San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office

San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office is dedicated to ensuring justice for our community.

The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office has been protecting our community since 1850.

From first responders to farmworkers to the teams inside our courthouses, Labor Day belongs to the people who keep this ...
09/07/2026

From first responders to farmworkers to the teams inside our courthouses, Labor Day belongs to the people who keep this county moving. Thank you!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEKevin McKinsley-Harris Arraigned on Murder Charges Following Stockton HomicideKevin McKinsley-Harri...
09/03/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kevin McKinsley-Harris Arraigned on Murder Charges Following Stockton Homicide

Kevin McKinsley-Harris was arraigned today on charges pursuant to California Penal Code section 187 in connection with the death of an adult female victim in Stockton.
On September 1, 2026, Stockton Police officers responded to the 2200 block of Hackberry Street to conduct a welfare check following a report of a person who had been stabbed.
Officers arrived on scene and located an adult female victim suffering from stab wounds. Medical personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.
“Violence leaves wounds that extend far beyond the immediate loss—it changes families and communities forever,” said San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas. “We owe it the victim and her loved ones to seek justice, and we will continue to hold those accused of violent crimes accountable through a fair and deliberate judicial process.”
McKinsley-Harris remains in custody without bail and is scheduled to return to court on October 1, 2026, at 8:30 AM in 8B.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thomas Shurtz Arraigned on 55 Counts, Including Grand Theft ChargesThomas Shurtz was arraigned tod...
09/02/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thomas Shurtz Arraigned on 55 Counts, Including Grand Theft Charges

Thomas Shurtz was arraigned today on 55 counts in connection with alleged theft-related offenses occurring between April 1, 2025, and April 1, 2026.
The amended complaint includes 53 felony counts of Penal Code § 487, grand theft, along with two misdemeanor counts for failing to transfer registration, a violation of Vehicle Code § 5753.
The grand theft charges include allegations pursuant to Penal Code § 186.11(a)(2), the aggravated white-collar crime enhancement, and Penal Code § 12022.6(a)(3), the excessive-loss enhancement for property loss exceeding $200,000.

Shurtz was arrested on August 19, 2026, by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office following an investigation that determined multiple recreational vehicles (RVs) may have been sold without proper notification to their rightful owners and without completion of the required Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) documentation.

According to the investigation, the consignors or sellers of the RVs were not paid after their vehicles were sold. At the same time, purchasers who bought the RVs did not receive title to the vehicles they purchased. The total loss to the victims is estimated at approximately $2.1 million.
“When someone is entrusted with the property of others, there is an expectation that it will be handled honestly and lawfully. Our office is committed to holding accountable those who allegedly take advantage of that trust and ensuring that victims have a voice throughout the process,” said District Attorney Ron Freitas.

Following today’s arraignment, Shurtz remains out on jail OR and is scheduled to return to court on October 8, 2026.

If convicted of all charges, Shurtz faces a maximum sentence of 46 years and 8 months in state prison.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stockton City Council Candidate Desiree Lynch Arraigned on Felony Perjury, Election Fraud, and Wea...
09/02/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stockton City Council Candidate Desiree Lynch Arraigned on Felony Perjury, Election Fraud, and Weapons Charges

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office announced the formal arraignment of former Stockton City Council Candidate Desiree Lynch following a public corruption investigation. The charges allege that Lynch perjured herself by registering to vote and filing as a candidate using residential addresses where she did not live, resulting in six felony counts filed as follows:

•Count 1: PC 118(A) Perjury on or about November 10, 2025
•Count 2: PC 118(A) Perjury on or about February 5, 2026
•Count 3: PC 118(A) Perjury on or about March 2, 2026
•Count 4: Election Code 18100(A) for Causing, Procuring, or Allowing False Voter Registration on or about November 10, 2025, through and including August 17, 2026
•Count 5: Election Code 18203 for Filing a False Nomination or Declaration of Candidacy on or about November 10, 2025, through and including August 17, 2026
•Count 6: PC 30605(A) Possession of an Assault Weapon

The case follows an investigation by the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigations and a referral from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators determined that Lynch allegedly resided outside the claimed district boundaries rather than the area indicated on official registration and candidate filing paperwork. During the service of a search warrant at the North Stockton residence, an illegal assault rifle was seized and booked as evidence, resulting in the additional weapons charge. Following the investigation, a criminal complaint was formally filed in the San Joaquin County Superior Court.

"Public office demands absolute transparency, and our electoral process relies entirely on the honesty of those who seek to serve," said District Attorney Ron Freitas. "When a candidate allegedly fabricates their residency to secure a spot on the ballot, they undermine the democratic rights of every single voter in that district. Our office remains fully dedicated to pursuing public integrity violations and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld without exception."

If convicted on all counts, Lynch faces a maximum of 7 years and 4 months in state prison. Following today's arraignment, the defendant remains out on jail OR and she is scheduled to return to court on October 8, 2026 at 8:30 AM in Department 8B.


Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigations at (209) 468-3620. Members of the community who witness or suspect potential election integrity violations are strongly encouraged to report the activity directly to their local law enforcement agency, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, or the District Attorney Public Integrity Unit at (209) 468-2400. To report information anonymously, citizens can call Stockton Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASELodi Woman Arraigned on Murder ChargesNikole Ramos appeared in San Joaquin County Superior Court on...
09/01/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lodi Woman Arraigned on Murder Charges

Nikole Ramos appeared in San Joaquin County Superior Court on August 31, 2026, and faces one count of murder in violation of Penal Code § 187 in connection with the August 15, 2026, homicide of Roberto Ramos in Lodi.

Ramos was arraigned on the murder charge and remains in custody without bail. The matter was continued to September 23, 2026, for further arraignment.

“Taking a life is the most serious crime a person can commit, and our office will pursue justice for Roberto Ramos with the full force of the law,” said San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas. “We will continue to follow the evidence, hold the defendant accountable for the actions alleged in this case, and ensure that the victim and his family have a voice throughout this process.”

District Attorney Ron Freitas and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office were proud to support the Stockton C...
08/30/2026

District Attorney Ron Freitas and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office were proud to support the Stockton Crime Stoppers board of directors at their 4th Annual Bowling Tournament! 🎳
DA Freitas joined Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden, former District Attorney Jim Willett, and community partners for an evening dedicated to raising funds that help law enforcement agencies throughout Stockton solve crimes by offering cash rewards for anonymous tips that lead to arrests.

Founded in 1981, Stockton Crime Stoppers has proudly supported law enforcement for more than four decades, helping bring criminals to justice and keeping our community safer.
Thank you Stockton Crime Stoppers for your continued partnership and commitment to our community!

Stockton Crime Stoppers Inc.

Welcome to the team, Christina!!DDA I Christina Lao is a graduate of Santa Clara Law School and received her bachelor's ...
08/28/2026

Welcome to the team, Christina!!

DDA I Christina Lao is a graduate of Santa Clara Law School and received her bachelor's degree in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara.

She joins our Office after having previously served as a law clerk at the Contra Costa County DA's Office, the Fresno County DA's Office, the Attorney General's Office and the Santa Clara County DA's Office.

She listed having the unique skill of finishing the New York Times mini crossword puzzle in under a minute (!!!). Christina is very enthusiastic and looks forward to starting her career as a DDA with this Office.

District Attorney Ron Freitas and members of his team spent a wonderful morning volunteering at the Loel Senior Center. ...
08/28/2026

District Attorney Ron Freitas and members of his team spent a wonderful morning volunteering at the Loel Senior Center. The team rolled up their sleeves to help serve lunch, clear tables, and most importantly, sit down and chat with the incredible folks who call the center home.

Our seniors are the foundation of our community, and ensuring they feel supported, safe, and connected is a top priority for this office. It was an honor to hear their stories, share some laughs, and spend quality time with our Lodi neighbors.

Thank you to the amazing staff at the Loel Senior Center for the vital work you do every day to care for our senior community. We look forward to our next visit!

Congratulations to KCRA 3 (Very Local) on winning an Emmy for the documentary One Pill Can Kill.The San Joaquin County D...
08/27/2026

Congratulations to KCRA 3 (Very Local) on winning an Emmy for the documentary One Pill Can Kill.

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office and District Attorney Ron Freitas were honored to collaborate on this film. The message is simple and it matters: one fake pill can take a life.

This is a conversation every family in our community needs to have.

Watch the documentary here: https://youtu.be/VlrOVQPfPpg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEStockton Woman Sentenced to 7 Years in State Prison After Fentanyl, He**in and Firearm ArrestOn Jul...
08/26/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stockton Woman Sentenced to 7 Years in State Prison After Fentanyl, He**in and Firearm Arrest

On July 16, 2026, agents with the San Joaquin County METRO Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1900 block of Gilchrest Avenue in Stockton. During the search, Carla Lockhart was found in possession of approximately 896.2 grams of fentanyl, as well as he**in, methamphetamine, alprazolam, oxycodone, and a loaded firearm.

Lockhart has a prior drug sales conviction from 2018, making her a convicted felon.

On August 19, 2026, Lockhart pleaded guilty to a violation of Health and Safety Code § 11351, possession of a controlled substance for sale. She also admitted to a weight enhancement under Health and Safety Code § 11370.4(c)(1)(B) for possession of more than 100 grams of fentanyl. Lockhart also pleaded guilty to a violation of Penal Code § 29800, possession of a firearm by a felon.

Lockhart was sentenced on August 19, 2026, to seven years in state prison.
“This case demonstrates the serious threat posed by individuals who traffic dangerous drugs and illegally possess fi****ms,” said San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas. “The recovery of nearly 900 grams of fentanyl, along with multiple other controlled substances and a loaded firearm, reflects the importance of holding drug traffickers and convicted felons who possess fi****ms accountable. This outcome underscores our commitment to protecting the people of San Joaquin County and keeping dangerous drugs and fi****ms off our streets.”

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office extends its appreciation to DDA Melanie Eiges and the San Joaquin County METRO Narcotics Task Force for their dedication, professionalism, and collaborative efforts throughout the investigation and prosecution of this case.

Address

222 E Weber Avenue
Stockton, CA
95202

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12094682400

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office:

Shortcuts

Share

Category