News

Justice Department Announces Civil Rights Investigation into Correctional Staff Sexual Abuse at Chowchilla Prisons

SACRAMENTO - The Justice Department announced today that it has opened an investigation into the conditions of two prison facilities operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR): Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla and the California Institution for Women in Chino.

The department has found significant justification to open this investigation based on an extensive review of publicly available information and information gathered from stakeholders. The investigation will evaluate whether CDCR protects people incarcerated at Central California Women’s Facility and the California Institution for Women from sexual abuse by correctional staff.

The “M30 King of Fresno” Pleads Guilty

FRESNO - Horacio Torrecillas Urias Jr., 23, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, the investigation began after a series of fentanyl pill overdoses in the Fresno area. These overdoses were caused by counterfeit oxycodone M30 tablets containing fentanyl, referred to on the street as M30s. Similar to authentic oxycodone M30 tablets, they are small, round, and light blue or green in color, with “M” stamped on one side and “30” on the other. The investigation, dubbed “Operation Killer High,” aimed to search for the drug dealers believed to have supplied the toxic pills that caused the spike in fentanyl-related overdoses. The operation uncovered a large drug-trafficking ring led by Torrecillas Urias, the self-proclaimed “M30 king of Fresno.”

A Taste of Oaxaca by Comite Guelaguetza at the Madera Fair Sunday

MADERA - The Madera Fair is proud to introduce A Taste of Oaxaca on Sunday, September 8th, in partnership with Comite Guelaquetza Madera!

On the final day of the Madera Fair at the Patio Stage, 'A Taste of Oaxaca,' a vibrant celebration of Oaxacan culture that promises a family-oriented, interactive experience suitable for all ages. This event will feature an array of artisans and food vendors, exciting cultural entertainment, and the much-anticipated 'Best Taste' Oaxacan Mole contest.

Madera Fair’s Second Annual Beard and Mustache Whiskerino Contest

MADERA - This year, the second annual Beard and Mustache Whiskerino Contest will be held at the Madera District Fair, presented by Valley Children's Healthcare. This family-friendly event will kick off Saturday night, September 7th, on the fair’s Estrella Jalisco stage. Signups will start at 5:30 p.m., and the competition will begin at 6:00 p.m.

This event has no entry fee, and ribbons and Honest Amish product prizes will be awarded to 1st-3rd in each class with an overall ‘Best of Show ' for the event! The ‘Best of Show’ winner will be the fair’s VIP guest at the Tesla concert later that night. Contestants will compete in the following categories.

Madera District Fair 2024 Table Mountain Concert Series presented by Estrella Jalisco

MADERA - Excitement is building as the Madera District Fair, presented by Valley Children’s Healthcare, proudly unveils the line-up for the 2024 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 Funk to Disco to up-and-coming 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.

Salute to Education Kicks of Opening Day of the Madera Fair - FREE ADMISSION

MADERA - The Business and Education Committee of the Madera Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce that they will host their annual Salute to Education Reception and Awards Ceremony at the Madera District Fair on opening night, September 5, 2024. Admission to the fair on Thursday night is free to all ages, courtesy of Valley Children's Healthcare.

Over thirty-five educators from Madera schools will receive the Distinguished Teacher of the Year award for their outstanding efforts during the 2023-24 school year.

Three Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Narcotics in Prison Following the Death of USP Atwater Staff

FRESNO - An investigation into the death of a correctional officer led to the arrests of three defendants today who are charged by criminal complaint with conspiring to distribute controlled substances and introducing narcotic drugs to an inmate at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atwater, California, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between July 15, 2024, and Aug. 9, 2024, Jamar Jones, 35, an inmate at USP Atwater; Stephanie Ferreira, 35, of Evansville, Indiana; and Jermen Rudd III, 37, of Wentzville, Missouri, conspired to introduce narcotics into USP Atwater for Jones to sell. As part of that scheme, Jones and Ferreira had Rudd mail a letter laced with narcotics to Jones that was fraudulently labeled as legal mail.