Ex-Alameda County district attorney criticizes new top prosecutor

Former Alameda County DA Pamela Price publicly criticized her successor, Ursula Jones Dickson, for reversing key reforms intended to support crime victims. Price accused Jones Dickson of "corruption and nepotism" during a press conference, emphasizing her concerns over the dismissal of a $33 million lawsuit linked to a toxic fire. Price asserted that Jones Dickson acted without consulting crucial stakeholders, including Deputy District Attorney Gabriel Markoff, who had worked on the case. She emphasized that extensive evidence had been compiled under her administration, making the dismissal questionable. Additionally, Price raised alarms about nepotism in the review of death penalty cases, noting that Jones Dickson assigned cases to an assistant DA whose father had presided over previous misconduct allegations.

Price's statements follow her decision not to pursue another campaign for DA, as she prepares to release an open letter detailing her concerns. This situation reflects a potential shift in the DA's office priorities and raises questions about accountability in the legal system. The ongoing conflict highlights the significant implications of leadership changes in local government.