Local News

Matthew Edwards Convicted of Attempted Murder on 4 Madera Police Officers

MADERA - A Madera Superior Court jury convicted Matthew Edwards of four felony counts of attempted murder, four felony counts of assault with a firearm on a peace officer, a felony count for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and auto theft.

The jury also found true the special allegations that Edwards personally used a firearm and discharged a firearm during the commission of his crimes, according to Madera County District Attorney Michael R. Keitz.

Convicted Rapist Found in Mexico - CHP Dad Charged with Conspiracy

FRESNO COUNTY - Sheriff Margaret Mims today announced the arrest of Spencer Scarber, the 20 year old convicted rapist who fled the United States prior to the end of his criminal trial. Scarber was arrested in Mexico earlier this week.

Also arrested today in connection with Scarber’s disappearance were his father, 49 year old Sheldon Kyle Scarber, his mother, 51 year old Gail Lynne Scarber of Squaw Valley, and his sister, 33 year old Crystal Diane Reynoso, of Fresno.

BOS Ignores Residency Requirements in Appointment of Madera County Auditor

Hall and Board of Supervisors Given Bad Advice From County Counsel

MADERA - How long does it take to find a home in Madera County? Well if you are the Madera County Auditor/Controller, so far it's about one year.

In January of 2012 Marcia Hall was appointed to complete the term of former Auditor/Controller Janet Kroeger by a unanimous vote from the Madera County Board of Supervisors. However no one advised Ms. Hall at the time that as an (appointed) elected official, she had to live in Madera County in order to hold that position.

Madera County Deputy Kills Suspect in Confrontation

COARSEGOLD, CA - A man who attempted to run down a Madera County Deputy Sheriff was found just hours later dead. Sheriff's spokesman Erica Stuart says the suspect's body was found in a wooded area of Coarsegold after apparently waiting to ambush deputies.

George Walter Rosenberg (41) of Stockton and Mariposa was wanted on a felony drug warrant for Methamphetamine when a deputy tried to speak with him at approximately 3pm Friday afternoon between Highway 41 and Road 400 in Coarsegold. The suspect was behind the wheel of his 1998 dark green Toyota Tacoma when he "barreled down" and attempted to run the deputy over. Stuart said, "The deputy shot at Rosenberg and then dove out of the way of the approaching truck at the last moment."

Richard Farias Sentenced to 35 Years to Life for Gross Vehicular Manslaughter

MADERA - Madera County District Attorney Michael R. Keitz announced that Richard Farias of Madera, was convicted today by a Superior Court jury on two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter.

The jury also found Farias guilty of two additional felony counts of causing great bodily injury to another person while driving under the influence and Farias’ prior conviction for driving under the influence and injuring another. The jury deadlocked on two counts of second degree murder.