Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price has been accused of soliciting a $25,000 cash donation from political critic Mario Juarez to support her fight against a recall effort, according to court documents filed this week.
The allegations surfaced after Juarez refused to pay Price or limit his criticism of her. Shortly thereafter, the DA’s office charged him with felony check fraud linked to an incident from 2022, despite having known about the allegation for at least eight months, claims defense attorney Ernie Castillo in a recent motion.
Castillo argues that the case against Juarez was on track for dismissal until Price and her deputy, Otis Bruce Jr., intervened, removing a prosecutor who had deemed the evidence insufficient.
According to Castillo, Price allegedly approached Juarez in January, offering help in exchange for “love and support” in the form of the $25,000 donation. He notes that their relationship had been antagonistic in the past, with Juarez previously creating a website, badpam.com, that criticized Price’s political history and campaigns.
After Juarez rejected the donation request, Price reportedly warned him that he would be hearing from her office “very soon,” indicating it “won’t be pretty,” according to Castillo.
The defense attorney describes the prosecution as “vindictive” and “outrageous government conduct,” likening Price’s actions to those of a crime boss. Castillo argues that the dismissal of the charges is crucial not just for Juarez but for others who might face similar “shakedowns for campaign funds.”
Two witnesses have reportedly come forward, stating they overheard Price soliciting the campaign donation from Juarez during a conversation on January 7, after the funeral of Oakland Police Officer Tuan Le. One witness, hired by Juarez to install surveillance cameras, claims to have heard Price ask for money, while another witness, Cecilia Mendez, confirms Price’s request for $25,000 for her political campaign.
Castillo also filed a sworn declaration detailing how Assistant District Attorney Angelina Clay had previously indicated insufficient evidence existed to charge Juarez. Despite plans to dismiss the case, Castillo alleges that Price’s office intervened, pressuring Clay against proceeding with the dismissal.
In his declaration, Juarez recounts that after he refused to support Price financially, she told him he would hear from her office soon, suggesting potential repercussions during the upcoming political campaign.
The timing of the felony charge against Juarez, just 16 days after he declined the donation request, raises suspicions of retaliatory motives. Castillo highlights that the allegation had been known to the DA’s office since May 2023, suggesting that the decision to charge Juarez was politically motivated rather than based on a fair evaluation of evidence.
Juarez has also lodged a complaint with the state bar, alleging ethical violations by Price. The motion to dismiss the felony charge is expected to be heard on November 15.
