Contra Costa Sheriff Deputies' Union Funds $50K Recall Effort Against DA Becton

Financial Support for Recall Effort

The Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff's Association has pledged $50,000 to support the recall effort against District Attorney Diana Becton. This contribution, made through the union's independent expenditure group, is the largest donation received by the pro-recall group so far, according to county campaign finance records. Prior to this donation, the recall initiative had raised only $8,740.

Despite the significant financial backing, the union did not immediately respond to requests for further information regarding the donation. The group leading the recall effort, which includes families of crime victims, described the union's contribution as "an impressive demonstration to their commitment to restore public safety."

Timeline and Signature Requirements

The recall effort was initially filed in March, and the county's Elections Office granted permission to begin collecting signatures in April. The group has until 5 p.m. on September 25 to gather 72,556 signatures to place the recall on the ballot for voters.

On Saturday, the Recall District Attorney Diana Becton group announced that Richard Schlackman, a consultant who successfully managed the recalls of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin and Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, has joined their campaign.

Accusations Against Becton

Recall supporters have accused Becton of fostering a "persistent cycle of unaddressed criminal activity" and maintaining a "lack of transparency regarding crime." These claims were outlined in the group's Notice of Intent.

One of the organizers behind the recall is part of the family of Alexis Gabe, a young woman killed by her ex-boyfriend, Marshall Jones. Becton's office declined to charge the mother of Jones for allegedly assisting him after the fact, citing insufficient evidence. Jones was shot and killed by police in Washington in 2022.

Becton's Response and Defense

Champagne Brown, campaign manager for the opposition to the recall, stated that Becton is "laser focused on one thing: ensuring safety and justice for all members of our community." Brown emphasized that Becton has supported victims and advocated for increased resources to enhance community safety. She argued that the recall effort would make the county less safe and cost over $8 million.

During Becton's 2022 reelection campaign, the deputies' union and other police groups spent thousands of dollars to oppose her, according to county campaign finance records.

Becton's Filing and Claims

In a filing with the county Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Office, Becton criticized the recall as "a politically motivated attack" that misrepresents her record and undermines the will of Contra Costa County voters.

She highlighted her electoral victories in 2018 and 2022 and listed several areas of law enforcement where she claimed to have taken "bold actions to protect our communities." Becton mentioned her office's aggressive prosecution of violent offenders, addressing organized retail theft, human trafficking, hate crimes, and eliminating backlogs of untested sexual assault kits.

In the March 21 filing, Becton also stated that she had expanded victim support services and "pioneered proactive crime prevention programs." She urged voters to reject the recall and reaffirmed her commitment to justice, transparency, and creating thriving communities for all residents.