The Alameda County District Attorney's Office is issuing this statement in support of our esteemed Chief Assistant District Attorney, Otis Bruce Otis Bruce is an exemplary member of our Executive team who consistently demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and dedication in his role. The timing of this attempt to discredit Bruce is telling. In March, Bruce filed a 12-million-dollar claim against Marin County for retaliation after he advocated for racial justice in his office. Yesterday, Marin County attempted to impeach his character and publicly humiliate this dedicated public servant with the release of a report that is false. "I am quite familiar with the Oppenheimer firm that issued this report condemning Chief Bruce and people should not rush to judgment," said DA Pamela Price.  "In an unrelated case, before I became DA, I represented two women attorneys who sued East Bay MUD for retaliation.  The Oppenheimer firm and…

July 11, 2023  During her historic first six months in office, District Attorney Pamela Price has hired 80 diverse individuals, including attorneys, victim/witness advocates and paraprofessionals.  OAKLAND, CA – On June 26, 2023, Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price announced the promotion of seven Inspectors including:  Kevin Wiley –Promoted to Lieutenant of Inspectors  Carl Bonner - Promoted to Lieutenant of Inspectors  Thomas Miller - Promoted to Lieutenant of Inspectors  Simon Rhee – Promoted to Inspector III  James Morris – Promoted to Inspector III  Sherlyn Padua – Promoted to Inspector III  Tracie Lui – Promoted to Inspector III   Inspectors investigate and prepare cases for criminal and civil trials in conjunction with Deputy District Attorneys. Inspectors also assist with locating and interviewing victims, witnesses and other possible sources of information in preparation for trial.   They are the largest and most diverse class of promotees in the modern…

July 10, 2023 During her historic first six months in office, District Attorney Pamela Price has hired 80 diverse individuals, including attorneys, victim/witness advocates and paraprofessionals. OAKLAND, CA – On Friday, June 30, 2023, Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price administered the oath of office to the 80th new staff member to join the office since the beginning of her administration as the new DA. Among those hired over the last six months are: 24 paraprofessionals, 23 attorneys, 15 victim-witness advocates and 12 law clerks. When DA Price assumed office on January 3, 2023, the office had a vacancy rate of more than 20%. DA Price surveyed staff upon taking office and made it her mission to address the number of vacant positions in order to better serve the citizens of Alameda County. “When I spoke with existing staff, the number one thing I heard…

Evidence, Witness Statements Support Manslaughter Plea   May 25, 2023  Oakland CA – The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has decided to pursue manslaughter charges against Sam Veimau of Hayward, who shot and killed two brothers on High Street in Oakland on September 26, 2021.  The shooting incident, involving the two victims, Manase Mesui and Suiti Mesui, and defendant, Sam Ikinasio Veimau, happened on September 26, 2021. The factual investigation and evidence, conducted by Oakland Police Department, involved allegations of a family dispute that got out of control between family members. After several court proceedings and settlement negotiations over several months, including the consideration of the defense theory of a self-defense claim asserted by the defendant, the prosecution team for the Alameda District Attorney’s Office and the defendant’s attorney, representing the Public Defender’s Office, reached a negotiated plea of manslaughter in this case.      The prosecution team was…

The Battle To End Gun Violence Takes Center Stage in Oakland  OAKLAND -- Dozens of people gathered at the Alameda County Family Justice Center on Friday, June 2, 2023 to support Gun Violence Restraining Order Day. The community outreach event was just an important part of Wear Orange Weekend, which was designed to bring attention to the fight to end gun violence and to the facilities available for people in need of help.  Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price has been vocal about the fact that halting the proliferation of guns and the tragedies they cause is a top priority for her administration and for herself.  A long list of advocate groups and community-based partners, as well as employees from the District Attorney’s office turned out in force to offer assistance to the public with GVROs, mental health, housing alternatives, family counseling and support for…