Jailed for reporting crimes against the District Attorney
Last updated: May 22, 2026 | View the Pattern
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Solution Architect. Mother. Brain surgery survivor. Zero criminal history.
| Code | Description | Class | Bail |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC 166(A)(4) | Contempt: Willful Disobedience of Court Order | MISD | $0 |
| PC 166(C)(1) | Contempt: Violation of Protective Order | MISD | $0 |
Both charges are misdemeanors. Standard bail ranges from $300-$30,000. Bail is never denied for these charges. The California Supreme Court ruled on April 30, 2026 that misdemeanor pretrial detention is unconstitutional.
Andrea Ebbing has been in a custody battle since at least 2021 when James Connors relocated their three daughters to Massachusetts. She obtained a domestic violence restraining order on April 6, 2021, but custody was ultimately awarded to Connors. She appealed. The 4th District Court of Appeal affirmed in January 2024.
Andrea became a vocal public critic of San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan — including on the OB Rag community blog — and alleges connections between Stephan's office and her ex-husband's drug rehabilitation business through the DA's diversion program.
On March 26, 2025, she survived a ruptured brain aneurysm requiring emergency brain surgery at Sharp Grossmont Hospital. Two coils were placed. Her doctors estimated approximately a 1% chance of survival.
She was subsequently arrested and held with no bail on two misdemeanor contempt charges. The judge who ordered her detained — Jihan Maloney — spent 14 years as a prosecutor in the same DA office Andrea was reporting crimes against, and stepped in when the originally assigned judge did not appear.
SDPD had previously filed a Gun Violence Emergency Protective Order against Andrea on June 3, 2022. It was dismissed 19 days later on June 22, 2022.
She has zero criminal history. She is 46 years old. She survived brain surgery. She is being held with no bail on misdemeanor charges that the California Supreme Court has since ruled cannot constitutionally be used for pretrial detention.
San Diego Superior Court, Dept 3, South County — Misdemeanor Arraignment
14 years as Deputy DA in the San Diego DA's office (2011-2025). Worked directly under DA Summer Stephan for 8 years. Appointed by Governor Newsom on May 7, 2025 — has been a judge for barely one year. Zero prior judicial experience. Never served as a defense attorney. Graduated magna cum laude from California Western School of Law, 2011. Filled the vacancy left by Judge David Gill's retirement. Registered as "No Party Preference." Salary: $244,727. Facing election challenge in 2026 from Laurie Hauf.
San Diego County District Attorney — President of National District Attorneys Association
30+ years in the DA's office. Married to federal Judge Dana Sabraw. Became DA through appointment (not election) in 2017. Now serves as NDAA president. KPBS investigation (Feb 2026) found racial disparities in charging grew under her tenure. Lost a $97,500 lawsuit for refusing to release sexual harassment records. Andrea alleges a connection between Stephan's office and her ex's drug rehab business, which reportedly works with the DA's diversion program.
Andrea's ex — Party in Ebbing v. Connors (21FL004748C & 21FDV01613C)
Andrea alleges he operates a drug rehabilitation business that works directly with DA Stephan's diversion program — creating a financial relationship between the DA's office and a party in her family court case. Relocated the three daughters to Massachusetts in January 2021. Custody affirmed to Connors by the 4th District Court of Appeal (D080537) in January 2024.
In re Kowalczyk, S277910 (Cal. Supreme Court, April 30, 2026)
Unanimous decision by Chief Justice Guerrero. The court held that Article I, Section 12 of the California Constitution defines the exclusive circumstances under which bail may be denied: (1) capital crimes, (2) felony offenses involving violence or sexual assault, and (3) felonies involving threats of great bodily harm. Misdemeanors are categorically excluded. Courts cannot use "artificially high or objectively unattainable bail as an end run to effectuate pretrial detention where such detention is not authorized."
Full opinion: courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/S277910.PDF
First Amendment Precedent: Bridges v. California, 314 U.S. 252 (1941)
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned contempt convictions for criticizing judicial proceedings, establishing that the First and Fourteenth Amendments limit a court's power to punish for contempt based on speech. Contempt punishment for speech is only constitutional if it creates a "clear and present danger" to the administration of justice. Extended by Pennekamp v. Florida (1946) and Craig v. Harney (1947).
PC 166(A)(4) — Contempt: Willful Disobedience of Court Order
Always a misdemeanor. Cannot be elevated to a felony. Maximum: 6 months county jail, $1,000 fine. Requires proof the defendant knew about the order, had the ability to follow it, and willfully disobeyed. Typical bail: $300-$30,000. Bail is never denied for this charge.
PC 166(C)(1) — Contempt: Violation of Protective Order
Misdemeanor on first offense. Maximum: 1 year county jail, $1,000 fine ($2,000 if injury). Can become a "wobbler" (felony possible) only on second+ offense within 7 years involving violence or credible threat of violence. Typical bail: $5,000-$30,000. Bail is set, not denied.
Bottom line: Both charges are misdemeanors with standard bail. Under In re Kowalczyk, pretrial detention is categorically prohibited for misdemeanors. Denying bail on these charges is unconstitutional as of April 30, 2026.
DOWNLOAD THE HABEAS PETITION FORM
HC-001 — California Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus (Rev. Sept 2024)
File at: San Diego Superior Court, Central Division, 1100 Union Street, 2nd Floor Room 250 (Misdemeanors). Name the Sheriff of San Diego County as respondent.
Hours: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Mon-Fri | Phone: (619) 844-2400
If you are a licensed attorney and want to represent Andrea Ebbing, fill out this form. We will connect you with the case coordinator immediately.
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Andrea needs commissary funds for phone calls, hygiene, and food while detained.
ANDREA EBBING
San Diego County Jail
Booking #26120682
Go to accesscorrections.com and search using her booking number.