Former Contra Costa Sheriff's Deputy Faces Multiple Charges

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office on Friday filed multiple felony charges and one misdemeanor charge against a former Contra Costa County sheriff's deputy for offenses he is accused of committing while still employed by the sheriff's office.

Matthew Buckley, 41, of Pinole, faces charges of grand theft, unlawful possession of an assault weapon (AR-15), filing a false report, and two counts of preparing false documentary evidence, the DA's Office announced.

Buckley also faces a misdemeanor charge of destroying or concealing evidence in connection with the violations alleged to have taken place in 2020 and 2022.

Buckley was a 15-year veteran at the department when he was arrested last August. Sheriff's officials did not say what prompted the investigation that led to his arrest.

Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston expressed his disappointment at the time of Buckley's arrest but said it was "not a reflection of the many outstanding employees of the Sheriff's Office."

"We are appreciative of the work the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office did in investigating this case," Chief Assistant District Attorney Simon O’Connell said. "Their professionalism and thorough work — work done under difficult circumstances — led to the filing decision our office submitted to the court today."

Because Buckley served as a bailiff when District Attorney Becton was a Contra Costa County Superior Court judge, Becton will have no input nor will she make any decision regarding this case.

The DA's Office said it coordinated with the state Attorney General to determine whether a conflict of interest existed to warrant the recusal of the DA’s Office. The AG’s Office responded that any conflict that exists can be remedied by creating an ethical wall between Becton and the prosecuting attorneys assigned to this case.

Buckley will be arraigned in court on a future date to hear the charges against him and to enter a plea.

He was released on $175,000 bond following his arrest in August.