Napa County District Attorney Updates The Community

Press release from the Napa County Government:

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From Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley

From time to time, my work takes me from Napa to the state Capitol to meet with the people entrusted with authoring and passing public safety legislation.

One such opportunity came in mid-February, when I traveled to Sacramento to join my colleagues, Greg Totten, CEO of the California District Attorneys Association (CDAA), and Orange County DA Todd Spitzer for a meet-and-greet with Assemblymember Nick Schultz, Chair of the Assembly’s Public Safety Committee.

Our goal was to offer support and guidance to Assemblymember Schultz as he leads the committee in considering public safety legislation.

As co-chair of the CDAA’s Legislation Committee alongside San Mateo DA Steve Wagstaffe, we discussed several bills, including one that would prohibit elder parole for inmates convicted of certain sexual offenses (SB 286), the implementation of Proposition 36, and a bill to strengthen penalties for looting and impersonating emergency personnel during wildfires and other emergencies.

Reflecting on the specific bills we discussed, I’m reminded of the delicate balance that must be struck between ensuring justice for victims and providing opportunities for rehabilitation.

For example, the debate over parole for elderly inmates requires careful consideration of past crimes and the potential for rehabilitation as individuals age.

Similarly, the bill addressing looting and the impersonation of emergency workers stresses the importance of deterrence in maintaining safety during crises such as the fires that devastated Los Angeles, much as the wildfires did in Napa County.

These complex issues highlight the role that thoughtful, evidence-based legislation plays in protecting the public while upholding justice for all Californians.

Reflecting on Gun Violence, Public Safety in Napa County

By Carlos Villatoro, Public Affairs and Media Officer

Gun violence is not a distant issue for Napa Valley — it is a reality that impacts the community.

I first recognized this in 2003 as a general assignment reporter for the Napa Valley Register and am reminded of it daily in my current role as Public Information Officer for the Napa County District Attorney’s Office.

Over the years, cases I once covered as a journalist have resurfaced due to evolving sentencing laws, requiring Napa prosecutors to revisit violent gun offenses and argue against reduced sentences or parole for those who pose a continued threat to public safety.

A tragic reminder of this ongoing crisis occurred on April 13, 2024, with the shooting deaths of Aileen Villasenor, 19, and Sasha Mufich, 17, on Riverside Drive. The Napa County District Attorney’s Office is currently prosecuting three individuals in connection with their alleged involvement in the shootings. Their deaths weigh heavily on the community, prompting urgent conversations about how to prevent further violence.

One such discussion took place on February 6, 2025, when concerned citizens gathered at Napa Methodist Church for a forum on gun violence and public safety. The event, hosted by Napa Methodist Church and United Women in Faith, covered a range of issues, including policing policies, school violence prevention, and the influence of hate groups.

Napa Police Chief Jennifer Gonzales addressed the group, acknowledging a troubling statistic: while Napa experienced two separate gun-related double murders in 2024 — an anomaly for Napa — single incidents of gun violence remain a recurring issue.

In 2024, the Napa Police Department responded to 56,000 service calls, made 1,700 arrests, served 408 warrants, and removed 42 firearms from the streets. However, Chief Gonzales emphasized that not all calls were linked to crimes and urged the public to remain vigilant.

“Part of our safety plan is all of you,” Gonzales told the audience. “If you see something, say something. You maintain the standards of our community, and if you tolerate it, it becomes normal for society.”

While law enforcement plays a crucial role in addressing gun violence, so too does the community and proactive policies are just as vital. Programs focused on early intervention, mental health support, and firearm safety education can help curb the cycle of violence. Additionally, strengthening partnerships between law enforcement, schools, and advocacy groups can create a more comprehensive approach to prevention.

As Napa Valley continues to navigate the challenges posed by gun violence, it’s clear that protecting the community requires more than just policing and subsequent prosecution — it demands a collective commitment from residents, policymakers, and law enforcement.

By working together, Napa can strive toward a safer future for everyone.

Bail or Jail? How the Court Decides Who Walks Free

By Napa County District Attorney Staff

It is common to see news stories about criminal offenders being repeatedly arrested and released, only to commit further crimes. At times, it may feel as though there is a revolving door at the jail.

At the District Attorney’s Office, we are often asked why this happens. The reality is that our Office has limited control when it comes to bail and the pretrial release of offenders. Here’s how the process works.

When a person is arrested for a criminal offense, they are booked into jail. In some cases, police officers may cite and release offenders for lower-level offenses rather than making an arrest. Some individuals who are booked into jail remain in custody throughout their criminal case, while others are quickly released.

