Marin County DA

‘Scam Jam’ Event to Help Eliminate Fraud

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Marin County, CA – Several County of Marin departments are coordinating a free educational event focused on preventing fraud and protecting residents – especially older ones – from scams. It’s called the Scam Jam.

The free event will take place from 9 AM to 1 PM Tuesday, April 28, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 240 Tiburon Boulevard in Tiburon. Attendees will be offered complimentary bagels and coffee.

The session is offered by the Marin County District Attorney’s Office, Marin Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Aging and Adult Services, HHS’ Office of the Public Guardian, HHS’ Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST) and AARP California. AARP-sponsored Scam Jams are free educational events designed to help older adult community members identify, avoid, and report common frauds and scams.

With 31% of residents age 60 and older, Marin is demographically one of the oldest counties in California. By 2030, that percentage is expected to jump up to 35%. Crimes, financial abuse, and scams are growing concerns among older adults and were collectively in the top five of the most frequently cited concerns in Aging & Adult Services' latest older adults needs assessment. Marin older adults who are Black, Asian, Latino, and/or low-income were especially concerned about scams.

“Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting individuals of all ages — especially older adults,” said District Attorney Lori Frugoli. “Education is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent financial exploitation. This event empowers our community with the knowledge needed to recognize and report fraud before it happens.”

Mark Vanderscoff, FAST Chair and Public Guardian for Marin HHS, said about 40% of reports to local Adult Protective Services involve suspected financial abuse. AARP’s statistics show that 20% of older adults nationwide have already been victims of financial abuse.

“That highlights a growing community concern — especially in an increasingly digital world," said DA Investigator Mark Reischel, who added that many scams succeed because they create a sense of urgency or fear in a targeted individual.

“Taking a moment to pause, verify, and talk to someone you trust can make all the difference in preventing financial loss,” he said.

Scam Jam attendees will hear directly from experts about:

The most common scams affecting Marin residents
Warning signs and red flags of fraud
Strategies to safeguard personal and financial information
Steps to take if you or someone you know becomes a victim

The program emphasizes that “in the fight against fraud, knowledge is power,” and aims to equip residents with practical tools to protect themselves and their loved ones.

The Scam Jam is part of the County’s ongoing commitment to combat elder abuse and financial exploitation through education, prevention, and coordinated response. As part of this effort, the District Attorney’s Office has launched a new partnership with two local banks to help detect and prevent fraud, with a focus on protecting older residents who are more likely to be targeted.

Check the DA’s webpage about its Elder Abuse Prevention Program. Marin HHS provides more info on its FAST program online. The AARP webpage on fraud prevention[External] is a helpful resource.

The April 28 event is free, but online registration is encouraged[External].

The Marin County District Attorney's Office awarding grants to educate on GVRO’s and reduce firearm suicides.

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0800

The Marin County District Attorney's Office has been awarded a two-year federal grant to reduce firearm suicides in Marin County from BSCC- Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program-Cohort 2. With the grant funding, the DA’s Office is working in collaboration with Marin Health & Human Services, and the Marin Gun Safety Collaborative to implement a multi-pronged outreach program to focus on preventing firearm suicide in Marin County. One prong of the grant project is to support community outreach to create greater awareness of Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs) as a firearm suicide preventative tool. The campaign and community outreach seeks to target members of the community, such as family members, friends and caregivers who are most likely to become aware of someone in crisis, who may have access to a firearm.

This Request to Submit a Proposal intends to reach out into the community to engage with trusted community messengers to be trained as trainers by an expert on GVROs, raising awareness of the value and use of GVROs to prevent firearm suicide. The selected grantee community organizations, who have been trained, will reach out into their respective communities to provide GVRO and firearm suicide prevention presentations creating greater awareness of valuable firearm suicide preventative tools.

If you are interested in applying for a grant, please find the application here.

Marin County District Attorney’s Office Statement on Filed Charges in Novato Child Abduction Case

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Following the March 4, 2026, arrest of Benjamin Douglas Buckley in Novato, CA, the Marin County District Attorney’s Office has filed a complaint against Mr. Buckley alleging a misdemeanor violation of Penal Code section 278 - child abduction, a misdemeanor violation of Penal Code section 273a(a) - cruelty to a child, and a misdemeanor violation of Penal Code section 243.25 - battery on an elder or dependent adult.

The People bear the burden of proving these charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on March 6, 2026.

Because this matter is pending in court, the District Attorney’s Office will not release additional information at this time.

Bay Area Roofing Scammers Convicted

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Two men targeted elderly individuals to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Marin County, CA- Two men masquerading as licensed roofing contractors have been sentenced in Marin County Superior Court for their involvement in a fraud ring that has bilked Marin County victims out of more than $340,000.

