News

Attorney General Becerra: Consumers Deserve the Right to Hold Apple Accountable: Should the Courts Overturn the Illinois Brick Decision

SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has joined a bipartisan multistate amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in Apple v. Pepper, supporting consumers who allege that Apple, Inc. (Apple) violated antitrust laws by monopolizing distribution of iPhone applications (apps).

In Apple v. Pepper, Apple is appealing a judgment in favor of consumers from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Apple argued that the appellate court’s ruling should be overturned based on a 1977 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Illinois Brick v. Illinois (Illinois Brick). The decision established that only a direct purchaser of goods could seek legal remedies for antitrust violations committed by a manufacturer or service provider.

Shotspotter Technology Leads to Southwest Weapons Arrest

FRESNO - On Sunday, September 30, 2018, just before midnight, the Southwest Special Response Team (SRT) received a ShotSpotter activation in the in area of Kern Street and Freeway 99. SRT officers arrived in the area within a minute and began canvassing for suspects.

While searching the immediate area in which the ShotSpotter system indicated the shots were fired officers’ contacted 40-year-old Fresno resident Juan Romo-Bais.

Former Sacramento Area Youth Gymnastics Coach Sentenced to Over 8 Years in Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

SACRAMENTO - U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. sentenced Derek Swede Godfrey, 49, formerly of Rocklin, to eight years and one month in prison for possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. According to court documents, in October 5, 2006, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Godfrey’s home in Rocklin.

On his computer, agents located more than 400 videos and 5,000 still images depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of minors. The day after, Godfrey, a youth gymnastics coach, left the United States for the Netherlands where he had dual-citizenship. On January 25, 2007, a grand jury in Sacramento indicted Godfrey, charging him with one count of possession of child pornography.

Attorney General Announces Arrests, Charges Against 17 Individuals for $1 Million Robbery Scheme Targeting Apple Retail Stores

SANTA CLARA – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today announced the arrest of and charges against 17 individuals for a robbery scheme targeting Apple retail stores across California that resulted in the loss of over $1 million. The defendants are charged with entering Apple retail stores in large groups wearing hoodies and snatching products on display in a matter of seconds. The alleged crimes took place across 19 counties.

Seven adults were arrested on September 25, 2018 and booked in the Alameda County Jail. Another is currently in custody in Sonoma County. Arrest warrants have been issued for nine other suspects. The investigation is ongoing.

17-year Arizona Cold Case Murder Suspect Apprehended in Fresno

EL MIRAGE, ARIZONA - On September 24, 2018, Frank Gallas Mendoza was arrested by authorities in Fresno, California for the 2001 murder of El Mirage resident Richard Cacero Lucero. On December 20, 2001, El Mirage police conducted a welfare check at the residence of Richard Cacero Lucero at the request of a family friend. Officers gained entry to Lucero’s home and found him deceased.

Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) detectives were asked to take over the death investigation due to the AZDPS’ available staffing and resources. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office determined Lucero’s death was a homicide. The case eventually went cold after AZDPS exhausted all leads and investigative techniques available at the time.

Sheriff’s Detectives Arrest Kingsburg Man for Double Murder and Arsons

KINGSBURG - At 8:30 am on Tuesday, detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office arrested 58 year old Alan DuPras outside his home located on the 2800 block of 18th Street in Kingsburg. DuPras has been booked into the Fresno County Jail on two counts of murder, two counts of arson, a count of possession of assault weapons and a count of vandalism. His bail is set at $3.142 million.

It was around 3:30 pm on December 11th, 2017 that Fresno County Sheriff’s dispatchers received a phone call requesting deputies check the welfare of 55 year old Jennifer DuPras, who lived at a home on the 6200 block of N. Colonial Ave. in Fresno. The caller was concerned because Jennifer had missed an appointment earlier in the day.

Member Of Nevada City Based Conspiracy Sentenced To Over 7 Years In Prison For Multi-Million Dollar Bank And Title Fraud Scheme

SACRAMENTO - Larry Allen Todt, 66, formerly of Malibu, was sentenced to over seven years in prison and ordered to pay over $3,000,000 in restitution for his role in a fraudulent mortgage elimination scheme, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. On December 6, 2017, Todt was convicted following trial on one count of conspiracy and one count of bank fraud.

According to court documents, between April 22, 2010, and November 18, 2011, Todt 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.