There are several ways for a person to be released from jail before trial, often before the case is reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office. Release from jail depends on various factors, including the severity of the offense, the offender’s criminal history, ability to post bail, history of failing to appear in court, and more.

Offenders are booked based on the charges the arresting officer had probable cause to believe they committed. At the time of booking, bail is determined according to the charges.

The Napa County Superior Court has a bail schedule that assigns a set bail amount for each offense. For example, if a person is booked for robbery, their bail would be set at $100,000.

The bail schedule applies uniformly based on charges, and if an offender can pay that amount or obtain assistance from a bail bondsman, they can be released immediately. The District Attorney is rarely consulted at this stage of the process.

The bail schedule has changed over time and now specifically lists offenses that qualify for bail, such as strike offenses, domestic violence, and felony driving under the influence. People arrested for crimes not explicitly listed on the bail schedule may have bail set at $0 and be released, with certain exceptions. For instance, if a person has been released on $0 bail before, then bail must be set.

If an offender is not released immediately under the current bail schedule, they are evaluated for pretrial release. The Napa County Probation Department reviews the case and the offender’s circumstances and makes a recommendation to a judge, who may order release before arraignment.

If the offender remains in custody, their bail is considered by a judge at their arraignment, which occurs within two court days of arrest. The probation department prepares a report with recommendations for the court, and attorneys have an opportunity to make bail arguments.

At this stage, the judge reviews the charges, case facts, the individual’s criminal history, and any other relevant information before deciding whether to set bail or release the defendant on their own recognizance, with or without probation supervision.

The judge still refers to the bail schedule when making their decision and may adjust the amount up or down. However, a March 2021 ruling by the California Supreme Court further impacted these decisions by requiring judges to release defendants unless there is evidence that shows they pose a public safety or flight risk.

Even if such evidence exists, the judge must consider the defendant’s ability to pay and whether alternatives to custody could ensure community safety and court appearances.

The Napa County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to public safety and the fair and effective administration of justice.

Our office sends Deputy District Attorneys to all felony arraignment hearings and files motions, when appropriate, to increase bail on certain offenders.

We understand the public’s frustration when offenders are released only to commit further crimes. We continue to fight within the law to seek justice for victims and ensure the safety of our community.

Know the Signs, Slam the Scam

By Allyson Qui, Victim Services Volunteer

Americans will lose an average $2,647 in their lifetime due to imposter scams according to a report issued by Fidelity National Financial’s IPX1031. Due to this alarming statistic and others like it, the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General instituted National “Slam the Scam” Day, as part of National Consumer Protection Week and why the Napa County District Attorney’s Office urges consumers to know the signs of possible grifts.

This year’s Slam the Scam Day falls on March 6, 2025, aiming to raise public awareness through education, reduce scam incidents, and protect citizens’ finances and personal information.

Some may scoff at the thought of falling for a scam, but the truth is a scam artist goes to great lengths – using sophisticated technology and social engineering tactics – to impersonate a trusted figure such as a grandparent, a legitimate business, a lover, or government entity.

In the past, scams have followed similar patterns and possess the same telltale signs that many consumers have caught on to, but this has changed as technology and social media has evolved. Perpetrators have gotten craftier, and today’s scams are more complex. Over the years, they have steadily infiltrated a greater percentage of the American public as data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shows.

Here are some examples of the scams we have seen through our prosecutorial efforts at the Napa County District Attorney’s Office.

The Sweetheart Scam

Valentine’s Day may be over, but the use of love to fuel the so-called Sweetheart Scam prevails. This scam, initiated by a perceived “significant other,” preys on the victim’s feelings for them in efforts to get them to send money.

In this scheme, scammers pose as a significant other, showering their target with attention via text messages and stolen photos from someone else’s profile. They refuse video chats, offering endless excuses.

This is a scam that we have seen in Napa, and it cost one local elderly victim a whopping $2 million by the time the scam was discovered.

The 'You’ve Won' Scam

A call, email, or text message saying you’ve won something is sure to catch one’s attention, but it’s often a grift. This happened to a local victim who received a message saying they won the lottery. All they needed to do to claim the money was to send $20,000 to a specified location.

The scammers coached the victim into what to say and do to receive the money, and the victim followed their instructions, being compelled by their seemingly legitimate orders and what was at stake.

Days later the victim received another message saying that they did not get the payment and requested another payment of $20,000, which was sent yet again before the scam was discovered and reported to police.

The 'Family' Scam

Often, scammers will go to deplorable lengths for their own gain, not only causing financial loss but emotional turmoil as well. They do this by exploiting heightened emotions and urgent situations to cause victims to be more vulnerable and susceptible to their requests. In this local incident, scammers notified a husband and wife that their grandson was involved in a supposed car accident with a pregnant woman.

