FRESNO,CA (KMJ) – A Modesto man sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to ISIS.

27 year-old Everitt Aaron Jameson told undercover agents that he wanted to carry out a Christmas Day bombing and shooting attack at a popular San Francisco tourist attraction.

Jameson pleaded guilty in June of 2018 to attempting to aid a terrorist organization under a plea deal with federal prosecutors.

The suspected ISIS sympathizer has been held without bail at the Fresno County Jail since December 22, 2017, when he was charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization.

According to an affidavit written by FBI Special Agent Christopher McKinney, Jameson picked the heavily populated tourist spot of Pier 39 for a possible attack because he said he knew he could use explosives, a tow truck and guns to inflict a lot of damage.

He was arrested after FBI agents posed as terror operatives and held discussions with him online.

Prosecutors say Jameson told the undercover FBI agents that he planned to use pipe bombs filled with nails and BB’s to channel victims into part of Pier 39 so he could shoot them.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott made the announcement on Monday.

“There is no place in the United States for terrorists and terrorist sympathizers who threaten innocent people, and the National Security Division will relentlessly seek to identify them and bring them to justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers.

The FBI says Jameson was inspired by the terrorist attack on Halloween in New York City, and by the 2015 San Bernardino attack that left 14 people dead.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert stated: “This case demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to identifying and disrupting plots to harm the American public.

Jameson, an ex-marine, stated that he was well versed in the Anarchist Cookbook, and explained his desire to use explosives in an attack.

According to court documents, Jameson joined the Marine Corps and received basic training, including earning a sharpshooter rifle qualification, but was ultimately discharged for failing to disclose his asthma history.

Jameson faces lifetime supervision once he is released from custody.

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Gov. Jerry Brown has again blocked parole for the killer of a developmentally disabled Clovis man who was buried alive.

Brown said Friday that 55-year-old David Weidert remains too dangerous to be released.

He overruled the recommendation by a state parole panel for the second time in three years.

Weidert, who was 17 at the time, was sentenced to life in prison for killing 20-year-old Clovis resident Michael Morganti in 1980 to cover up a $500 burglary Weidert had committed.

Weidert and a 16-year-old accomplice forced Morganti to dig his own grave, beat him, stabbed him and choked him with a telephone wire. But he eventually suffocated after being buried alive.

In May, District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp sent a letter to Governor Brown urging him to overturn the Board’s decision granting parole to Inmate Weidert.

Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner Margaret Mims, as well as Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer, also sent letters to the Governor voicing their objections to his release.

The Board of Parole Hearings previously decided to grant parole to Inmate Weidert three years ago in January 2015.

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – The owners of Derrel’s Mini Storage, Inc. and Fresno Humane Animal Services are asking for signatures from the community to support the new Fresno Humane Animal Service’s animal shelter, hospital, and adoption center.

Fresno Humane Society’s artist rendering (above) shows the proposed new shelter, which would be located at Grantland Avenue and Highway 99 in Fresno.

Fresno Humane is asking supporters to visit any Derrel’s Mini Storage location in Fresno or Clovis before September 10th to view a rendering of the proposed site and sign a petition in support of the project.

You can also CLICK HERE for more information.

Derrel’s Mini Storage, Inc. has donated 4-acres of land to Fresno Humane Animal Services. Derrel Ridenour and his wife Kim Ridenour, have personally donated $3 million to help build the local animal shelter, hospital, and adoption center.

This 30,000 square foot planned facility will provide state-of-the-art care and treatment for Fresno County’s homeless pets.

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) – The Fresno Grizzlies and McCormick Barstow are partnering up to host “CAL FIRE Night” at Chukchansi Park.

It will take place on Friday, August 10th against Albuquerque and first pitch is at 7:05 p.m.

Two dollars from every walk-up ticket purchased the night of the game and five dollars from every advance ticket purchase at this link: (https://groupmatics.events/s/other/Calfire4) will go to the families of Brian Hughes and Braden Varney.

