FRESNO - Ari J. Lauer, 61, of Lafayette, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to 11 years and five months in prison for his role in the biggest criminal fraud scheme in the history of the Eastern District of California, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
From approximately 2009 to January 2019, Lauer, an attorney licensed to practice law in California, was outside counsel to DC Solar and provided legal and business advice concerning DC Solar’s operations. Lauer’s role gave the scheme legitimacy and diminished any suspicion the investors might have had.
Former Assistant Superintendent and Former IT Director of Patterson School District Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Approximately $1.5 Million
MODESTO - Jeffrey Menge, 45, of Copperopolis, and Eric Drabert, 46, of Modesto, were sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to 30 months and 18 months in prison, respectively, for theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
“These defendants were entrusted with safeguarding resources meant to educate and support children; instead, they stole $1.5 million for their own benefit,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “Today’s sentencing affirms that when those in positions of authority abuse the public trust, they will be held accountable. Our office remains committed to protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring that funds intended for our schools serve the students and communities they were meant to support.”
Lee's Air, Plumbing, & Heating Appoints Derek Franks as Chief Operating Officer
FRESNO -- Lee's Air, Plumbing, & Heating today announced the appointment of Derek Franks as Chief Operating Officer. Franks brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience in operations, strategic growth, partnerships, and organizational development.
Franks joins Lee's following a distinguished career with the Fresno Grizzlies, where he most recently served as President and General Manager. Since joining the organization in 2004 as an intern, he advanced through leadership roles and played a key role in transforming Chukchansi Park into a year-round destination for sports and community events.
Fresno PD Nab Shooting Suspect
FRESNO - On Sunday, March 1, 2026, Central Policing District officers were dispatched to First Street and Clinton Avenue regarding a report of shots fired. Officers contacted two victims who reported they were at a business near North First Street and East Belmont Avenue when a known subject, later identified as 29-year-old Suspect Rudy Aaron Molano, exited the business.
As Molano exited the business, he made eye contact with one of the victims and punched the victim. The victim attempted to defend himself, but Suspect Molano returned to his vehicle and displayed a handgun before driving away.
Detectives Arrest School Maintenance Worker for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
FRESNO - Detectives with the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) have booked 24-year-old Troy DeCarlo of Fresno into the Fresno County Jail for possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
On Wednesday, detectives followed up on a CyberTip and contacted Troy DeCarlo at his workplace, which is the Selma Unified School District’s Transportation Yard. Detectives arrested DeCarlo for possession of CSAM, and his electronic devices were collected for further analysis.
Fresno Police Investigated Latest Homicide
FRESNO - Early Tuesday afternoon, officers from the Fresno Police Department's Southwest Policing District responded to a residence near Hedges Avenue and Wheeler Avenue regarding a report of a stabbing victim. Officers found 41‑year‑old Aubrey Galloway unresponsive and suffering from multiple stab wounds to his upper body.
Officers and EMS personnel rendered medical aid, and Galloway was transported to Community Regional Medical Center for further treatment. Despite lifesaving efforts, Victim Galloway was pronounced deceased at 1:13 p.m. by medical staff.
Fresno Woman Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping a Mother and Child, and Transporting Them from Fresno to Mexico Against Their Will
FRESNO - Claudia Gonzales, 39, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to kidnap involving a minor, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, on May 8, 2024, a woman reported her boyfriend after a domestic violence incident, which resulted in his arrest. In retaliation for calling the police, the boyfriend’s sister, Rosa Ventura, 35, of Fresno, persuaded the woman to place her 5-month-old daughter in the care of another sister. Ventura, with Gonzales hiding in the back of the SUV, then drove the woman and her 9-year-old daughter to an unknown field outside Fresno.
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