Local News

Federal Judge Orders ICE to Release Two More Detained Immigrants at Risk From COVID-19 Infection

SAN FRANCISCO – A federal judge has ordered the release of two more detained immigrants in ICE detention centers in California on the grounds that their age and medical conditions make them especially vulnerable to a potentially fatal COVID-19 infection. As of today, eight of twelve plaintiffs who sued for their release have been or are scheduled to be freed.

The decision by U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney came in response to a lawsuit filed by the ACLU Foundations of Northern California and Southern California, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area, the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, and Lakin & Wille LLP. Olvin Torres Murillo, a native of Honduras and Mauricio Quinteros Lopez, who is from El Salvador, suffer from hypertension—a medical condition which the CDC has identified as placing people at a particularly high risk of contracting a life-threatening COVID-19 infection.

Court-Orders Final Forfeiture of Over $54 Million in Connection with Billion Dollar Ponzi Scheme

SACRAMENTO - On Monday, U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez ordered the final forfeiture of $3.9 million in private jet shares bringing the total court-ordered forfeiture this year to more than $54 million related to the DC Solar Ponzi scheme, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

The assets were seized in the fraud prosecution of the owners of DC Solar, a Benicia-based company, who pleaded guilty in January to charges related to a billion dollar Ponzi scheme. Monday’s order follows an earlier order, on March 24, ordering the final forfeiture of 83 seized assets worth more than $50 million. In total, $120 million in assets have been forfeited so far by the defendants in this investigation and prosecution, which has resulted in the largest criminal forfeiture in the history of the Eastern District of California.

Salomon Barragon Velez to Serve 9 Years in State Prison

MADERA - On February 13, 2020, there was a verbal altercation in the Fresno river bed. During the dispute, the defendant, Salomon Barragon Velez, shot two people. The first victim sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, while the second victim sustained a gunshot wound to the foot. Both victims are expected to fully recover.

The defendant was scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Friday, April 3, 2020. Just prior to the hearing, the defendant pled guilty to shooting the two victims. His plea bargain involves him admitting to two “strike” offenses under California’s “Three Strikes” law for a total sentence of 9 years in state prison.

Madera County’s Response to Governor Newsom’s Project Roomkey

MADERA - In response to Governor Newsom’s Project Roomkey, Madera County has formed a partnership to identify at-risk members of our community who need shelter during the pandemic. That partnership consists of Madera County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Community Action Partnership of Madera County (CAPMC), Madera County Department of Public Health (MCDPH), Madera County Department of Social Services (MCDSS), Madera County Department of Corrections, Madera County Road Department, and Love Madera, a non-profit volunteer group.

At-Risk clients access this program through referrals from local shelters, healthcare providers, and law enforcement. The information is forwarded to uniformed MCSO, who respond with MCDPH and CAPMC personnel to the potential client’s currently known location.

Governor Newsom Announces New Help for Small Businesses & Workers Displaced by COVID-19

SACRAMENTO – California Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a series of new resources to aid small businesses and help California workers who have lost work due to COVID-19. California's small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis can apply for a loan from the federal government for up to $10 million. Importantly, the program is first-come, first-serve and the Governor encourages all eligible California small businesses to contact their lender to learn more.

Last week, the Governor also announced that the state is allocating $50 million to the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank for loan guarantees to small businesses to help eliminate barriers to capital for individuals who do not qualify for federal funds, including low wealth and undocumented immigrant communities. The state is also allowing small businesses to defer payment of sales and use taxes of up to $50,000, for up to 12 months.