News

“Chicken Joe” Sentenced to 16 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Run an Animal Fighting Operation

FRESNO - Joseph D. Sanford, 74, of Ceres, aka “Chicken Joe,” was sentenced today to 16 months in prison and a fined $25,000 for conspiring to sell, buy, possess, train, transport, deliver and receive game fowl intended to be used in animal fighting ventures, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Sanford was the owner and operator of Joe Sanford Gamefarm in Ceres, where he bred and sold gamecocks for cockfighting. Cockfighting is illegal under federal law and in all 50 states. Sanford also fought his own roosters.

Federal Firearms Charges Brought Against 6 Fresno Residents Arrested in Operation No Fly Zone

FRESNO - A federal grand jury returned four indictments today against six Fresno residents as a result of Operation No Fly Zone that sought to address a rise in the number of shootings and homicides in Fresno, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. The multi-agency, months-long investigation resulted in the arrests of over 40 individuals, including six federal defendants.

Fresno residents Patrick Anthony Feaster, 23, and Marcus Rashad Newton, 24, are charged in one indictment with one count each of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Both have prior felony convictions and are prohibited from possessing firearms.

Six Arrested for Trafficking Methamphetamine and Heroin in Bakersfield

FRESNO - Six people were arrested in Kern County today following a year-long investigation of a Bakersfield-based drug trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine and heroin, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. The defendants are scheduled to make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto on Wednesday, April 27, at 2:00 p.m.

Those charged in the federal criminal complaint unsealed today are: Jorge Calderon-Campos, 41; Byron Adilio Alfaro-Sandoval, 45; and Johnathan Benjamin Torres, 30; all citizens of Mexico residing in Bakersfield; Jose Angel Beltran-Chaidez, 66, of Bakersfield; and Alberto Gomez-Santiago, 36; and Mark Garcia, 22, of Arvin.

Former Owner of Chrysler Dealerships in Lodi and Sonora Charged with Wire Fraud for Defrauding Investors

FRESNO - On April 22nd a federal grand jury returned an eight-count indictment against Vincent Elliot Porter, 73, of Oakdale, charging him with wire fraud, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between 2013 and 2017, Porter owned and operated two Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealerships: Sonora Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and Lodi Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. He used his ownership of those businesses to defraud investors of approximately $8 million.

Madera County Sheriff's Detectives Searching for Chowchilla Murder Suspects

MADERA - Thursday evening, the Madera County Sheriff’s Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call for a report of shots fired at a residence in the 23000 block of Road 15 3/4 in Chowchilla. When deputies arrived on the scene, they discovered an adult male at a location on the property suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies immediately performed CPR and first aid until relieved by EMS, however, the victim, later identified as 33-year-old Abraham Barajas-Cedillo, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing. Based on preliminary details, detectives believe this was an isolated incident. The suspects remain outstanding at this time. Madera County Sheriff’s Forensic Technicians are currently reviewing evidence collected from the scene. As part of the ongoing investigation, Detectives are continuing to gather witness statements and surveillance from the surrounding area. Based on witness descriptions of the suspects, Detectives are seeking at least two adult males.

Tulare County Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy

FRESNO - Roberto Cavazos, 43, of Porterville, was sentenced today to 12 years and seven months in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Cavazos negotiated for the purchase of 1 pound of methamphetamine from Pedro Delgado-Montenegro, 42, a former Porterville resident and native and citizen of Mexico, who supplied the drug to Cavazos through a third party.

Fresno Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Receipt of Child Pornography

FRESNO - Adam Lee Campbell, 43, of Fresno, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to 15 years in prison for receipt of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between Jan. 17, 2019, and Feb. 23, 2021, Campbell received images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct onto a cellphone while on parole. Campbell has a prior conviction for hands-on contact with minors, along with prior state convictions for possession of child pornography and for failing to register as a sex offender.