Local News

Fresno Man Is Indicted for Federal Firearms Offenses for Third Time

FRESNO - A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Wendell Ladell Lafrance Moton, 30, of Fresno, charging him with being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, on Feb. 11, Moton was in possession of an assault rifle without serial numbers that had a partially loaded 200‑round magazine attached. In 2009, Moton was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon, not a firearm, and in 2012 and 2014, was convicted in federal court for being a felon in possession of ammunition or a firearm.

One Arrested, One Outstanding, Following Commercial Burglary in Coarsegold

COARSEGOLD - On 02/17/2021 Madera County Sheriff's deputies responded to the Valero gas station in Coarsegold following a report of commercial burglary. While on the scene, they discovered the suspect's forced entry into the business and stole alcohol, cigarettes, and lottery tickets. Video surveillance from the store showed two suspects forcing entry inside and leaving the location in a U-Haul rental box truck.

During the course of the investigation, Madera County Sheriff’s Detective Robertson responded to several Fresno area stores where the stolen lottery tickets had been cashed. Video surveillance at these businesses confirmed that one of the suspects seen on surveillance at the Valero was cashing the stolen lottery tickets.

The suspect was later identified as Ryan Anthony Clowers, a 27-year-old Fresno resident, who is on active parole for felony burglary. During a subsequent parole search of Clower’s residence, detectives located some of the stolen items from the burglary at Valero.

Clowers was arrested and booked at the Madera County Department of Corrections on multiple felony charges including burglary, vandalism, and committing a felony while out on bail.

The second suspect, an unknown Hispanic male adult, remains outstanding. Stills from the surveillance video are included with this release. Anyone with information regarding this case or the identity of the subject in the video is encouraged to contact Detective Robertson at (559) 675-7770.

Two Fresno Juveniles Charged with Human Trafficking of another Juvenile

FRESNO - On Friday, August 28, 2020, agents from the United States Department of Homeland Security received a tip regarding possible prostitution of a young female taking place in the area of Belmont and First. DHS agents quickly responded to the area and observed a female near Belmont and Second Street.

This female was then seen getting into a vehicle occupied by two other juveniles. DHS agents contacted the occupants of the vehicle to check on the welfare of the young female. The agents then requested assistance from the Fresno Police Department. Vice Unit detectives responded to the location and took over the investigation.

Car Thief Steals Jaguar SUV from a Car Wash, Arrested in Madera County Minutes After

CLOVIS - Just after 11 a.m. this morning, Clovis Police were dispatched to the Red Carpet Carwash at Willow and Shaw regarding an auto theft. The owner of the vehicle told dispatchers that an Asian male had entered his vehicle and drove off westbound Shaw Avenue towards Freeway 168.

Clovis Police Officers responded and immediately contacted the Fresno County H.E.A.T (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) Team. Approximately one hour later, the stolen Jaguar F-Pace was located in Madera County by the H.E.A.T team with assistance from CHP Air-41, a fixed-wing airplane.

Sheriff Detectives Seek Publics Help with Suspicious Death

MADERA - The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for their assistance obtaining information surrounding the circumstances of the suspicious death of Martin “Junior” Tapia in December of last year. There is information Junior was at a party in the La Vina area of Madera County at the time of his death.

Junior’s body was then moved to the location where he was later found. Detectives would like to speak with individuals who may have attended the party, or who may have knowledge of how he was transported to the other location.