Local News

Madera County Residents Indicted for Dealing Heroin that Caused Overdose Death

FRESNO - A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Georgia Nicole Dean, 36, and Ashley Michelle Hill, 32, both of Coarsegold, charging them with selling heroin that resulted in the overdose death of another Coarsegold resident, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. Dean and Hill are also charged with conspiring to distribute the heroin that resulted in the victim’s death.

According to court documents, on Aug. 22, Dean and Hill drove to the victim’s residence and sold heroin to him. It is alleged that the victim’s death resulted from the use of the mixture or substance containing heroin.

Stockton Woman Sentenced for Two Separate Fraud Conspiracies

SACRAMENTO - Kioni M. Dogan, 39, of Stockton, was sentenced today to four years in prison for criminal conspiracies to submit false claims for federal income tax refunds and to commit mail fraud in connection with California state unemployment insurance benefits, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

In sentencing, U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez said Dogan’s criminal conduct was “a slap in the face to law-abiding citizens” who comply with our tax system and who turn to unemployment benefits in times of real need.

Fresno City DUI Checkpoint Nets 16 Arrests

FRESNO - The Fresno Police Department arrested sixteen subjects for driving under the influence while conducting a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on November 16, 2019. The checkpoint was at Wishon and Hedges Streets between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.

In addition, 17 drivers were cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license, 1 Arrested on other Criminal Charges, 32 Citations issued, and 28 vehicles towed.

Fresno Men Charged with Possessing and Selling False Identification Documents

FRESNO - A federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment today against Fresno residents Isaias Herrera-Ortiz, 29, and Lucas Lara Portillo, 38, charging them with conspiracy, production of false identification documents, transfer of false identification documents, and fraud and misuse of visas and related documents, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, in February and March 2018 and in July and September 2019, the defendants engaged in transactions in which they manufactured and sold false identification documents to buyers. These documents included social security cards and green cards.

Twelve Nuestra Familia Gang Members and Associates Charged with Federal Drug Trafficking Charges in Superseding Indictment

FRESNO - A federal grand jury returned a 13-count superseding indictment today against 12 Nuestra Familia gang members and associates, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

The individuals charged today were originally charged in June, along with about 40 others, as part of a multi-agency investigation into the prison-based gang’s criminal activities. The superseding indictment adds three additional federal drug charges, including a charge for conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine. The defendants are: