In this episode of the Cross-Examination podcast, hosts Ted Asregadoo and Brian Feinberg explore the unique role of facility dogs in the legal system. They introduce Bear, the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office facility dog, and delve into how these specially trained canines provide emotional support in sensitive cases, particularly involving minors.

The hosts speak with Janet Wright, Bear's handler at the DA's Office, and guests from Canine Companions – Michelle Williams, Jo Otico, and Pam Durkin – who discuss the training process for these remarkable dogs. Later in the episode, Judge Terri Mockler joins the conversation to shed light on the legal framework and practical considerations for using facility dogs in court, ensuring balance and supporting victims while maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.

To learn more about Bear, visit the Contra Costa DA's page on him.

Canine Companions is a national organization, but the local chapter in Contra Costa County is in Walnut Creek.

Human trafficking is a crime that thrives in the shadows—but it’s happening here in Contra Costa County and across the U.S. In this powerful episode of Cross-Examination, hosts Ted Asregadoo and Brian Feinberg are joined by Contra Costa County Assistant District Attorney Alana Mathews and Human Trafficking Task Force Director Katrina Natale to highlight this pressing issue.

Together, they break down what human trafficking is, how it affects victims, and the challenges law enforcement faces in combatting it. They also discuss the local efforts to help survivors escape exploitation and rebuild their lives. How can the public recognize warning signs? What is being done to hold traffickers accountable? And most importantly, what hope exists for those affected?

Tune in for an engaging discussion that not only exposes the realities of human trafficking but also highlights the work being done to fight back. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Amazon Music, or Podbean.

Show Notes:

Notes from Ted's maternal grandfather's family history highlight how his ancestors were transported from India to British Guiana (South America) in the 1800s as indentured servants - a form of labor trafficking.

The root of my family is in Jaunpur, India. My paternal grandfather - Ramcharran Doobay was married to my grandmother Dulan (she may have had another name). From this marriage, two children were born - a son and a daughter. The eldest being the son whose name was Ramsaroop Doobay and the daughter Janki. The family were agriculturists. When the son and daughter were five and three years of age, their mother decided to do Teerath (pilgrimage). She got her husband's permission and with her two children of tender age came to Calcutta in Bengal.

After completing her religious obligations, she indulged in a bit of limited sightseeing of this big city. In the course of going around she was met by a Dalall (recruiting agent for Indentured Indians). This fellow pretended to know grandmother and won her confidence, to the extent of accepting an offer from him to return to Jaunpur by sea. She was shown a big vessel that would take her and he magnified all the charms of the sea, the sight of fishes flying and big ones rolling along and the sight of many birds and mammals. Grandmother fell for this imposter’s offer. The Dalall advised her to say yes to the questioning of the Officer recruiting and affixed her thumbprint on the forms and documents, he the imposter would pay the fare for her sea voyage.

As is obvious, grandmother got through with some prompting of the Dalall, all the formalities and without knowing it she was contracted a slave with her two children, bound for British Guiana.

When grandmother realized that she was tricked and was now a slave she became very grieved and frustrated, she attempted suicide on two occasions trying to jump overboard the ship, each time she had a timely rescue. Her fellow slaves counseled her and enjoined upon her to live for her children's sake. This then adjusted her outlook in life.

She then resorted to daily prayer, asking the Almighty God for strength, faith, and guidance. The ship the SS [name unclear] arrived in Port Georgetown on the [year unclear, but 1876 is visible]. Grandmother and her two children were indentured to Plantation Hampton Court, on the Essequibo coast. Grandmother, her two children, and other Indian immigrants traveled from Georgetown depot to Hampton Court under the supervision of the plantation overseer.

Upon arrival at the estate she, like all the others, was given living quarters in the abominable Logies (terraced cottages with earth floors); the buildings were like barracks of cheap construction (n.b. a Committee appointed by the Indian Government in 1917 said the estate manager’s horse stables were a better building than the dwellings of the immigrants).

Grandmother, now separated from her husband and family in Jaunpur, India, made up her mind to exist somehow until her son and daughter had grown old enough to be consulted on future action. She never spoke the English language - this was the official and operating language in British Guiana. Here again, grandmother was handicapped, but she was now resolute to live and bring up her children - she was given light work cleaning up the sugar mill and compound. Being yet a young woman, she condescended to take a Brahmin man as a husband; she did not marry him as she could not marry twice according to Sanatanist custom. There was no issue from this union, but the gentleman assisted by his earnings to maintain the small family with as high a standard within the context of the standard then prevailing.

