Prosecutor resigns, urges DA Pamela Price to ‘look at the crime scene and autopsy photos’

Former Alameda County sheriff emptied his campaign coffers for a retirement party; Caste bill moves forward; Island vibe to the '26 gubernatorial race?

COUNTY NEWS

ALAMEDA COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY

—SAME STORY—Yet another Alameda County prosecutor has resigned. And like the others since Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price took office last January, the reason is the new administration's lack of advocacy for victims of violent crime.

—Assistant District Attorney Danielle Hilton, a 26-year veteran of the office, resigned on Monday. Hilton also served as misdemeanor team supervisor and director of recruitment and development.

—“Victims deserve better,” Hilton wrote in a resignation letter. “I am leaving not because I want to; in fact, I want nothing more than to be an African American woman continuing to serve the citizens of Alameda County in a fair, unbiased and passionate manner. Under your management, I do not feel I can ethically and adequately carry out my duties as prosecutor.”

—Price is starving resources for prosecuting cases, leading to “unmanageable workloads,” Hilton wrote. “Under your leadership, the focus of the District Attorney’s Office has been taken away from advocating for victims who have been devastated by violent crime,” There is a disconnect between Price’s policies and the “fundamental job you were elected to do,” she added.

—Ending the letter with a biting rejoinder, Hilton wrote, “I encourage you to look at crime scene and autopsy photos, meet the victims of the robberies, sexual assaults, home burglaries, and other crimes from within the county. It is their voices you were elected to empower.”

MORE INSIDE:

• COUNTY NEWS: Ahern’s last dance

• LEGISLATURE: Wahab’s caste discrimination bill

• ELECTION 2024 2026: Guv race may have serious island vibe