Dan Dow is a public servant, an Army Veteran and prosecutor dedicated to protecting victims, ensuring justice and reducing crime in our community.
Born in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Dan attended elementary school on the East Coast. Shortly after graduating from high school, Dan joined the United States Army where he adapted quickly and enjoyed serving his Country. Dan attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California where he was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate, attained Korean Linguistic Certification, and earned the Martin J. Kellogg Award for his efforts toward gaining a profound understanding of a foreign culture.
After completing his service in the active Army, Dan enrolled at California State University, Hayward where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree. Dan attended Santa Clara University School of Law where he earned his Juris Doctorate.
Since gaining his law degree, Dan continues his military service as a Major, Command Judge Advocate, in the California Army National Guard. He was deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn, and was deployed to Kosovo under Operation Enduring Freedom.
As a Deputy District Attorney, Dan has focused on prosecuting domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse crimes including homicide where he seeks to bring justice for victims of particularly devastating crimes that are committed against those least capable of protecting themselves. He considers it a high calling and a privilege to serve Victims and to hold those offenders accountable for their actions.
As a dedicated public servant Dan’s community service goes beyond the courtroom. He regularly speaks at Women’s Shelters and events seeking to provide financial and emotional support to victims of the crimes he prosecutes. He believes the criminal justice system has a moral obligation to be a voice of strength for those without a voice and those who are preyed upon by the worst in our society.
As a Veteran himself, Dan is proud to have played a vital role in bringing the Veterans Treatment Court to San Luis Obispo County. Launched in June of 2013, the SLO Veterans Treatment Court seeks to address the growing number of veterans entering the criminal justice system as a result of traumatic experiences they endured while in the military. Veterans Treatment Courts assist veterans who have entered the criminal justice system receive treatment and rehabilitation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs if the criminal activity is attributed to conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, sexual trauma and other triggers related to military service. Veterans Treatment Courts seek to rehabilitate Veteran Offenders, reduce recidivism and reduce costs to the taxpayers.
Dan and his wife Wendy, a local small business owner and reading instructor, have been married for 21 years. They have two children, Chloe, age 8 and Jedidiah, age 6. The Dow family attends church at the Atascadero Gospel Chapel. In his spare time, Dan enjoys family outings immersed in the natural outdoor beauty of the region. Dan is also an avid runner who enjoys running half marathons.
Significant Cases
Dan Dow’s career as a Deputy District Attorney involves award-winning service to the community. He has served as Deputy District Attorney for over eight years. His most recent assignment began in June 2011 as prosecutor in cases of Felony Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse and Homicide during which he has prosecuted over 340 felony cases in that time. Over his career Dan has prosecuted well over 500 felony cases and thousands of misdemeanor cases involving domestic violence, drugs, theft, driving under influence, elder abuse, fraud, etc. His courtroom experience handling highly significant cases proves Dan’s unswerving commitment to the security of San Luis Obispo County communities. His record of consistently obtaining convictions and putting perpetrators of sexual assault, homicide, and domestic abuse behind bars reflects his longstanding dedication to the safety and the future of the Central Coast.
Among the candidates for District Attorney Dan has handled hundreds of more cases for each of the last six years than his opponent. In 2006, his peers and management in Riverside County recognized Dan as “Prosecutor of the Year” and in 2013, the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association awarded Dan with the John L. Seitz Community Service Award.
Dan’s significant cases include:
People v. Adam Bearden:
In January of 2012, San Luis Obispo officers arrested Adam Bearden for residential burglary in Morro Bay. A 29-year Morro Bay resident, Bearden was subsequently charged with multiple counts of sexually abusing two girls under the age of 14 over a timespan of over three years. Dan successfully prosecuted this case on behalf of the two minors and their families, ensuring that Bearden will pay for the immeasurable amount of pain and suffering he inflicted on his juvenile victims. Bearden is now serving a 48-year sentence in state prison and will be required to register as a sex-offender for the rest of his life.
People v. Robert Deutsch:
In 2012 Robert Deutsch, a San Luis Obispo man, was charged with domestic violence for strangling his girlfriend and threatening to kill her. Prior convictions for Deutsch included three armed robberies and a burglary in San Luis Obispo, making this a three-strikes case. Dan prosecuted the case on behalf of the people and obtained a conviction, along with additional charges of making criminal threats and dissuading a victim from reporting a crime. Deutsch is now serving 30 years to life in state prison.
People v. Scott San Agustin:
In October 2011, Scott San Agustin was arrested in San Luis Obispo on suspicion of seven felony counts including rape and lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old. He was charged later for sexual abuse against a third adult victim. Dan handled the case on behalf of the people. Agustin was convicted on May 2, 2012, and sentenced to 16 years in state prison and is required to register as a sex offender.
People v. Luke Anthony:
In May 2012, seventy-five year old Grover Beach resident Luke Anthony received a sentence of 12 years in state prison after his conviction by plea. Dan successfully prosecuted this case, which led to Anthony’s guilty plea to multiple counts of lewd acts upon a child with added enhancements of substantial sexual conduct.
Other significant cases Dan has successfully prosecuted include:
People v. Nathan Ellistucker, child molestation
People v. Robert Garcia, child molestation
People v. Oscar Garduno, child molestation
People v. Johnny Flores, child molestation
People v. Kenneth Burdick, sexual assault