UPDATE: A federal judge has just sentenced 27-year-old Maurice Herron to jail for allegedly hiding a gun inside an Orinda police car, where it remained unnoticed for over a week. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis Westmore made the urgent decision following revelations that Herron deceived authorities during a prior federal gun case, raising serious safety concerns.
Authorities report that during a November 2024 arrest by the Orinda Police Department, Herron managed to stash a firearm in the back of a patrol vehicle while handcuffed. The gun was discovered eleven days later by another officer, prompting a review of security footage that captured Herron’s actions. The judge’s ruling reflects a critical shift, as she previously believed Herron was making strides to reform his life after securing employment.
Judge Westmore cited 12 out of 20 reasons for Herron’s detention, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. “The evidence proffered by the government in this case showed it was not so,” she stated in her detention order last week, underscoring the alarming nature of Herron’s behavior.
This alarming incident is compounded by Herron’s involvement in another federal gun case, where he was arrested with a firearm in January 2025. Furthermore, federal prosecutors allege Herron acted as the getaway driver in a recent armed robbery in downtown Oakland, where one of the suspects, 33-year-old Roosevelt Jones, was fatally shot during the crime. Another suspect, 33-year-old Jashawndre Uphsaw, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with this robbery.
The implications of this case are significant for public safety, as it raises questions about police procedures and the handling of firearms in custody. The Orinda Police Department and federal authorities are under pressure to review protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As this story develops, residents and officials alike are keenly watching the legal proceedings surrounding Herron and his multiple charges. The community’s safety remains a top priority, and further updates are expected as the investigation continues.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent case as authorities work to ensure accountability and safety within the community.
