Ex-Antioch cop hit with new federal charge alleging ‘scheme’ to defraud bank

OAKLAND — Federal prosecutors here have charged a former Antioch officer with bank fraud, on top of a pre-existing steroids distribution case against him that has been pending for more than a year, records show.

Daniel James Harris was charged Friday with one count of bank fraud, a federal offense that carries a maximum of 30 years in federal prison, although it’s doubtful he’ll actually receive anywhere near that much time if convicted. The charging records allege that Harris concocted a “material scheme” to “defraud a financial institution” in February 2022, weeks before the FBI and Contra Costa District Attorney’s office conducted a series of raids aimed at several former East Contra Costa cops.

The new charging document doesn’t say how much money Harris allegedly gained through fraud, nor does it provide additional details. Harris was one of the 14 ex-Antioch and Pittsburg officers charged last year as part of an investigation into corruption at both departments. Until Friday, he faced a lone charge alleging he and another officer, Devon Wenger, distributed steroids to others.

Ironically, the new case marks the beginning of the end of the prosecution against Harris. Prosecutors said in court filings they have reached a “proposed resolution” that would require Harris to plead guilty to at least one federal offense to settle both cases. Details of the resolution have not been released.

Harris has been out of custody since the charges were filed in August 2023. Others caught in the investigation faced more serious charges, including a scheme to defraud both cities by obtaining incentive pay through college degree fraud, and a case alleging three Antioch cops, including Wenger, conspired to assault people in the course of their jobs.

Wenger’s lawyers have filed legal motions challenging the legality of a warrant used to search Wenger’s phone and argued that Wenger had acquired steroids legally.