News

Bitcoin ATM Company Forfeited Over $1 Million for Conspiring to Violate the Bank Secrecy Act

SACRAMENTO - Folsom company Amani Investments LLC, which operated Coinucopia kiosks that exchanged U.S. currency for Bitcoin, forfeited $1 million in currency, a Mercedes-Benz, Bitcoin, and other items for its criminal efforts to avoid reporting requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

In February 2023, Amani Investments LLC, doing business as Coinucopia, pleaded guilty to conspiring to avoid filing Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) that are required under federal law. Congress enacted the federal Bank Secrecy Act to combat the laundering of criminal proceeds, and it requires money services businesses to report each transaction involving more than $10,000 in currency. Willful violation of the requirement to file these reports, commonly called CTRs, is a federal criminal offense.

Oakhurst Man Sentenced for Excavating Native American Cultural Property

FRESNO - Vrance Fanklin Myers, 35, of Oakhurst, was sentenced Tuesday by United States District Judge Ana de Alba to 3 years probation and a $10,000 fine for unauthorized excavation and removal of archeological resources from public lands, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

Additionally, Myers was ordered to pay $10,023.48 in restitution, perform 100 hours of community service, and make a public statement concerning his offense, and he is banned from entering public lands for recreational purposes during the period of his probation.

Madera District Fair Announces the 2023 Table Mountain Concert Series presented by Estrella Jalisco

MADERA - The excitement is building as the Madera District Fair, presented by Valley Children’s Healthcare, proudly unveils the line-up for the 2023 Table Mountain Concert Series, presented by Estrella Jalisco. This year's series promises to be an unforgettable musical experience for attendees of all ages, featuring an eclectic mix of top-tier artists.

The concert series has something for everyone, from rock anthems to country hits and Latin rhythms. What makes the concert series even more exceptional is that all entertainment is FREE with the price of paid gate admission.

Minarets High School Response to Threat

MADERA COUNTY - Earlier Friday morning, around 10:30 am, school officials at Minarets High School received reports from students that a handwritten note had been discovered in a boy's bathroom on campus, implying a threat to the campus occurring on September 3rd, which is a Sunday when the school would be closed.

The Madera County Sheriff’s School Resource Deputy at Minarets High School was made aware of this written threat, and an investigation was initiated. At this time, there is no indication this is a credible threat. Regardless, we are taking this incident seriously, actively investigating the circumstances, and working to identify the individuals (s) involved. We would like to reassure students, parents, and the public that there is no active threat to the school. All students and staff are safe.

Salute to Education Kicks of Opening Day of the Madera Fair - FREE ADMISSION

MADERA - The Business and Education Committee of the Madera Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce that they will host their annual Salute to Education Reception and Awards Ceremony at the Madera District Fair on opening night, September 7, 2023. Admission to the fair on Thursday night is free to all ages, courtesy of Valley Children's Healthcare.

Over thirty-five educators from Madera schools will receive the Distinguished Teacher of the Year award for their outstanding efforts displayed during the 2022-23 school year.

Tulare County Man Sentenced to 5.5 Years in Prison for Possessing Cocaine

FRESNO - Jesus Angulo, 34, of Woodlake, was sentenced to five years and six months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, a long-term investigation uncovered a scheme involving the trade of illegal drugs sourced in Mexico and California for firearms sourced in Texas. In 2021, a team of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers partnered in an investigation into the Tulare County Surenos Street Gang. Part of the investigation focused on Angulo and his associates, who were involved in shipping illegal drugs and firearms across state lines.

Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Owner of Bakersfield Rental Properties

BAKERSFIELD - The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Javier Salazar Jr., Javier Salazar Sr., both of Bakersfield; and Ricardo Covarrubias, of Van Nuys; a maintenance worker, manager, and owner, respectively, of rental properties in Bakersfield, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, alleges that Javier Salazar, Jr., a maintenance worker, sexually harassed a female tenant from December 2018 through March 2019 by repeatedly asking the tenant to engage in sexual acts with him, asking her to be in a relationship with him, describing the sexual acts he wished to engage in with her, and persistently commenting on her appearance.