Presiding Judge Michael D. Coughlan, with the concurrence of the executive committee of Judges, appointed Mrs. Stephanie Bohrer as interim Court Executive Officer for the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin.  This appointment is effective on Monday, May 15, 2023.

Mrs. Bohrer’s appointment is to replace Brandon E. Riley, who is leaving to become the Court Executive Officer of the San Francisco Superior Court.

Mrs. Bohrer has been the Assistant Court Executive Officer (ACEO) for three years. She directs court operations, including the clerk’s offices, courtroom operations, interpreter and jury services, and self-help. She is also the Court’s chief labor negotiator and the public information officer.

Bohrer has served the San Joaquin Superior Court for 18 years. Before becoming ACEO, she was the Human Resources Manager, responsible for the human resource needs of 340 employees and subordinate judicial officers. Her work resulted in technological innovations, policy development, successive collective bargaining agreements, and various court services.

From 2005 to 2015, Ms. Bohrer worked as a Management Analyst for the Court. She served as the Court’s Public Information Officer, supervised jury operations, managed the civil mediation program, and was the case coordinator for the Unified Family Court.

Mrs. Bohrer holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Sociology from the University of California, Davis. She also earned a certificate in Judicial Administration from California State University, Sacramento.

Presiding Judge Coughlan had this to say, “Brandon was an outstanding CEO.  I wish him continued success in his new role as CEO of the San Francisco Superior Court. There is no one more capable or qualified than Stephanie, and I am confident she will do an excellent job.”

The outgoing CEO, Mr. Riley, said “I am confident in Ms. Bohrer’s abilities. She is revered positively among her peers and subordinates, and I’m sure she will continue to be a valued resource to the Court.” 

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Stockton, CA —  Today, the 2022-2023 San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury released its report investigating San Joaquin County custodial facilities’ compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA).  PREA helps to create a safe and secure detention system by addressing the issue of sexual abuse in detention facilities and protecting the rights and safety of individuals. Failure to meet standards under PREA can result in serious consequences for detainees, inmates, and residents, and an inability to protect vulnerable individuals housed at the County custodial facilities.

The Grand Jury cited multiple media reports of sexual abuse in San Joaquin County custodial facilities and review of complaints stemming from allegations of sexual and physical abuse occurring in those facilities as the reason for their investigation.  The Grand Jury investigated the policies, procedures, and standards established and applicable to San Joaquin County custodial facilities to combat sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and     physical abuse against and by those in custody. The Grand Jury toured the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Detention Facility, the Juvenile Detention Facility, and the Lodi Police Department Jail to determine if federally mandated standards are being met. They reviewed numerous documents, video files, and regulations. They also conducted five separate interviews.

In its investigation, the Grand Jury’s found the custodial facilities in the County did not have comprehensive knowledge of all PREA provisions and were not in compliance. Based on its findings, the Grand Jury recommended several corrective actions:

· audit reports for the County Jail and Juvenile Detention Facility be completed by a Certified PREA Auditor and submitted to the Department of Justice every three years as required by PREA Standards;

· all County custodial facilities provide detainees, inmates, and juvenile residents with access to better written and comprehensive PREA materials;

· detainees, inmates, and juvenile residents at County custodial facilities be provided with all of the required PREA information during the screening and intake process and then again during subsequent PREA training;

· detainees, inmates, and juvenile residents be given information on how to file a confidential report in private with an outside agency or entity;

· complete the installation of video monitoring equipment to enable video coverage for all interactions between staff and inmates, eliminate blind spots, and add video capabilities in interrogation rooms at the County Jail; and

· provide a written policy and procedure describing how juvenile residents (under the age of 18) and older residents (who are 18-25 years of age) housed at the County Juvenile Detention Facility maintain separation when required.

The public is encouraged to read the complete report by visiting the Grand Jury’s website.

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