Local News

Couple Charged with Crimes Committed in Vacaville, Rancho Cordova, Folsom, and Rocklin

SACRAMENTO - A federal grand jury returned a 17-count indictment Thursday against Cody Patrick Cannon, 30, and Candice Nicole Freitas, 31, both transients, charging them with a scheme involving mail theft, aggravated identity theft, bank fraud, and possessing stolen credit and debit cards and stolen driver’s licenses and passports, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to the indictment, between January 2018 and August 2018, Cannon and Freitas engaged in a scheme in which they used counterfeit U.S. Postal Service keys to open apartment complex mailboxes in Vacaville and steal mail. They then harvested personally identifiable information, financial information, and credit and debit cards. They defrauded banks by using the stolen cards to purchase goods and withdraw cash from ATMs in Vacaville, Folsom, Rocklin and Rancho Cordova.

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.