Published on January 1st, 2025 | by Bryson "Boom" Paul

Alameda District Attorney’s Office: A Violation of the Racial Justice Act and Systemic Corruption in Oakland

In a shocking turn of events that underscores the pervasive corruption within the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, recent actions have raised serious concerns about the violation of the Racial Justice Act and the blatant discrimination faced by marginalized communities. The scandal surrounding the aggressive raid on the Ritual Church of Community Ceremony, led by OPD officer Forrest Klein with the assistance of US Marshals, is not just an isolated incident; it is emblematic of a broader pattern of misconduct that has plagued the district attorney’s office and the Oakland Police Department (OPD) for years.

The raid, which took place on May 20, 2024, targeted the only minority-run psychedelic church in the Bay Area. The church has served as a sanctuary for individuals seeking healing and spiritual connection through entheogenic plant medicine. However, the aggressive actions taken against the church and its pastor reveal a chilling disregard for the rights of religious minorities, as well as a disturbing willingness to target people of color. During the raid, law enforcement seized over $263,000 worth of sacraments, including cannabis and mushrooms, and charged the church’s pastor with multiple felonies, including possession and transportation of spores. These actions were predicated on questionable claims made by Hafid Alowhani, a man with a history of deceit and extortion attempts, who sought to leverage the situation for personal gain.

A Pattern of Corruption and Misconduct

The broader context of the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office reveals a culture of corruption that has been allowed to fester for far too long. The recent recall of District Attorney Pamela Price is a testament to the community’s dissatisfaction with the handling of cases and the systemic issues that have plagued the office. Allegations of shake-downs and coercion have surfaced, suggesting that the district attorney’s office has engaged in unethical practices to secure convictions and maintain control over the narrative surrounding criminal cases.

These tactics not only undermines the integrity of the judicial process but also suggests a troubling willingness to manipulate the legal system for personal or political gain. The community is left wondering: who is truly being served by these actions, and at what cost?

Moreover, the district attorney’s office has been implicated in the systematic exclusion of Black and Jewish jurors from jury pools, raising significant concerns about racial discrimination and bias. This practice not only violates the principles of fairness and equity enshrined in the Racial Justice Act but also reflects a broader trend of marginalization faced by communities of color within the judicial system. The consequences of such practices are profound, as they undermine the very foundation of justice and equality that our society purports to uphold.

The Raid on the Ritual Church of Community Ceremony

The raid on the Ritual Church of Community Ceremony is a glaring example of how systemic bias manifests in the actions of law enforcement and the district attorney’s office. The decision to target this minority-run institution, under the pretense of enforcing the law, reveals a disturbing pattern of discrimination that is all too familiar to marginalized communities. The OPD’s actions, led by Forrest Klein, were not just an attack on a religious institution; they were a direct assault on the rights of individuals to engage in spiritual practices that differ from the mainstream.

The involvement of US Marshals in the raid only amplifies the severity of the situation. The use of federal resources to target a local religious institution raises questions about the prioritization of law enforcement efforts and the implications for community safety. Instead of fostering a sense of security and support, the actions taken against the Ritual Church have created an atmosphere of fear and distrust among residents.

The claims made by Hafid Alowhani, which served as the basis for the raid, have been widely discredited. Alowhani’s history of extortion attempts and deceit casts serious doubt on the credibility of his allegations. Yet, instead of conducting a thorough investigation into the claims, the OPD and the district attorney’s office acted swiftly to target the church and its pastor. This rush to judgment not only highlights the reckless behavior of law enforcement but also reflects a troubling trend of racial profiling and discrimination that has long plagued marginalized communities in Oakland.

Violations of the Racial Justice Act

The discriminatory nature of the raid raises serious concerns about the violation of the Racial Justice Act. This act was designed to eliminate discrimination in the criminal justice system and promote fairness in legal proceedings. The targeting of the Ritual Church, the only minority-run psychedelic church in the Bay Area, while all other similar institutions are operated by white males, underscores a blatant disparity in how law enforcement agencies treat religious institutions based on the race or ethnicity of their leadership.

Furthermore, the OPD’s actions during the raid not only contravene the principles of the Racial Justice Act but also highlight a broader systemic issue within the Oakland legal system. The lack of accountability for officers who engage in discriminatory practices only perpetuates a culture of impunity, allowing these abuses to continue unchecked. It is imperative that the OPD and the district attorney’s office take immediate steps to rectify these violations and ensure that the rights of all individuals, regardless of race or religion, are protected.

Community Outrage and Demand for Accountability

In the wake of the raid, the community has rallied together in a unified voice demanding justice and accountability. Activists, religious leaders, and civil rights organizations have condemned the OPD’s actions and called for an immediate investigation into the incident. The raid is seen not just as an attack on the Ritual Church, but as a symptom of a broader systemic problem that requires urgent attention and reform.

The incident has sparked critical discussions about the need for comprehensive police reform, including increased transparency, accountability, and bias training. The community is urging city officials to address the systemic issues within the OPD and ensure that discriminatory practices are eradicated. This moment presents an opportunity for meaningful change, as residents demand that their voices be heard and that their rights be respected.

Moving forward, it is crucial for the OPD and the district attorney’s office to acknowledge and address the systemic issues within their ranks. This includes implementing comprehensive training programs to eliminate bias, promoting diversity within the force, and establishing clear guidelines for conducting raids and interacting with religious institutions. The community deserves to feel safe and supported by the very institutions that are meant to protect them.

The Path Forward

The raid on the Ritual Church of Community Ceremony serves as a wake-up call for the entire Oakland community. It exposes the deep-rooted racial bias and religious discrimination that continue to plague our society, raising critical questions about the role of law enforcement and the need for systemic change. The community must remain vigilant in the fight for justice and equality, holding those in power accountable for their actions.

As the fallout from this incident continues, it is essential for community members to engage in advocacy and activism, ensuring that their voices are heard. By standing together in solidarity, residents can challenge the oppressive systems that have long marginalized their communities. The fight for justice is ongoing, and it requires the collective efforts of all individuals committed to dismantling systemic racism and discrimination.

In conclusion, the actions taken by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and the OPD in the raid on the Ritual Church of Community Ceremony represent a grave violation of the Racial Justice Act and highlight the systemic corruption and misconduct that have long plagued these institutions. The community’s response to this injustice serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for equality and justice is far from over. Together, we can challenge the status quo, demand accountability, and create a more just and equitable society for all. The time for change is now, and the collective strength of the community will be the catalyst for a brighter future.

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Tags: Alameda County District Attorney's Office, Oakland

About the Author

Bryson "Boom" Paul Bryson "Boom" Paul is a well-known journalist and media correspondent. He has written for OC Weekly, LA Weekly, Dallas Observer, Hip Hop DX, The Source and more. Throughout 13-plus years, he has interviewed the biggest names in music, like Tyler the Creator, 50 Cent and Sean Paul.