News

Madera Man Convicted of Jan 6th Riots Now Guilty of Firearms Violations

FRESNO - Following a one-day trial in Fresno, Benjamin Martin, 46, of Madera, was convicted today of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to evidence presented at trial and other court records, in September 2021, the FBI executed a search warrant at Martin’s residence in Madera, where he maintained a real estate business, and arrested him on charges filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia for the breach of the U.S. Capitol that occurred on Jan. 6, 2021.

2024 Old Timers Day Parade to Be Held September 28th

MADERA - Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM. This day will mark the 93rd year of the Old Timers’ Day Parade! Leading this year’s parade as Grand Marshall will be Veteran and former City Councilmember Herman Perez. Accompanying him as the Honorable King and Queen of the Parade will be lifelong Madera residents Phil and Klina Oberti.

At the conclusion of the parade, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held in Courthouse Park for the newly renovated park, which will feature a new accessible playground area, performance stage, exercise equipment, musical instruments, walking paths, and various other improvements. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Historic Courthouse, which will be open to the public to enjoy.

Bakersfield Felon Charged in Connection with Destructive Device

FRESNO - On Aug. 29, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Robert Lawrence Hunt, 40, of Bakersfield, with being a felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm, and manufacturing a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, in July 2022, Hunt possessed a destructive device that consisted of parts designed for conversion into an explosive and incendiary device containing screws, which meet the federal definition of a firearm. Hunt was previously convicted in Kern County Superior Court of two robberies and a burglary and is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Justice Department Announces Civil Rights Investigation into Correctional Staff Sexual Abuse at Chowchilla Prisons

SACRAMENTO - The Justice Department announced today that it has opened an investigation into the conditions of two prison facilities operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR): Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla and the California Institution for Women in Chino.

The department has found significant justification to open this investigation based on an extensive review of publicly available information and information gathered from stakeholders. The investigation will evaluate whether CDCR protects people incarcerated at Central California Women’s Facility and the California Institution for Women from sexual abuse by correctional staff.

The “M30 King of Fresno” Pleads Guilty

FRESNO - Horacio Torrecillas Urias Jr., 23, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, the investigation began after a series of fentanyl pill overdoses in the Fresno area. These overdoses were caused by counterfeit oxycodone M30 tablets containing fentanyl, referred to on the street as M30s. Similar to authentic oxycodone M30 tablets, they are small, round, and light blue or green in color, with “M” stamped on one side and “30” on the other. The investigation, dubbed “Operation Killer High,” aimed to search for the drug dealers believed to have supplied the toxic pills that caused the spike in fentanyl-related overdoses. The operation uncovered a large drug-trafficking ring led by Torrecillas Urias, the self-proclaimed “M30 king of Fresno.”

A Taste of Oaxaca by Comite Guelaguetza at the Madera Fair Sunday

MADERA - The Madera Fair is proud to introduce A Taste of Oaxaca on Sunday, September 8th, in partnership with Comite Guelaquetza Madera!

On the final day of the Madera Fair at the Patio Stage, 'A Taste of Oaxaca,' a vibrant celebration of Oaxacan culture that promises a family-oriented, interactive experience suitable for all ages. This event will feature an array of artisans and food vendors, exciting cultural entertainment, and the much-anticipated 'Best Taste' Oaxacan Mole contest.

Madera Fair’s Second Annual Beard and Mustache Whiskerino Contest

MADERA - This year, the second annual Beard and Mustache Whiskerino Contest will be held at the Madera District Fair, presented by Valley Children's Healthcare. This family-friendly event will kick off Saturday night, September 7th, on the fair’s Estrella Jalisco stage. Signups will start at 5:30 p.m., and the competition will begin at 6:00 p.m.

This event has no entry fee, and ribbons and Honest Amish product prizes will be awarded to 1st-3rd in each class with an overall ‘Best of Show ' for the event! The ‘Best of Show’ winner will be the fair’s VIP guest at the Tesla concert later that night. Contestants will compete in the following categories.