De La Salle / Photo: Ben Enos

Despite playing only onside of the field, Walls leads the team in tackles with 59 in nine games to go along with four sacks, an interception, two pass deflections, six hurries and two caused fumbles. His best game might have been in a 35-14 loss at then national No. 2 St. John Bosco with game-high 10 tackles. Considering the opponent was flooded with D1 prospects, it gave a window to what is in Walls’ future.

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De La Salle’s Derek Blanche Jr. (22) rushed for more than 180 yards and a touchdown in Friday’s 39-10 win over Serra at Owen Owens Field on Sept. 6, 2024. / Photo: Dennis Lee

The Portland State commit isn’t the blazer of Jefferson or Faavae, but he is a great combination of strength and elusiveness. Great feet and vision, he’s been De La Salle leading rusher the last two seasons, with 910 yards and 11 TDs in 2024 on nearly 9.0 yards per carry. He might have extra motivation, since his dad was star RBI at Pittsburg in 2002-2004.

Football photo, high school football, De La Salle, Concord, California

De La Salle 4-star defensive lineman and University of Oregon commit Matt Johnson (56) was a menace all night. He had a second-half sack in the Spartans’ 39-10 win over Serra. / Photo: Dennis Lee

He and junior Myah Telona (6-2, 286) are absolute monsters on the defensive line, both major disruptors. Slowing down the Pirates’ inside attack with Elijah Bow will be key. Johnson has committed to Oregon and Telona has an offer from the Ducks as well.

Circle this name. Yes, only a freshman, Ward is one of the speediest around, having been clocked at 10.68 seconds in the 100 as an eighth-grader. Not just a speedster, Ward has made the most of his opportunities with a ridiculous 35.5 yards per catch average. He has 11 receptions for 391 yards and seven touchdowns. He also had a 77-yard pick 6 versus Riordan. He also caught a 76-yard TD bomb from Alcantara against St. John Bosco.

high school football, California

De La Salle senior RB Dominic Kelley with some tough rushing yards Oct. 25 against Monte Vista in a 42-7 win. / Photo: Eric Taylor

With offers from Nevada and San Jose State, Kelley is the third three-year starter in De La Salle’s backfield. He’s nothing but productive, often carrying defenders on his back. He’s second on the team with 15 rushing touchdowns this season on 65 carries for 625 yards.

Perhaps the most unheralded on this list, Baumgarnter is the Spartans leading tackler with 71 and seems to always be where the ball is, especially when it pops out. He’s got three fumble recovers along with an interception and a caused fumble. Injured most of 2023, he’s come back with vengeance, recently earning an offer from Fresno State.

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Elijah Bow, Pittsburg

Pittsburg 2025 running back Elijah Bow rushed form almost 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior.. / Photo: Joe Bergman

Pittsburg’s primary run source the last two seasons — going for 1,296 and 1,194 yards respectively along with 31 touchdowns — Bow’s role has been limited with the emergence of Searcy and so many blowout victories. The thunder part of Pittsburg’s rushing attack has just 24 carries combined the last six games, but his inside yards will be key against the Spartans. He’s also a key linebacker.

Photo, high school football, California high school football, De La Salle

De La Salle running back Duece Jones-Drew breaks into the open while scoring on a 65-yard touchdown run | Photo: Dennis Lee /

Yes, the name is is famous in De La Salle folklore. He’s the son of Maurice Jones-Drew, who after sitting out all of his freshman year with a shoulder injury, took his first carry of the 2024 season and sprinted 64 yards for a touchdown, De La Salle’s first of the season. Also a very sound and physical cornerback. Like the rest of the De La Salle ball carriers, he gets only 5-6 touches per game. Already has offers from Cal and Utah and still waiting on UCLA, where his dad starred.

Previously went by Robert Santiago, the long and gifted receiver and DB has 12 college offers, including Miami, Oklahoma, Arizona and Cal. He had a pick 6 to end De La Salle’s lopsided win over Clayton Valley Charter.

De La Salle football

De La Salle senior cornerback Ant Deen rolls in for a touchdown after stripping quarterback Luke Alexander of the ball, giving the Spartans a 35-7 lead. / Photo: Dennis Lee

Though a definite receiving threat, Dean’s impact is from his cornerback spot, where earlier in the year against Grant, he riipped the ball out of the QB’s hands and raced 32 yards for a touchdown. He’s a smart and athletic ball hawk.



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Former First-Round Pick Gets Revenge on Steelers

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Former First-Round Pick Gets Revenge on Steelers


PITTSBURGH — Former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick Devin Bush got his revenge against his former team, winning the first of two matchups with the Cleveland Browns in the AFC North battle.

Bush was sent out for the coin toss to start the game, showing the Browns’ interest in making this a revenge atmosphere. The former 10th-overall for Pittsburgh didn’t get a second contract, and was booed out of town by fans after his fourth season. In his first AFC North showdown on the other side of the rivalry, he recorded six tackles for Cleveland.

Bush’s time with the Steelers started with a bang, and the star out of Michigan looked like the missing piece to Pittsburgh’s defense. He was viewed as the “finally” inside linebacker to replace Ryan Shazier, but after an ACL tear, things faded. By the time his final season wrapped up, he was on the bench as much as he was on the field, losing his job to Robert Spillane and Mark Robinson.

Last season, Bush signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks but didn’t do much in his one year in the NFC. This offseason, he visited the Browns, where he signed a deal shortly after. Now, despite a 3-8 record in Cleveland, he’s probably feeling pretty good as he walks away a winner in his first matchup against the Steelers in 2024.

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