Proclamation Honoring the Outstanding Work of The Richmond Police Department and Their Collaborative Efforts to Protect The Most Vulnerable
WHEREAS, we gather to honor the extraordinary efforts of the Richmond Police Department—officers, detectives, and crime scene investigators —who demonstrated unparalleled dedication, urgency, and unwavering commitment to justice in response to a horrific crime against one of our most vulnerable community members; and WHEREAS, a young courageous, elementary school student approached a Richmond Police Sergeant, Sergeant Melgoza, to report that another adult was sexually assaulting her friend and classmate; and
WHEREAS, in that moment, Sergeant Melgoza became more than just a public servant – he became a trusted community guardian and, in many ways, a lifesaver. Sergeant Melgoza and other responding officers acted immediately contacting the victim’s family and locating the child’s whereabouts; and
WHEREAS, upon arriving at the victim’s home, officers were confronted by an individual who made every attempt to dissuade the officers and prohibit them from contacting the potential victim; and
WHEREAS, the officers met his resistance with an unwavering commitment to ensure the vulnerable child was protected; and
WHEREAS, the officers interrupted a sexual crime that had just occurred and their decisive actions led to the prompt arrest of the suspect – the victim’s stepfather; and WHEREAS, recognizing the gravity of the situation, the officers, detectives, and crime scene investigators worked tirelessly, in a meticulous investigation, ensuring that no detail was overlooked in the steadfast pursuit of justice; they made Richmond a safer community; and
WHEREAS, through seamless collaboration with several Richmond PD staff members, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, and the Contra Costa Crime Lab, critical DNA evidence was expedited and processed with urgency, confirming the assault and securing the necessary legal foundation to keep the suspect in custody until trial; and WHEREAS, the suspect is being held on a $7 million bail. He faces the prospect of spending the remainder of his natural life behind bars; and WHEREAS, the officers collective efforts and actions embody the very best of law enforcement- integrity, diligence, and courage. They remind us why we trust those who wear the badge—to serve, to protect, and to stand as a beacon of justice for all ; and WHEREAS, we recognize and commend the following individuals for their unwavering dedication to protecting the most vulnerable among us:
Lieutenant Decious Detective Moschetti
Sergeant Rivera Officer Sousa Sergeant Melgoza Officer F. Garcia
Sergeant Castillo Officer Santiago
Detective Farr Officer Gonzalez
Detective K. Nguyen CSI Darling
Detective Alvarado
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Mayor Eduardo Martinez, do hereby proclaim recognition and immense gratitude to these exceptional public servants on behalf of the Richmond City Council and the entire Richmond community. Your commitment to justice for all does not go unnoticed, and we are forever grateful for your service.
_________________________ _________________________ Mayor, Eduardo Martinez Vice Mayor, Cesar Zepeda City of Richmond District 2 March 25, 2025
_________________________
Council Member, Doria Robinson
District 3