News

Madera Elk’s Lodge Honored Paul Hornick as 2018 Prosecutor of the Year

MADERA - Madera Elk’s Lodge #1918 honored Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Hornick as Prosecutor of the Year at its 46th annual Office of the Year awards dinner. Hornick joined the Madera County DA's office as a line attorney in 2015, and rose to his senior deputy position a year later after being chosen to head a political corruption task force to investigate wrongdoing in county government. His Elk’s award comes amid his race against rival Sally Moreno for district attorney.

“He’s a very hard worker,” said two-time recipient Todd Spangler, who serves as supervisor deputy district attorney. “Even though he didn’t go to Fresno State, he’s a bulldog and he just won’t let go. He’s most famous for ... prosecuting a one-legged man for driving while intoxicated. There’s a story behind that. It epitomizes his grabbing on and not letting go until he gets a conviction.”

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute On The Death Of U.S. Senator John McCain

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. - With profound sorrow, the Reagan Foundation mourns the passing of U.S. Senator John McCain. Today we say goodbye to an American patriot whose determination and courage improved the lives of people throughout Arizona, across the United States, and around the world. Like President Reagan, Senator McCain was inspired by America's ideals of liberty.

He understood that safeguarding freedom and rights of self-determination across the globe starts with a responsible, confident foreign policy for the United States. In his public service and work with private organizations, he championed the men and women of the U.S. military who carry out this vital mission. And, like President Reagan, he celebrated and supported pro-democracy dissidents — recognizing that there is nothing tyrants fear more than citizens willing to risk everything for their freedom.

Jamba Juice Facing Lawsuit Over Deceptively Marketed "Whole Fruit and Vegetable" Smoothies

WASHINGTON - Jamba Juice smoothies are not what Jamba Juice claims and advertises them to be, according to a class action lawsuit filed in federal court. The company is facing allegations that it is tricking consumers by marketing its beverages as "whole fruit and vegetable smoothies" when, in fact, they often include juice blends made mostly from cheap pear and white grape juices from concentrate.

Despite using statements like "Jamba blends whole fruits & veggies" and "Whole fruit! That's how we blend" on marketing materials, Jamba Juice uses large quantities of juice blends, sherbet, and other non-whole fruit and non-whole-vegetable ingredients in its smoothies, according to the complaint.

Four Charged With Producing And Selling False Identification Documents

FRESNO - A federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment today against Elfego Alcala, age 46; Aida Corona, age 37; Tamilene Cisneros, age 48; and Lupita Cisneros, charging them with conspiracy, production and transfer of false identification documents, and fraud and misuse of visas, United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, from approximately February through August of 2018, in Tulare County and Visalia, the defendants conspired to manufacture and sell false identification documents, including social security cards and green cards. During the relevant time period, the defendants allegedly arranged for the production and sale of green cards and social security cards to a confidential informant on two occasions.

Attempted Murder Suspect In Custody After Hours-Long Search

OAKHURST - On August 20, 2018, at approximately 10:30 am the Madera County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding an assault in the area of River Park Road in Oakhurst. A California Highway Patrol Officer was flagged down by a concerned citizen who observed a male in the area who was bleeding and appeared to be in need of medical treatment. The CHP Officer located an adult male victim with a stab wound that was bleeding heavily. Fire and EMS crews administered first aid to the 24 year old adult white male victim and transported him to a regional hospital for treatment.

According to both victim and witness statements, the assault occurred in a nearby apartment complex. A witness in the area observed a white male adult matching the suspect’s description walking back towards the same apartments. The suspect was identified as a tenant of the complex, 28 year old Dillon Westlake. Madera County Sheriff’s Deputies, Problem Oriented Policing Team, and California Highway Patrol Officers established and maintained a perimeter while the Quick Reaction Team (QRT) searched the building for the suspect.

Member of Nevada City-Based Conspiracy Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Multimillion Dollar Bank and Title Fraud Scheme

SACRAMENTO - George B. Larsen, 56, formerly of San Rafael, was sentenced to 10 years and one month in prison and ordered to pay $1,759,100 in restitution for his role in a fraudulent mortgage elimination scheme, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. On December 6, 2017, Larsen was convicted following trial on one count of conspiracy and four counts of bank fraud.

According to court documents, between April 22, 2010, and November 18, 2011, Larsen was a member of a conspiracy that ran a mortgage elimination program purporting to help distressed homeowners avoid foreclosure. The conspirators fraudulently altered the chain of title on residential properties, sold the properties, and received the sales proceeds.

North Valley Woman Sentenced to 2.5 Years in Prison for Unemployment Benefits Fraud and Identity Theft Scheme

SACRAMENTO - Brittany Maunakea, 29, of Manteca, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. to two and a half years in prison for conspiracy to commit mail fraud for her role in a scheme to defraud the State of California by filing false unemployment insurance claims, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. Maunakea was also ordered to pay $139,071 in restitution.

According to court documents, beginning in February 2015, Maunakea entered a scheme to defraud the State of California by filing false unemployment insurance claims with the California Employment Development Department (EDD), using the stolen identities of over 250 California workers. In total, the conspirators filed at least 269 false claims seeking over $2.5 million in fraudulent benefits. EDD’s actual overpayment was $898,899. Maunakea participated in the scheme by receiving and facilitating EDD documents at her home and using debit cards issued in the names of identity-theft victims to withdraw the fraudulently obtained benefits.