Episode 4: Being Vigilant About Online Dangers

In this episode of Cross-Examination, hosts Ted Asregadoo and Brian Feinberg explore the increasingly addictive and sometimes dangerous world of apps, games, and internet sites. Contra Costa District Attorney Senior Inspector Darryl Holcombe joins Ted and Brian as a guest in the discussion. Inspector Holcombe works primarily in the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program and has years of experience combatting online crimes where the victims are young children and teens.

As the internet, apps, and games evolve, so do the risks it presents—especially for children. Darryl shares his expertise on how predators exploit trust and technology to groom victims, highlights the dangers of sexting and sharing private information, and talks about the disturbing reality behind what’s often mislabeled as “child pornography.” He also sheds light on the prevalence of cyberbullying and how ICAC’s work in prevention and education is vital for keeping children safe in digital spaces.

Listeners will also hear about the Vigilant Parent Initiative, a program at the District Attorney’s Office designed to empower parents with tools and knowledge to protect their children online. As part of being a vigilant parent, Ted mentions the powerful short video Sharable?, a poignant depiction of the dangers lurking in seemingly harmless online interactions. The video was produced by Kripos, the Norwegian National Criminal Investigation Service, and it’s a powerful dramatization of the consequences of image sharing.

Tune in for essential tips, eye-opening insights, and practical strategies for staying safe and vigilant in today’s digital age. To learn more, visit the Vigilant Parent Initiative page at contracostada.org, where you’ll find additional resources and information on scheduling a presentation.

Also mentioned in this episode is author Jonathan Haidt, whose book The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure, notes a study by Meta on Instagram usage among teenage girls that can lead to an uptick in mental health issues.

In this episode of Cross-Examination, Ted Asregadoo and Deputy District Attorney Brian Feinberg dive into the complex world of media coverage surrounding the criminal justice system. How do editors and reporters decide which stories to cover? What challenges do journalists face when gathering facts, especially in a social media-driven era?

Joining the discussion is veteran reporter Henry Lee from KTVU FOX 2 -- who shares his insights on reporting crime stories, navigating public trust, and how balanced, solution-oriented journalism can make a difference in shaping public perception.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the power and responsibility of the Fourth Estate.

In Episode 2 of Cross-Examination, Ted Asregadoo and Deputy District Attorney Brian Feinberg explore the key differences between organized retail theft and shoplifting, along with a local initiative to combat retail crime. They’re joined by Chief of Inspectors Arnold Threets from the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, who explains how organized retail crime operates through complex criminal networks, making it a serious felony. Chief Threets also discusses how Home Depot in Richmond/El Cerrito partnered with local law enforcement and the DA’s Office to reduce theft at the store. However, as crime continues to evolve, so must enforcement strategies.

In the second segment, criminologist Samuel E. DeWitt from the American Institutes for Research delves into the psychological and societal effects of crime. He explains why crime evokes strong emotions, even among those who aren’t direct victims, pointing to how media coverage—especially extreme cases following the "if it bleeds, it leads" mindset—triggers fear and anger. Dr. DeWitt also discusses the various factors that influence crime rates, such as employment, poverty, and demographic trends, as well as the impact of laws, policies, and community services.

The issues discussed in this episode show that offenses like retail crime are often complex, which means finding practical solutions to address those complexities – even when they evolve.

Mentioned in the episode by Samuel DeWitt, John Roman’s Substack post: 100 Ideas for Reducing Crime in Cities—A Blueprint for Action

In the debut episode of the Cross-Examination podcast, hosts Ted Asregadoo and Brian Feinberg sit down with District Attorney Diana Becton to explore the DA’s unique role in the criminal justice system and its impact on public safety in Contra Costa County.

DA Becton shares insights on the responsibilities of a District Attorney, emphasizing that her job is responsible for seeking and doing justice for the people of Contra Costa County. She addresses common misconceptions about the role of a DA and discusses innovative, victim-centered approaches to crime.

The conversation dives deep into critical topics like reducing recidivism, combating racial disparities, and ensuring accountability for offenses, including appropriate punishment. DA Becton also highlights the demand from voters for comprehensive reforms that balance crime prevention and community safety, which she describes as moving from an either/or mindset to what she calls a “both/and” approach.

Join us for this enlightening discussion that sheds light on the complexities of justice and public safety.