The Grizzlies and McCormick Barstow have agreed to start the funding with an initial $2,500 contribution.

“When something as tragic as this happens, it’s important that as a community we come together. The Grizzlies and McCormick Barstow are each a big part of the Central Valley and it’s our job to step up to the plate and create a night that can help these families and support CAL FIRE,” said Derek Franks, President of the Fresno Grizzlies. “With our partners at McCormick Barstow taking the lead, we’d love to have the community come together for a game and help raise as much money for these families as we can.”

“When the Grizzlies called, we knew we had to help. It’s partnerships like this that can really help impact a community and families in need,” said Laura Wolfe, Partner at McCormick Barstow. “We’re proud to be the partner for CAL FIRE Night at Chukchansi Park and will do everything we can to help generate revenue for these families. It’s a tragic time for them but we hope this night helps just a little bit.”

The Grizzlies will also hold a silent auction of autographed game-worn jerseys from this season during Friday’s game, with proceeds donated to the families.

A moment of silence for fallen firefighters will be observed prior to first pitch. All proceeds from walk-up tickets, advance-sale tickets purchased via the link, and the jersey auction will go directly to both families.

FRESNO, (KMJ) – National Night Out at Inspiration Park is postponed due to current bad air quality in Fresno.

Soria’s office said due to this health concern the National Night Out event at Inspiration Park previously scheduled for this evening, August 7th will be postponed.

“The recent spikes in bad air quality levels have resulted in health and safety concerns of our Fresno community,” Soria’s office said in a press release. “In consultation with the Fresno Regional Air Control District they have predicted Levels 4 and 5. It is recommended that when air quality reaches a Level 4 that those individuals with asthma, cardiovascular issues and other health concerns, stay indoors. At a Level 5 it is recommended that all residents remain indoors.”

The District 1 website (https://www.fresno.gov/citycouncil/district-1/) and Facebook (Councilmember Esmeralda Soria) will be updated with the new date as soon as it becomes available.

The new date will be determined by forecasted air quality levels.

Fresno Police spokesperson Lt. Mark Hudson said since Inspiration Park’s event has been postponed, the following changes were made to event which Police Chief Jerry Dyer will be attending:

1. Fink White Boys & Girls Club 535 S. Trinity (4 to 4:45 pm)
2. Summer Park Apartments 1255 N. Winery (5 to 5:30 pm)
3. Wesley Methodist Church – El Dorado Park – CSUF 1343 E. Barstow (5:45 to 6:30 pm)
4. Residents from 1st to Hwy 41 & Shields to Clinton 3128 N. Angus (7:00 pm)

The City of Sanger Fire Department says they have canceled today’s live burn demonstration at Sanger Park because of the poor air quality, but there are other displays and information at their event which starts at 5:30 p.m.

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Ignacio Villafan, the pastor of St. Rita’s Church in Tulare, was sentenced to 5 years probation for stealing over $300,000 from his church.

Between June 1, 2005 and January 21, 2012, the Tulare District Attorney’S Office says Villafan wrote church checks for his personal use over $195,000.

Villafan also gifted church funds to benefit family members.

“Many positions held in our communities are positions of trust, and it is troubling when that trust is betrayed,” said District Attorney Tim Ward. “Mr. Villafan’s crime affected those who trusted him in ways we’ll never know, and to this day Mr. Villafan has done little to nothing to restore that trust and faith. To think that a person could steal such a large sum and not face incarceration undermines the justice that we in the District Attorney’s Office seek every day.”

The diocese’ forensic audit revealed a total loss over $300,000.

On March 5, 2018, the 52 year-old pleaded to one felony count of grand theft of personal property with the special allegation that the financial amount exceeded $200,000.

Villafan entered his plea at the start of the fifth day of his preliminary hearing.

The DA’s Office says restitution will be determined at a hearing in October.

