Local News

12 Defendants Charged with Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

BAKERSFIELD - Following an 18-month investigation targeting local criminal street gangs in Bakersfield, 12 defendants have been charged federally, and another 17 defendants were arrested on state charges. The charges include drug trafficking, conspiracy, and firearms offenses.

Seized in operation were 13 firearms, over 15,000 suspected fentanyl pills, approximately 990 grams of fentanyl, approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 7 pounds of heroin, approximately 112 pounds of marijuana, and over $60,000 in U.S. currency.

Sheriff Announces Largest Seizure of Drugs in Madera County History

MADERA COUNTY - In July of 2022, the Madera Narcotic Enforcement Team, the High-Intensity Investigation Team, and the Fresno Drug Enforcement Administration launched a joint investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Ernesto Beltran.

During the course of the investigation, detectives learned that Beltran was part of a large-scale, Mexico-based drug trafficking organization responsible for the importation, manufacturing, and distribution of methamphetamine throughout the state of California and neighboring states.

U.S. Attorney Names District Election Officer to Oversee the Handling of Complaints of Election Fraud and Voting Rights Abuses

SACRAMENTO - U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Khasigian would serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of California in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the November 8 general election.

The DEO is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, DC. In addition, Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Scott will serve as the National Security Cyber Specialist (NSCS) and is tasked with preparing for and responding to digital election threats.

Merced County Doctor Indicted for Multimillion Dollar Disability Insurance Fraud Scheme

FRESNO - On Oct. 20, 2022, a federal grand jury charged Sohail Mamdani, 46, of Los Banos, with mail fraud and money laundering in connection to a disability insurance fraud scheme and unlawful use of a DEA registration number and fraudulently obtaining possession of a controlled substance, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) runs a Disability Insurance program that offers worker-funded benefits to people who meet specific requirements and have had those requirements verified by their physician or medical practitioner. Mamdani was a medical doctor operating a clinic called Walk-In Medical Clinic in Los Banos.

Three Fresno Residents Indicted as Part of a Counterfeit Check Cashing Ring

FRESNO - An eight-count indictment, returned on Oct. 20, 2022, has been unsealed, charging Fresno residents Jeffrey Michalk, 43; Steve Gomez, 40; and Michael Dugan, 48, with conspiracy, theft of public money and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, from June 2020 through at least January 2022, the defendants worked together to cash counterfeit U.S. Treasury checks throughout the Central Valley. These checks were cashed at various locations and were often written to appear in the names of other individuals. The defendants combined to cash or cause to be cashed at least 295 counterfeit Treasury Checks worth over $500,000 during this window.