Local News

Atwater Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Offenses Related to the Sexual Exploitation of Children Using Social Media

FRESNO - Chief U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill sentenced Nikko Adolfo Perez, 27, of Atwater, to 40 years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release for his convictions for the sexual exploitation of children, coercion and enticement of a minor, and receipt and distribution of child pornography, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

“While Perez's sentence is substantial, it pales in comparison to the lifetime of damage he inflicted upon his many victims. Innocence cannot be restored,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “We hope this case inspires families to have conversations about the danger of communicating online over text, apps, and other media with a stranger and the importance of immediately seeking help if communication becomes exploitive or threatening. The internet fosters both false familiarity and anonymity, which can empower a predator. We urge the community to be mindful of the inherent danger of communicating with or transmitting photos to someone you do not truly know.”

Sheriff's Detectives Investigate Death of Jail Inmate

FRESNO - Members of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Homicide Unit and Fresno County District Attorney’s Office are conducting an investigation into the death of an inmate at the Fresno County Jail. He has been identified as 31 year old Michael Blake of Clovis. He was in custody for a total of approximately 20 hours.

Around 5:45 pm on Tuesday, July 16th, Fresno County Sheriff’s correctional officers were distributing meals to inmates in a pod of the Main Jail when they noticed Inmate Michael Blake lying on his bed, unresponsive. Officers began to give CPR to the man. Medical staff responded and also provided aid while an ambulance was dispatched to respond to the jail. EMS personnel arrived and Blake was pronounced deceased a short time later.

Long Time Principal of Thomas Jefferson Passes: Ben Barsotti (93)

Americo Bernard Barsotti (93) passed away peacefully on Friday, July 12, 2019, with his family by his side. Ben was a native of the Central Valley, born on February 21, 1926. He attended Dos Palos High School graduating in 1944, where he was named the outstanding athlete for four years, at that time. He matriculated to Fresno State College and graduated with a degree in Geology in 1948. He was a two-sport athlete while at Fresno State.

Following his education, Ben spent 40 years in education primarily in the Madera Unified School District. The last 20 years were spent as principal of Thomas Jefferson Junior High. After his retirement, he ran for and won a seat on the Madera School Board where he served as a trustee.

Former MUSD Assistant Superintendent Kelly Porterfield Killed in Shaver Motorcycle Collision

SHAVER – Former Madera Unified School District Associate Superintendent Kelly Porterfield (51) was killed early Tuesday evening on State Route 168 near Shaver Lake following a collision involving his motorcycle and a Dodge Caravan.

California Highway Patrol officials say the driver of the minivan, Aaron Harper (19) was traveling eastbound on State Route 168 at Shaver Forest Highway when he pulled over to the shoulder of the road. Officers say the driver attempted to make a U-turn onto the westbound lane and crashed into Porterfield’s oncoming Honda 125 motorcycle.

Madera County DA Opens Investigation into Grand Jury Concerns Following City Probe

MADERA – Madera County District Attorney Sally Moreno has opened an investigation into the Madera County Grand Jury’s allegation of malfeasance and/or misfeasance on the part of former city administrators and former and present Madera City Council members.

At this time Moreno would not say whether the investigation will be civil or criminal but the statute of limitations on a felony complaint is three years and a misdemeanor is one year.