Local News

Madera Sheriff's Department Sued For Hostile Work Environment & Retaliation

READ IT HERE FIRST- BIG VALLEY NEWS EXCLUSIVE

MADERA - A lawsuit has been filed against the Madera County Sheriff's Department claiming they fostered a hostile work environment, retaliation, religious discrimination, harassment and failure to prevent discrimination and retaliation. This charge is being leveled by the Sacramento law firm, The Bohm Law Group. The complaint stems from seven years of alleged harassment Deputy Ian Roth faced from a sergeant in the department.

According to court documents, the sergeant (who's name we will not release in this story) began his harassment of Roth when the deputy was assigned to the courtroom of Judge Jennifer Detjen in the Madera County Superior Court as a bailiff.

Former Madera Fire Captain Wanted in Sacramento Murder

****STORY UPDATE****

SACRAMENTO COUNTY - The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department is continuing its effort to locate and arrest Orville "Moe" Fleming (55) in connection with the death of paid escort Sara Douglas (27) which occurred on May 1st just after midnight. Douglas was discovered deceased in the home she shares with Fleming on Fox River Way in Sacramento County around 8:55am by her sister, Stephanie Douglas.

Due to the intense media interest in this case, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department has received tips as far away as Oregon. Sheriff’s Detectives and Crime Scene investigators worked in conjunction with personnel from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office Crime Lab throughout the night to gather evidence at the residence where this incident occurred to try and piece together what happened. Investigators observed injuries on Douglas’ body indicating she was stabbed during this altercation.

Cal/OSHA Fines Butler Amusements over $100,000 for Willful Violations at Big Fresno Fair

FRESNO - Cal/OSHA fined Butler Amusements, Inc. $101,250 following an investigation which found that the temporary amusement ride operator knowingly conducted rides after key bolts and cross bracing had been removed. The compromised rides included the Giant Wheel and Flying Bobs rides at the Big Fresno Fair last October.

"When the safety of riders is put at risk, we make sure immediate steps are taken to correct any existing hazards," said Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). Cal/OSHA, also known as the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) is a division of DIR.

Former Madera Mayor Buried With Honors at National Cemetery

John W Wells Laid To Rest Among Other Heroes

SANTA NELLA - Former Madera mayor and city councilman John W Wells was laid to rest Monday at the San Joaquin National Cemetery in Santa Nella, California.

Wells was the longest serving council member for the city of Madera first running in 1962. He lost that election but two years later the voters of Madera gave him his seat on the council. He held that seat until 1977. During his first stint on the council Wells served as Madera Mayor three times.

Forgotten Chowchilla Veteran Given Military Honors with Help of Missing in America Project

MADERA - Chowchilla resident Carlton Neal Jr. received full military honors Friday as his remains were interned at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella. But his journey to his final resting place was a rough one.

Neal, a Cold War veteran, served in the United States Air Force from September 4, 1958 to October 11, 1960. When the veteran died this last January his only living relative was a cousin, who by law could not claim his ashes.