[Photo; Janz]

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) -Clovis Police investigate threats related to Candidate Andrew Janz.

On Wednesday, August 7, 2018, the Clovis Police Department was made aware of possible threats on social media that were directed at the Andrew Janz campaign and its supporters.

Police say the threat was made via Twitter during a conversation between a Janz supporter and another person. The other person tweeted “How about I waste you and everybody in the Clovis town hall”, speaking about the town hall meeting scheduled at the Clovis Veteran’s Memorial Building that took place this morning, Wednesday, August 8, 2018.

Candidate Janz made contact with the Clovis Police Department, and a police report for threats was taken.

Detectives have interviewed the Janz supporter who is the victim in this case, and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tweets in question.

Police say the town hall meeting took place without incident, and because of their on-going investigation,

{Photo: Janz]

Detectives did attend the event to ensure nothing happened.

At the same time of the town hall meeting, there was an unrelated class for law enforcement at the same location, which is the reason it appeared that additional uniformed personnel were on hand.

The personnel attending their training class had no part in the town hall meeting.

The Clovis Police Department says this is an on-going investigation, and no further details are available at this time.

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Clovis Police arrest a Fresno music teacher for lewd acts with a Child.

Clovis Police arrested 54 year old Christian Benjamin Zacharias on Thursday, August 9th for one count of lewd acts with a child under the age of fourteen.

Zacharias is a self-employed music teacher in Clovis and the victim was one of his students.

The parents contacted Clovis PD late Wednesday evening as soon as the victim reported the incident to them.

The investigation led Detectives to Zacharias’ music studio in Clovis and his residence in Fresno.

Zacharias was taken into custody without incident and later booked into the Fresno County Jail.

This investigation is ongoing at this time and it is unknown if there are any other victims, Zacharias has taught private music lessons in both Fresno and Clovis.

If you have any information regarding this case please contact the Clovis Police Department at 324-2800.

Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) — A woman is in stable condition after a brutal attack, allegedly by her boyfriend in Central Fresno.

On Thursday night around 11:00, Fresno County Sheriff’s Deputies were called out to New Horizon RV Park on the 3100 Block of Olive between Marks and Valentine.

Fresno County Sheriff’s Spokesperson Tony Botti says the deputies found a woman with a stab wound.

Botti says the couple had gotten into an argument, beforehand.

She had grabbed a knife to defend herself, when she put it down, he took it and stabbed her.

She was rushed to CRMC, where she was listed in stable condition.

Deputies arrested the victim’s boyfriend, 33-year-old Joshua Valencia.

He faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence.

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – The Fresno Police Department is looking for three men that were caught on camera robbing a Taco Bell in Southeast Fresno.

On Wednesday, police responded to a call of a robbery at the Taco Bell at 4972 E. kings Canyon Avenue.

When officers arrived they were told by employees that three men, one of them armed with a rifle, had walked into the store and demanded money.

When the employees refused to give them cash, one of the suspects fired a shot into the ceiling and threatened to shoot them if they didn’t comply.

The store manager opened all of the registers allowing the crooks to the cash.

According to police, the suspect with the rifle was described as a medium complexioned African American male about 25 years old, 6’0”, skinny and wearing grey hooded sweater, green camo pants and carrying a matching camo bag.

The other two suspects were described as unknown race males wearing hooded sweatshirts.

If anyone has information regarding the robbery, they can call the Fresno Police Department at 621-7000 or Crimestoppers at 498-STOP.

[Photo: FFD]

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) — More than two dozen people are displaced after a fire at an apartment complex.

The fire began on the exterior and spread to the bottom and top units of the building. One building and eight units were evacuated.

Fresno Fire Spokesman Captain Robert Castillo says 23 people are displaced, including at least five children following the fire.

The fire caused around $200,000 in damages but there were no injuries.

Captain Castillo says it’s a reminder to check smoke detectors and have an escape plan.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Click to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Cases of valley fever are rising in Tulare County.

