FRESNO - George Thomas, 72, formerly of Fresno and Clovis, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for selling thousands of stolen catalytic converters for millions of dollars in profits and conducting financial transactions to conceal those illicit profits, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced today.
“George Thomas fueled a black market for stolen catalytic converters that victimized hardworking people who were forced to either pay thousands of dollars to replace their converters or go without their vehicles,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “Thomas thought that he could cover his tracks, lie to the jury, and get away with it. Not so. Today’s sentencing shows that there will be significant consequences for such behavior. My Office will continue to partner with law enforcement to take out organized criminal networks like this one.”
Modesto, Bakersfield, and Fresno Defendants Indicted as Part of Operation Take Back America
CENTRAL VALLEY - On Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, a federal grand jury in Fresno brought two indictments for drug trafficking and one for illegal gun possession, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
Modesto
Manuel Rodriguez Diaz, 41, of Modesto, was charged with possessing more than 5 kilograms of cocaine. According to court documents, on July 10, 2025, Diaz was pulled over by law enforcement officers while driving north on California State Road 99 in Madera County. Officers seized 16 individually wrapped packages of cocaine from Diaz’s car. In total, Diaz was transporting approximately 27.65 kilograms (61 pounds) of cocaine.
Fresno County Sheriff's Detectives Make Arrest in 2018 Homicide Case
FRESNO - On Thursday, homicide detectives arrested 38 Anthony Yepez of Fresno. He has been booked into the Fresno County Jail on a charge of murder. His bail is set at $1 million.
October 21st, 2018, a man looking for scrap metal inside a vacant home reported finding a dead body. Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the house located on the 2600 block of S. Willow Ave. in Fresno. The victim, later identified as 34-year-old Ka Vang Her of Fresno, had suffered a fatal wound to his head. His death was determined to be questionable, and homicide detectives were called to the scene to begin an investigation.
Fresno County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested for Domestic Violence
FRESNO - Last month, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office arrested 30-year-old Jaime Mendoza. He has been booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges related to a domestic violence incident. His bail is set at $60,000. Mendoza is a current Fresno County Sheriff’s deputy assigned to patrol. He began his career at our office in 2016. He is currently on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.
On Monday, a deputy took a report regarding a crime that occurred on August 18, 2025. The victim detailed how she was assaulted and identified Mendoza as the suspect. This remains an ongoing investigation. Sheriff John Zanoni is releasing the following statement.
Newsom Oil Permits At Standstill, But New Administration Proposal Could Lead to Approval of 4,700 More Oil Wells Next Year
LOS ANGELES - No new drilling permits for oil and gas wells were approved in the second quarter of 2025, extending a promising trend in reduced fossil fuel development over the last two years under Governor Gavin Newsom's administration. However, Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker Alliance warn that this progress could be reversed if state leaders allow Kern County to fast-track thousands of new drilling permits under a controversial local ordinance. New proposed legislation could open the door to as many as 4,700 new drilling permits in its first year that would not be subject to environmental review, according to FracTracker's analysis.
Since taking office in January 2019, Governor Newsom's administration has approved about 18,515 oil and gas permits. Although this figure is high, annual permit approvals have declined sharply during his tenure. In 2019, the state issued 2,366 new drilling permits. By comparison, just 73 were approved in all of 2024, and only four have been granted so far in 2025. This downward trajectory reflects a deliberate shift away from oil and gas expansion, but that momentum is now at risk.
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