The “pregnant victim” of the car accident requested thousands of dollars to compensate for the alleged loss of her baby. Horrified, the grandparents provided the large sum of money that was picked up by the perpetrators.

Recognizing Scammers

Scammers rely on deception and trust. They often impersonate loved ones, reputable agencies, or well-known organizations. Here are some red flags to spot:

• They may say there’s a problem or promise a prize without actual verification.
• If an offer seems too good to be true (free money, luxury items at massive discounts, guaranteed returns on investment), it’s likely a scam.
• They may pressure you to act immediately.
• They may tell you to pay in a specific way in efforts to cover their tracks such as requesting gift cards as payment, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or prepaid debit cards.
• They may send you an email with a link to update or verify financial information – a legitimate company will not do that. Hover over the link without clicking it as scammers often use lookalike domains (e.g. amaz0n.com instead of amazon.com).
• They may request your social security number, bank details, passwords, or credit card information unexpectedly.
• A scammer uses generic terms such as “Dear Customer” instead of your name and many scam messages have spelling and grammar mistakes.
• If you didn’t apply for a job, enter a contest, or buy a lottery ticket, you didn’t win. Real employers don’t ask for payment to apply or offer jobs without an interview.

Deterring Scammers

• Never share personal information over the phone or via social media.
• Check your credit report annually (you are entitled to a free credit report each year).
• Never send money to an unknown individual.
• Use voicemail to screen calls that you don’t recognize.
• Protect your phone and computer by using security software and make the settings update the software automatically.
• Use multi-factor authentication (requires two credentials to log in) for your accounts.
• Verify any requests using direct sources (e.g. family or friends, the actual company website or smart phone app, etc.)
• Be cautious of strangers on social media who quickly ask for money or personal info. Scammers often fake relationships to gain trust before asking for money.
• Consider hiding or privatizing your social media accounts. Scammers use your public friends lists to try and gain your trust. They also use the personal information you post on your profile such as where you work, who you are related to, where you went to school, your birthday, etc., for the purposes of scamming.
• Call police when in doubt.

DA Staff Updates

Adron Beene, Consumer/Environmental Attorney

Adron Beene joined the Napa County District Attorney’s Office in early February as a Consumer/Environmental Attorney and brings a decade of experience in private practice.

Adron completed his undergraduate degree at the California Maritime Academy in Vallejo prior to attending the University of San Diego School of Law.

He looks forward to serving the community of Napa County by protecting its natural resources from misuse and its people from unfair business practices and is a welcome addition to the team.

Napa DA Case Updates

People V. Angel Cuamatzi-Rodriguez

Angel Cuamatzi-Rodriguez, age 23, of St. Helena, was sentenced to four years in state prison in accordance with a plea agreement in which he pled no contest to a felony charge of annoying/molesting a child under 16 years of age and admitted the aggravating sentencing factors of seriousness of two prior convictions and vulnerable victim.

In October 2024, the defendant met the minor victim at the St. Helena Public Library and offered to teach him how to play chess. Cuamatzi-Rodriguez exchanged phone numbers with the victim and then began sending him questions of a sexual nature, at one point soliciting a sexual encounter in the library’s bathroom. The boy notified authorities and police took Cuamatzi-Rodriguez into custody.

At the time of his arrest, the defendant had two strikes on his record stemming from September 2020 convictions of felony lewd acts upon a child. The case against Cuamatzi-Rodriguez was prosecuted by Napa County Deputy District Attorney Kristen Orlando.

People V. Efrain Jose Obando

Efrain Jose Obando, age 26, of San Francisco, was sentenced to 12 years, eight months in state prison pursuant to an agreement in which Obando pled no contest to kidnapping, forcible oral copulation, and forcible rape, all strike felonies.

Furthermore, the defendant admitted the special allegations that the crimes involved violence, cruelty, viciousness or callousness; included a vulnerable victim; were violent sex offenses; were sex offense violations; encompassed planning, sophistication and professionalism; that the defendant was in a position of trust; and the crimes constituted violent conduct.

On the morning of January 27, 2024, the defendant drove to the victim’s workplace on the 900 block of Hartle Court and forced her into his vehicle shortly after she arrived at work. Obando drove her to a public storage facility in South San Francisco, where he attempted to rape her. The woman managed to de-escalate the situation and convince the defendant that she needed to return to work in Napa.

