Aug 4, 2026 | Press Releases
August 4, 2026
Oakland, CA — Today, Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced that a jury found David William Denton (45) guilty of arson, a violation of Penal Code section 451(d).
The evidence presented at trial established that on February 6, 2026, Mr. Denton used a pocket torch to vandalize and burn a Jewish mezuzah scroll affixed to the doorway of a religious study center on Bancroft Way in Berkeley. The fire damaged the religious scroll.
After announcing the jury’s verdict, the judge remanded the defendant into custody. Mr. Denton faces a maximum of three years in state prison. In addition, he must register as an arson offender.
“Targeting and burning a sacred religious symbol is an act that can cause harm far beyond the physical damage itself,” said District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson. “People of every faith should be able to practice their religion and gather in their communities without fear of intimidation.”
David Denton is scheduled to be sentenced on September 3, 2026, in Department 7 of the Alameda County Superior Court at the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse.
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Jul 9, 2026 | Press Releases
DISTRICT ATTORNEY URSULA JONES DICKSON ANNOUNCES FELONY CHARGES IN DOWNTOWN BERKELEY SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE
July 9, 2026
Oakland, CA—Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced today that the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has filed felony charges against Sean Johnson (40) in connection with an alleged sexual assault in Downtown Berkeley on July 4, 2026.
According to the charges, at approximately 3:00 p.m. on July 4, the defendant allegedly followed an adult woman into her apartment building in Downtown Berkeley. Once inside an elevator, the defendant allegedly cornered the victim, exposed himself, and sexually assaulted her.
On July 7, 2026, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office charged Mr. Johnson with the following charges:
- Attempted Rape (Penal Code section 220(a)(1))
- False Imprisonment (Penal Code section 236)
- Burglary (Penal Code section 459)
- Sexual Battery (Penal Code section 243.4(e)(1))
“The victim in this case was placed in a terrifying situation where she was isolated and sexually assaulted,” said District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson. “I commend the victim for her courage in seeking help and in reporting this assault.”
Sean Johnson is scheduled to be arraigned on July 10, 2026, in Department 112 of the Alameda County Superior Court at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland.
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Contact: damedia@acgov.org
May 15, 2026 | Press Releases
May 15, 2026
Oakland, CA — Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced today that charges have been filed against Jerty Jetani Finley (22) in connection with a violent robbery that occurred on May 13, 2026, in the City of Hayward.
At approximately 2:02 p.m. on May 13, 2026, officers responded to a reported strong-arm robbery in the parking lot of a restaurant located on Hesperian Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers contacted the victim, who sustained multiple lacerations to her right arm and was visibly shaken following the attack. It is alleged that the victim was selected by Mr. Finley due to her race.
Mr. Finley is being charged with:
Robbery, in violation of Penal Code section 211;
Fraudulent Use of an Access Card, in violation of Penal Code section 484(g); and
A hate crime enhancement pursuant to Penal Code section 422.7.
“The violent targeting of individuals based on race or ethnicity is reprehensible and will not be tolerated in Alameda County,” said District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson.
Jerty Jetani Finley was arraigned today at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin.
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Apr 24, 2026 | Press Releases
DISTRICT ATTORNEY URSULA JONES DICKSON ANNOUNCES CHARGES IN OAKLAND SHOOTING
April 24, 2026
Oakland, CA — District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced that the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges against Dadisi Lee in connection with a shooting on April 7, 2026, in the area of 17th Avenue near Marin Way in Oakland.
The District Attorney’s Office has charged Mr. Lee with multiple felony offenses, including shooting at an occupied vehicle and assault with a firearm. Dadsi Lee will be arraigned on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland.
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Apr 24, 2026 | Press Releases
DISTRICT ATTORNEY URSULA JONES DICKSON ANNOUNCES CHARGES IN FATAL SHOOTING ON WOOD STREET IN OAKLAND
Charges Include Multiple Sentencing Enhancements
April 24, 2026
Oakland, CA — Today, District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced that the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged Tyrone Gobar (56) with murder in connection with a fatal shooting on April 23, 2026, in the 1800 block of Wood Street in Oakland.
Mr. Gobar is charged with multiple felonies, including murder, one count of possession of a gun by a felon with prior convictions, and one count of possession of ammunition by a prohibited person. In addition, the charges include sentencing enhancements for the personal use of a firearm and for causing death.
Tyrone Gobar will be arraigned on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland.
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