Crime · Modesto, CA
A Stanislaus County jury convicted Alberto Ramos Santana, a Modesto resident, on all 12 felony charges related to the sexual abuse of four sisters over a 22-year period. The convictions cover incidents from 1996 to 2018 that occurred in homes in Hayward and Riverbank, where Santana had gained access as a longtime family friend. Deputy District Attorney Vita Palazuelos stated that Santana faces multiple life sentences, with sentencing scheduled for December 17 at 1:30 p.m. Judge Carrie M. Stephens ordered Santana held without bail pending the sentencing hearing.
Public Safety · Stanislaus County
Stanislaus County's opioid prescription rate of 434 per 1,000 residents in 2025 is nearly double the statewide rate and higher than any other California county, according to data obtained by the local Opioid Safety Coalition. Drug-related deaths in the county average two to three per week, sometimes reaching four, driven largely by illegal fentanyl. At an Oct. 8 coalition meeting, members reviewed follow-up care for emergency department overdose visits: only 23% of patients received support within seven days and 34.5% within 30 days, below the national average of 39%. The coalition, which includes county government, health care, education, criminal justice, and nonprofit representatives, has organized awareness events, Narcan distribution, and school education activities in response to the crisis.