Valley Fever is a fungal infection caused by breathing the coccidioides organism, a fungus, into the lungs, where the spores reproduce. Fungi spores are commonly found in soil and grow as a mold with long filaments that break off into airborne spores.

Anything that disrupts the dry soil, such as gardening, farming, construction, and the wind can stir the spores into the air.

Dry weather conditions and blowing dust may be contributing to the increase and cases often increase in August and throughout the autumn months.

According to California Department of Public Health, Valley Fever numbers in Tulare County increased to 275 confirmed cases, a continuing increase from an average of 123 cases annually for 2011–2015 and 212 confirmed cases in 2016—a 96.7% increase over the previous average.  The 2017 number is an increase of 14.6% over the 2016 cases and a 125% increase over the 2011–2015 average.

Symptoms of Valley Fever include fever, chest pain and coughing that mimics pneumonia, fatigue, chills, night sweats, joint aches, and a red spotty rash, mostly on the lower legs. If the initial infection does not completely resolve, it can progress to a chronic form of pneumonia that includes weight loss, cough with chest pain, nodules in the lungs, and blood-tinged sputum. In a severe infection, the disease can spread to other parts of the body. If you have the symptoms contact your primary care physician right away or visit one of Tulare County’s local clinics. They may order a blood test, a chest x-ray, or other tests to help diagnose Valley Fever. Mild cases of Valley Fever can go unnoticed and may resolve on their own. For severe cases, medications are needed to treat the underlying infection. Individuals over 60 years of age, those with weakened immune systems, women who are pregnant, and African American, Filipino, Native American, or Hispanic individuals are at greater risk.

To reduce your risk of getting Valley Fever, stay inside when it is windy outside and the air is dusty, especially during dust storms. In dusty conditions, use the “recirculating” option for your vehicle air conditioning and keep windows closed. If you must be outside in dusty air, wear an N95 mask or respirator, if your doctor says it is safe for you to do so. N95 masks are available at drug and hardware stores—the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention instruction video can assist with proper fitting (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d_RaKdqeck&feature=player_embeddedd).

Other options that can reduce your risk include wetting down soil before gardening or other soil-disturbing activities to reduce dust and covering open dirt areas around your home with grass, plants, or other ground cover. Wash clothing immediately after working or playing in dusty soil. Access to air monitoring data is available at http://www.valleyair.org/Programs/RAAN/raan_monitoring_system.htm.

August is Valley Fever Awareness Month and you can get more information about Valley Fever by visiting the California Department of Public Health’s Valley Fever website (http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Coccidioidomycosis.aspx) and the CDC’s Valley Fever website (http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/coccidioidomycosis/index.html).

Click to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A deadly officer involved shooting takes place Tuesday morning, next to Southeast Fresno Elementary School.

Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said a 9-1-1 call came in just after 11:30 a.m. to report that that a man in his 20’s or early 30’s was yelling, appearing to be agitated, and possibly high on drugs.

He was standing in the northwest corner of the field next to Mario G. Olmos Elementary School.

Police were told that the suspect got into a fight with another man holding a stick, but he left before officers arrived.

Mario G. Olmos Elementary School was placed on lock down for 90 minutes, and officers started arriving on scene, including a negotiator.

Chief Dyer said there was a great deal of discussion, and the negotiator spent about 20 minutes speaking to the man, before he reached down to his backpack and pulled out a long hunting knife.

The negotiator and officers backed away and tried to get the suspect to comply with their orders.

While they tried to diffuse the situation, Chief Dyer says the man pulled a gun from the bag,

Two officers fired two to three shots each, striking the man. Both lethal and non-lethal bullets were used.

“One officer fired less lethal, two officers fired their handguns, it was a split second decision,” said Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer.

Police say officers immediately rendered aid and the man was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

Dyer says the officers that were involved in the shooting are both veteran officers that have been with the department for at least 15 years.

