Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price recently filed a misdemeanor complaint against former prosecutor, Amilcar "Butch" Ford, accusing him of providing confidential information and authoring a declaration of support for a defendant regarding a case he previously worked on via KTVU.

Price alleged that on April 26, 2023, Ford interfered in the case involving San Leandro Police Officer Jason Fletcher, who was charged with voluntary manslaughter after the shooting death of Steven Taylor in 2020 from Price's letter. Ford, who now works for the San Francisco District Attorney's Office, maintains that he is being charged for whistleblowing on Price's administration. He claims that before speaking to his attorney, he had filed a formal complaint with the County about the misconduct according to Henry K. Lee KTVU.

Michael Rains, the attorney for accused officer Jason Fletcher, defends Ford's actions as ethical. He criticizes Price, stating, "She doesn't understand the law, so she just freelances," and accuses her of filing a bogus charge against Ford KTVU. Rains further contends that this situation exemplifies why Price should not be the district attorney, calling her actions "shameful" via Henry K. Lee KTVU.

 

“She doesn’t understand the law, so she just freelances,” Mike Rains, atty for ex-@SanLeandroPD officer says of @AlamedaCountyDA Pamela Price. Butch Ford acted ethically, he says. “This is a bogus filing. It’s another example of why she should not be the DA. It’s shameful” pic.twitter.com/h3mogi6543

— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) July 18, 2023

 

Amid the legal chaos, Price is simultaneously battling a controversial recall campaign, driven by Oakland's Chinatown community advocate Carl Chan (Hoodline). The effort mainly hinges on Price's handling of the case involving the tragic killing of toddler Jasper Wu during an interstate shooting. Price's recent questionable comment that "the DA's role has really no impact on crime" further inflamed tensions, leaving the community concerned about safety and seeking answers.

Alongside the contentious statements by Price and her critics, her administration has seen an exodus of seasoned prosecutors, with several resigning due to their inability to legally and ethically represent victims' rights under her leadership. These departures further raise concerns about the public's confidence in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office to manage cases effectively and support crime victims. Despite the outcry, Price remains steadfast in her progressive stance and contentious statements, showing no signs of backing down.

The recall effort, officially launched by the group "Save Alameda for Everyone" (S.A.F.E), signifies the beginning of fundraising and signature collection, but the impact on Price's overall approach as district attorney remains speculative.