Mar 26, 2026 | Press Releases
DA URSULA JONES DICKSON SECURES $3.8 MILLION JUDGMENT
Includes Permanent Injunction Against Medical Providers
March 26, 2026
OAKLAND, CA — Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced today that the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda, has entered a default judgment imposing $3.8 million in civil penalties and a permanent injunction against Trovato Medical Group, Inc., American Expert Doctors, Inc., Saloojas Inc., and Parmjit M. Singh for unlawful and misleading billing practices related to COVID-19 testing and vaccination services.
According to the complaint, defendants provided COVID-19 testing and vaccination services to tens of thousands of patients at a Newark clinic between 2020 and 2023. Despite advertising these services as “free,” defendants allegedly attempted to bill patients up to $1,000 per test or vaccination, in violation of California’s statutory ban on charging patients for Covid-19 testing and vaccinations.
The complaint further alleges that defendants aggressively pursued payment from patients, including efforts to collect on these charges despite representing at the time of service that no out-of-pocket costs would be incurred.
The Court granted the People’s request for a permanent injunction prohibiting defendants, and anyone acting in concert with them, from engaging in false or misleading advertising or unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business practices.
Jones Dickson said, “The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting consumers, enforcing the law, and ensuring fairness and accountability in the marketplace. During a public health crisis, residents should not be misled or pressured into paying for services that were represented as free. This judgment holds the defendants accountable and protects consumers from unlawful billing practices.”
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Contact: damedia@acgov.org
Mar 18, 2026 | Press Releases
HAYWARD POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH ACCEPTING A BRIBE
March 18, 2026,
Oakland, CA —District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced today that the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office charged Hayward Police Officer Benjamin Yarbough, 48, with a felony, accepting a bribe, a violation of Penal Code section 68(a). The complaint alleges that Office Yarbrough unlawfully and knowingly accepted $1,000 and free access to sex workers.
These allegations arose during a broader San Jose Police Department investigation into prostitution. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office took lead in the investigation after being notified of possible misconduct by the Hayward Police Department.
“The law applies to everyone, and the integrity of law enforcement is fundamental to public trust,” said DA Jones Dickson.
damedia@acgov.org
Feb 26, 2026 | Press Releases
DA URSULA JONES DICKSON ANNOUNCES $100 MILLION MULTISTATE SETTLEMENT OVER ALLEGATIONS WALMART DECEIVED DELIVERY DRIVERS AND CUSTOMERS
February 26, 2026
Oakland, CA —District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced that the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a bipartisan group of attorneys general from around the nation, has reached a $100 million multistate settlement with Walmart, over allegations that the company deceived customers and drivers who participated in its Spark Driver Program. As part of the settlement, Walmart will pay California drivers over $1 million for lost compensation from Walmart’s alleged actions.
“This collaboration between the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, the FTC, and attorneys general offices across the country led to a significant resolution against a corporate giant like Walmart that will protect and properly compensate Spark Program delivery drivers,” said DA Jones Dickson.
This settlement resolves allegations that Walmart misrepresented pre-delivery tip amounts, base pay, and incentive pay to drivers, as well as claims that Walmart deceived customers into believing that 100% of their tip would go to drivers when, in fact, the company didn’t always pass on the full tips to the drivers and, in some instances, kept them entirely.
As part of the $100 million judgment included in the settlement, Walmart will pay or has already paid up to $79 million directly to drivers. In addition, the company is paying a total of $11 million to the states and an additional $10 million to the FTC, which will be used to provide refunds to customers. Walmart will also have to operate an earning verification program and submit an annual report to the FTC for the next 10 years to ensure that drivers are being paid what they were promised, and the company is prohibited from modifying orders after they have been accepted by drivers or misrepresenting how much a driver will earn from an offer.
“I applaud our Consumer Environmental and Worker Protection Division for their efforts to protect workers’ rights and consumers from unlawful business practices,” said DA Jones Dickson.
For information on consumer protection issues, contact the Alameda County Consumer Environmental Worker Protection Division at askcepd-da@acgov.org
Contact: damedia@acgov.org
Feb 6, 2026 | Press Releases
LARON GILBERT CONVICTED OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER IN THE DEADLY SHOOTING OF KEVIN NISHITA
Conviction Includes Multiple Sentencing Enhancements
February 6, 2026
Oakland, CA — Today, District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced that the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office secured convictions against Laron Gilbert (31), Shadihia Mitchell (29), and Hershel Hale (28) for the shooting death of retired San Jose Police Officer Kevin Nishita.
Mr. Gilbert pled guilty to first-degree murder, including sentencing enhancements. He faces a term of 30 years to life in state prison.
Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Hale were convicted of robbery and additional sentencing enhancements. They are both to be sentenced to 25 years in state prison.
“The resolution of this case is both extraordinary and rare,” said DA Ursula Jones Dickson. “That defendant Laron Gilbert pled guilty to 1st degree murder and agreed to be sentenced to 30 years to life reflects the strength of the case that was built by my office and the Oakland Police Department. Deputy District Attorney Allyson Donovan and our inspectors’ division deserve special recognition for their efforts to make this case airtight.”
On November 24, 2021, Kevin Nishita was working as a security guard for a local TV news crew outside a business in Oakland when he was gunned down while attempting to prevent a reporter from being robbed of camera equipment.
“We stand with the Nishita family as they continue to live with the loss of their loved one. We are and will continue to fight for victims of crime to see that justice is done,” explained DA Jones Dickson.
Laron Gilbert, Shadihia Mitchell, and Hershel Hale will be sentenced on April 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., in Department 713 at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin.
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Contact: damedia@acgov.org
Jan 29, 2026 | Press Releases
MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER OF SAN FRANCISCO POLICE OFFICER
Charges Include Multiple Sentencing Enhancements
January 29, 2026
Oakland, CA — Today, District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced that the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged Joseph C Willis II (26) with attempted murder of a San Francisco Police Officer and multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer engaged in the performance of duty.
Mr. Willis is charged with multiple felonies, including attempted murder, three counts of assault upon a police officer with a deadly weapon, attempted carjacking, illegal possession of a gun, and ammunition. The charges also include sentencing enhancements for using a deadly weapon, inflicting great bodily injury, and committing this offence while being released on bail or on his own recognizance in an unrelated felony case.
The complaint alleges that on January 27, 2026, Mr. Willis did unlawfully attempt to murder an on-duty San Francisco Police Officer in the city of Oakland. The complaint further alleges that Mr. Willis attempted to carjack a vehicle while he resisted efforts by the police to arrest him.
Joseph C Willis II is scheduled for arraignment on January 29, in Department 112 of the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland.
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Contact: damedia@acgov.org
