News

Charges Announced for Credit Card Skimming Scheme that Targeted Fresno Gas Stations

FRESNO - Arman Mkhitaryan, 33, of Glendale, arraigned today on a 33-count indictment charging him with bank fraud and credit card fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Mkhitaryan installed credit card skimming devices at Fresno area gas stations and stole individuals’ credit card information. He then used that information to create counterfeit credit cards and purchase more than $160,000 in postage stamps via self-service kiosks at U.S. Post Offices.

State Rolls Out COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach for Black and African American Audiences

SACRAMENTO - Ahead of expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine on April 15 for all Californians aged 16+, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is rolling out tailored outreach for Black and African American communities across the state. This latest element of the "Let's Get to ImmUnity" public education campaign is part of the state's overall Vaccinate ALL 58 effort.

The "Let's Get to ImmUnity" integrated media campaign launched statewide in early March as part of a broader $40 million effort to offer answers and reassurance that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and our greatest tool to end the pandemic. With the help of radio, print, social media, TV, and billboard advertisements, the campaign aims to reach all Californians, with a focus on multicultural and multilingual media outlets. The campaign will connect with the Black and African American community by taking a listening-first approach to understanding their unique concerns, partnering with trusted Black and African American leaders, and using culturally resonant content.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Ryan Wells Appointed to the Fresno County Superior Court Bench

FRESNO - Fresno County Senior Deputy District Attorney Ryan Wells has been appointed to serve as a judge on the Fresno County Superior Court, the District Attorney’s Office has announced.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Ryan Wells has worked as a prosecutor in the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office for over eight (8) years. During his career in the office, he has successfully prosecuted a wide array of cases including domestic violence and gang crimes. Wells has most recently been assigned to the Homicide Unit. Prior to joining the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, Wells was a Deputy District Attorney in Contra Costa County.

Brother Sentenced for Conspiring to Assist Flight of Brother Following Murdering Police Officer

FRESNO - Conrado Virgen Mendoza, 37, a native and citizen of Mexico residing in Chowchilla, was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for conspiring with others to assist his brother in fleeing to Mexico to avoid prosecution for the murder of Newman Police Corporal Ronil Singh during a traffic stop and for possessing false immigration documents, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

In September 2019, a jury found Conrado Virgen Mendoza guilty, along with Erik Quiroz Razo, 30, an illegal alien residing in Merced. The evidence at trial established that Virgen and Quiroz helped Paulo Virgen Mendoza conceal the truck that he was driving at the time he shot and killed Corporal Singh, transported him to various locations in the Central Valley in an effort to find a safe harbor with relatives before Paulo attempted to flee to Mexico.

Plot to Smuggle Drugs into Fresno County Jail Results in Multiple Charges

FRESNO - A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Alfredo Garcia Jr., 27; Eva Romero, 53; and Leo Torres, 30, of Fresno, charging them with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and at least 5 grams of methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Torres and Romero were also charged with the distribution of controlled substances.

According to court documents, between January 19 and January 26, 2021, Garcia, Romero, and Torres conspired to smuggle heroin and methamphetamine into the Fresno County Jail for further distribution among inmates. Investigators uncovered the plan by listening to recorded jail calls, including calls between inmate Garcia and his mother, Romero.

Man Charged in Yosemite National Park Sexual Assault

FRESNO - A five‑count indictment was unsealed today charging Charles Porter, 30, formerly of Chino Hills, charging him with assault with intent to commit aggravated sexual abuse, assault with the intent to commit abusive sexual contact, attempted aggravated sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact, and assault by striking, beating or wounding, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on April 14, 2020, in Yosemite National Park, Porter assaulted the victim while making non-consensual sexual contact with him in an attempt to sexually assault the victim. This case is the product of an investigation by the National Park Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine E. Schuh and Laura Jean Berger are prosecuting the case.

Merced Police Department Seeks Help in Locating Homicide Suspect

MERCED - The Merced Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating Carlos Maldonado-Pizarro (21, Stevinson, CA) and his vehicle a Red 4 door Honda Accord with license plate 6FNJ333. On March 8, 2021, at 1253 hours the Merced Police Department was dispatched to a call of shots fired in the 1100 block of P Street.

As officers arrived, they found the 14-year-old victim suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. Emergency medical aid was provided, but those efforts were unsuccessful, and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Maldonado-Pizarro has been identified as the suspect in this case and has an active warrant for his arrest.