News

Central Valley Fruit Broker Pleads Guilty and Agrees to Pay $1.25 Million to Resolve Criminal Allegations of Fraudulent Crop Insurance Claims

FRESNO - Ralph Hackett, 66, of Clovis, pleaded guilty today to aiding and abetting mail fraud and agreed to pay $650,000 in criminal restitution for helping another individual submit a fraudulent crop insurance claim for table grapes for the crop year 2013, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

In a civil settlement with the United States, Hackett also agreed to pay another $605,000 to resolve allegations of crop insurance fraud for the crop years 2012 through 2015. According to court documents, Hackett was a member and manager of a Central Valley fruit broker through which the other individual sold various crops, including table grapes, from the individual’s farming operation in Fresno and Tulare counties.

DUI Check Point This Weekend in Madera

MADERA – Madera Police Department will hold a DUI/DL Checkpoint on August 14th from 7:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the Madera city limits. Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and verify the driver possess a valid driver’s license. The Madera Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe.

Chowchilla Pastor Passes at 56:Reverend Angel Louis Sotelo

CHOWCHILLA - Reverend Angel Louis Sotelo, pastor of St. Columba Church, in Chowchilla California, passed away on August 1, 2021. He was 56. Father Sotelo was born in Chicago, Illinois August 29, 1964.

He grew up with his family living in San Diego and Parlier. They finally settled in Hanford, California, where he attended elementary and middle school. He graduated from Hanford High School in 1982. While in high school, he excelled in shorthand and typing and competed statewide. At one time he was one of the top three fastest stenographers and typists in the state.

Fresno County DA Charges Suspect in Hit & Run Collision that Killed a 10-Year-Old Boy

FRESNO - Last Wednesday the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office filed two felony charges against Raymond Jay Celaya (62, of Fresno) related to a hit and run collision that killed a 10-year-old boy near Woodward Park earlier this year.

It is alleged that on June 17, 2021, at around 11:30 p.m., Celaya was driving his car southbound on Friant Road when he struck and killed a 10-year-old boy crossing the street at the intersection of Friant and Fort Washington roads. Emergency crews responded to the scene, made every effort to revive the stricken child, and transported him to Valley Children’s Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Search & Rescue Conducted at Banner Peak for Missing Teen

MADERA COUNTY - On August 5, 2021, around 5:15 pm, the Madera County Communications Center received a call for service for a male juvenile who had become separated from his group while hiking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Mount Ritter and Banner Peak.

After summiting Banner Peak, a group of 9 adult and juvenile hikers descended down the mountain. At some point during the descent, the 14-year-old male became separated. Following an unsuccessful search of the area, a group leader for the hikers was able to find cell service and called 911 for help.

Man Charged with Violent Crimes in Sequoia National Park

FRESNO - A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment today against Marvin Joseph Chang, 33, of Monterey Park, charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, being a felon in possession of ammunition, and vandalism, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to the indictment, on Feb. 19, 2021, within Sequoia National Park, Chang assaulted an individual with a firearm and brandished a semi-automatic 9 mm pistol. He also slashed the tire of a car in a parking lot inside the park. Chang subsequently was involved in a high-speed chase outside of the park that allegedly resulted in the shooting of a California Highway Patrol officer.

Condemned Inmate Rodney "The Dating Game Killer" Alcala Dies of Natural Causes

CORCORAN – Condemned inmate Rodney James Alcala, 77, an Orange County man who was on California’s death row, died of natural causes at 1:43 a.m. on July 24, 2021, at a hospital in Kings County.

Alcala was sentenced to death in Orange County in 1980 for the 1979 kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Robin Samsoe. That judgment was reversed in 1984 by the California Supreme Court and Alcala was granted a new trial.