They have both been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the investigation

Police are looking at body worn police cameras, and the district attorney are now conducting an investigation

Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – The FBI office in Sacramento issued an alert Wednesday that investigators need the public’s help to identify a man who might have information relevant to a sexual exploitation case.

The man might have critical information on the identity of a child victim, the FBI said.

The man was seen in a video with a child that investigators believe was made before October 2017. The FBI didn’t say where the video was made.

Anyone with knowledge of this “John Doe” is asked to submit an online tip of call the FBI at (800) 225-5324.

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – An employee at a South Valley tomato processor has died after an accident at the plant.

Just after 5:30 Thursday morning, Lemoore Police responded to a report of a traffic collision at the Olam Tomato Processing plant in the 1100 block of S. 19th Ave.

Police say an employee was having mechanical difficulties pulling a truck out of a loading dock.

Another employee tried to release a valve underneath the trailer.

The truck driver did not see him and began moving forward.

Life saving measures were performed on scene and the man was transported to Adventist Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

This collision is still under investigation.

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Detectives are on scene investigating after two people are found dead this morning inside a home in the area of Road 124 & Avenue 200.

Tulare County Sheriff’s Office responded around 10:00 a.m. this morning, after a caller said they had not seen their neighbor for some time.

When they arrived, Deputies went into the home and and found the two people inside.

This story is developing.

[Photo:FOX 26]

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Police respond to a shooting in Southwest Fresno, that they say may be gang-related.

It happened Friday morning at a house on East Samson Avenue near South MLK Jr. Blvd.

Fresno police say a 28-year-old man was found on his porch with multiple gunshot wounds.

Police believe the shooter came up to the man while he was on the porch and began shooting him, firing three rounds.

The man was taken to a hospital for treatment where he is in critical condition.

Fresno police are looking for the shooter. If you have any information, please call Fresno Police at 559-621-7000.

Click to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A woman is arrested in Visalia on Friday, accused of abusing her foster child.

On August 12, around 2:30 p.m., Visalia Police were called out to the home on 1400 block of E. Sunnyview.

Visalia Police say the foster mother, Darlene Valdovinos-Aguilera, told them the child had fallen.

Police say the life-threatening injuries observed on the child were not consistent with her story.

The 18-month-old was unresponsive and transported to Kaweah Delta Medical Center and later transferred to Valley Children’s Hospital. The child is in stable condition.

A joint investigation by the Valley Children’s Child Abuse team and Visalia Police Department Violent Crimes determined that the child had been abused.

Valdovinos-Aguilera was taken into custody and later booked at the Tulare County Pretrial Facility for Child Abuse related charges.

Six other children were removed from the residence by Tulare County Child Welfare Services.

None of them are believed to be victims of child abuse.

Click to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A National Parks Service employee is missing in Yosemite Valley.

John Cogdell was last seen on Wednesday August 15th, in Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley..

He’s 5′ 10″, 200 pounds, with blonde-gray hair and blue eyes.

If you have seen him or any abandoned equipment in the park since then call 888-653-009.

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) –  The bodies of two people who went missing in Yosemite National Park have now been located.

The 48-year-old Scott Tenczar from San Jose was an Afghanistan veteran and an experienced hiker.

He was last seen July 25th.

Tenczar had been planning to backpack to Crown and Peeler Lakes when he disappeared.

“We did find his remains, and there’s a positive ID that Scott Tenczar was found in the park he was found in a noretheast region of the park in an area off-trail,” said Yosemite National Park Spokesperson Jamie Richards.

Tenczar had been planning to backpack to Crown and Peeler Lakes when he disappeared.

An investigation is underway.

Park Official also found the body of a Yosemite National Park worker.

Rangers say John Cogdell was last seen on August 15th near the Upper Pines Campground.

Park Spokesperson Jamie Richards confirmed that his body was found on Friday, August 17 but no further details have been released

It remains an ongoing investigation.