Local News

Superseding Indictment Adds Defendants to $25 Million, Prison-Based Unemployment Insurance Fraud Scheme

FRESNO - A total of eight defendants have been charged in a superseding indictment for submitting over $25 million in fraudulent unemployment insurance claims in the identities of inmates, minor children, and others to the California Employment Development Department (EDD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The indictment was announced today by U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert following the arrest of all the defendants.

The original indictment charged Daryol Richmond, 30, an inmate at Kern Valley State Prison; Telvin Breaux, 29, an inmate at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi; and Holly White, 30, of Los Angeles, with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. The superseding indictment adds Cecelia Allen, 33, of Downey; Fantasia Brown, 33, of Los Angeles; Tonisha Brown, 28, of Los Angeles; Fantesia Davis, 32, of Victorville; and Shanice White, 28, of Hawthorne. They are also charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. Richmond and Breaux are inmates at the Kern Valley State Prison and California Correctional Institute, respectively. The remaining defendants reside in the Southern California area.

Modesto Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Illegal Firearms Possession

FRESNO - A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Reymundo Jose Mendez, 40, of Modesto, charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, officers began investigating Mendez for suspected drug sales and firearms possession in December 2021. During a search warrant executed at the Arrow Inn in Modesto on Jan. 25, 2022, officers located two loaded firearms in Mendez’s pants pockets, and another loaded shotgun in his motel room. Officers also located methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl, and two digital scales in the room.

World Ag Expo® Returns to Tulare Next Week - February 8-10

TULARE – World Ag Expo® returns live for its 55th show on Tuesday, February 8, in Tulare, California. Gates will open at 9:00 a.m.

The red carpet rolls out on Tuesday for Opening Ceremonies at 8:00 a.m. in the Heritage Complex Banquet Hall. The ceremonial opening will begin with an awards ceremony for Top-10 New Products Winners and “We Believe in Growing” scholarship winners, sponsored by E.M. Tharp. Past World Ag Expo® Show Chairmen, VIPs, and elected officials will be in attendance.

Attorney General Announces Justice Department Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking

SACRAMENTO. -- U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today released the Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

Rooted in the foundational pillars and priorities of the interagency National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, which President Biden released on Dec. 3, 2021, the Justice Department's National Strategy is expansive in scope. It aims to enhance the department's capacity to prevent human trafficking; to prosecute human trafficking cases; and to support and protect human trafficking victims and survivors.

Deputy Captures Couple Vandalizing Fresno’s Historic Christmas Tree Lane

FRESNO -A Fresno County Sheriff’s deputy has booked 61 year old Jeffry Haugh and 45 year old Mary Brindle, both of Fresno, into the Fresno County Jail. Haugh faces felony charges of vandalism and grand theft of copper materials. He also had an outstanding warrant for drug possession. Brindle faces felony charges of vandalism and grand theft of copper materials.

Around 4:00 pm on Thursday, a deputy responded to a suspicious activity call on Van Ness Blvd., near Gettysburg Ave. The deputy found a man and a woman using a motorcycle to pull a cart, which was filled with dozens of extension cords.