John McNamara, 49, and Dean Morgan, 34, each were sentenced to 3 years and 8 months in prison after having pled guilty to multiple felony violations of grand theft by false pretenses for crimes committed in March 2024 against four separate victims ranging in age from 78 to 85 years old.

McNamara and Morgan, along with several other unidentified men, fraudulently held themselves out as employees of a fictious company named “Nashes Roofing & Construction,” purportedly based in San Francisco. Specifically targeting elderly persons, the men traveled throughout several Bay Area counties, Sacramento County, and the State of Colorado, fraudulently inducing victims to enter into roofing and construction contracts, often presenting the victims with realistic-looking business cards and invoices. The group also maintained a fictitious website.

In some instances, the men knocked on front doors unprompted, claiming that the victim’s roof needed urgent repairs. The scammers then would secure excessively large downpayment deposits and in most cases disappear while having done little to no actual repair work.

Both McNamara and Morgan were convicted in Colorado in March 2025 for a similar roofing scam, and Morgan additionally was convicted in Sacramento County. Including the Colorado and Sacramento County cases, McNamara and Morgan each will be serving 9 years and 8 months in prison.

“The Marin County District Attorney’s Office is steadfastly committed to holding scammers criminally accountable for their fraudulent acts, particularly fraud committed against our senior population,” said District Attorney Lori Frugoli. “I am proud and grateful for the efforts of our fraud unit and our partner law enforcement agencies who worked tirelessly to bring these offenders to justice and who continue to do outstanding work to protect the community.”

Before agreeing to pay for any contracting work, the Marin DA’s Office strongly recommends that homeowners confirm the company or individual has a valid contractor’s license by visiting the California State Department of Consumer Affairs website[External].

California law states that a contractor can only accept a downpayment deposit of $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less. It is a crime for a contractor to charge a greater deposit according to California Business and Professions Code section 7159(d).

Bay Area Officials Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking During Major Events

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

With looming Super Bowl and World Cup soccer, Marin County DA remains committed to the safety of residents and visitors.

Marin County, CA — As the San Francisco Bay Area prepares to host major international sporting events in 2026, including Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup, millions of visitors are expected to travel through and stay across the region, including Marin County. While these events promise joy and excitement, they also create opportunities for human traffickers and other criminals.

Marin County District Attorney Lori Frugoli spoke at the San Francisco Collaborative Against Human Trafficking (SFCAHT) annual press conference on January 9, joining regional leaders to update the public, media, and stakeholders on coordinated efforts to combat human trafficking.

Speakers at the conference highlighted how local agencies and community partners are working together to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and hold traffickers accountable. Attendees learned about major anti-trafficking initiatives, how the region is preparing for large-scale events like Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup, and practical ways individuals and organizations can support these critical efforts.

Frugoli said people ask her if human trafficking happens in Marin County.

“I have driven the Highway 101 corridor with a survivor who pointed out locations where she was trafficked, so yes, even in Marin this happens,” she said. “Although Marin is one of the safest counties in the state, if not the safest, we are well aware that the Golden Gate Bridge, the Richmond-San Rafeal Bridge, and Highway 101 corridor are easy pathways for people with good and bad intentions to travel here. The mobility of traffickers and their customers is one of the reasons behind this amazing collaborative. Our District Attorney’s Office will continue working with local and regional partners as the Bay Area welcomes the world.”

The Marin County Sheriff’s Office is on board, too. Sheriff Jamie Scardina said his staff is committed to identifying human traffickers and potential victims throughout the Marin jurisdiction.

“In conjunction with our state and local partners, our Patrol Division and Investigations Division will work to target individuals who reside within or travel to Marin County for the purpose of human trafficking and curb their actions,” he said.

Super Bowl LX will take place February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, and the FIFA World Cup will bring international matches and events to the Bay Area in June and July. Marin County also sees large numbers of visitors for events such as yacht racing on San Francisco Bay, auto races at Sonoma Raceway, and San Francisco Fleet Week. Those events bring more short-term visitors to the area, making it important for agencies and communities to work together to prevent exploitation.

Human trafficking is a crime that can occur in any community. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain labor or commercial sex acts. Victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. Traffickers often operate under the appearance of legitimate businesses or personal relationships and increasingly use technology and social media to target and exploit individuals, making public awareness and education essential tools in prevention.

The SFCAHT is a coalition of government agencies, law enforcement, service providers, advocates, and community partners dedicated to ending human trafficking through collaboration, education, outreach, and survivor support. SFCAHT works to raise public awareness, share best practices, and strengthen regional responses to trafficking while advocating for policies that protect victims and hold traffickers accountable.

Marin County remains committed to keeping residents and visitors safe through the Marin County Coalition to End Human Trafficking (MCCEHT), which works to raise awareness about human trafficking and how to recognize and report it. To get involved in local efforts to prevent human trafficking, email MCCEHT.

