Local News

BOS Ignores Residency Requirements in Appointment of Madera County Auditor

Hall and Board of Supervisors Given Bad Advice From County Counsel

MADERA - How long does it take to find a home in Madera County? Well if you are the Madera County Auditor/Controller, so far it's about one year.

In January of 2012 Marcia Hall was appointed to complete the term of former Auditor/Controller Janet Kroeger by a unanimous vote from the Madera County Board of Supervisors. However no one advised Ms. Hall at the time that as an (appointed) elected official, she had to live in Madera County in order to hold that position.

Madera County Deputy Kills Suspect in Confrontation

COARSEGOLD, CA - A man who attempted to run down a Madera County Deputy Sheriff was found just hours later dead. Sheriff's spokesman Erica Stuart says the suspect's body was found in a wooded area of Coarsegold after apparently waiting to ambush deputies.

George Walter Rosenberg (41) of Stockton and Mariposa was wanted on a felony drug warrant for Methamphetamine when a deputy tried to speak with him at approximately 3pm Friday afternoon between Highway 41 and Road 400 in Coarsegold. The suspect was behind the wheel of his 1998 dark green Toyota Tacoma when he "barreled down" and attempted to run the deputy over. Stuart said, "The deputy shot at Rosenberg and then dove out of the way of the approaching truck at the last moment."

Richard Farias Sentenced to 35 Years to Life for Gross Vehicular Manslaughter

MADERA - Madera County District Attorney Michael R. Keitz announced that Richard Farias of Madera, was convicted today by a Superior Court jury on two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter.

The jury also found Farias guilty of two additional felony counts of causing great bodily injury to another person while driving under the influence and Farias’ prior conviction for driving under the influence and injuring another. The jury deadlocked on two counts of second degree murder.

Off-Duty CHP Officer Shoots at Madera Man

MADERA - An off duty California Highway Patrol officer, driving with his wife in his car, was involved in a late night shooting Sunday in Madera. The shooting occurred in the area of Orchard and University Avenues in Madera's Westside.

The off-duty officer, who's name Madera Police would not release, saw what he believed may be a drunk driver. According to Madera Police Chief Steve Fraizer, the off-duty officer was in his private unmarked vehicle along with his wife when he decided to follow the "suspected" drunk driver's vehicle, after contacting California Highway Patrol dispatch.

CHP Chief's Son on Trial for Rape, Missing - Facing 112 Years in Prison

SQUAW VALLEY - The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a reported missing person, possibly under suspicious circumstances.

Wednesday morning, shortly after 5:00am, deputies responded to a missing person call at a residence located on George Smith Road in Squaw Valley. Upon arrival, deputies contacted the owner of the home who reported that his 20 year old son, Spencer Scarber, was missing.