Obando agreed to drive her back to Napa but stopped in Vallejo, where he sexually assaulted her for several minutes before letting her go. Under the plea agreement, Obando is required to register as a sex offender for life, adhere to a 10-year protective order to stay away from the victim and her daughter, and pay restitution to his victim and court fines. The case against Obando was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Kristen Orlando.

People V. Porfirio Sanchez

Porfirio Sanchez, age 57, of Napa, was sentenced to one year in jail for his role in the death of Christian Deaton, age 52, and his wife Michelle Deaton, 48, both of Oregon.

On the morning of October 17, 2023, Sanchez failed to properly secure a piece of lumber he was hauling along Silverado Trail.

This failure allowed the large board to swing out perpendicular to the truck into the bicycle lane. As Sanchez drove by the Deatons, who were riding their bicycles alongside the road, the piece of lumber struck them in the back of the head killing them.

On November 14, 2024, the defendant signed a plea agreement in which he pled no contest to two counts of vehicular manslaughter. According to the plea agreement, Sanchez agreed to serve up to four years in state prison for the crimes he pled to.

During the February 7, 2025, sentencing Napa County Deputy District Attorney Shashawnya Worley, who prosecuted the case against Sanchez, requested the Court to sentence him to the full four years.

After reading written victim impact statements and hearing from Mr. Deaton’s brother as well as the defendant, Napa County Superior Court Judge Scott Young granted two years formal probation with 364 days in jail.

Judge Young stayed 180 of those days upon completion of 180 hours of community service related to bike safety or other program authorized by the Napa County Probation Department.

People V. Michael Garibay

A Napa jury convicted Michael Garibay, age 23, of Napa, of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving while having a .08 percent or higher blood alcohol content, both misdemeanors. The jury additionally found true the special allegation of excessive blood alcohol content.

On March 18, 2024, police responded to a non-injury traffic collision located near the 1000 block of Second Street in which a resident reported that Garibay backed into his parked car.

Officers contacted Garibay at the scene and conducted a DUI investigation in which Garibay admitted to drinking. Breathalyzer results yielded blood alcohol content readings of .183 percent and .173 percent, and a subsequent blood test revealed Garibay’s blood alcohol content to be at .21 percent.

Garibay is due back in court at 8:30 a.m., March 3, 2025, in Department 1 of the Napa County Superior Court for sentencing. Napa County Deputy District Attorney Kaden Kenaga prosecuted the case on behalf of the People.

People V. Yovani Velasquez Zaragoza & Ana Judith Deheza Jimenez

Yovani Velasquez Zaragoza, age 26, of Vallejo, is charged with two counts of lewd acts upon a child, meeting a minor for lewd purposes, and contact with a minor for a sexual offense. He is additionally charged with the special allegations of befriending a child victim for the purposes of committing a sex offense, and substantial sexual conduct.

Co-defendant Ana Judith Deheza Jimenez, age 30, of Napa, is charged with meeting a minor for lewd purposes, contact with a minor for a sexual offense, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Both Zaragoza and Deheza Jimenez additionally face the special allegations that the crimes involved a vulnerable victim; violent conduct; violence, cruelty, viciousness or callousness; and that they were in positions of trust.

The case against the defendants is being handled by Napa County Deputy District Attorney Michelle Roberts.

Both defendants entered not guilty pleas to all counts, and denials to the special allegations. They are both due in court at 9 a.m., on April 9, 2025, in Department 1 of the Napa County Superior Court for a pre-preliminary hearing.

A preliminary hearing for both defendants is scheduled for April 10, 2025.

People V. Cruz Angel Castro & Ignacio Antonio Castro

Cruz Angel Castro, age 35, of Napa, has been held to answer to charges of attempted murder, aggravated mayhem, first degree burglary (person present), and assault with a deadly weapon after a preliminary hearing presided by Napa County Superior Court Judge Elia Ortiz.

He additionally faces the special allegations of use of a deadly weapon; great bodily injury; two prior strikes; vulnerable victim; that the crimes involved violence, cruelty, viciousness or callousness; use of a weapon; violent conduct; increasing seriousness of prior/sustained petitions; prior prison term; probation or parole violation; and prior poor performance on probation or parole.

His co-defendant and sibling, Ignacio Antonio Castro, age 32, of Napa, was also in connection with this case, however, Judge Ortiz dismissed the charges and special allegations against him during the preliminary hearing.

Cruz Castro is due in court at 8:30 a.m., March 6, 2025, in Department 1 of the Napa County Superior Court for a settlement hearing.

The case against the defendant is being prosecuted by Napa County Deputy District Attorney Kayla Richeson.

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This press release was produced by the Napa County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.