MADERA - On July 17, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a sealed indictment charging Nicholas M. Retana, 67, of Madera, with one count of embezzling money from a program that received federal funding, Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced. On Monday, the indictment was unsealed, and Retana was arraigned.
According to court documents, Retana was the founder and executive director of a kindergarten through 8th-grade charter school in Madera County until early 2020. As executive director, Retana used school funds on improper personal expenses for himself, his family, and associates.
Local Realtor Murdered, Suspect Arrested and Held Without Bail
BASS LAKE - It was a sad ending to the disappearance of a beloved member of the Bass Lake community, Robert 'Bob' Boyajian. Today, Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue delivered an extensive update on this case. The Madera County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 21-year-old Audrik Matevosian of Clovis.
Matevosian, a friend and sometimes employee of the victim, was arrested in connection with the tragic murder of the 75-year-old Boyajian, a respected Bass Lake resident and real estate professional. Detectives worked to identify and apprehend the suspect after receiving a welfare check request for Mr. Boyajian on July 14th.
Fresno Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Prison for Running a $4.2 Million Fraud Scheme
FRESNO - Royce Newcomb, 62, of Fresno, was sentenced today to five years and 10 months in prison for wire fraud and money laundering charges in a long-running fraud scheme where he stole $4.2 million from investors, lenders, and the federal government, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
“Fraud schemes like this one are devastating to the victims, and prosecuting the perpetrators is one of our highest priorities,” Acting U.S. Attorney Beckwith said. “Our office will continue to work closely with the FBI to root out fraudsters who steal from private victims and from the federal government.”
Member of Transnational Terrorist Group Charged with Soliciting the Murder of Federal Officials
SACRAMENTO - Noah Lamb, 24, was charged with an eight-count indictment for conspiracy, three counts of soliciting the murder of federal officials, three counts of doxing federal officials, and one count of threatening communications in connection with his work on a hit list of “high value targets” for assassination.
“The defendant collaborated with members of the online Terrorgram Collective to create a list of targets for assassination,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith. “Individuals on the list were targeted because of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity, including federal officials. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will work tirelessly with our partners in law enforcement and in the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute those who commit such violations of federal criminal law.”
Big League Chew Teams Up with Aaron Judge for First-Ever Grand Slam Grape Player Pouch
LINDEN, CA - New York Yankees Captain Aaron Judge will be the first Major League Baseball player ever featured on a Big League Chew pouch in a homerun collaboration between the shredded bubble gum maker and the All-Star slugger’s Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation.
The foundation will be prominently featured on the packaging to bring purpose to the pouch. A portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to the foundation to support its work with underserved populations and youth. The limited-edition pouch, featuring fan-favorite flavor Grand Slam Grape, will be available online at bigleaguechew.com, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Costco and other select national retailers in early July 2025.
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