Local News

Former Fresno Sleep Clinic Owner Pleads Guilty to Over $1 Million in Fraudulent Medicare Claims

FRESNO - Travis Gober, 44, of Hanford, pleaded guilty to health care fraud and aggravated identity theft charges today for submitting over $1 million in fraudulent claims for sleep studies to Medicare, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court records, Gober owned the VIP Sleep Center, which operated sleep clinics in Fresno and Tulare Counties. Sleep clinics perform diagnostic sleep studies on patients to identify disorders like sleep apnea and narcolepsy.

Bitcoin ATM Company Forfeited Over $1 Million for Conspiring to Violate the Bank Secrecy Act

SACRAMENTO - Folsom company Amani Investments LLC, which operated Coinucopia kiosks that exchanged U.S. currency for Bitcoin, forfeited $1 million in currency, a Mercedes-Benz, Bitcoin, and other items for its criminal efforts to avoid reporting requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

In February 2023, Amani Investments LLC, doing business as Coinucopia, pleaded guilty to conspiring to avoid filing Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) that are required under federal law. Congress enacted the federal Bank Secrecy Act to combat the laundering of criminal proceeds, and it requires money services businesses to report each transaction involving more than $10,000 in currency. Willful violation of the requirement to file these reports, commonly called CTRs, is a federal criminal offense.

Oakhurst Man Sentenced for Excavating Native American Cultural Property

FRESNO - Vrance Fanklin Myers, 35, of Oakhurst, was sentenced Tuesday by United States District Judge Ana de Alba to 3 years probation and a $10,000 fine for unauthorized excavation and removal of archeological resources from public lands, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

Additionally, Myers was ordered to pay $10,023.48 in restitution, perform 100 hours of community service, and make a public statement concerning his offense, and he is banned from entering public lands for recreational purposes during the period of his probation.

Madera District Fair Announces the 2023 Table Mountain Concert Series presented by Estrella Jalisco

MADERA - The excitement is building as the Madera District Fair, presented by Valley Children’s Healthcare, proudly unveils the line-up for the 2023 Table Mountain Concert Series, presented by Estrella Jalisco. This year's series promises to be an unforgettable musical experience for attendees of all ages, featuring an eclectic mix of top-tier artists.

The concert series has something for everyone, from rock anthems to country hits and Latin rhythms. What makes the concert series even more exceptional is that all entertainment is FREE with the price of paid gate admission.

Minarets High School Response to Threat

MADERA COUNTY - Earlier Friday morning, around 10:30 am, school officials at Minarets High School received reports from students that a handwritten note had been discovered in a boy's bathroom on campus, implying a threat to the campus occurring on September 3rd, which is a Sunday when the school would be closed.

The Madera County Sheriff’s School Resource Deputy at Minarets High School was made aware of this written threat, and an investigation was initiated. At this time, there is no indication this is a credible threat. Regardless, we are taking this incident seriously, actively investigating the circumstances, and working to identify the individuals (s) involved. We would like to reassure students, parents, and the public that there is no active threat to the school. All students and staff are safe.