Error of Judgement: Judicial Candidate Devencenzi’s Fundraises at Convicted Felon’s Home

February 6, 2024

In what can only be deemed as an “Error of Judgement,” San Joaquin County Superior Court Judicial candidate Peter Devencenzi held a fundraiser on his behalf at the home of convicted felon and controversial businessman, Matt Davies. 


Davies, you might remember, served several years in prison for a federal drug conviction. While his arrest and conviction made national headlines, he is more closely remembered as the man dressed as Pennywise the Clown who terrorized a Stockton family on Halloween in 2018. 


You can find some refresher stories covering his arrest here and here.


The fact Davies harrassed a child with special needs while out trick or treating with his family should not be forgotten by anyone, especially candidate Peter Devencenzi.

Devencenzi, however, is not trying to hide his relationship with Matt Davies in the least bit. On his campaign website, he lists Davies’ endorsement under “Community Leaders.”

Only Devencenzi would make a person convicted of violating federal drug laws and later arrested for harassing a child with special needs into a “community leader.” It’s not a good look for Devencenzi, who is asking San Joaquin County voters to trust him with the county’s highest legal authority. Voters are already living through some of the worst crime in their cities in years, with many pointing to progressive District Attorneys as a major part of the problem.

“You Are the Company You Keep”

Peter Devencenzi is a well-qualified candidate for the judicial seat being vacated by the Honorable Judge Michael Coughlan, but putting himself so close to an outspoken convicted felon in Matt Davies is a mistake. It is a mistake regardless of his personal relationship with Davies or his wife. 


It is an error in judgement. And everyday judges make judgements. Devencenzi’s judgement is suspect.


Voters have every right to question Devencenzi’s temperament and judgment to serve as a superior court judge. 
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