Program Doubles Down on Halting Financial Abuse of Older Marin Residents

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Marin County, CA – When someone walks into a financial institution and requests a huge withdrawal, red flags pop up for the staff. It’s especially concerning if the customer is an older person and the reason for the withdrawal seems uncharacteristic or suspicious.

The Marin County District Attorney’s Office hopes everyone stays alert about greedy bad actors looking to prey on the vulnerable. Scams are on the rise in every form – sometimes online, sometimes by phone call or text, sometimes in face-to-face transactions. On top of that, there is a seasonal surge in holiday-related scams.

District Attorney Lori Frugoli and her staff launched a new program with two local banks to prevent fraud, especially for older residents who are more likely to fall victim to financial abuse. The DA is working in partnership with Bank of Marin, WestAmerica Bank and the San Rafael Police Department on a pilot program designed to empower bank staff to share information with customers when a withdrawal appears questionable. The Aging Division of the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is also participating in the program.

DA staff delivered informational cards to the banks for a two-month pilot. The cards are designed to assist banking personnel with bank customers who appear to be or may be actively victimized by a scam or fraud scheme. Bank managers at six San Rafael branches – three at each institution – are training customer service staff to inform customers about possible fraud when big withdrawals are requested.

The cards prompt customers to consider if a previously unknown person or party is connected with the withdrawal. If so, the customer is urged to contact San Rafael Police before giving any money away.

“Scammers capitalize on kindness and trust, two values our senior population so beautifully embodies,” Frugoli said. “Unfortunately, today’s sophisticated fraud schemes have turned these virtues into vulnerabilities, often resulting in losses of tens of thousands of dollars, sometimes one’s life savings. Our office is committed to protecting and fighting for our seniors and hopes this new collaboration with local banks and law enforcement agencies has an immediate impact on preventing these otherwise devastating financial crimes.”

The DA staff and the HHS Financial Abuse Special Team (FAST) have shared similar fraud alerts at public events, including the popular Marin Senior Fair in September. The educational campaign is driven by alarming statistics, including:

Nationally, 1 in 5 older adults becomes a victim of financial abuse.
Victims age 60 and older lose an estimated $28.3 billion each year to financial exploitation, according to a 2023 study by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
About 72% of the losses (more than $20 billion) come from fraud by people the victim knows.
Losses from stranger-perpetrated incidents amounted to $8 billion, according to the same study.
Those incidents were reported to cause an estimated $4.8 billion in losses – a figure suspected to be much lower than the actual number because of shame associated with being victimized.
By 2030, it is projected that more than 35% of Marin's population will be age 60 or older.

Often it is large withdrawals by cash, a cashier’s check, or a wire transfer that sends up the warning flares for bank staff. The bank personnel can review account history and spot unusual activity patterns.

“It can be influential if one of their trusted sources says, ‘I wouldn’t do this if I were you’ or ‘At least pump the breaks and look further into it first,’” Reischel said. “In short, we’re basically saying, ‘Be suspicious’ and ‘Don’t let them trap you.’”

Longer-term plans include expanding the program beyond the two-month pilot. Local chambers of commerce, community centers, and houses of worship have expressed interest in helping spread awareness. The campaign targets not only older adults but also their family members, caregivers, and staff at retirement and senior care facilities. Even a young grandchild can play a vital role in stopping financial abuse within the family.

District Attorney’s Office Awarded DUI Prosecution Grant

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0800

San Rafael, CA - The Marin County District Attorney’s Office received a $445,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a specialized, two-person, prosecution team that handles Marin County cases of alcohol-impaired and drug-impaired driving under the influence (DUI).

“We are grateful for this grant, which will allow us to focus on holding individuals accountable for impaired driving and making the roads in our community safer for everyone,” District Attorney Lori E. Frugoli said. “Impaired driving remains a significant danger on our roads, particularly drivers suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence of both alcohol and drugs. This funding strengthens our commitment to improving road safety and making sure justice is served effectively and efficiently.”

The specialized prosecution team will also partner with the statewide Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Training Program to train other prosecutors and investigators and collaborate with law enforcement agencies on best practices for handling and managing DUI cases.

“Through focused prosecution efforts and strong partnerships, we are working toward a future when all people will be safe on California roads,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “Together, we’re holding impaired drivers accountable and encouraging safe, responsible choices that help build a culture where safety comes first.”

This is the 14th year the Marin DA’s Office has received funding from the OTS for a DUI prosecution program. Over the course of the prior grant year 2024-2025, the Marin office filed 1,017 DUI cases. That figure includes 939 DUIs for alcohol impairment, 63 drug DUIs, and 15 combined alcohol and drug cases. All told, 35 of the DUI cases were filed as felonies.

