Local News

Two Plead Guilty in COVID-19 Unemployment Benefit Fraud Scheme

FRESNO - Jason Vertz, 51, of Fresno, and Alana Powers, 45, an inmate at the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla, each pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft in a scheme that targeted California Employment Development Department (EDD) unemployment insurance benefits that were intended for Californians hit hardest by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Vertz and Powers submitted several fraudulent unemployment insurance claims in Powers’ and other CCWF inmates’ names to EDD. Recorded jail calls and emails show that Powers and other inmates provided names, dates of birth, and social security numbers for inmates at CCWF to Vertz to submit the fraudulent claims. Shortly thereafter, the benefits were loaded onto debit cards that were mailed to the addresses the defendants provided.

District Attorney Files Charges Against Bernard “Crazy Bernie” Siomiak and Tammy Vestal for MediCal Fraud

FRESNO - The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has filed five felony counts against Bernard “Crazy Bernie” Siomiak and Tammy Vestal of Fresno. Siomiak and Vestal are accused of committing fraud over the course of several years by falsely underreporting their earnings on documents submitted to both MediCal and Covered California, signed under penalty of perjury.

As a result of these misrepresentations, Siomiak and Vestal obtained over $23,000 in publicly funded benefits. After a thorough investigation, it was determined that Siomiak was not entitled to any of these benefits.

Drug Trafficking Operation Investigation in Madera County Yields 38 Arrests

MADERA – The Madera County Sheriff’s Department and the Madera County District Attorney announced the conclusion of a major multi-agency drug trafficking investigation in Madera County that yielded 38 arrests, the seizure of over $400,000 worth of illegal drugs, and 14 firearms.

In July of 2020, the Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team launched an investigation into a drug trafficking ring led by Juan Jimenez, operating primarily in the La Vina community of Madera County.

Charges Announced for Credit Card Skimming Scheme that Targeted Fresno Gas Stations

FRESNO - Arman Mkhitaryan, 33, of Glendale, arraigned today on a 33-count indictment charging him with bank fraud and credit card fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Mkhitaryan installed credit card skimming devices at Fresno area gas stations and stole individuals’ credit card information. He then used that information to create counterfeit credit cards and purchase more than $160,000 in postage stamps via self-service kiosks at U.S. Post Offices.

State Rolls Out COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach for Black and African American Audiences

SACRAMENTO - Ahead of expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine on April 15 for all Californians aged 16+, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is rolling out tailored outreach for Black and African American communities across the state. This latest element of the "Let's Get to ImmUnity" public education campaign is part of the state's overall Vaccinate ALL 58 effort.

The "Let's Get to ImmUnity" integrated media campaign launched statewide in early March as part of a broader $40 million effort to offer answers and reassurance that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and our greatest tool to end the pandemic. With the help of radio, print, social media, TV, and billboard advertisements, the campaign aims to reach all Californians, with a focus on multicultural and multilingual media outlets. The campaign will connect with the Black and African American community by taking a listening-first approach to understanding their unique concerns, partnering with trusted Black and African American leaders, and using culturally resonant content.