1234
2015 Staffing
Attorneys22
Investigators 16
Paralegals10
Support Staff12
Law Clerks/Student Workers/Interns2
Total62

Economic crimes often wipe out a victim’s savings account, destroy family equity or render corporate stocks worthless to shareholders. The Economic Crimes Division is responsible for prosecuting a wide variety of wrongdoing, including computer intrusion, identity theft, investment scams, embezzlements, real estate matters, environmental crimes and the theft of public assistance funds. The division also acts to protect consumers and businesses by successfully filing numerous civil cases to prohibit unfair business practices within the marketplace. The division was led by Chief Stephen Robinson and Assistant Chief Nida Rice last year.

Cases of note included:

People v. Ronald Dunham
The defendant in this case sold unregistered securities to over 21 San Diego residents, which resulted in losses exceeding $2 million dollars. After a five-week trial the jury convicted Dunham of all charged counts and allegations. He was sentenced to 12 years in state prison and ordered to pay restitution to his victims.

People v. Walgreens
This civil case filed in San Diego Superior Court under California’s unfair competition laws asserted that Walgreens pharmacists throughout the state frequently failed to comply with the state Board of Pharmacy’s rules requiring personal pharmacist consultations when prescription drug customers received new prescriptions or new dosages. The company was ordered to pay penalties and costs of $502,200 and was enjoined to comply with California’s standards for patient consultations.

People v. Thomas Bovensiep
The defendant solicited victims in a real estate investment scheme which resulted in losses in excess of $500,000. He failed to disclose significant facts and made numerous affirmative misrepresentations to his victims. Bovensiep was convicted of 15 felonies after a five-week jury trial and was sentenced to nine years and four months in state prison. He was also ordered to pay restitution to each of his victims.

People v. Gregory Emerson
The defendant was a disbarred attorney when he defrauded an elderly victim of over $200,000 by falsely representing he was working to assist the victim in a property dispute. A jury convicted the defendant of 14 separate felonies, and he was sentenced to eight years in state prison.

People v. Napa Auto Parts
Another unfair business practices case, this matter involved scanner overcharges of items at numerous Napa Auto Parts stores throughout the state. The case was resolved by Napa agreeing to a permanent injunction, and the payment of penalties and costs of $338,000. It also agreed to price audits for three years.