The grant program runs from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

Program grant funding grant from the California OTS was provided through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Legal Process Assistant II - Recruitment is Open

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0800

A recruitment for LEGAL PROCESS ASSISTANT II – BILINGUAL (Spanish) in Legal Support opened and will close on Wednesday, November 26^th.This position is full-time and regular. We encourage all who are interested to apply for the position.

The job flyer is attached.

Auto Insurance Fraud Investigation Leads to Conviction

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Marin County, CA – A Marin County resident was sentenced November 5, 2025, in Superior Court to serve 180 days in Marin County Jail and two years of probation. 

The Marin County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple insurance fraud charges against Denni Rodas Diaz, 33, on February 6, 2025. On September 24th, Rodas Diaz pled guilty to two felony violations of Penal Code section 550(a)(4), Filing a False Insurance Claim. 

At the November 5th sentencing hearing, Rodas Diaz was placed on a two-year grant of supervised probation during which he must complete 40 hours of community service as well as a theft awareness class, among other requirements. Additionally, Rodas Diaz will be remanded on December 3rd to serve 180 days in the Marin County Jail. Should Rodas Diaz fail to complete the terms of his probation, he faces up to five years in prison. 

Over a span of two years from 2021 to 2023, Rodas Diaz had filed five insurance claims based on pre-existing damage to his vehicle and staged “accidents.” Rodas Diaz had enlisted Ronald Morales, 44, who previously lived with Rodas Diaz, and a third individual to stage the fake accidents. Rodas Diaz’s insurance company conducted an investigation and determined through photographic evidence that the involved vehicles had the same damage prior to the staged accident dates.

Morales and the other accomplice both were charged with insurance fraud offenses. In July 2025, Morales pled guilty to a felony violation of Penal Code section 550(a)(4) and was placed on probation for two years with requirements to serve 90 days in the Marin County Jail, complete 80 hours of community service, and pay a $3,000 fine. The other accomplice failed to appear in court and has an active warrant for his arrest.

The DA’s Office would like to remind the public that reporting false information to an auto insurance carrier when making an insurance claim constitutes insurance fraud. A person still can be prosecuted for fraud even if the claim is paid out despite the insurance company suspecting fraud. Auto insurance fraud is a felony that can result in a maximum punishment of five years in prison and a $50,000 fine. 

Defendant Sentenced in Case Involving Multiple Insurance Fraud Offenses

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Marin County, CA – A Marin County resident was sentenced October 20 in Superior Court to 180 days in Marin County Jail and potentially additional prison time after pleading guilty to felony insurance fraud.

The Marin County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple insurance fraud charges against Marilyn Gibson, 46, on February 13, 2025. On July 28, Gibson pled guilty to a felony violation of Penal Code section 550(a)(4), Filing a False Insurance Claim, and admitted several enhancements related to her prior criminal history, which included multiple prior fraud-related convictions.

At the conclusion of the October 20 sentencing hearing, Gibson was remanded into custody to serve 180 days in jail. Judge Kelly Simmons imposed a three-year prison term that is stayed pending Gibson’s successful completion of probation. Gibson is on a two-year grant of supervised probation during which she must pay a penal fine of $1,000, complete 40 hours of community service, and complete a theft awareness class. Should Gibson fail to comply with the terms of her probation, she will be required to serve the three-year prison sentence.

On September 15, 2021, Gibson rear-ended another car, causing significant damage to the hood of her car. The following day, Gibson called an insurance company and obtained a policy without disclosing the accident she had caused.

Eight days later, Gibson submitted a false claim under the recently acquired policy, asserting her car was parked near Carlotta Circle in unincorporated Strawberry when it was struck by another car that fled the scene. That claim was denied due to lack of proper collision coverage, and the policy later was canceled for nonpayment.

Six weeks later, Gibson obtained a second insurance policy with a different insurance carrier effective December 8, 2021. After waiting one month, on January 8, 2022, Gibson submitted a false claim under this second policy, asserting that her recently parked car was struck by another car that fled the scene. Gibson submitted the same photos showing damage to the hood of her car that she had submitted in support of the September 23, 2021, false claim.

An investigator for the second insurance company determined that Gibson had made the same claim to the first insurance company and confronted her in a telephone interview. Gibson denied making the first claim and insisted that she bought the car in September 2021 and had not experienced any accidents whatsoever. The DA’s Office filed charges following a detailed review and analysis of the case.

The DA’s Office would like to remind the public that reporting false information to an auto insurance carrier when making an insurance claim constitutes insurance fraud. A person still can be prosecuted for fraud even if the claim is denied and no money is obtained from the insurance company. Auto insurance fraud is a felony that can result in a maximum punishment of five years in prison and a $50,000 fine.