Local News

Illegal Alien with Serious Criminal History Sentenced to over 19 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl and Methamphetamine

FRESNO - Gilberto Arteaga, 43, of Michoacan, Mexico, illegally residing in Fresno, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to 19 years and five months in prison for his role in a fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, between Oct. 1, 2022, and July 16, 2023, Arteaga joined in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine in Fresno County. On July 15, 2023, a car that law enforcement agents believed Arteaga and his co-conspirators were using crossed from the United States into Mexico and then back, all in less than 12 hours. The car then traveled to a residence in Sanger.

Fresno Man Sentenced to 14 Months in Prison for Paycheck Protection Program Loan Fraud

FRESNO — Gurjeet Bath, 37, of Fresno, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to 14 months in prison for theft of government property, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. Bath was also ordered to pay a $100,000 criminal fine.

“During a time when legitimate businesses were struggling to survive, this defendant chose to exploit a program designed to keep workers employed,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “He has since pleaded guilty and repaid the stolen funds, but that does not erase the harm caused. Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of that fraud and our commitment to holding accountable those who abuse programs meant to help our communities in times of crisis.”

Kern County Man Sentenced to 12 Years, 7 Months in Prison for Flying Drone over State Prison with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

FRESNO. — Jorge Narvaez, 28, of Delano, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff to 12 years and seven months in prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, on June 9, 2024, Narvaez piloted an Autel EVO II Pro V3 drone over North Kern State Prison (NKSP), intending to distribute methamphetamine within the facility. Narvaez loaded the drone with two balloons packaged with methamphetamine, flew the drone over the prison, and dropped the balloons into the prison yard. NKSP officers recovered both balloons. Laboratory analysis confirmed that the two balloons contained a total of 21.4 grams of methamphetamine.

DC Solar Attorney Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for His Involvement in Ponzi Scheme

FRESNO - Ari J. Lauer, 61, of Lafayette, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to 11 years and five months in prison for his role in the biggest criminal fraud scheme in the history of the Eastern District of California, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

From approximately 2009 to January 2019, Lauer, an attorney licensed to practice law in California, was outside counsel to DC Solar and provided legal and business advice concerning DC Solar’s operations. Lauer’s role gave the scheme legitimacy and diminished any suspicion the investors might have had.

Former Assistant Superintendent and Former IT Director of Patterson School District Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Approximately $1.5 Million

MODESTO - Jeffrey Menge, 45, of Copperopolis, and Eric Drabert, 46, of Modesto, were sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to 30 months and 18 months in prison, respectively, for theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

“These defendants were entrusted with safeguarding resources meant to educate and support children; instead, they stole $1.5 million for their own benefit,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “Today’s sentencing affirms that when those in positions of authority abuse the public trust, they will be held accountable. Our office remains committed to protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring that funds intended for our schools serve the students and communities they were meant to support.”