Local News

Fresno Woman Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud and Identity Theft Charges

FRESNO - Marci Jessie Ramirez, 46, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to mail fraud and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, between July 2013 and October 2015, Ramirez misappropriated other peoples’ personal identifying information, which she acquired in some cases from client intake forms she accessed through her former employer, and used that information to fraudulently open bank accounts at federally insured financial institutions.

Ramirez obtained and deposited counterfeit or altered checks into these bank accounts and ultimately withdrew cash or used funds from the deposits for personal purchases. Ramirez also illicitly used other peoples’ credit card information to purchase items for her personal benefit. For instance, according to Ramirez’s plea agreement, she purchased a $5,000 duo reverse transfer printer using one of her victim’s credit card account information.

Arrest Made in Merced Hit & Run – Three Year Old Girl Killed

MERCED - The Merced Police Department Traffic Division has arrested Issac Maldonado (22) of Livingston for killing 3 year old Dayveonna Polk. Maldonado was arrested Tuesday night at around 9:00 PM in Modesto, California by the Merced Police Department. The Honda Accord Maldonado was driving during this crime was also recovered.

Through some very diligent police work and the cooperation of residents in Merced, Maldonado was identified and arrested. Maldonado was booked into Merced County Jail for felony hit and run and vehicular manslaughter.

Madera Unified Hosts Winter Showcase Party at Warnors Theatre

MADERA .- Madera Unified Visual and Performing Arts students will have the opportunity to perform at the Warnors Theatre on Saturday, December 9 for the first time for the Winter Showcase Party. This massive project of the districts is intended to show off the expansion of its performing arts department. You can expect to see performances from the Visual and Performing Arts students which include folkloric dancers, musical bands, and drama students.

According to district spokesman Babatunde Ilor, "with so many of our teachers and administrators living in Fresno we wanted to give them the opportunity to see what are students are doing in the performing arts and what a better place than the beautiful Warnors Theater."

Gang Member Takes Advantage of Elderly Couples’ Generosity

AUBERRY - Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested 38 year old Richard Lopez of Fresno. He has been booked into the Fresno County Jail on three felony charges, which include auto theft, possession of stolen property and stealing from an elderly person. His bail is set at $47,500.

Around 9:30 am Monday, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers took a report of a vehicle theft. The victims, are a husband and wife who live along the 45000 block of Auberry Road in Auberry. He is an 88 year old Korean War Veteran and she is 81 years old. The elderly man explained how his 2002 Toyota pickup truck was stolen.

California's Minimum Wage to Increase to $11 and $10.50 per Hour

OAKLAND - Under landmark legislation to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour over time, California's minimum wage will increase on January 1 to $11 per hour for employers with 26 employees or more and $10.50 for employers with 25 or fewer employees.

State law requires that most California workers be paid the minimum wage. Some cities and counties have a local minimum wage that is higher than the state rate. Workers paid less than the minimum wage are urged to contact the Labor Commissioner's Office in their area to file a wage claim.