Local News

Reedley Man Convicted of Drug and Gun Charges

FRESNO - On Wednesday, after a two–day trial, a jury found Netzahualcoyotl Cerna, 40, of Fresno, guilty of one count of carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to evidence presented at trial, on April 8, 2019, Cerna, a convicted felon, was arrested in Reedley for parole violations. Cerna was in possession of a loaded gun and approximately 121 grams of methamphetamine. Cerna admitted to law enforcement officers that he intended to sell the methamphetamine to make money and that he was carrying the firearm for protection because gang members were trying to tax his drug proceeds.

Fresno Man Indicted for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine

FRESNO - A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment today against Israel Chavez Tamayo, 33, of Fresno, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, distribution of cocaine, distribution of methamphetamine, and two counts of possessing methamphetamine and heroin with the intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, Tamayo negotiated the sale of 8 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1 kilogram of heroin to an individual and was then stopped on his way to deliver the drugs. Officers found approximately 17 pounds of methamphetamine and over 2 pounds of heroin in his vehicle. An additional quantity of methamphetamine and heroin was found at his residence pursuant to a search warrant.

Visalia Man Indicted for Theft in Kings Canyon National Park

FRESNO - A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Dallas Fonseca, 43, of Visalia, charging him with felony theft in Kings Canyon National Park, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, between Feb. 9, and March 11, Fonseca, who worked in the park’s John Muir Lodge, is alleged to have stolen a Rolex and other jewelry belonging to another person with an estimated value of over $16,000.

Long Time Madera Physician and Surgeon Passes Away: Dr. James Walters 81

James Edward Walters M.D. (81), long time Madera Physician and Surgeon, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2019, at Madera Community Hospital.

Dr. Walters was born in 1937 in New York City to James and Geraldine Walters. A strong value of education was instilled by his parents during his early years. He received his undergraduate degree at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York and graduated with honors from Howard University College of Medicine in 1964.Dr. Walters later completed his Residency in Cleveland, Ohio.

Gonzalez Announces Candidacy for Madera County Supervisor

MADERA - District 4 chief of staff, Leticia Gonzalez, has announced her candidacy for the Madera County Board of Supervisor district 4 seat. Leticia, who has served as Supervisor Max Roadriguez’ staffer for 12 years is a local community leader with deep ties to the district. A lifelong Madera County resident, Leticia credits her parents for instilling the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion in her and intends to make those qualities the centerpiece of her campaign.

“Lety knows first-hand the struggles the people of district 4 face every day,” explained Rodriguez. “Good paying jobs, safe and affordable drinking water and affordable housing remain major issues and no one understands this more than Lety.”